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diff --git a/43364-8.txt b/43364-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 18b7d4b..0000000 --- a/43364-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10423 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of How Canada was Won, by F. S. Brereton - -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: How Canada was Won - A Tale of Wolfe and Quebec - -Author: F. S. Brereton - -Illustrator: William Rainey - -Release Date: July 30, 2013 [EBook #43364] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HOW CANADA WAS WON *** - - - - -Produced by sp1nd, Richard J. Shiffer and the Distributed -Proofreading volunteers at http://www.pgdp.net for Project -Gutenberg. (This file was produced from images generously -made available by The Internet Archive.) - - - - - -[Transcriber's Note: Every effort has been made to replicate this -text as faithfully as possible, including obsolete and variant -spellings and other inconsistencies. Text that has been changed to -correct an obvious error is noted at the end of this ebook.] - - - - - How Canada was Won - - A Tale of Wolfe and Quebec - - BY - CAPTAIN F. S. BRERETON - - Author of "With Wolseley to Kumasi" "Jones of the 64th" - "With Roberts to Candahar" "A Soldier of Japan" - "Roger the Bold" &c. &c. - - _ILLUSTRATED BY WILLIAM RAINEY, R.I._ - - LONDON: BLACKIE & SON, LIMITED - THE COPP CLARK COMPANY, LIMITED - TORONTO - - -[Illustration: STEVE AND MAC CAPTURING THE FRENCH GUNS] - - - _Copyright, 1908, in the United States, America, - by H. M. Caldwell Co._ - - _Published simultaneously in Great Britain and - the United States._ - - - - -Contents - - - CHAP. Page - - I. THE CAMP ON THE RIVER 9 - - II. FRENCH OUTLAWS AND ROBBERS 25 - - III. FLIGHT BY NIGHT 43 - - IV. STEVE MAKES A SUGGESTION 61 - - V. JULES LAPON IS DISAPPOINTED 79 - - VI. LEFT IN CHARGE 97 - - VII. THE ALLEGHANY RAIDERS 115 - - VIII. A QUESTION OF TERRITORY 133 - - IX. GEORGE WASHINGTON SPEAKS 152 - - X. STEVE AND HIS BAND OF SCOUTS 174 - - XI. HELD UP! 194 - - XII. GENEROSITY TO THE FOE 215 - - XIII. A TRAITOR IN THE CAMP 238 - - XIV. STEVE MEETS AN OLD ENEMY 254 - - XV. OFF TO QUEBEC 275 - - XVI. THE RETURN OF THE HURONS 296 - - XVII. DOWN THE MIGHTY ST. LAWRENCE 315 - - XVIII. THE ATTACK ON LOUISBOURG 334 - - XIX. WOLFE MAKES HIS LAST ATTEMPT 359 - - XX. THE PLAINS OF ABRAHAM 379 - - - - -Illustrations - - - Page - - STEVE AND MAC CAPTURING THE FRENCH GUNS _Frontispiece_ 220 - - "THE INDIAN WAS UPON HIM, HIS KEEN TOMAHAWK GLEAMING - IN HIS HAND" 36 - - "'COME NEARER THAT I MAY KILL YOU EASILY,' HE SAID" 65 - - "STEVE RESTED HIS BARREL IN THE FORK OF A DWARFED - TREE" 125 - - STEVE AND MAC DISCOVER THE WOUNDED FRENCH OFFICER 235 - - "WHEN HE CAME TO HIMSELF AGAIN, HE WAS BEING - CARRIED ON THE SHOULDERS OF FOUR INDIANS" 253 - - "WE SEEK A PALE FACE WHO HAS BROKEN AWAY FROM - THE CITY" 312 - - "IN ANOTHER SECOND HE HAD BAYONETTED THE FRENCHMAN" 349 - - - MAP OF CANADA AND OUR AMERICAN COLONY IN 1755 137 - - MAP OF THE TRIANGULAR ROUTE BETWEEN CANADA AND - OUR AMERICAN COLONY, 1755 335 - - MAP OF QUEBEC IN 1759 365 - - - - -Chapter I - -The Camp on the River - - -"Waal? What did yer see? Clear, I reckon." - -Jim Hardman looked up swiftly as a couple of tall figures came -silently into the clearing in the centre of which the camp fire -burned, and he paused for a moment in the task which occupied him. -He was squatting on his heels, after the fashion of the Indians and -of all backwoodsmen, and was engaged in cleaning the long barrel -of his musket, turning the weapon over with loving care, as if it -were a child to whom he was devoted. Indeed Jim had no more faithful -friend or servant. For this long musket had been his companion on -many and many a hunting and prospecting expedition during the past -twenty years. He scarcely ever laid it down, but carried it the day -long, usually ready in his hands, or when the times were peaceful and -quiet, slung across his slender shoulders. Jim could tell tales of -how this faithful weapon had brought down buffalo and deer and many -another animal, and had helped him to gather the stores of skins in -exchange for which he obtained those few luxuries which his simple -nature needed. In his more communicative moods he could narrate how -the bullets which he had moulded with the aid of a hot camp fire and -a supply of lead had been directed against men, against the fierce -Indian inhabitants of this Ohio valley, who for years past had waged a -ceaseless and pitiless warfare against all white invaders of their old -hunting grounds. - -Indeed, "Hunting" Jim, as he was styled and known by all the -backwoodsmen in those parts, had need to care for his weapon, for -without it he would be lost, and his life would be at the mercy of the -first redskin who crossed his path. - -"Waal?" he repeated, in his backwoods drawl, as he vigorously rubbed -at the shining barrel. "Reckon we're through 'em. There ain't a one in -sight. Ef there is, Steve and Silver Fox'll know all about 'em." - -He looked with approval at his weapon, and getting to his feet he -slung it across his shoulders. Then he stepped softly across to the -fire, and bending over it, pushed the long ramrod suspended over -the embers a little farther on to the forked sticks which held it. -A couple of pieces of bear meat were skewered upon the rod, and had -been frizzling there for the past quarter of an hour. Now, as they -were placed right over the heat they set up a low-voiced but merry -tune, while an appetizing odour assailed the nostrils of the two -who had come to the camp. One of these two was without doubt a Red -Indian, for he was decked elaborately after the custom of his race; -his face was freely daubed with paint, which gave him a hideous and -cruel appearance that a feathered head-dress served to increase. He -was a tall, broad-shouldered man, with long, sinewy arms and legs, and -gave one the impression that he was in perfect condition and trained -to stand the utmost hardship. He nodded to Jim, and took his place -in front of the fire, squatted on his heels, and stared silently at -the embers. A minute later he opened his lips and spoke in the Indian -tongue, his gaze still fixed on the fire. - -"My brothers can sleep and eat in peace and contentment," he said, -in tones which were dignified and not unmusical. "Silver Fox and the -pale-face youth whom you call Steve, but known to us as Hawk, for -his eyes are keen, keener even than are mine or my brother's,--have -been through the forest and have watched the river. Our enemies have -gone, vanished into the woods. We know this for certain, for we came -upon their track. They were journeying towards the head waters of the -river." - -It was a long speech for Silver Fox, and having delivered it, he -felt for the buckskin bag in which he carried his precious store of -tobacco, filled his pipe and set fire to the weed by taking one of the -burning sticks in his long, thin fingers and lifting it to the bowl. - -Meanwhile his companion, who had emerged with him from the thick -forest which surrounded the camp, advanced to the fire, sniffed -appreciatively, and glanced at the meat which frizzled over the -flames, in a manner which showed that the sight was a pleasant one. -Then he slipped his musket from his shoulders, and stood for a moment -to his full height, thoughtfully regarding Silver Fox and Hunting -Jim. He, too, was tall and lissom. From the top of his coon-skin cap -to the bottom of his soft moccasins he measured a good six feet. He -was dressed in a leather shirt elaborately fringed, as was the habit -with all hunters, while his legs were encased in fringed leather -leggings and in soft moccasins, all of which he had manufactured from -skins he himself had obtained. Stephen Mainwaring looked a typical -backwoodsman, and as the sun struck upon his well-developed figure, -upon his open face, all tanned with long exposure to the wind and the -weather, and upon his strong brown arms and hands, even his bitterest -enemy would have been forced to admit that he was a fine young fellow, -that there was as much strength in his face, in that square, resolute -chin, and in those steady, fearless-looking eyes as could well be -found, and that his whole appearance gave promise of honesty, a -sterling good nature, and a temper which was not to be easily ruffled. -Had there been any doubt on the last point Steve's joviality on this -fine summer's morning would soon have set the matter at rest. He might -only that moment have risen from his blanket, so fresh and gay was -he, and no one would have dreamed that he and Silver Fox had been -tramping the forest since night had fallen, scouting for an enemy -whom they and their comrades had good cause to fear. He sat down -suddenly, dragged off his soaked moccasins, and his coon-skin hat, -which glistened with the heavy dew that had fallen upon it, and placed -them close to the embers. Then he turned a jovial face to Jim. - -"Waal, I reckon you can smoke that ere pipe of yours with ease and -comfort, Jim," he sang out, imitating exactly the drawl of the -huntsman. "Reckon Silver Fox and I can eat jest all we're able to get -our fingers on, and can then put in a bit of sleep. There ain't no -Injuns this side of forty mile away." - -He laughed merrily as Jim looked severely at him, and taking the -ramrod in his hand, turned it so as to expose the farther side of the -meat to the heat. - -"All's clear," he went on suddenly, in his natural tones, speaking in -a manner which showed that though he looked a typical backwoodsman he -had had an education, and as regards his conversation, was fit to mix -with the gentry of New York, or those of Boston or Charlestown, or -even with those of London itself. - -"That's a lad for yer, Judge," said Jim, scowling playfully at Steve, -and then turning to one of the other figures standing or sitting about -the camp. "This Hawk gets born out in the settlements and gets took -straight away right into the backwoods. He larns to sit a scrawny pony -when he's no higher than a dozen piled-up dollars, and to shoot a gun -when he ain't got the strength to stand up to the jar one of these -muskets gives. Reckon I've seen him knocked endways with the kick many -and many a time." - -He looked for an answer, and waited while the broad-shouldered -backwoodsman whom he addressed sat up and stared thoughtfully back at -him and then at Steve, who squatted by the fire. "Judge" Mainwaring, -as he was usually styled, was a big-boned, burly man, bearded and as -rugged as the oaks which grew in the wood. His eyes were deep-set and -thoughtful, and he had the air of a man who reflects, who says little, -and that only after due consideration. Indeed Judge Mainwaring had a -reputation for wisdom in the backwoods. No man was more respected in -the neighbourhood of the Mohawk country, and there was no more skilful -hunter, no more courageous Indian tracker than this big man. He spoke -seldom, and then always to the point, and in a manner which proved -that he had at one time been very different from these rough, honest -fellows of the backwoods with whom he now spent his days. Jim and his -comrades had had a talk about Tom Mainwaring or the Judge, many and -many a time, and had even endeavoured to worm some of his history from -him. But always without success. - -"Reckon we'd better shut up," said Jim, after one of these many -conversations, when he and Judge and some five others had been -gathered at Tom Mainwaring's log hut in the backwoods. "He don't mean -to tell whar he's from, nor what he was, and small blame to him. He's -here, stout and plucky, a good shot, and jest the fiercest hater I -knows of them varmint of redskins. Reckon that's enough." - -"And need he's had to hate them too," another had added. "Reckon Judge -don't care for much after the boy, than to get even with them varmint." - -That was indeed the case. No one knew Tom Mainwaring's history, or -could even conjecture where he came from, what calling he had followed -or what his fortunes had been. To the many questions with which he had -at first been bombarded he had replied shortly and with perfect good -temper, but in such a manner that none of those who were so curious -were any the wiser. Yes, he knew Boston, and New York, and London. -He had lived in all three, and he knew France. That was as far as he -could or would go, and the settlers who had picked their holdings in -the Ohio valley, to the south of the giant lakes of Erie and Ontario, -had to be content. He had come to them one fine spring time, a silent -man, bringing a wife and a young son on the back of the one horse -which he led. He had set up his log hut like the rest, and had fished -and shot, and exchanged his pelts for the few necessaries required by -these pioneers of the American forests beyond the Alleghany Mountains. -His wife was French, that they knew for a fact; while Judge, and in -due course Steve also, could speak the language fluently. But where -he came from, why this educated man, who lacked nothing, not even -dollars, for it was an open secret that he had abundant means,--should -come to the backwoods and there bury himself and his wife and boy none -could imagine. But it was apparent that, whatever the reason was, Tom -Mainwaring had no need to be ashamed of it. His honest dealings with -others, his high principles, and the manner in which he had devoted -himself to the education of his boy had proved over and over again -that whatever the mystery, there was nothing about it that could call -a blush of shame to his cheeks. - -As to his undying hate of the Indians, that was easily explained. -After all, he did not differ very much in that from the few neighbours -who surrounded him. But he had undoubtedly more cause for hatred. -That same mystery which was for ever a source of wondering curiosity -to these rough pioneers of the forest, took Tom Mainwaring over the -Alleghany mountains once in a while in the direction of the American -coast. Perhaps he went to New York, perhaps to Boston, and it was -even possible, seeing that on occasion he had been absent for six -months, that he had been to England--wherever he went, one of these -journeys had caused him to leave his wife and child in the care of -friendly neighbours, and during his absence these unhappy people had -been raided by the relentless Indians, the women of the party had been -killed, while Steve and one other who happened to be picking berries -in the forest, had alone escaped. - -"Reckon that air enough to set any man who is a man agin the varmint," -Jim had said long ago. "Judge ain't been the same sence he come back -to find the boy alone, and the wife killed and scalped. He's got -kinder hard and fierce, and don't them Injuns know it! And now that -Steve's got big and grown, and able to look for hisself, the log hut -ain't no more use to Judge. Reckon he's happier on the trail." - -"There's a lad for yer, Judge," repeated Jim. "Listen to his sauce. -He ain't no respect for his betters now that he's got the knack of -shootin'." - -"It's his spirit, Jim," replied Tom Mainwaring, looking with kindling -eye at Steve, and relaxing so far as to smile. "He can use his tongue -as well as he can shoot. So all is clear, Steve?" - -"Yes, all clear, father. Silver Fox and I trailed round the camp far -out, and never came upon a track till early. That hunting tribe that -got on to our trace yesterday has given the matter up, and there's -no one to harm us anywhere near. We struck a party of Mohawks up the -river. They're watching the borders." - -"And good need they'll have, too," said Tom with emphasis. "I think -there was never such a time as this for raids and murders. We have to -thank the French and their Indians for that." - -There was silence for a while in the camp, Steve nodding to Silver Fox -and chatting in low tones as soon as the meat was cooked, while Jim -and Tom stared at the embers, both engrossed with their own thoughts. -And while the two at the fire discuss their breakfast of bear's -meat, and the two sturdy backwoodsmen stare at the embers and think, -let us take a closer look at the camp to which we have already been -introduced, and at its surroundings. - -It was pitched in a small natural clearing on the Mohawk river, a -little before its junction with the Hudson, at the mouth of which New -York is situated. Not the New York of to-day, with its regular streets -and avenues, its towering buildings, well-named "sky-scrapers," -its gigantic hotels, its tenement dwellings and its mansions where -millionaires hide from the inquisitive eyes of the people; but the -New York of the year 1756, with many Dutch among the inhabitants, who -still clung to the city which had once been theirs, but at that time -belonged to the English. New York with its smaller and, compared with -modern days, unpretentious dwellings above which the only thing that -towered was the steeple of the church. South and west of the camp -where Steve and his comrades rested was Albany, an up-country Dutch -settlement, which boasted many wealthy and aristocratic Dutch, and -offered always a means whereby the hunters and trappers of English -descent could barter the pelts which they had collected during the -previous winter. It was whispered, too, that here, in this quiet -Albany, tenanted by Puritan Dutch, French _voyageurs_, and _coureurs -de bois_, the backwoodsmen and trappers of that portion of Northern -America then owned by France, and now known as Canada, were able to -sell the loot obtained from the numerous English settlements which -they and their Indian helpers had attacked and captured. - -For there was war between the colonial French and the colonial -English, and for some little time now the two nations had been engaged -in a cruel frontier struggle. In Europe, however, France and England -were outwardly at peace, so far as those in America knew, though -the spring of the year above mentioned saw England's patience at -last destroyed, and a formal declaration of war made. Still, these -backwoodsmen had no notion of that, nor had the numerous French -_voyageurs_ and soldiers who had come across Lake Erie and had marched -down into the valley of the Ohio. That was the disputed ground, where -the bold English pioneers had settled their log huts and taken up -holdings, believing themselves to be on British soil. And now hordes -of French, accompanied by their priests and by thousands of Indians, -were pushing south and west, were expelling the British colonists, and -too often were exterminating them. - -No wonder Hunting Jim and Judge Mainwaring and their comrades took -precautions against surprise. They were in a country which was overrun -by enemies, and since they had set out from their settlement ten days -before, they had observed the greatest caution. The huge birch bark -canoe in which they had paddled down the Mohawk had never left the -centre of that stream, save when night had fallen, and always two of -the party had had their eyes glued on the tree-covered banks. In rear -of them, piled high in a second canoe, which was attached to the one -they paddled, were their pelts, a big store of valuable skins, for -which they hoped to obtain a good exchange. It was guarded by one of -the two Mohawk Indians who accompanied them, and who sat at the stern, -musket in hand. - -And so for ten days they had travelled, their camp settled in some -clearing at night, sometimes without a fire, for the smoke or the -glare would have brought a host about them, and always with two of -their number out in the woods keeping careful guard. But now they were -safe. It was seldom that French _voyageurs_ had penetrated into the -English settlements as far as this, while their Indian allies stood -in fear of the six united tribes of redskins situated hereabouts, and -known as the Iroquois. - -About the camp trees clustered thickly, pines and oaks, maple and -birch, while scattered here and there amongst the trunks were -whortleberry and cranberry bushes, honeysuckle, wild rose trees and -bracken. In many and many a spot the scarlet tupelo and the sumac -grew bright against the green, with purple asters and balm, and the -delicate blue flower of the gentian to keep them company. - -A narrow exit led to the Mohawk river, glistening in the sun, and -reflecting the deep green of its forest boundaries in deep pools, -where the stream ran sluggishly, and where the surface was broken -every now and again by the sudden rising of a fish. Wild rice grew -in banks at the water's edge, while clusters of the resin plant and -of wild lilies could be seen by those who cared to look for them. No -wonder that Steve Mainwaring looked fresh and jolly, for these were -the surroundings in which he had passed his seventeen years, without -a care, save the loss of his mother, which he was too young at the -time to realize, and with that spice of danger about him which has -drawn men of every race and creed to such parts. Steve knew the forest -by heart, could tell the difference between the sharp call of the -chickadee and the blue bird, and the howl of fox or wolf. No Indian -was more conversant with the secrets of nature than he, and none -was more at home in the heart of these forest wildernesses. It was, -indeed, his home, and he was never happier than when on the trail. - -"Reckon ef we get away within an hour we'll fetch up at Albany before -the dark comes," said Jim at length, as he watched Steve and Silver -Fox eating. "We'll give yer that time for a smoke, young feller, and -then strike camp. Jest raise Mac and that 'ere Talkin' Baar." - -He nodded across the camp to the far corner where two figures lay -beneath blankets, sleeping lightly. That they were easily roused was -clear, for as Steve and his companion had come into the clearing -they sat up, only to snuggle under their blankets again. But as Jim -called out the name of Talking Bear, one of the figures started into a -sitting position, followed by the second. - -"We'll be on the road in an hour," explained Jim. "Reckon you two have -had a sleep, and ken help me and Judge to get the canoes afloat and -the pelts packed into 'em. Rouse yerself, Mac. Never did see such a -man for sleep." - -"And, faith, niver did Oi set eyes on a man what spoke so much. Sleep -did ye say? Sure it's these last two hours Oi've been lyin' alongside -of Talking Bear, wid me eyes tight shut, thrying to get off and drame. -But ye talk so much, Huntin' Jim. Ye'd kape a regimint awhake, so ye -would." - -The Irishman roused himself with a growl, and throwing off his -blanket, strode over to Jim and shook his fist in his face, a broad -grin setting his lips wide asunder, and showing a set of strong teeth -which were somewhat blackened with constant use of his pipe. He was -short and sturdy, and in spite of the severeness of his hunting dress, -which was identical with those worn by his comrades, he presented a -comical appearance. His skin cap had fallen off, and showed a shock -head of very brilliant red hair, continuing down his cheeks to his -chin, where it ended in a straggling beard of the same vivid colour. -Indeed, Mac was not good-looking, but he had a pair of genial, -kindly eyes, and was a merry fellow, whose jests and laughter kept -the spirits of his fellows from falling. Once upon a time he had -worn a uniform, and had fought for his country. Then he had come to -America, and by degrees had drifted to the Alleghany settlements, from -which his fondness for danger and adventure had attracted him to the -backwoods. And here he was, boon companion to Jim and the Judge, a -staunch man in the fight, as merry and as light-hearted as a child. - -"Will ye niver larn to keep yer tongue in betwixt yer teeth, Huntin' -Jim?" he asked, severely, shaking his fist within an inch of the black -bowl which Jim held between his teeth. "Begorra! Take a lisson from -the Judge. Reckon he's that silent folks can sleep and take their -rest. Git up wid yerself and lind a hand." - -He made a sudden dive at Jim's shoulder, and swung him to his feet, -for Mac was very powerful. Then, still shaking his fist at the -grinning backwoodsman, he hustled him down to the banks of the river. -And from there their laughter and their shouts came back to the camp, -while Steve watched their antics. Then Silver Fox handed him his -tobacco, and soon they were smoking and staring at the embers, now and -again exchanging words in the Mohawk language. Presently a shout from -Mac told that the canoes were laden, and at the summons Silver Fox -and his brother, a painted and bedecked Indian like himself, gathered -their blankets about their shoulders, took up their muskets, and -trailed off down to the bank, leaving Steve and his father to stamp -out the fire, to look round for any forgotten trifle, and then to -follow. - -"Talkin' Baar's turn for the canoe with the pelts," said Jim, taking -the lead. "Me and you'll paddle, Judge, while this 'ere critter of -yours and Silver Fox keeps an eye on the banks. Hop in easy thar. Mac, -I quite forgot you war there. Slip in in front of me. Now, off we go." - -They pushed out into the river, and took to their paddles. That -evening, just before darkness fell, they pulled into the shore where -the township of Albany was situated, and having found a suitable spot, -made for the land. A fire was soon blazing, and within a little while -they were eating. When the moon got up that night and rode high in the -heavens above them, it looked down upon a silent camp, upon the dying -embers of a fire, and upon five silent figures stretched on the ground -and hidden beneath their blankets. Within a few feet of their heads -stood one solitary figure, erect and motionless, swathed in a blanket. -The long barrel of a musket stood up stark against the moon, while -the brilliant light showed up the features of Talking Bear, alert and -watchful, as careful here of the safety of his pale-face brothers as -he would have been in the heart of a hostile country. - - - - -Chapter II - -French Outlaws and Robbers - - -"We won't waste no time in gettin' rid of them pelts," said Hunting -Jim, early on the following morning, as the little party sat about -their fire, which was close to the bank of the Hudson river and within -a few yards of the nearest house. "I don't reckon Albany's much of a -place fer us jest now. There's the French up by Lake George, and a -Dutchman I struck at sunrise, a chap as round as a barrel; guessed -that they or their Injuns might hop in here any time. What do yer say, -Judge?" - -"We need not fear them," was the calm answer, given after more than a -minute's silence. "They will hardly dare to raid this place, for at -the present time they are doing their utmost to conciliate the Dutch -and win them over to their own side. The same may be said of the -Indians. You see, boys, we colonists are far more numerous than the -French, though they are far better led and organised. Our people seem -to devote all their time to squabbling amongst themselves." - -"While the poor white critters out in the woods gets scalped by -fifties and hundreds. Reckon that's a shame," growled Jim. "But about -these pelts." - -"Lave it to Steve," burst in Mac, putting his strong fingers through -his shock head of tousled hair. "He's our shopman, so he is, and faith -he'll get as big a price as any. Bigger, me bhoy, so lave it to him." - -"You're right, Mac. Steve's the boy," Jim agreed, with a nod, while -Tom Mainwaring smiled approvingly as his son's name was mentioned. -"Yer see, that thar feller Schiller's as hard as a stone I reckon, -and when it comes to a deal with me, or you, Mac, he jest twists us -kinder round his finger. He knows we ain't got no other market, and so -he jest offers what'd be a fair price for a dozen of the skins. Then, -if we looks disgusted, as like as not he'll put a little extry to his -price as a kind of bait. Reckon he's 'cute. He knows we've got to take -his stuff or well nigh starve before we reach another settlement. I've -felt often that I was being robbed by the skunk, but what air a man to -do? Refuse did yer say, Mac?" - -"That's so, me bhoy. Indade ye wouldn't be giving the pelts away, so -ye wouldn't." - -"Then jest you try that 'ere game," exclaimed Jim, somewhat hotly. -"That chap Schiller's got the broadest back and the coolest temper -I ever saw. It's what he offers or nothing. If you ain't pleased, -he jest gets up from his chair and starts to walk into his house. -Reckon a fellow can't stand that. He's got to soften and give way. But -Steve's the boy. Steve, will yer trade with this 'ere Schiller?" - -"Ready and willing, Jim," was the tall lad's eager answer. "I did it -last time, and I'll try again on this occasion. But mind you, you must -back me up." - -"We'll do that," sang out Jim. "Then bring them pelts along." - -They went to the pile of skins, and each taking a load, marched into -the town of Albany, leaving Tom Mainwaring and the Indians to guard -the camp. And a strange procession they made as they came along the -wide street, past the prosperous Dutch houses and the well-dressed and -comfortable-looking owners. Not that they attracted much attention, -for hunters and trappers were a common sight in the streets of Albany -in those days, and pelts often exchanged hands there. - -To the trapper, the tough and hardy woodsman who had been scouring -the forest during the winter and late summer before, hunting game -and caring for the skins, this visit to Albany was one of no small -importance. This expedition and the stores he would obtain were a -source of interest and expectation during the long cold months, and -the trade he could do was of no small importance. For each skin meant -so much in the way of powder, so much lead, or perhaps a new musket. -With the goods he obtained he went back to his log hut, and by dint of -great care managed to eke them out over the winter. As for the trader -who took the pelts, he found an eager market for them in New York, and -made a huge profit over the transaction. - -Bearing their pelts on their shoulders, with their muskets in full -evidence, and the blades of their keen tomahawks glittering beneath -their belts, the three trappers marched down the street sturdily, -their heads in the air, looking what they were, a thoroughly -independent and hardy trio. And presently they came to Hans Schiller's -house, and saw the negro servants of the trader bustling about the -place. Dropping their pelts on the stone flagging of the _stoep_, -Steve and his comrades squatted down on the steps. - -"Hi, there, my black lady," sang out Jim, "reckon we want that Dutch -master o' yours. Fetch the boy along." - -The negro servant giggled, stared with open admiration in her big eyes -at the sturdy backwoodsman, and then departed into the house. They -heard her call out in broken Dutch, and soon a heavy tread within -showed that someone was coming. - -"Now, Steve, reckon you've got to best this 'ere Schiller," said Jim -in a warning voice. "Yer did the trade for us last year, and there -ain't a doubt as he was more liberal than ever before. See what yer -can do this time. H-hush! it's the old gal. He's trying the same old -game." - -As he spoke an exceedingly fat and unwieldy woman waddled to the open -door of the house and pushed her head out. She looked calmly, almost -contemptuously at the trio seated on the _stoep_, and then called out -in very broken English. - -"Hans Schiller," she called, "there's mens here." Then turning again -to the trappers she cried, "Vot for yo vant?" - -Steve tapped the piled-up skins. "Pelts for exchange, madam," he said, -with a little bow. "We are waiting to see Hans Schiller. Ah, here he -is. Fill up your pipes, boys." - -Steve had been to Hans Schiller before, and had gone all through -the excitement of trading with him. He remembered that on the last -occasion he was constantly interrupted by Jim or by Mac, and thought -that a pipe might help them to remain silent. - -"That's the sort, boys," he said. "And just remember, a man can trade -best when he's left to himself. Keep a hold on your tongues. Howd'y -Mr. Schiller? It's a fine summer." - -The Dutchman, who had just emerged from the doorway, thrust out a hot -and very fat hand, and allowed Steve to grip it, wincing as the strong -fingers squeezed him. - -"Stop! These men are wild beasts," he exclaimed beneath his breath, -and in somewhat better English than his wife boasted. "He squeeze -my hand so last time, and the others always the same. Good day, -gentlemens. You vant me? Ah, you have some skins. That is sad, ver -sad." - -He cast a swift look at the piled-up pelts as he exchanged a handshake -with Jim and Mac; and Steve, who watched him carefully, noticed that -a covetous look came over his fat face. But Hans was quick to smother -it. - -"Ver sad indeet," he repeated, shaking his bald head. "You come to -Albany ver late. All the trapper come and gone perhaps month ago. I -hab bought many skin this summer." - -"Then we'll not trouble you, Mr. Schiller," said Steve quickly, giving -Jim a knowing wink. "We came straight to you because we have always -been here. But if you've already bought as much as you want--why, -mates, we'll get on further." - -It was ludicrous to watch the expression on the various faces. Mac, -with the quick wit of his race, grasped Steve's meaning and intention -in an instant, and puffing clouds of smoke from his pipe, rose to his -feet and shouldered one of the bales. But Jim possessed a somewhat -slower intelligence in such matters. He was no trader, and knew -nothing of the subtleties of bargaining. His mouth opened wide in his -consternation. - -"Thunder!" he began. "Blest ef the lad----" - -"Jim, what are you waiting for?" asked Steve suddenly. "Can't you -hear? Mr. Schiller's bought all he wants, and now we're off down the -town to the other folks. Bustle up. We want to get out of this as soon -as possible." - -"Not so quick, frens," exclaimed Hans, putting a restraining hand on -Steve's shoulder and speaking in somewhat anxious tones. "I can buy -more if they are good. Sit down and let me see them. Gretchen!" - -The three trappers returned to their seats, and the trading was -begun. Steve had a very good notion of the value of the skins, and he -knew that high prices were to be obtained for them in New York. He was -also aware that the trapper as a rule bore all the fatigue and risk of -getting the pelts, and was miserably rewarded. He was not avaricious, -but at the same time he knew the needs of his comrades, and, unlike -them, had the courage to face a possible failure in the negotiations. - -"I shall be ruint! Indeet, you will take all that I hab," grumbled -Hans, when all the skins were displayed, and Steve had demanded more -than double the amount of powder, lead, and other commodities which -the Dutchman offered. "I shall be ruint! Nod anoder dollar's worth do -you hab. Dat is all. De last cent." - -Steve smiled one of his easiest smiles and looked coaxingly at the -trader. - -"Come, Mr. Schiller," he said pleasantly, "don't let it be said that -you lost such a chance. This is the finest lot of skins that you have -seen, that you admit. A pity if you let it go to the others farther -down the street. Come now, make another offer." - -Not for one moment did he become flurried or lose that air of -confident assurance which he had worn from the very first. And after a -little while the deal was settled and the trio rose to go. - -"Reckon you're the 'cutest feller as ever I set eyes on," said Jim, as -they trudged back to the camp, half a dozen of the Dutchman's negro -servants in their wake bearing sundry bales and boxes. "That 'ere -deal war the finest as ever I listened to, and, shucks! ain't you a -cool 'un! I didn't jest dare to look at yer too often, nor at Mac nor -Hans. I jest sat and smoked, gripping at me pipe ter keep meself from -splitting with laughter. Reckon it war better nor an Injun palaver, -and that 'ere Hans knew he was beat. Yer watched him give a gasp when -you was for movin'?" - -"I did," answered Steve. "You can be sure that Hans Schiller lives and -grows fat on his earnings. He need never stir out of his house till -late in the summer. Then he floats down the Hudson in a flat-bottomed -boat, and trades his skins at New York for dollars. A few of those buy -the stuff he needs for trading with the trappers, and back he comes, -with a sack and more of dollars, and with nothing to do but smoke his -pipe all through the winter." - -"We've had some friends enquiring after us," said Steve's father when -the three had returned to the camp. "A couple of Indians have been -questioning Silver Fox and Talking Bear. See them over there." - -They swung round, and looking in the direction he indicated, caught -sight of a couple of feathered heads peeping from behind the trees. - -"I don't like them fellers," said Jim quickly, staring at the heads -till they were withdrawn. "What air they after?" - -"What do they and their sort generally want?" was Tom's rejoinder. - -"Scalps and lead, and sich things as we've jest brought here," Jim -answered swiftly. "Reckon we'll have to keep an eye round for them -varmint. What do yer say, Silver Fox?" - -He suddenly broke into the Mohawk tongue, which all understood, and -for a little while all joined in an earnest and low-toned conversation. - -"They ain't after no good, I'll swear," said Jim, with emphasis. -"Reckon we'll have to go careful, mates." - -"Then I vote that we give it out that we are staying here till -to-morrow or the next day," broke in Steve. "That will make them -keep a careless watch upon us perhaps, and to-night we can slip away -unseen." - -It was a good suggestion, and brought a grunt of approval from Jim. - -"It air a good idea, young feller," he said, as he smoked his pipe. -"Jest get out something to eat and pass it round. After that we'll put -in a sleep, as if we was fixed to stay here best part of a week. Ef -any one comes axin' questions, jest tell 'em what we've arranged." - -At such a time all knew well that they could not be too careful, -for though a large number of French and their Indian allies would -not have ventured to Albany, seeing that this was undoubted British -territory, and the Dutch were partisans of the colonists, still the -sleepy little trading town was just the place where a roving band -of small dimensions might take up its quarters, or rather in its -immediate neighbourhood, sending some of their scouts into the town -to gather information. And a small band, such as Steve and his friends -comprised, with their store of powder and other trade goods, would be -a very valuable capture. They could not therefore be too careful, and -in order to make it appear as if they were intending to stay for a day -or more, Steve and Silver Fox lay down to sleep, while Tom and the -others lounged about the camp. - -"Reckon I'll stroll along the houses," said Jim, after a while. "Maybe -I'll see some more of these 'ere fellows." - -He rose to his feet without another word, and was on the point of -leaving the camp when Steve sat up. - -"I'll come too, Jim," he cried out. "I can't sleep, and a little -exercise will do me good." - -"Then hop along, young 'un. One of these days, when you've grown older -and ha' got more larnin', you'll find it's a wise man who puts in -sleep when he's the chance. Pick up that 'ere gun. Yer never knows -when a bullet won't be useful." - -They left their friends lolling about the camp, and strolled into the -town. There were one or two stores to be found, and they hung about -these for a little while, staring with all a backwoodsman's curiosity -at the goods displayed for sale. - -Then they strolled on again till they reached the far end of the -street. - -"Reckon ther's one of them skunks a watchin'," said Jim, suddenly -stopping and calmly filling his pipe. "Jest you walk on, Steve, while -I get a light. It'll give me a chanst to turn round." - -He sought for his tinder and steel, and began to strike the flint, -turning his back to the wind and to his young companion, who strolled -on. Two minutes later he had come up to Steve again. - -"Jest stroll on as we air, easy like," he said in low tones. "I war -right. One of them redskin varmint's got his eyes on us." - -"Then we'll slip into the wood up here, as if for a stroll, and when -we're hidden we'll turn and watch. What do you say, Jim?" - -"That's the ticket, lad. Easy does it." - -A little while later the two were making their way through the wood, -which grew densely close up to the houses at this end of Albany. -They threaded their way in amongst the trees in single file, each -unslinging his musket as he stepped out of sight of the road. When -they had gone a quarter of a mile Jim came to a sudden halt. - -"Jest take cover, Steve," he said softly. "I'll get ahead, so as to -let that Injun guess we're still movin'. When he comes along, stand up -in his way. That'll put a stop to his little game for to-day at any -rate, and'll let him see as we're awake." - -A moment later the crash of brushwood being swept aside told that Jim -was pushing on into the wood, making far more noise then he would -otherwise have done. Steve took his stand in a dense mass of bush, -and stepping on to the trunk of a fallen tree, kept a careful watch -on the track which they had just covered. And very soon he caught a -fleeting glimpse of a feathered head, and of the tip of a barrel. -Within three minutes a painted redskin suddenly came into full view, -his eyes glued on the track. He was stepping along at a rapid pace, -his nostrils distended, his feet making not a sound as he trod, and -all his senses engaged in tracking those who had preceded him. As -he came opposite the bush, Steve stepped out without so much as a -rustle and confronted the man, causing him to come to a sudden stop. -For once the coolness of an Indian was upset. He gave a low grunt of -astonishment, and in a twinkling his musket was presented at Steve's -head. For just one brief instant our hero stared into the barrel, and -then, quick as thought, he ducked. There was a loud report, a tongue -of flame and smoke spurted almost into his face, and his coon-skin cap -was lifted from his head and carried into the bush behind. Then, long -before he could use his own weapon, the Indian was upon him, his keen -tomahawk gleaming in his hand. Lucky it was for Steve that the stock -of his musket caught the blade of the Indian's weapon, for had it not -done so, his head would have been crushed by the blow. But though -taken unawares, fortune was on his side, and an involuntary movement -warded off the blow. Then he dropped his musket, grasped the Indian's -arm, and in an instant they were rolling on the ground in a death -struggle, the redskin making frantic efforts to strike with his -tomahawk, while Steve gripped the red-painted throat with his fingers, -and clung there with all his strength. Not a cry did either give. It -was one of those silent and desperate contests which the backwoods had -often seen, and nothing but the gasping breaths of the combatants told -what was happening. - -[Illustration: "THE INDIAN WAS UPON HIM, HIS KEEN TOMAHAWK GLEAMING IN -HIS HAND"] - -"Reckon that war a close shave, young 'un," said Jim, in his quiet -voice, some few minutes later, staring at Steve as he lay breathing -heavily on the ground. "That 'ere varmint was out to kill, and didn't -reckon as you'd get a grip of his throat so early. Take a word from -Jim. When you've got the best of an Injun, never feel safe till he's -dead. There ain't nothing in this world to touch 'em for cunnin'. He -knew you was holding his tomahawk arm, and in another half minute he'd -have been strangled. So he dropped his blade and used his two hands to -shake yer off. Lucky I come along." - -Jim had indeed arrived just in the nick of time, and it was well for -Steve that his tomahawk had put a sudden end to the contest. - -"Reckon it'll be a case of walk quick," said Jim, after a few moments' -silence. "We can hide this here critter for a few hours, maybe a day -or more. But they'll find him sure enough, and then there'll be a -howl. Best get back to the camp." He then picked the dead man up, -and stepping some yards away into the thickest bush, placed the body -beside a fallen trunk. - -"They'd find that as easy as walk," he said, as he returned, "but -we'll put 'em off the trail. Come along, young 'un. We'll get back to -the camp." - -"And what about the other Indian?" said Steve suddenly. "He's watching -there, isn't he?" - -"Reckon that's so, Steve." - -"Do you think that he and this man were alone, Jim?" asked our hero. - -"You ain't so 'cute by half as I thought yer," was the answer. "Reckon -there's a band of 'em that has made Albany their station. Like as not -they've wiped out a power of small trading trappers. These here chaps -air their scouts." - -"Then let's find the band and take a look at them. Look here, Jim, -we'll make through the wood till close to the camp, and pick up the -tracks of these scouts. Then we'll----" - -It was comical to watch Jim as he grasped his young companion's -intentions. He swept his skin cap from his head, and darted a keen -look at him. - -"That air 'cute," he said. "Reckon I withdraws what I've said. That -air the movement for us." - -Without further conversation they struck off into the forest, Steve -following closely in the wake of the hunter, and neither making -so much as a sound. Presently, when they judged that they were -approaching their own camp, they came to a halt. - -"I've been thinkin' of that 'ere gun shot," said Jim. "But these trees -has made it safe. Reckon no one at this end has heard the sound. Let's -divide." - -A quarter of an hour later, when they came together at the same spot, -Steve was able to report that he had come upon a trail in the forest, -and that the marks showed plainly that it had been used by two men at -least, and probably by half a dozen. - -"It's been in use for a couple of months, I should say, Jim, and I -think that quite a number must have been along it. There are fresh -marks of two moccasined feet." - -"Then we'll strike along it and see where it takes us, young feller," -was the answer. "We've dropped upon somethin' as may save our scalps. -Jest strike off for it. I seed that other varmint keepin' watch on the -camp. He ain't got a thought that his brother has gone to the happy -huntin' grounds. That 'ere shot never come to his ears, or else he'd -have been looking into the matter by now. Reckon the strong wind and -the trees drowned it." - -They stood for a few moments preparing their muskets, each powdering -the pan afresh, and looking to the flint, for a misfire might have -disastrous consequences. Then Steve led the way, and in a little while -they had struck into the trail which he had found. An hour's fast -walking took them some six miles into the forest, when, seeing that -the trail still went on, they broke into a dog trot, which both were -well able to keep up for hours at a time. As it happened, however, -another hour took them to some rising ground, where the forest grew as -thick as ever, and where other tracks, many of them quite fresh ones -too, told them that they were in the immediate neighbourhood of a camp. - -"That air the whiff of terbacca," said Jim, raising his voice barely -to a whisper, and sniffing at the air like a dog. "We're makin' up -wind, Steve, and ef I ain't right, why----" - -"It's smoke," answered Steve with conviction. "Let's get on." - -Stealing forward with their bodies close to the ground, it was not -long before the two came in sight of the camp. It was similar to any -other trapper's camp in its surroundings. There was a fire in the -centre of a narrow clearing, and three or four rough skin shelters -were erected under the shadow of the trees. Lounging round the fire -were some twenty redskins, while a squaw was busily engaged in tending -some cooking pots which swung over the flames. - -"This air a find," whispered Jim, squeezing Steve's arm. "These here -critters has come to stay, and I reckon there ain't any other redskins -within miles, or else this camp would ha' been discovered long ago. A -hul tribe might camp under the noses of these fat Dutchmen without a -one bein' the wiser." - -"And just look at their stores," whispered Steve, pointing to a number -of barrels and sacks and bales piled up beneath one of the skin -shelters. - -"The critters!" growled Jim. "That air the trade of many a small band -of trappers same as us. Reckon them chaps has plenty of scalps. Look -thar!" - -This time there was an unusual amount of emphasis in his words, while -his long brown hand shot out, and a finger pointed to the other side -of the camp, where one solitary figure was seated. Steve followed his -finger, saw the man and watched with dilating eyes as he rose and -turned towards them. He was a pale face, a white man like themselves, -tanned and weather-beaten, and some twenty-five years of age. He was -decked as an Indian, and resembled them exactly, save for the fact -that his face was not painted. - -An exclamation of dismay burst from Steve. He crouched still lower -in the bushes, and then silently withdrew, fearful lest this white -man should see him. Jim, too, slid silently away, and very soon the -two were speeding back to their own camp at a fast trot, their senses -fully alert and their thoughts occupied with the white man and the -band of Indians whom they had just discovered. A little later they -turned to the left, crept undetected into the town, and strolled in -the most casual way into the camp. No one looked up as they entered, -but all had been anxiously awaiting them, that was evident, for the -eyes of their comrades stole across in their direction, their long -absence having roused the fears of the others. - -"Air dinner ready?" asked Jim casually. "Then suppose we set down to -it." - -"We're in a muss," he said some little while later, as all squatted -about the fire. "One of them critters that was watchin' followed us -through the town and into the wood. It war almost a case with Steve. -But we dropped the man. After that we struck the track at the back of -this camp, and come upon the band. Boys, there air twenty of 'em at -least, and wuss than all there's a Frenchman leadin'. It's that 'ere -Jules from over the water." - -An exclamation of amazement and dismay burst from the listeners, for -Jules Lapon had won an unenviable reputation during the past three -years. During that period hundreds of peaceful settlers and backwoods -people had been butchered by the Red Indians, hounded on by the -French, and in many cases French colonists and regular soldiers had -been with them. Bands of desperadoes had ranged the forests, and of -these there was none more cruel, more successful and more feared than -that of Jules Lapon, a young Frenchman who had settled some years -before within a few miles of Tom Mainwaring's quarters. No wonder that -the small band of trappers stared aghast at Jim for some few minutes. -Then they found their voices, and began to discuss their future -movements. - -"Reckon there ain't any doubt as to what's to be done," said Jim. "Ef -we stay here till the winter falls, they'll still be waitin'. These -here Dutchmen can't give no protection, so we're bound to look to -ourselves. We'll have to git, and the sooner the better." - - - - -Chapter III - -Flight by Night - - -As the dusk came and settled down upon the peaceful town of Albany, -it found the little band of trappers seated about their camp fire, -smoking heavily and discussing the question of their flight in earnest -and low-pitched tones. They had already taken their evening meal, and -were ready to set out at any moment. But so far there was not a sign -of preparation. To the casual or the curious onlooker, the little -party seemed to have every intention of remaining overnight, more -particularly as the sky was overcast, and the rude leather shanty -which they had been busily erecting showed that they expected rain, -and had prepared a shelter. - -"You wouldn't think that there was a question of danger or of our -clearing out, boys," said Judge Mainwaring, as he stared round at his -comrades. "This town of Albany looks as peaceful as possible, and -yet----" - -"And yet the facts are clear," burst in Steve. "I suppose that if -Albany were filled with Englishmen it would be a different matter." - -"That it would, young 'un," chimed in Jim, taking the stem of his -black pipe from between his teeth. "And there ain't no sayin' that -these Dutchmen wouldn't help us ef we went to 'em. But they ain't here -to fight. Reckon they're fer trade. Ef it was our own people, why we'd -get 'em together, and them varmint out in the woods would soon be -scattered." - -"As it is there is no chance of doing that," said Tom Mainwaring -quietly. "I've been thinking this out, boys. If we went to the Dutch -I doubt very much that they would move to help us. They are traders, -as Jim says, and though I believe they are certainly on our side and -opposed to the French and their Indians, yet at the present time even -that is not too certain. We've got to depend on ourselves. We might -wait here for a week, but this rascal Lapon will wait also, and he -will watch us like a hawk. We must move, and this very night too, for -at present they think no doubt that we do not know of the existence of -this band. If we wait they may suspect us----" - -"There's the scout we killed," ventured Steve. - -"True, there is the scout. They will find him by to-morrow morning, -and then they will watch us all the closer. It will rain soon, and we -must move." - -"Hold hard," said Jim suddenly. "We've got to git, that's as clear as -this fire, but thar's that 'ere redskin watchin'. It 'ud take him an -hour perhaps to get back to his camp and then the hull lot 'ud be down -on us." - -That was a point which none had considered, and for a little while -they sat staring into the embers, doubtful how to act. In these days -of peace, when the neighbourhood of Albany is as secure as that of New -York or of London, and when the banks of the Hudson and the Mohawk and -the country adjacent are comparatively thickly populated, it is hard -to believe that a party of trappers could be in danger of attack. But -in the year 1756 it was very different. Thick forest spread over the -land, with very few settlements, and still fewer log huts. In time -past many and many a pioneer and trapper had forced his way far on -into the valley of the Ohio, that promised land, and had there erected -his rough shelter. But there were competitors in the field. France -was not content with that huge stretch of America to the north of the -St. Lawrence and the great lakes. She was pushing south, building -forts and peopling the land. For some years, as the reader will have -already gathered, these hardy French soldiers and _voyageurs_, with -their fierce Indians, had been pressing south and west, exterminating -the helpless British colonists. The man who dared to step outside the -towns and plunge into the forests took his life in his hands. Bands -of desperadoes wandered hither and thither, and the old calling of -the trapper was almost extinct. It was therefore not so wonderful to -find danger threatening Steve and his friends on the very outskirts of -Albany. - -"Oi'd loike to hear what Silver Fox and Talkin' Bear has to say," -sang out Mac, thrusting his red head into the full light of the fire. -"They have sat there loike two logs of wood, and sure they've not yit -opened their mouths. Let thim spake and we'll listen." - -"Then what shall we do, Fox?" demanded Jim, breaking into the Mohawk. -"You know what's happening." - -"It will rain to-night, my brothers," was the answer, "and we must go. -But this scout must die before we venture from the camp. Talking Bear -and Silver Fox will see to this matter." - -He glanced round at each one of the party, grunted and nodded to his -countryman. - -"It is well spoken, brother. He must die," was the short answer. - -"Then we'll turn in," said Jim. - -One by one the white men of the party stood up, looked about them and -then crept into the "shanty," for rain had already begun to fall. And -soon Silver Fox joined them, while outside, swathed in his blanket, -motionless, stood Talking Bear, guarding the camp during the first -hours of the night. His figure was hardly distinguishable even against -the dull light of the fire, but all knew that the Indian watcher -had his eyes on him. And so two hours passed, till the embers were -drenched, and the night was very dark. Not till then was there a -movement in the tiny shanty. Steve sat up beside Silver Fox, returned -the pressure of his hand and slipped from the cover. Crawling across -the camp he touched Talking Bear, and in an instant they had changed -places. Steve was now the sentry, swathed in a blanket, tall and -erect. Almost at the same instant there was the hoot of an owl away in -the forest. - -"Them 'ere critters has jest the finest eyes," growled Jim. "Reckon -though that they heard somethin'. There goes Silver Fox. We'll give -him an hour." - -But less than half an hour had passed before the silence of their camp -was disturbed. First came the loud hoot of an owl, and then away in -the forest was heard the sound of a conflict. Branches snapped, there -was a dull thud, and then silence again. - -"We have failed. The scalp of this scout who watched the camp hangs at -my belt, but he had two others with him. They are gone." - -Silver Fox had made not so much as a sound on his return, and his -voice was the first thing that warned the occupants of his presence. -They sat up with a start while various exclamations burst from them. - -"There is not a moment to be lost," said Tom, with decision. "We must -pack and paddle for our lives. That band will never rest till they -have the scalps of every one of this party." - -There was unusual bustle in the camp at once, the members of the party -going about their work with method and in perfect silence. Mac and -Steve soon had the leather shelter stripped and folded, and by the -time they had carried it down to the canoes, the others had placed -all their goods in the smaller one. Then they took their places, and -at a word from Tom they pushed out from the bank, Steve sitting in -the second canoe, his musket across his thighs and his eyes glued on -the bank. The five in the leading canoe grasped their paddles and -used them with a will, Tom setting the time, and pushing the water -back with lusty arms which aided not a little in their progress. They -swung up the centre of the stream, turned to their left and entered -the Mohawk. Morning found them many miles on their way, still paddling -steadily up the centre of the river. - -"It were well to consider, my brothers," said Silver Fox, speaking -for the first time since they had left Albany. "The sky is clearer, -and the rain no longer falls. At present the mist hides us, but in a -little while the warmth will suck it up and then we shall be seen." - -"And yer think them critters is after us?" demanded Jim. - -"They left their camp within the hour of our departure," was the slow -answer. "They are now well on their way." - -Jim had had no need to ask that simple question. As an old and -experienced trapper he knew well enough that the alarm must have -reached the camp of the enemy within a very little while of their own -departure, and it needed no consideration to tell him that they would -make up the Mohawk river. - -"They kin tell as we ain't got no business towards New York," he -growled, "and this here route air the only one that's left. Reckon -the varmint air well on the road. They'll have canoes hid somewhere's -within reach, and it won't be long afore they're out on the river. -Boys, we've got to choose between holdin' on to those paddles or -takin' to the woods." - -"Lose all our stores!" demanded Mac, indignantly. "Sure if we take to -the forest we'll have to lave these canoes and the things, and for -what is the use of that? Arrah! Lit's kape to the paddles, and if they -follow we'll use our guns." - -"You forget one thing," said Tom Mainwaring, in his quiet and judicial -tones. "We have paddled through the night. These rascals have been -walking and running. Their arms will be unwearied. They will certainly -overhaul us. There is nothing for it, I fear, but to strike across to -the south bank, hide our canoes and stores as well as we are able, and -then take to the trail." - -There was, indeed, little else to be suggested, and it was with sad -hearts therefore that the little party turned the bows of the canoe -towards the far bank. It was lighter now, though the mist still hid -them, an occasional gust of wind blowing a portion of it away, for all -the world as if it were a curtain, and disclosing something of their -whereabouts, the surface of the silent river, the far bank, or the -forest on that side for which they were making. - -"Steady a minute. Stop!" - -It was Steve's voice which broke the silence, and as they craned -their necks to look back at him, they saw the long figure of the young -trapper stretched in the small canoe, his musket still across his -thighs and one hand upon it. The other shaded his eyes, as if the mist -worried him. - -"Stop!" he called again in the lowest tone. "Wait while I come up with -you." - -There was a paddle beside him, placed there to enable him to steer -if occasion should make that necessary, and while his friends backed -water, he drove his paddle into the river and swung his canoe round -till it lay alongside the other. To have endeavoured to bring it up -directly would have been useless, for a short tow rope connected the -two. - -"You said that they would have canoes somewhere within reach," he -said. "I overheard it, and I believe I have seen the very spot. The -wind blew the mist aside suddenly, and I saw a tiny inlet. It is -blocked with weeds and osiers, and they too were disturbed by the -wind. I am sure that I got a glimpse of the bow of a canoe." - -"Jupiter! That's a find," burst out Jim, while Tom and Mac nodded -approvingly. "Reckon we'll git across to them boats and break 'em up. -Boys, that air our ticket." - -He plunged his paddle into the water, followed by the others, and -would have swung the canoe round had not Steve still clung to the side. - -"One moment, Jim," he said easily and quietly, for he had inherited -his father's quiet and judicial manner. "Supposing you smash their -canoes. What then?" - -Jim gasped. "What then! Why, they're fixed, young 'un. Thought you was -'cute. They ain't got no way left of followin', unless they runs like -dogs along the bank, and for that we don't care nothin'." - -"That is, supposing they have no other canoes," answered Steve -quickly. "But is that likely. They know that if their boats are -discovered they are helpless. It seems to me that they may very well -have divided them. That's what we should do. In that case they would -still have a chance of reaching us." - -"That 'ere lad air doin' his best to get even with the Judge," -exclaimed Jim with a shake of his head. "Reckon, boys, that what he -says air true as gospel. Them critters will never have put all their -boats in one place. We'd best make for the forest straight." - -Once more he would have swung the canoe away from Steve, but the lad -still clung to the side. - -"We might try a surprise," he said eagerly. "These men will follow us -right away to the settlement, for Jules Lapon lives near there. We -can't go on like this for the next ten days, and if we don't stop them -they will be close to us before to-day is past. Let us wait and have -it out with the rascals." - -This time there was no attempt to break away from him. All stared -eagerly into his sun-tanned face, while an exclamation burst from Jim. - -"The boy has an idea," said Tom. "Out with it, Steve." - -There was no time to waste, for even as they had hung in the stream, -drifting with the current, the mist had lifted still further. The sun -would be up very soon, and at any moment it might be clear from shore -to shore. Steve leaned over the side of his canoe and spoke swiftly -and in little more than a whisper. - -"I've been thinking it over as we came along," he said. "We've no -chance unless we can stop them now, for they are many, and will follow -closely, and never give us a moment's rest. We shall be shot down and -scalped one after another. I thought of their boats and what we might -do. Then I suddenly caught sight of the bows of the one of which I -spoke. Listen! This wind and the rustling of the leaves will have -drowned the sound of our paddles. Even if the redskins are now on the -far bank I doubt whether they have heard us. But they are not there. -We have come faster than a man can walk, and you must remember that -they will have had to make their way through the forest. Let us get -over to their boats, slip ashore without leaving tracks, and hide up -under cover. Once we're there one of us can slip back to this bank -with our canoes, and can hide them, just leaving the bows of one to -show, as if by accident." - -"Thunder! The lad's got it, Judge. Reckon you ain't in it with Steve. -Boys, he's told us what to do." - -Jim sat up stiffly in his astonishment, while Silver Fox, who could -understand English, gave a grunt of assent. - -"He was always a calculating, thoughtful youngster," said Tom, a note -of triumph in his voice. "The lad has suggested a brilliant plan." - -Trappers were in the habit of making up their minds in a rapid manner. -Often enough there was no opportunity for discussion, and even when -there was they were not over talkative. Jim was perhaps the exception. -But now there was no need for chatter, and little time for delay. The -paddles plunged into the stream again, Steve pushed out from the large -canoe, and in a trice they were surging through the stream in the -direction of the opposite bank. A little later they were in sight of -it, and were paddling along beneath the overhanging trees. - -"Jest about here?" asked Jim, his voice hardly a whisper, while his -hand pointed to the bank. - -Steve stood up carefully in his frail support. His eyes were glued on -the bank and for some minutes he remained without movement, while the -canoes slid along through the water. Then, suddenly, his hand went -up. There was a bank of reeds and osiers, with a patch of wild rice -clinging to the edge, and a gust of wind happening to blow across the -water at that moment all saw the nose of an Indian canoe. Standing -still higher Steve was able to get a better view than his comrades, -and caught sight of four other canoes, all nestling in the osiers. - -"We can't land here," he sang out softly. "The bank is bare of brush -and all trampled. Backwater and strike higher up the river." - -Round swung the canoes and paddles sent the water frothing alongside -the frail vessels, for excitement was high, and all were eager to get -under cover. - -"Them 'ere varmint might come along any time," said Jim impatiently. -"Reckon this air a find!" - -"We can land there," whispered Tom, pointing to the bank. "There is a -rock, and perhaps deep water beside it." - -A few strokes of the paddles settled the question. There were quite -three feet of water beside the rock, which was bare and brown. It ran -up on to the bank for some ten feet, and then gave place to dense -forest. - -"Step ashore," said Jim, huskily. "Gently. Don't let the canoe strike -agin the rock, nor a paddle splash it. Them varmint'd spot it in a -jiffy. Talkin' Baar, reckon you're the one to git over to the other -bank." - -In rapid tones he explained the movement required of him to the silent -Indian, speaking in the Mohawk tongue. There was a nod of approval, -and without a word the feathered redskin took up his paddle again and, -pushing out from the rock, made off across the river, the smaller -canoe with its load of stores trailing after him. In a little while -he was lost in the mist, while none could hear the dip of his paddle. -But presently, as the sun rose and sucked up the vapours lying like a -pall over forest and river, Steve and his comrades could see just the -tip of a canoe protruding from a thick mass of bush which clothed the -opposite bank. - -"Reckon a baby Injun'd spot that," said Jim. "To look at it you'd say -as the wind or the wash of the water had shook it loose from the mud -and floated it out. These critters will see it right off, and will try -to slip over without a sound, so as to fall upon our party. Reckon -there'll be a surprise. Now, what's the ticket?" - -"Let the boy tell us," whispered Tom, looking proudly at Steve. "We -owe this movement to him, and I think we all agree that he has had -good experience of the forest and of these Indians. Now, lad, where -are we to take up our stations?" - -For answer Steve placed his musket on the rock, and, stepping softly -across it, swung himself into a tree, a branch of which overhung their -position. They watched him as he clambered up still higher and waited -patiently for him to descend. - -"I vote that we divide," he said, as he dropped on to the rock again. -"When the enemy arrive and see the canoe over yonder they will be -all keenness to cross. They will think that we are lying hid in the -forest, and will guess that once they are out in the river they will -be seen. But remember that our canoes are supposed to be hidden away. -If we were over yonder, lying up in the bushes, we should keep under -cover and watch, hoping to escape discovery. These Indians will reckon -that, and I think will paddle down the far side, staring into the -bank. As soon as they get opposite our canoes, they will paddle in -with a rush." - -"Thet air reason," exclaimed Jim. "What then?" - -"My argument proves that they will be careful to get aboard on this -side without making too much noise. They will try to let it appear -that they have not seen our canoe. They will enter their own and push -out stealthily, for they are cunning." - -"Cunnin'!" Jim clenched a huge brown fist, and would have growled out -something more had not Tom's warning hand restrained him. - -"That will be our time. The bank of osiers is big, and they have -hidden up their canoes almost in the centre. So there will be room for -one gun in that direction. Then this tree commands their boats, and -has the advantage of being very thick. Supposing we divide forces, two -going into the reeds, and three into the tree? The three can swing -themselves up without leaving a trace, while the two who make for the -reeds can wade through the water." - -"The boy is right. Even you or I could not have made better -suggestions," exclaimed Tom. "Let us get into our places." - -At any moment now the enemy might put in an appearance, and fearful of -being discovered the whole party went to their places at once, Steve -swinging himself into the tree after his father and Silver Fox, while -Jim and Mac lowered themselves very silently into the river, which -came to their waists, and wading along entered the reeds. There they -took up a position which enabled them to command the canoes, while -they could see, and be seen by, their friends. And as they crouched -in their lairs the sun rose higher and higher, while the heat grew -greater. The air over forest and river became motionless, what breeze -there had been dying down entirely. Not a leaf stirred, while the -hundreds of birds which had heralded the morning with their bright -song seemed to have gone to roost again. - -"Hist! That bird flew from down stream," whispered Tom, suddenly, as a -pigeon darted over the water and flew past their hiding place. "We can -expect the enemy. Watch the banks carefully." - -But half an hour passed without another disturbance, and though all -strained their ears nothing could be heard. From his leafy perch -Steve saw Jim crouching in the osiers, and noticed that the cunning -backwoodsman turned towards the far bank, leaning in that direction -in a listening attitude. But evidently he heard nothing, for within a -minute he was engaged with the near bank, his eyes peering between the -osiers and the reeds. This was not the first time that Steve had been -pursued by the redskins, and his adventurous life in the woods had -taught him to maintain his coolness. But on this occasion, do what he -would, his heart would thump heavily against his ribs, while his pulse -throbbed in an unusual and disturbing manner. He stood in the lowest -fork of the tree, his back supported by the trunk, his musket in his -hands, and his eye roaming hither and thither. His lips were slightly -parted, and there was a determined look on his sun-browned features. -He felt no actual fear, only unusual excitement, and a vague wonder as -to what would be the end of this conflict. All through the night as -he lay in the canoe he had been thinking the matter out. He and all -his comrades were well aware of the evil reputation of Jules Lapon's -band, and to Steve it had become abundantly clear that, strive as -they might, they could not hope to reach their journey's end without -molestation. The enemy were too many. They travelled light, while he -and his friends carried stores, to which they were absolutely bound to -cling, for without them they could not exist through the winter. Then -surely it would be better to meet this band of rascals now, while they -too were fresh, and do their best to beat them. - -"I am sure it is the right movement," he said to himself. "We have -a good chance of taking them by surprise, and an ambush is just the -thing to upset these redskins. If we can kill a few the rest may give -up the attempt. What is that?" - -He started and leaned forward to look at Jim. The old trapper had -turned right round and was again staring at the far bank. Steve saw -him grip his musket barrel, and then signal to those in the tree. A -second later he had swung round once more, and was looking to the -opposite bank. Then Steve saw something of what was happening. A -minute earlier the tip of the bows of their own canoe was alone -showing, a bait to catch the enemy. But now the whole canoe was in -sight, and there was Talking Bear, stripped of his blanket, his paddle -in his hand, pushing out into the river with all his strength. And -after him floated the canoe laden with the precious possessions for -which they were being hunted. - -Steve was dumfounded. He stared with wide-open eyes at the redskin, -and then swung round to Jim. The trapper crouched in the osiers like a -wild cat, and as Steve looked he signalled with his hand to those in -the tree. His long finger shot out, and for a few seconds he pointed -to the forest on their own side, warning them as well as he could by -means of sundry waves and nods to be in full readiness. Then he turned -to the river and repeated the signals. - -"They're both sides of the Mohawk," gasped Tom. "Look there." - -Stealing through the forest, and making for the canoes as rapidly as -was possible were four painted redskins, while away on the far side -a hurried glance shewed Steve the hideous heads of two more of their -enemies. Had there been any doubt on the matter it was set at rest -within a very few seconds, for the peace of the river was suddenly -startled by a sharp and loud report, which sent the birds soaring from -the branches. A bullet flew from the far side of the river and long -before the report had died down Talking Bear crumpled up as if he had -been struck on the head with an enormous hammer, and sprawled out in -the bottom of the canoe. Then the war whoop of the redskins burst from -the trees, that whoop which had set hundreds of white men and women -trembling. Some twenty heads burst from the trees on the farther bank, -and in a trice one of the painted warriors had leaped into the water -and struck out for the drifting canoes. - -"He will get aboard and row them back," thought Steve, the meaning -of it all flashing across his brain. "Then they will embark, and no -matter how many of the men on this side are killed, the others will be -able to reach us." - -It was clear, in fact, that on the possession of those two helpless -canoes depended the result of this momentous engagement. If they were -taken the little band of trappers would have the whole howling band -about them within a very few minutes, and then what chance would they -stand? - -Steve did not hesitate. There was a stout twig growing close by his -hand, and in an instant his musket dangled from it by means of the -sling. His tomahawk flew from his belt to his mouth, where he gripped -it between his teeth. Then, light and active as a cat, he dropped -on to the rock beneath, his moccasins making not a sound, and ere -his father could gather his intentions the gallant young fellow had -entered the water. - - - - -Chapter IV - -Steve makes a Suggestion - - -Two strides from the rocky bank took Steve into deep water, where he -struck out for the drifting canoes, his long and powerful strokes -cleaving a path for him through the river. Behind him he left his -father and Silver Fox dumfounded at his sudden action, and almost -inclined to follow. But they had another matter to occupy their -attention, for Steve had been very wary. He had soon realised that the -enemy were in two parties, and guessed that the four redskins making -for the hidden canoes were unaware of the presence of the trappers. -It was important that they should still remain in ignorance, and, -mindful of this, the young fellow had made not a sound as he departed. -The bush and the thick leaves of the tree had hidden him from the -keen eyes of the enemy, while his presence in the water was hidden by -the thick bank of osiers. So careful had he been, in fact, that the -redskins had no suspicions, and as their brothers on the far bank set -up their hideous war-whoop, the four who were stealing towards the -canoes sent back answering whoops, and thinking that longer caution -was unnecessary, they dashed towards the bank of reeds. - -Crash! They were met with a volley, aimed from the tree and the reeds, -and hardly had the reports died down when Jim's voice was heard. - -"Two of the varmint's down," he bellowed. "After the others." - -Like a hound let loose from the leash this active trapper threw down -his musket and dashed through the reeds, his tomahawk in his hand, -while Mac went bounding after him, his coon-skin cap fallen from his -head, and his red hair blowing out behind him. - -"Afther thim, the blackguards!" he cried, waving to Jim. - -"Steady! Take the man to the right," shouted Tom suddenly, swinging -his smoking musket over his shoulder and reaching out for the weapon -which Steve had suspended to the tree. Up went the heavy stock to his -shoulder, the barrel poked out through the leaves and for one brief -second followed the crouching figure of one of the redskins, who was -making off through the forest. A loud report startled the silence, and -as Tom dropped the barrel the Indian leaped into the air, a discordant -shriek burst from his lips, and in a second he was rolling over and -over in the long grass and brambles for all the world like a rabbit -which has been shot when bolting. - -"My brother has the eye of a hawk, even as has his son," said Silver -Fox, busily ramming down a fresh charge and powdering the pan of his -long musket. "Three of our number picked out one of these enemies, -and he died at once. Another was struck by a single bullet, and he -lies there, close to the reeds. The fourth will be slain within a -little while. Listen, my brother, there is noise on the far side of -the river." - -There was indeed a commotion. For a little while the twenty or more -warriors over there had kept up their awful whooping, and as their -comrades on the near side had responded, the shouts and whoops became -even greater. But now that the rifles of the trappers had spoken -so suddenly and unexpectedly, the babel became even worse. Painted -redskins showed up openly on the bank, frantically waving their -muskets, while two stood in the water ready to reinforce the man who -was swimming out to the drifting canoes. - -"They are as much startled and taken aback as are we," said Tom -Mainwaring. "Keep steady here, Silver Fox, and let us see what we can -do for the young hawk. My son will reach the canoes almost at the same -time as that redskin, and a bullet from us might help. Ah, they are -firing." While he spoke he rammed fresh charges into the two muskets -with feverish energy, his eyes all the time roaming from the surface -of the river to the figures on the far bank. As he had said, it seemed -more than likely that Steve would reach the canoes as soon as the -redskin, for his long powerful strokes were taking him through the -water at a rapid pace, and as if fortune had decided to help him a -slight breeze which had since got up came sweeping along the river and -drifted the two craft towards him. - -"Stay here, my brother," whispered Silver Fox suddenly. "There are -others who are attempting to reach the canoes. Silver Fox will help -the young Hawk." - -He dropped from the tree as light as a feather, and when Tom looked -down there was the Indian stealing along through the trees, his musket -trailing and one hand busily engaged in sweeping the ground before -him. This redskin had not lived the life of his race for nothing. He -knew that even in the excitement of all that was occurring there would -be ears on the far side of the river listening for sounds of an enemy, -and he was well aware that a broken branch, the crushing of some -piece of brittle drift wood, would give the enemy on the far shore -an inkling of what was happening. To him it was as simple as playing -to creep through the forest like a snake. Even Tom, who knew his -intentions and the direction he had taken, could not follow his track. -There was not even a swaying branch to show where he was. - -Meanwhile Steve had made good progress, and was within a few strokes -of the canoes. Could he reach the one in which Talking Bear lay before -the Indian came up with it? No! There was a commotion in the water -on the far side of the frail craft, a red hand gripped the gunwale, -and as he looked the hideous painted face of the Indian came into -full view. His leg was thrown over the edge, and in a twinkling he had -taken his place, panting with his exertions, the water dripping from -his body and streaming from his scalp-lock and his feathered headdress. - -[Illustration: "COME NEARER THAT I MAY KILL YOU EASILY," HE SAID] - -"Come nearer that I may kill you easily," he said, gripping his -tomahawk and leaning towards Steve. "Come nearer, pale face, for if -you would flee I will dive in after you." - -Steve made no answer, and indeed took little notice of the man. -Without pausing in his course, he surged nearer to the canoe, and then -suddenly dived beneath the water as if he were making for the farther -side. And very fortunately for him the rain of the previous night had -coloured the river a deep brown, so that it was almost impossible to -detect the whereabouts of anyone beneath the surface. The Indian stood -upright for a moment, staring into the water. Then he leaned one hand -on the far side of the canoe, and waited, his keen tomahawk poised in -the air, ready to strike the instant the pale face appeared. - -"He will come up just beneath me," he said in guttural tones. "I will -see how far I can cleave this pale face. Pah! who but a pale face -would attempt such a manoeuvre? By taking his eyes from me for even a -second he throws his life away. His scalp is mine and shall hang from -my belt ere his comrades have time to fire at me. Ah! That was one of -their bullets." - -A look of scorn passed across his ferocious features as a missile sent -from Silver Fox's weapon screamed past his ear. A miss was a miss to -this redskin warrior. He had no time for sentiment, for consideration -as to how near he had been to losing his life. - -"Surely the pale face will rise," he exclaimed, his equanimity -somewhat upset by the fact that Steve had not yet appeared. "It is -long since he dived. His breath cannot last much longer. Ah! Perhaps -he turned back towards the bank when under the water." - -He swung round to the other side, his draggled feathers and hair -swishing a cascade of water on to the surface of the river. But there -was no sign of Steve, nothing to tell where he had got to, nothing but -the frantic calls of his comrades on the bank. - -"Look behind you. Look to the smaller canoe," they bellowed, for -their keen eyes had been watching the contest, and not a movement had -escaped them. "Dive! Leave the canoe!" - -The Indian started, swung his head round, and then stood as if -transfixed. For the cunning of a redskin had for once been outmatched -by the astuteness and coolness of a pale face. Steve knew well enough -that the man who reached the canoe first would have the game in his -hands, and realised that were he to venture to the surface on either -side of the craft taken possession of by the Indian he would be -immediately tomahawked. An instant before he plunged beneath the -water a better plan had flashed across his brain. - -"There is a spare musket in the store canoe," he said to himself. "If -I can only reach it." - -Two strokes beneath the surface took him under the larger canoe and -away to the stern of the smaller one. He rose silently to the surface, -and as the redskin peered into the river, expecting him to rise at any -instant, our hero gripped the gunwale, lifted his head and shoulders -clear of the stream and groped with one hand for the musket. It was -there, just where he had left it, and in a very little while he had it -to his shoulder. It was not the place he would have chosen for a shot, -for it is no easy matter to hang to a frail canoe with the gunwale -tucked as it were beneath one arm, and lift a heavy musket to the -shoulder. However, Steve was not the lad to miss such an opportunity, -particularly when the safety and lives of his companions depended on -his success. He steadied himself with an effort, brought the barrel -in a line with the Indian, and as the latter threw his hands over his -head and leaped for the water, he took a steady pull on the trigger. -Instantly a frantic cheer burst from the near bank, while Steve slid -from the store canoe and clambered into the other. - -"Well done, boy! Bravely done, Steve. Look out for those other -redskins. Paddle in if you can." - -"Git yer fire iron filled," bellowed Jim. "Yer can't paddle away from -the critters. Ram in a charge." - -But the backwoodsman had forgotten that Steve had been under the -water. Everything on him was thoroughly drenched, and no doubt some -moisture had leaked into his powder horn. He looked down at it, saw -that it was useless to reload, and then plunged a paddle into the -water. - -"Cover me with your guns," he shouted. "If they come up I will club -them with the butt. My powder is saturated. Ah, here come the bullets." - -Something screeched past his nose, and as he listened he heard the -mass of lead thud with a dull and heavy sound against a tree on the -bank. Then followed a dozen shots, one of which penetrated the side -of the canoe, while a second chipped a big corner from the end of his -paddle. A third lodged on the rock by which he and his comrades had -disembarked, and, ricochetting from it, flew off into the forest with -a scream which was even more disconcerting than was the sound made by -the bullets which had been so near to striking him. - -"Bend low! Keep under as much as you can," shouted Tom. "Now, boys, -pick off some of those rascals." - -The burly backwoodsman had taken his stand beside a small tree, -keeping the trunk between himself and the enemy, and now his musket -shot up to his shoulder; he took a steady aim at one of the figures -on the far bank and calmly pulled the trigger; for Judge Mainwaring -was not the man to lose his accustomed coolness, even though his only -son was in danger. Jim and Mac followed his example, while Silver -Fox stared for a moment at the foremost of the two redskins swimming -towards Steve. He dropped his musket suddenly, fell on his face and -slid down the steep bank into the water. None of those on the far side -saw his figure as he carried out the movement, and the wary native -gave them no opportunity after that till he had covered many yards. -Then as his head popped up from the surface the enemy on the farther -side set up a deafening howl, shouting warnings to their brother. - -"Keep up the firing," said Tom, coolly. "Silver Fox will settle that -fellow and Steve will get clear. Hah! I doubt whether they are in time -to warn the rascal." - -"They ain't," responded Jim, shortly. "He don't hear. The water's in -his ears and I reckon he ain't a notion what's happening." - -It appeared indeed that this was actually the fact, for in spite of -the bellows of the redskins on the far bank their comrade still forced -his way through the water, evidently unaware that he would soon have a -second opponent to deal with. Suddenly the water swirled in front of -him, a hand shot out of the muddy depths and the fingers closed about -the tomahawk which the man carried between his teeth. Then, as the -draggled feathers of Silver Fox's head-dress emerged from the water, a -blade gleamed in the air. There was a dull crash, a shrill cry and the -contest was over. Silver Fox was swimming back to his friends, the -third Indian having meanwhile retreated to the other bank. - -"Jest keep on pepperin' the varmint," sang out Jim. "They've given us -a good chance, and I reckon we've made a few of the critters sit up. -Keep at it, boys, so that they can't fire too strong at Steve and Fox." - -Five minutes later Steve steered the leading canoe into the gap made -in the big bed of osiers, and having pulled in the second, with its -precious store of trade goods, leaped lightly ashore. - -"I rather fancy we have had the best of that little action," he said -with a smile. "Talking Bear is the only one who has suffered. He was -hit in the head, and must have been killed instantaneously. - -"That's one to them 'ere varmint, then," growled Jim. "How many air we -to put down on our side?" - -"The two who swam out, and three others on the far bank, that makes -five," said Tom, counting them on his fingers. - -"Sure, have ye forgotten the others?" asked Mac. "There was two kilt -by the first volley, and one that Tom fetched over with Steve's gun." - -"There was that," admitted Jim, grimly. "Then there was the other -fellow. He skipped through the forest at a powerful rate, and I doubt -that we should ha' got him ef it hadn't been for this here Mac. Tell -'em how you worked it, lad." - -Thus called upon, the short and sturdy Irishman pulled his cap from -his head and flushed as red as his own hair. - -"Sure, Oi've a way of runnin'," he said. "Whin this redskin took off -through the forest Oi wint afther him as quick as Oi was able." - -"And?" questioned Tom. - -"And that's all. Sure Oi was up wid him before ye could wink, and thin -we rushed at one another. Thrust an Oirishman to pick up a bhit of -sthick whin a row's in the air. Oi caught holt of a fallen branch as -Oi ran, and when he jumped at me wid his tomahawk, faith I laid him -flat with the branch. He's kilt." - -Very carefully did the little band check off the number of the slain, -their pleasure damped by the thought that only nine had fallen. For -the reader must recollect that these constant conflicts between pale -face and redskin were waged without mercy. To expect it from any of -the unfriendly tribes was to expect something which no redskin had -ever possessed. These inhabitants of the forest wildernesses were -trained to ferocity. The history of their tribal wars, of their -contests with French and English colonists, is one long tale of -atrocities, of frightful cruelties, of sudden attacks upon absolutely -defenceless settlements, of merciless butchery of women and children, -and of unheard of tortures practised on any who might happen to be -spared for a while. Was it wonderful that the white man, with his -natural inclination to peace and goodwill, and his abhorrence of -unfair fighting and of torture, should be driven in time to fight as -did these redskin fiends? Mercy on their part to a fallen enemy was a -mistaken virtue. Clemency was rewarded in the majority of cases by the -foulest treachery. The redskin who was set free to return to his tribe -after an unsuccessful attack too often would turn upon his deliverer -when danger was unsuspected, and within an hour of receiving kindness -from him, would murder him and his defenceless family, and make off -through the woods, triumphant at the thought of scalps so easily -obtained. - -No. This was always war to the death. A wounded man was as good as -dead, for no quarter was asked for or given. Every additional man -brought to the ground was an advantage to the weaker side, and a -greater inducement to those who had lost him to wreak vengeance on -those who had brought about his downfall. Such was the barbarous -nature of forest warfare when Steve went on the trail. - -"Jest nine of the skunks," said Jim, staring across at the farther -bank. "That leaves the critters jest about twenty. Reckon we ain't out -of this here muss yet." - -"But we are better off by far," cried Tom. "Supposing the division of -these redskins had been the other way. Supposing there had been some -twenty-five on this side, and only four on the other." - -"We hadn't a chance. Reckon we should ha' been wiped clean out by -this," said Jim, with emphasis. "Yer can't shoot down twenty-five, -however well yer may be posted. They'd have rushed us, most likely, -and then it would have been all up. As it air we're well out so far, -and I say as we owe it to this here Steve and to Silver Fox. Ef this -young feller hadn't slipped into the river and swum to the canoes, -them varmint would have been over here by now. I reckon it war a 'cute -idea to get a hold of that musket and shoot. How'd yer come to do it, -Steve?" - -"Well, I didn't see a chance of getting possession of the canoes in -any other way," said Steve modestly. "If I had come up alongside after -diving, he would have killed me." - -"As easy as you'd kill a fly," cried Jim. "You may take that as -sartin." - -"Then I thought of the gun, and struck out under the water in the -direction of the smaller canoe." - -"There was never a more astonished Indian," interrupted Tom. "Steve, -you've done well. All here agree with what I say. I'm glad you've -shown such 'cuteness. It does credit to my teaching, and I've done my -best to let you learn the life of a backwoodsman. But let us talk of -something else. We are not cut of the mess yet, by a long way. But we -have a litt'e time in which to breathe and look round. What will those -rascals do now, and how are we to get away up the river?" - -He turned to Jim, as the most experienced of the hunters, and waited -patiently for him to answer. It was, indeed, a question which required -consideration, and even an experienced hunter and trapper, such as -Hunting Jim undoubtedly was, could not come to an instant decision. - -"Reckon it air one of them points as wants a deal of figuring," he -said, as he scratched his head and stared across the river. "Yer may -bet as them critters is watchin'. They've got under cover, 'cos they -found as our firin' was better'n they thought. But they're thar. Them -bushes covers the hul crowd of 'em. Suppose we get to work at their -canoes first of all, and that'll give me a chanst to think out this -here matter." - -Setting Silver Fox to watch the opposite side of the river, the four -trappers crossed to the osiers, taking good care to keep well out of -sight. They found the five canoes lying side by side, and at once drew -their tomahawks with a view to cutting holes in the sides and bottoms. -In fact, they were about to commence on the work when Steve gave a -sudden exclamation. - -"Suppose we wait a little, father," he said eagerly. - -"Wait! Supposin' them critters cross higher up?" - -It was the wily Jim who asked the question, staring at Steve with -a grim smile on his lips. "Ah. Them varmint wants to make us think -they're stayin' over yonder. Them bullets came close." - -Three reports rang out from the far bank as he spoke, and the shots -flew through the osiers, stripping a shower of flat leaves from the -reeds. - -"Perhaps they guess we are about to destroy their canoes," whispered -Tom. "But I admit that they are likely to attempt to swim across -unseen, and come down upon us. We should make nothing of such a -crossing, and you may be sure that they would not. They would cut -down a few reeds to carry their muskets and their powder, and would -soon get to this side. If they try that game, we must slip away at -once, and we can rely on Silver Fox to give us a warning. Look for -yourselves. The river runs without a bend for a very long way, and our -look-out would detect any such movement." - -"That air right. Reckon you've put it square, Judge," said Jim. -"What's this young Steve got to say? You was supposin'." - -"I suggested that we should leave these canoes for a time. At any -moment we can destroy them, for a few slashes with a tomahawk will do -all that is required." - -"That air so. What then?" - -"One moment," answered Steve. "Supposing we were to get aboard our -canoes and put out into the river, what would happen?" - -"Happen? Reckon you'd soon hear from them ere critters. Ef yer think -of doin' a thing like that, Steve Mainwarin', why you ain't the son -of Judge here. Ef yer want to get killed so badly, best paddle clean -across an' invite them fellers to wipe the hul party out properly. It -ain't in reason," he went on, hotly. "Ef we was aboard, all packed -together, they'd pick us off like birds." - -"If they could see us," ventured Steve, smiling at Jim's excitement. - -"Ef they could see us! Thunder! Do yer think there's a redskin as -wouldn't be able, even at night. 'Sides, the moon'll be up soon after -the night comes, and with the light they'd have, shootin' would be -easier. Jest shake yerself, Steve." - -He looked severely at the young trapper, and then turned as Tom broke -in upon the silence which had followed the old backwoodsman's words. - -"You wait a little, Jim," said the burly Englishman. "Steve has given -us a hint more than once in the past twenty-four hours. Try him again. -I'll be bound he's got something under that hunting cap of his. He's a -regular young conspirator. What is it, Steve?" - -"Just this. We are stranded here I take it. We cannot move into the -river, for the Indians would shoot us down. They cannot easily cross, -for we have their canoes, and I am sure that they have no others -hidden along the river. That is why they sent four men along this -side, with instructions to paddle the whole lot across. Until the -night comes they can do very little. But once it is dark they will -send half their number over, and then we shall be in danger of attack. -So it comes to this. They can afford to wait, and, in fact, must do -so. We cannot. If we wait they will be across before the night is an -hour old, and then with a party on either side, even though they have -no canoes, they will have us." - -Tom nodded emphatically, while Jim scratched amongst the osiers with -the soft toe of his moccasin. - -"That air so," he drawled. "Then what's the ticket?" - -"We must move. I thought that with these canoes to help us we might -manage to get away. Now, Jim, don't open your mouth as if you would -like to swallow me. Do you think these reeds would keep out a bullet -if piled fairly close together?" - -For a second the trapper looked closely at the osiers, feeling them -with his hand. He tore one out by the roots, and then gripped it -between his teeth. - -"They're soft and pulpy inside," he said, a light gathering on his -face. "Reckon, as they stand, a bullet would rip through 'em as if -they was only cotton. See that! Ain't I right?" - -Another series of reports had suddenly rung out from the far side, and -again the leaden messengers tore through the osiers. - -"Jest as ef they was cotton," he repeated. "But ef yer was to pile -'em close together, then I reckon a bullet would find it hard to get -through. Steve, you ain't such a duffer as I thought, not by a long -way. What're yer after?" - -"Just this," laughed Steve, for his nimble brain had hit upon a plan -which might help the whole party. "We have five canoes here. We can -break up two of them, and by jamming the sides into two of the others -can raise the gunwales from the water. Then we can pack them with -reeds. They'll take a lot without sinking, for these stalks are very -light and buoyant. Once we're ready we can float them out between us -and the redskins, and then they can fire till they're tired." - -Jim threw his cap in the air, and, unmindful of the fact that the -action immediately brought a shower of bullets, danced and capered -in the reeds. He was a queer and light-hearted trapper. For all his -sagacity and cunning, he was but a boy, and behaved like one when -anything out of the way happened. - -"Cap'n," he cried, gripping Steve by the hand. "I ain't fit to lead -this party no longer. Reckon you've won the place. Boys, we air goin' -ter do as Steve says, and get the laugh on them critters." - - - - -Chapter V - -Jules Lapon is Disappointed - - -Steve Mainwaring had suddenly leaped higher in the estimation of his -comrades, and even Tom Mainwaring, who was apt to look upon his son -with the proud eye of an indulgent father, now regarded him with eyes -which shone with strange enthusiasm. For Steve had done well. Even -when he was only a little mite he had shown courage, and as he grew -bigger and stronger, and mastered the ways of the backwoodsmen and -the habits of the Indians, amongst some of whom he was often thrown, -his elders had seen that he was a promising pupil, while the redskins -themselves had christened him the Hawk, no small compliment from such -a race. Then Steve had a great advantage. While learning the ways of -the backwoods, he had had an excellent education from his father, -which added something to his astuteness. And now, little by little, -these grizzled veterans of the forest were beginning to discover his -worth. They had already found in him a lad who could barter their -pelts far better than they could. Hitherto they had been always able -to rely upon his sagacity, his courage, and his shooting, and now---- - -"Cap'n," repeated Jim again, pushing his coon-skin cap back from -his bald head and gripping Steve's hand. "That 'ere plan air 'cute. -Thunder! One of these here redskin skunks wouldn't ha' thought of it, -and when they see us come out from the bank, why----" - -The thought was too much for the old hunter. He stood staring into -Steve's face, taking closer stock of the lad perhaps than he had -ever done before, for familiarity with a person often makes us slow -to discover virtues, which, after all, are only buried beneath the -surface. Good points, which are hardly skin deep, and which have -escaped our notice hitherto, only become apparent when some unusual -incident brings them prominently before our eyes. - -"That air a lad to be proud of, Judge," he said, wiping the -perspiration from his forehead. "Reckon he's lain quiet up to this, -or else we should ha' found him out. He's got a bit of your way of -stayin' quiet, and openin' his mouth only when he's axed a question or -when there's need for a lawyer or a cap'n. It's sartin he's got the -hang of this matter, and I votes that he leads till we're home agin. -'Twon't do no harm to us. What do yer say, red head?" - -Mac doubled an enormous fist, shook it in Jim's face and grinned, a -grin which set his lips back from his teeth, and exposed a cavity -reaching almost from ear to ear. It was the grin of a man who has -suddenly heard good news, and who has had a load taken from his mind. - -"Red head! Bedad, 'tis mesilf as will choke the loife out of ye, -Huntin' Jim. 'Twould be aisier for ye to stand out there and ax some -of thim varmint to put a bullet into ye, so it would. Red head!" - -The knuckles of his tanned and brawny fist rested against Jim's nose, -but provoked not a movement. - -"Waal, what do yer say?" Jim growled, his eyes flashing. - -"Say? Sure that Oi'll be onaisy if Steve don't take over the place. -Faith, 'tis his idea, and a man should have the chanst of carryin' it -out." - -"It is an honour, and one which the boy will appreciate," said Tom, -solemnly. "Steve, we appoint you the captain. Give your orders." - -"Yes, give the orders, lad," cried Jim, his kindly features lighting -up with real pleasure, while he continued to stare at this tall young -hunter, noticing his good looks, his fearless and alert appearance, -and the good temper which lurked in every line of his sun-tanned face. -"You've settled about them canoes. Git along with the job." - -Steve was somewhat overcome at the turn events had taken, but a glance -at his father and at his old companions soon assured him that they -were in earnest, and would support him. - -"I feel too young for the task," he said, "but I grant the experience -will be a fine one, and may some day be of the utmost use to me. Then -we'll set to work. Take your hunting knives and slit two of the canoes -down through the centre of the bow and stern. Mac, get along and -cut a few vine tendrils, and keep that red head down. The redskins -couldn't miss you." - -There was a roar at that, a hearty laugh which showed that Steve's -plan had encouraged the whole party, and had shown them a method by -which they might extricate themselves from a very awkward and serious -predicament. And to hear this young fellow commence his command by a -little good-humoured banter delighted them. - -"Arrah, now, Masther Steve. Is that the way ye'd reward me?" cried the -jovial Mac, as he powdered the pan of his heavy musket. "Have a care, -me bhoy. 'Tis yerself as will be howlin' for mercy if Mac gets a holt -of ye." - -Steve waved him away, and while the Irishman went to get the tendrils, -he and the others splashed through the oozy bed of the river, pushing -their way through the reeds till they came to the canoes hidden there -by their pursuers. Every now and again a report rang out on the far -side of the river, and a bullet whistled through the reeds, but -fortunately without hitting any of them, though some came very near. -Indeed, on one occasion they were in the greatest danger, for one of -the enemy, suspecting that they were amidst the reeds, crept higher -up the far bank, till he could get a full view of the nose of the -canoe which had first caught Steve's eye. He reckoned that if the pale -faces were there they would be in amongst the craft, and levelling his -barrel to what he thought must be the correct position, he fired. - -"Thunder!" exclaimed Jim, as Tom's skin cap leaped into the air, spun -round, and flew in amongst the reeds. "Them 'ere varmint kin shoot. -Jest a moment while I talk to that critter. Get out of these reeds." - -They crept to the bank and lay down under the bushes, while the active -trapper clambered into a tree and stared across the river. Presently -they saw his barrel come to the horizontal position, where he held it -till something caught his eye. Then the stock went to his shoulder, -his brown cheek fell closer to it, and his eye squinted along the -sights. There was a sharp crack on the far side, a spurt of flame -and smoke issued from the bushes, while a bullet ploughed into the -reeds, and thudded heavily against the bank. At the same instant -Jim's piece spoke, and as his comrades looked they saw the barrel of -a gun suddenly emerge from the cover opposite. It seemed to leap into -the air, and after it came the painted face and then the body of an -Indian. He stood stock still for an instant, staring at the reeds, and -then with a hideous yell fell face foremost into the river, his death -bringing loud whoops from his friends. - -"Reckon that'll make 'em a bit careful," said Jim, clambering down -and reloading. "Them skunks had got to think that we couldn't shoot. -They'll see now that some of us know the business-end of a musket. -Them orders, Steve?" - -"Let us tackle the canoes and make ready." - -Once more they crept into the reeds, their hunting knives in their -hands. A few slashes cut through the strong sinews with which the ends -of the craft were sewn, while Steve divided the huge strip of birch -back along the centre. Another canoe was served in the same manner, -when they found themselves in possession of four pieces as long as -their own canoe, or almost so. And now they threw themselves on a -third canoe, erecting their strips along the side, and pegging them -in position with pieces cut from a tree, while Mac made all secure by -piercing the strips and lashing them firmly with vine tendrils. The -work came happily to their hands, for backwoodsmen were skilled in the -manufacture of canoes. - -"That 'ere ship air ready," said Jim at length. "We can fill her till -the water comes above the gunwale of the canoe, and she won't sink." - -"And if we care to carry out the same work with these other two, we -can have two ships floating side by side, and they at least should -keep out the bullets," said Steve. "What do you think?" - -"Think! Ain't you the cap'n?" - -"Then we'll do it. Let's get along with the job." - -While Steve and Jim began to construct a second craft which would hold -a pile of reeds, Mac and Tom crept through the osiers, cutting bundles -away with their hunting knives. They kept steadily at the work till -they had cut down the greater part of the bed, leaving a thick outer -fringe to hide them from the enemy. The leaves were then lopped off, -and the stems piled into the first of the special craft constructed, -till they reached to a point above the high sides provided. - -"Float her now and see whether she is top heavy," said Steve. "That -was a good idea of Mac's to put a few rocks at the bottom." - -Very carefully they pushed the strange craft into the water till she -floated close beside their own canoe. Then they tested her stability -by pressing the load over to either side. - -"As steady as you could wish," said Steve. "Her gunwale is a couple -of inches above the water, so she will ship very little. Now for the -second." - -Within an hour they were ready, the two craft laden with reeds being -lashed firmly together and floated to the far side of their own canoe. -There was still a little to do. At Tom's suggestion Mac cut a couple -of stout boughs, and these were attached to the stem and stern of the -nearest craft, and the other ends to the stem and stern of the canoe -in which they would take their places. - -"If a bullet does happen to come through, it will drop in the water," -he said. "Again, we might find it convenient to set fire to the reeds -in the outer one, and make use of the smoke as a covering. The wind -is blowing right across to the far side of the river, and the reeds -happen to be well soaked after last night's rain. There would be -little danger of the covering being burned too soon." - -"A grand idea," cried Steve. "What do you say, Jim?" - -"That Tom and Steve air mighty 'cute, and don't want no teachin'. -Judge, I guessed as yer had somethin' in that big head of yours. That -'ere idea air almost better'n Steve's. Set fire to the reeds we will, -and a fine smoke them Injuns'll see. Reckon they'll be choked." - -He went off chuckling to bring in Silver Fox, the latter having -meanwhile kept an eagle eye on the far bank. - -"They have moved a little," he said slowly. "The enemy have spread up -and down the bank, and watch us like hawks. Do my brothers think to -paddle away? Surely there will be few of us to whom a bullet will not -come." - -"And supposing we wait till it is dark?" asked Steve. - -"Then our scalps will hang at their belts. A little sooner will make -no difference. Silver Fox is ready." - -"And supposing again that we move off now and have some cover, for -instance, this, and set fire to the reeds in the outer canoe?" - -Steve pointed to the strange craft which they had prepared, and waited -eagerly for the answer, for Silver Fox was a cunning Mohawk, and if a -thing could pass his eyes and meet with approval, then it was good. He -strode towards the growing reeds, tore one up by the roots and bit it, -just as Jim had done. Then he turned gravely to the party. - -"The pale faces are great and brave foes," he said. "They press on and -on into the forests, which were the hunting grounds of the Indian, and -they forget the defeat they have suffered, the dead they have left. -Nothing can or will stop them. They die like buffalo, fighting for -their lives. Their cunning is at first as nothing to the cunning of -the Shawnees and other foes, and so their scalps hang in many and many -a wigwam. But death and loss have taught them. They have become men of -the river and forests themselves, and their cunning is great. Surely -the Great Father must have aided them, for how else could they have -thought of such a device. Silver Fox has spoken and is ready." - -He walked to the tree at the foot of which Steve and Tom had -reverently laid the body of poor Talking Bear, and looked closely into -his face. Then he stooped, took the belt, the tomahawk, and the bullet -pouch of the fallen redskin, and strode down the bank. - -"Farewell, my brother," he said. "You have been a faithful friend, -a kind companion, and a mighty fighter. The wigwam will know you no -more, and the men of the war parties will miss your strong arm. These -I take so that all may keep your memory." - -It was a very simple little ceremony, but affecting for all that, and -caused Steve to gulp down something which seemed to fill his throat. -For the lad, though a skilful hunter, was not hardened to the ways -of the Indians and the pioneers of the forest. A life was a life, a -friend a friend to be mourned after his death and thought of often. - -And so they turned away from the silent figure, leaving the still -form of the painted warrior lying there in his blanket, shaded by -the foliage of a mighty tree, which has long since been felled to -make way for the iron road which now bears the rapid conveyance of -this bustling century. Who of those thousands who pass along the line -and look out of the windows at the fascinating scenery of the Mohawk -think of the days of which we write, or ever paint in their own minds -the birch canoes which then were paddled over the silent waters, and -the painted faces which stole through the forests, hunting the pale -faces, the sturdy fathers of a sturdy race which now fills the land of -promise? - -"Ready?" asked Steve, taking the lead. "Then, father, show us the way, -please, and take the paddle right astern. I will take that in the -bows, while Mac can use the one in the centre. Jim, we'll pile the -muskets just in front of father, and you will get in a shot if there -is an opportunity. One moment. Break up those spare paddles, Mac." - -All stepped quietly into their places, while Steve waded into the -water and steadied the canoe, pushing the one which held their stores -well behind him. When all was in readiness, he waded still farther in -and sprinkled a little powder on the reeds which filled the strange -craft farthest away. A few strokes of his steel against the flint set -the powder fizzling, and in a minute one of the reeds, which happened -to be drier than the others, was well alight. Using this as a match, -he went all along the load, firing it at close intervals. Then he -came back to the stern and made ready to push the canoes out. And -meanwhile the flames had done their work. Licking round the portions -of the outside layer of reeds, which happened to be dry, they soon set -them ablaze, and then began to ignite the damper portions. A cloud of -dense black smoke rose above the reeds, and, caught by the wind, went -billowing out across the river. Almost at once fierce whoops came from -the far shore, and there was a commotion amidst the forest cover. - -"Shout and dance, me beauties," laughed Jim grimly. "Set to at one of -yer war dances, if that'll do yer good. Reckon them 'ere varmint has a -notion we're burnin' their canoes. That's what all the rustle's about." - -"They will slay us with the torture should it chance that we fall into -their hands," said Silver Fox gravely. "This is a sore blow to our -enemies." - -"Then they have worse to follow," chimed in Steve. "I fancy that when -they see us floating away up the river they'll be more than a trifle -angry. Paddles out. Ready? Then, here we go." - -He pushed slowly till there was way on the canoes, and then with one -vigorous push sent the whole lot surging against the barrier of reeds -which hid the party from the enemy. And as he pushed for the last -time, he leaned his full weight on the sides of the canoe, and with a -dexterous movement clambered aboard. - -"Get hold of the paddle and make ready to swing round," sang out Tom. - -"We come out bows on, remember that, and shall have to face their -fire. There goes the first musket." - -They were out. The canoes had burst through the reeds into the open -river, and for a minute perhaps Steve looked at the opposite bank. He -saw a figure suddenly stand erect and emerge from behind a tree, and -watched as the barrel of a musket was levelled at him. There was a -loud report, a bullet whisked over his head, and smoke gushed from the -forest. Then there was a deafening explosion just behind him, and for -a few seconds he experienced the deafness and pain which are felt when -a weapon is discharged close to one's ear. But his eyes held to the -far bank, and once more he had need to praise Jim's shooting. - -"That 'ere redskin ain't too careful," growled the trapper. "Ef he'd -put his iron jest a bit lower, he'd have plugged Huntin' Jim as sure -as I'm standin'. Reckon he ain't fit to try again." - -It was true. The unerring eye of the trapper had fastened upon the -Indian as he levelled his musket, and Jim seldom made a mistake. He -was one of the hardy pioneers versed in Indian warfare who had learned -that it is better to hold one's fire and keep one's finger from the -trigger rather than send a bullet wide of the mark. - -"Yer can't afford to miss, Steve," he had often remarked, when the -young trapper was out on some excursion with him. "Some of these days -yer may run into a crowd of them redskins, and then you'll know that -the man as can shoot has a chance of keepin' his scalp. Reckon the -chap as don't know how ain't fit to wear haar." - -"Round with her. Paddle!" shouted Steve. "That's better. Now they can -fire till they are tired of the game. Whew! Doesn't it sound queer to -hear the bullets striking." - -Indeed it did. As the paddlers forced the strange craft up the river, -their course was followed by frantic whoops and by a perfect hail of -bullets. As fast as twenty men could fire and load again the muskets -sent their contents at the floating target, and time and again the -leaden messengers crashed into the reeds, many passing through the -outer pile and lodging in the centre of the second one, proving that -Steve's suggestion was a good one. Occasionally a bullet would hit the -mark somewhere near the top, and a shower of shredded reed would be -scattered over the party. Then, too, numbers of missiles flew astern -and ahead, for the smoke upset the aim of the enemy. - -And so for an hour Steve and his friends paddled up the river, -confident now of their security from bullets. As they progressed the -howling band ran abreast of them on the bank, and one or two of the -redskins actually entered the water in their frantic eagerness to come -up with the pale faces. But Jim put a stop to that. The smoke hid -him entirely from the sight of the enemy, while he himself had a good -view of the bank, and was well protected by the reeds. He stood in the -canoe, a pile of muskets at his feet, and just the top of his head -showing above the barrier. Then, every now and again, he straightened -himself a little more, his weapon went to his shoulder, and a shriek -told that the eye of the trapper had not erred. Indeed his good -shooting, the pace at which they paddled, and perhaps a failure in -ammunition soon resulted in a lull in the contest. Only an occasional -bullet now plunged into the reeds. - -"We can say good-bye to them very soon," said Steve suddenly, craning -his head round the barrier. "A couple of miles up, Swan creek runs -into the stream, and that should stop them. They will have to swim or -climb, and in either case we can draw away from them. When I give the -word, cut away the canoes and upset them. A few blows with a tomahawk -will make them useless, and send them to the bottom. Is that right, -father?" - -He appealed to Tom, for as yet this position of leader was strange to -him, and he felt somewhat abashed and modest, considering the age and -experience of his comrades. However, he had nothing to fear, for Tom -nodded energetically, while the garrulous Jim burst forth with a reply. - -"Jest you recollect as you're the cap'n," he laughed. "When yer give -an order, why, let it be an order. No hankey pankey, lad. If Mac -don't set to and follow your words, why, pass him along to me. I'll -make short work of the feller." - -"Bedad!" growled the Irishman. "Huntin' Jim, there'll be trouble for -ye sooner than ye expect. Will ye be quiet and listen to what the -cap'n's sayin'?" - -They were a merry party now. Merry and light-hearted, as in truth they -had a right to be, for every minute lightened their danger. Indeed, -hardly an hour had passed when they came abreast of the creek of -which Steve had spoken. It was wide and shallow, and cut into a big, -sweeping hollow formed in the side of a long rocky ridge. - -"There ain't a redskin as would attempt to swim it," said Jim with -decision, "and ef they make round behind the cliff, why, Steve, you -and me and Tom and Mac'll be at home long before they come out on the -far side. Reckon they'll give it up and get back to their huntin' -grounds. Boys, when we're back at the settlement we'll send the news -round, and there won't be another party making this side of the fall -for Albany. Murderin' cut-throats like them ought to be hounded down, -and ef they was our way----" - -"We should root them out," said Tom, quietly, "No body of -self-respecting settlers would put up with such a state of things. -Against such a band we of the settlement are secure. But it will not -be always so." - -He shook his head dubiously, while Jim and Mac nodded in agreement. - -"Reckon the thirteen States has got to put aside their baby squabbles -and put their backs to this work ef we air to stay at the settlement," -exclaimed Jim. "Trappers ain't powerful enough to stop the journeys of -the French and Injuns." - -How true his words were likely to prove the reader will be able -to learn. For the time had come long since for concerted action. -France had set a covetous eye on the valley of the Ohio, on the -smiling forest country lying to the west of the Alleghany Mountains, -and resistlessly, unchecked as yet, she had poured into the land. -There had been no concerted movement to check her. The thirteen -States which then constituted our American colonies made no combined -movement against the enemy. For the most part they were absolutely -apathetic. And while they sat at their ease, surrounded by comfort and -security, hundreds and hundreds of the log huts and settlements of -their brothers were being ravaged by the French and their relentless -Indians. The guns and the courage of thousands of trappers and hardy -backwoodsmen were insufficient now to stem the torrent. - -"The times are bad. There is trouble ahead," said Tom, thoughtfully. -"Let us hope it will pass by and leave our settlement undisturbed. But -I fear that that is too much to hope for. There is Jules Lapon." - -Yes. There was Jules Lapon, leader of the most reckless and cruel -bands of Indians, and a near neighbour now of Tom and his friends. - -"Well, we won't think of him and the troubles now," sang out Steve -cheerily. "We're well out of shot, and can cut the canoes adrift. Let -us get free of them and push on towards home." - -They hacked through the creepers which bound the ends of the boughs to -their own canoe, and then cut holes in the two craft which they had -so deftly prepared, ripping the sides and throwing the reeds out into -the river. A few minutes later the canoes which had proved so useful -were sweeping along, hopelessly injured, and long before Steve and his -friends had turned round the bend of the cliff they had disappeared -under the water. - -They dug their paddles into the stream now with a vengeance, and -sent their craft surging up the Mohawk, the echo of discordant yells -and whoops still coming to their ears. But they were secure from -pursuit, and never even troubled to look behind them. Turn and turn -about they struggled at the paddles, and in the course of seven days -found themselves at the end of their river journey. They had reached -the lake which emptied into the river, and their coming was greeted -by a tribe of Mohawk Indians. Then for two days they trudged through -the forest, the Mohawks helping to carry their stores. Above their -heads the branches grew in one long, continuous arch, hiding the -sun. Steve led the way, his record with this tribe of hardy warriors -now vastly increased after his recent exploits. His eye followed the -numerous blazes on the trees, slashes cut with Jim's tomahawk, and the -trappers' sure method of marking a path. - -"The last stage, I think," said Tom, on the evening of the second day, -when they came in sight of water. - -That evening there was a serious palaver round the camp fire, and -Silver Fox and his friends were rewarded with a portion of the stores. -On the following day when Steve and his friends stepped into a canoe -which had been hidden in the forest and pushed out on to this new -strip of water, the Mohawks waved a farewell to them from the bank. - -"Health and strength go with you, our brothers," cried Silver Fox, -his features wearing their usual impassiveness. "Call should there be -danger, and Silver Fox and his friends will surely come." - -Steve watched them as they dived into the forest, and then stared -down the river. They were on the Alleghany now, and a strong stream -was bearing them down to their own beloved settlement. Indeed, the -following day was hardly three hours old when all gave a shout of -recognition. - -"Thar's the place. And thar's Jimmy!" - -It was Jim who waved his cap and shouted, while a faint huzza came -back from the shore. They put the nose of the canoe towards a break in -the forest, and very soon Jim and Mac were greeting their wives, while -Tom and Steve looked on in silence. They unpacked the canoes, pulled -them up, and separated, Steve and his father making for their own -humble but comfortable log cabin. - - - - -Chapter VI - -Left in Charge - - -"Marse Steve, Marse Steve, I'se that glad to see you. I'se prayed and -prayed offen, and sometimes I think you never come home agin. Och, -honey, I'se glad you'se back agin." - -The black boy who acted as Tom's housekeeper wept with joy as the two -sturdy trappers stepped into the hut. He was busy superintending the -roasting of a wild turkey which hung to a string dangling over the -cabin fire, and the return of his masters was entirely unexpected. - -"I'se that glad, Marse Mainwaring and Marse Steve. Sammy wonder and -wonder when yo gwine to come to de log cab'n agin. Sholy yo stay here -now fo' ever." - -The faithful fellow looked up at them through his tears while he still -gripped both by the hand. - -"There, there, Sammy," said Tom at length, touched by the warm welcome -which the honest fellow had given them. "Let us have something to eat, -and afterwards we'll lie down and take the best rest we have had for -many a long day. We've been hunted, lad. Hunted by redskins." - -Sammy's mouth opened wide at that, and he stared still harder at his -master. Then he let his hand fall, and began to bustle about the -table, chattering as he prepared a meal for them. - -"Yo's sit down and eat and rest, Marse Mainwaring and Marse Steve," he -said, giggling between the words. "Den yo'se lie down, and Sammy watch -to seen no Red Injun come near to hurt yo. Marse Steve?" - -"Well, Sammy." - -"To'morrer p'raps yo sit outside'r the door and speak to Sammy? P'raps -yo tell us all what's happ'nd?" - -"Perhaps," answered Steve. "Now, hurry up with that turkey. Father and -I have not had a peaceful meal for many a day. As for sleep, I fancy -we have seldom had both eyes closed." - -It was wonderful the way in which they settled down at the log hut -which Tom had made his home. As if he had not been away from the place -for even an hour, Tom strode across to the fireplace, and, taking his -musket in his hand, spilled the powder from the pan, and blew the last -of the grains away. Then he laid the weapon across the buck horns -nailed to the logs, stringing the powder horn to one of the antlers, -and the bag of bullets opposite. His coon-skin cap went still higher, -while his damp moccasins were placed a few inches from the embers. -Steve followed suit, and very soon the two were discussing the wild -turkey. - -Some three weeks later, as Steve and Sammy were engaged in -manufacturing maple sugar, Tom came and sat on a log close by and -watched them carefully. They had three large iron cauldrons dangling -over log fires, while a fourth, a smaller one, hung over a separate -fire placed some yards from the others. And here they were making a -store of sugar to last them throughout the winter. Very early that day -Sammy and Steve had been out in the forest, and having blazed certain -of the maples, had set their jars beneath the slashes to catch the -sap. And now they were boiling the latter down, throwing fresh sap -into the larger cauldrons as the bubbling mass threatened to overflow -the sides. It was a long process, and for some hours now they had been -engaged in the task. They had boiled and boiled the mass till their -store of sap was reduced to a third of its former volume, and now that -third was placed in the smaller cauldron. Tom watched as they lifted -the latter from its iron support and poured its contents into stone -vessels to crystallise and cool. - -"Steve," he called out. "Steve, I'm going away. I'll be back in a -couple of months if nothing turns up to stop me." - -Steve was not surprised. His father had gone away from the settlement -on some business on several occasions before, while he had remained to -keep house. - -"Very well, father," he said. "I'll stay here and look out for your -return. It will be winter almost by the time you come back." - -"Almost, lad. About the Indian summer, I fancy, Steve." - -He looked closely at his son as he called him again. - -"Steve, my lad, these are uncertain times, and--and I might not have a -chance of coming back. If I should not, there is a lot that you should -learn in the next few years. Things you have never dreamed of. If I am -not back in a year, if anything happens to me, just go to this address -and hand in this letter. There it is. Now, I'm going." - -It was not the backwoods fashion to take long in preparing for a -journey, and so it happened that Tom Mainwaring set out for the -Alleghany within half an hour of his conversation with Steve. They -parted some ten miles from the log hut, Tom turning his face for the -coast, while our hero stepped back to the settlement. And there for a -little more than a month he went on quietly with the usual routine. He -fished and shot and laid in a store of corn and dried bear's meat for -the coming winter, the grinning Sammy looking after the log hut when -he was away. Now and again, too, Mac and Jim would come over and spend -an evening with him, while Steve would return the visit. For within -ten miles of the hut there were some fifteen families, and it was the -custom for all to visit one another. - -And so the days passed uneventfully till one bright morning in late -September, when there was a crispness in the air which denoted the -coming winter. A shout from Sammy brought Steve to the door of the log -hut. - -"Marse Steve," he cried. "There's people sure on the water. They's -comin' dis way." - -Two canoes were being paddled down the river, and as Steve looked they -turned towards the bank, with the evident intention of putting in at -the rough landing stage where his own canoes lay. - -"They are strangers," said Steve at once, shading his eyes from the -slanting rays of the sun. "There are three white men in the first -canoe, and three Indians in the second. I think that they have come -from the French settlements." - -He went to the buck horns over which his gun was suspended, and slung -the weapon across his shoulders. Then he took his bullet pouch, his -powder horn and tomahawk, and issued from the hut. By this time the -strangers had landed, and as Steve walked down towards them the three -white men moved towards a giant tree which grew within a few paces of -the bank, a tree which stood alone amidst a host of blackened stumps; -for when Tom had first come to the place virgin forest covered the -land, and he had expended much labour in clearing it. - -"What can they be doing?" wondered Steve, seeing the three halt at the -foot of the tree and lift an object against the trunk. "They seem to -be nailing something to the tree." - -A few minutes later he arrived within a couple of yards of the group, -and at once unslung his rifle, for with a start he recognised one of -the strangers. It was Jules Lapon, dressed now in the hunting costume -worn by French and English backwoodsmen alike. - -"Bon jour, monsieur," said Jules, swinging round and greeting -Steve with a cool and satirical smile. "I wish you a fine day and -prosperity. You will be pleased to look at this notice, and afterwards -you will take steps to move." - -He pointed to the tree and stood aside, watching Steve with an -expression which boded little good, and which seemed to combine malice -and triumph. Our hero stepped closer and stared at the strip of tin -which the Frenchman had pointed out. It was nailed to the bark of -the tree, and bore in high relief the arms of France, while beneath, -stamped on to the metal, were the following words, in the English -language: - -"In the name of Louis XV., King of France and of the Continent beyond -the sea, we, Louis Joseph, Marquis de Montcalm-Gozon de Saint-Véran, -Captain-General of the Forces in North America, and others of the -King's servants, renew our possession of this land. We warn all who -are not good and faithful subjects of France to depart peacefully and -without delay." - -There was a date and a rough signature underneath, while at the foot -of the tree lay a leaden disc, with a somewhat similar inscription, -destined to be buried there so that there might not be wanting -evidence in the future to prove the aims and aspirations of France -and her king. Nor was this the first time that Steve had looked at -such a disc. Some while before he had come upon another, nearer the -great lakes, and he had heard that the French had placed many more in -different parts. - -"You will observe his Majesty's wishes," said Jules Lapon, with an -irritating smile of triumph which brought a flush of anger to Steve's -cheek. "The orders are that you depart peacefully and without delay. -You will go this evening. To-morrow I and my Indians will come to your -hut and the place will be France. Comprenez vous? Bien!" - -Steve could have struck the rascally Frenchman, so great was his -anger. Moreover, when he recollected that it was this same ruffianly -foreigner who but a few weeks before had hunted himself and his -friends with his band of cut-throats, he felt that he would be almost -justified in shooting him where he stood. Then, too, there was this -preposterous demand. For three miles on either hand the land belonged -to Tom Mainwaring. He had paid dues for it to a land company, and he -had settled the place. His labour had cleared the forest till there -was sufficient open space to grow corn. The hut was his, the bank -of the river, and a stretch on the far side lying opposite the hut. -Steve's gorge rose at the thought that a Frenchman should order him -to give up his own belongings, and it was with difficulty that he -restrained himself. He bit his lip, stared at the tin placard, and -then swung round on the Frenchman, a cool smile on his lips. - -"You are joking," he said in French, causing Jules to start backwards -in surprise. "Surely you are playing with me, just as you and your -band of Indians played with our hunting party in the neighbourhood of -Albany. That was a sad joke, monsieur. I fear that we were too much in -earnest." - -It was Steve's turn to laugh, for there was no doubt that the -Frenchman was utterly taken aback. He staggered, flushed to the roots -of his hair, and gripped at his tomahawk. - -"You lie," he gasped. "I lead a band of redskins near Albany! You lie, -I say!" - -"You say so, monsieur," replied Steve calmly, with a smile which -maddened Jules. "Yes, it is you who say that, and I hear. But my eyes -are good. I know that you led that band. It was I who saw you in the -camp which you had hidden in the forest." - -"You saw the camp, and I was in it? And you say that it was near -Albany? Monsieur is mad, or he does not know how to tell the truth." - -Jules mastered his rage and mortification and made a bold attempt -to deceive the young colonist. After all, he thought, it was more -than possible that this Steve might have seen him there. But then -Frenchmen were much alike, and the glimpse he had obtained could have -been but a glimpse after all: and besides, Jules reflected, at that -time he was dressed as an Indian. - -"Does monsieur think that I am a bird?" he demanded brazenly. "I have -lands to look to across the river, and how can I be there and at -Albany?" - -"I hardly think you could be in two places so far apart, at one and -the same time," answered Steve, his temper well in hand now. "After -all, it is sufficient for me to know that you were in that camp in the -woods at Albany, where Hunting Jim and I saw you distinctly. That was -a long chase, Monsieur Jules, and I fancy it must have been somewhat -of a surprise to you and your men to come across so small a band -prepared to make a fight of it. Your men must have been discontented. -I believe we killed ten at least." - -This time he left no doubt in the Frenchman's mind that his rascality -was discovered, and as Steve looked down at him he saw a gleam of -malice light up the eyes of the ruffian, a gleam which seemed to -say, "I will kill you at the first opportunity, Steve Mainwaring." -Then Jules Lapon suddenly changed his intentions, a smile of triumph -wreathed his face, and he pointed to the placard on the tree. - -"After all, monsieur, it is not a question of men who have been -killed, or of my presence at Albany," he said easily. "It is a -question of this notice. You have read it?" - -"I have." - -"Then you will obey?" - -"If I do not? Supposing I stay?" - -"Monsieur, you see this whistle?" Jules took a whistle, made of horn, -from his belt, and held it before Steve's eyes. "You observe that -little toy, monsieur? Ah. Now I will tell you. Supposing you are so -rash as to stay, I shall blow that whistle, and within an hour the far -shore of the river will be darkened by the boats of my friends." - -"Cut-throat Indians, monsieur," said Steve. - -"You will be careful to describe my friends properly," cried Jules, -making an obvious effort to control his anger. "I was saying that the -Indians would come. They would hound you and your friends out of this -settlement, and, after that, who can keep a check upon them?" - -He shrugged his shoulders and looked significantly at his two comrades. - -"Only the men with the guns," answered Steve. "I know your Indians, -monsieur, and I know also that they have ravaged our settlements -cruelly. But for all your threats, I will not give up my father's -property. He was here long before the French had advanced south of -Lake Erie. He paid for this land, and he has expended labour upon it. -It is his. No king of France or his servants shall demand it of him or -of me." - -Steve looked the three Frenchmen calmly in the eyes, and then stepped -up to the tree. Plunging his hunting knife under the sheet of tin, he -levered it from the bark, and, tearing it free of the nail, threw it -into the river. - -"That is what I think of your demand and of your placard, Jules -Lapon," he said, "and I promise that if you come with your Indians -and drive me away, I and my father will hound you off the place. For -a time we English may be beaten back. But, mark my words, we shall -regain our own again, and you will be defeated." - -There was a shout as he went to the tree and tossed the inscription -into the water. Then no sooner had he spoken than Jules sprang at him -with an oath. - -"You defy us. You defy me!" he shouted. "Then listen to this, you -Englishman. Go now. I will give you a minute. If you are not then out -of sight I will shoot you. Yes, I will shoot you as I had hoped to do -up on the Mohawk. And after that I shall live in your cabin." - -He threw all secrecy to the winds, and lifting his musket presented -it at Steve's head. Indeed, for an instant or two it looked as if he -would have shot him down on the spot. - -"You see that I am ready," he shouted, as he looked along the sights. -"Run for your life." - -Steve was cornered. To turn and obey the command given him was the -most natural thing under the circumstances, and it may be wondered -that he did not do so. But he knew the methods of the backwoods, and -was well acquainted with the reputation of this Frenchman. - -"He will shoot me as I walk," he thought. "I will stay and face him. -After all, one can dodge a bullet sometimes if one keeps one's eye -on the weapon. Monsieur, I will stay here. Get into your canoe and -retire," he said sternly. "I also will shoot you if you do not lower -that musket." - -There was a shout of surprise and anger from the two who accompanied -Jules, and they at once sprang forward and lifted their muskets, -levelling the barrels at Steve's head. And there for a moment they -stood, Steve holding his ground stubbornly, while the Frenchmen looked -along their sights as if they were about to shoot at the defenceless -figure standing before them. Then the scene was unexpectedly -interrupted. - -"That air enough. Put them shootin' irons down. Do yer hear?" A gruff -voice suddenly burst from the edge of the forest, some twenty paces -away, and the tall gaunt figure of Hunting Jim appeared amidst the -leaves, the autumn tints matching strangely with the colour of his -hunting shirt and his leggings. "Drop yer guns, and git!" - -No wonder that the Frenchmen started, that Steve swung round with -a cry of delight. For not a sound had warned the disputants of the -approach of the trapper. He stood there, outlined grimly amidst the -leaves, for all the world as if he had sprung out of the ground. His -musket was gripped in his hands, while the long shining barrels of -two other weapons protruded from the trees on either hand. - -"Yer see, we ain't quite alone," he said hoarsely, "and ef them guns -ain't down in a jiffy--ah! that air well for yer. Now Jules Lapon, -murderer and robber, I reckon you can git, you and the hul crowd. Ef -we had shot yer down as yer stood, we'd have done what was right, and -p'raps we'd have saved a hangman a bad job one of these days. Git, -that's the order!" - -The tables were suddenly turned with a vengeance. Steve, standing -there bravely with three barrels presented at him, suddenly found -himself looking into three very startled faces. The Frenchmen stepped -backward involuntarily, and lowered their weapons as Jim began to -speak. Then, unable to face the guns which were directed at them, they -glanced at one another swiftly, turned, and made off at a run to their -canoe. - -"Stop! Jest drop them muskets. That air the ticket. Now put yer knives -and tomahawks down, and Jules Lapon, you as wanted to get our scalps -over by Albany, jest hook that ere whistle out'er yer belt. Now yer -can go, and jest remember this. When we meet again there won't be no -warnin'. It'll be shoot at sight. Don't ax fer nor expect no favors." - -Jim watched with a grim smile of triumph as the three disconsolate -Frenchmen put down their weapons and embarked. Then he and his -comrades emerged and took up their stations beside Steve, staring out -at the canoe as it stole away from the bank. More than a minute passed -before Steve turned to look at those who had come so opportunely to -his help. Beside the lanky form of Jim was Mac, his beard flaming -in the sun, his broad hand gripping the stock of his musket, and a -look of bitterness on his usually jolly features. On the other side, -impassive as was his custom and the habit of his race, his head thrown -forward and the feathers of his head-dress trailing down over his -shoulders, was Silver Fox, alert and vigilant, his eye following every -movement of the Frenchmen. - -"Bad cess to the blackguards," cried Mac, a note of unusual bitterness -in his tones. "They kin hunt me and you, Jim, and young Steve here -too if they like, but faith whin they come to huntin' the women and -childer it makes me blood boil. For why can't they lave us alone? What -have we done to the bastes to set thim agin the whole of us?" - -"You've got land," answered Jim shortly. "That's what you've got. -You've gone and put yer broad carcass in the way of this here King of -France. Steve, reckon this placard air worth keepin'." - -He stepped to the bank of the river, waded in a little way and -recovered the plaque, the sun glancing from the bright tin having made -its position clear to those standing on the shore. - -"Best keep it, lad," he went on. "It'll mind yer of a time when yer -was precious near to death, and of the pluck as a youngster kin show. -Reckon you stood up to them 'ere skunks as well as any man could ha -done." - -There was a murmur of approval from the others, while Steve shook his -head. - -"I wasn't going to be frightened by a canoe full of Frenchmen," he -said doggedly. "This place is ours, and if this king wants it let him -come and take it. The best man will hold it in the end. But I suspect -it is not his Majesty of France. Louis XV. can have no great use for -our little holding. But Jules Lapon has. He owns the ground on the far -side next to father's, and with ours thrown in he'd have the whole of -the river banks for three miles either way." - -"You've hit it, Steve. It air that skunk as brought this bit of tin -along, and it air him as wants the place," cried Jim, staring out -across the river at the fast-retreating canoes. "What is more, lad, -he's goin' to have it for a time. Me and Mac and Silver Fox guessed as -there was somethin' up, and ever since daylight we've had our eyes on -the varmint. There was a lot too much movement amongst the Injuns, and -we reckoned it didn't mean good to us. Them critters has nailed their -bits of tin at three other places along this bank, and they air going -to take the land whether we want it or not." - -"Do you actually mean that they will drive us out of the place?" asked -Steve. - -"That air so. There's news comin' slowly through that the French and -their Injuns is movin' on and drivin' the British before 'em. There's -tales of settlements attacked and taken, men and women scalped, -and children carried off by them redskin devils. We've heard the -same before, and I don't know how it is that we along here at this -settlement have escaped so long. But reckon these fellers is out on -the war-path agin, and, lad, we've got to git." - -Go! They must leave the place where Steve had lived ever since he was -a tiny little fellow. The log cabin which was his home must be given -up to these Frenchmen and their allies! The thought was a cruel one, -and it is not to be wondered at that an exclamation of bitterness -escaped him. - -"Faith, Steve, me lad, it's hard to think on, so it is," said Mac, -coming to him and placing a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. "Hasn't -Mac and the loikes of him settled peaceful here? hasn't the wives -and the childer made homes for all of us, so they have? But ye've -to choose what's the best. To see these thavin' damons here in our -very own places, or to see ivery mother's son of us, and the women -and childer too--God bless the darlints!--scalped and kilt by these -fellers. Sure, Steve, better to see the settlements burn, to put fires -to ivery roof and watch 'em flare, than have them fellers settin' in -our doorways, or scalpin' all of us. Och, but it's a sore time for us, -a sore time, and we'll have to foight before we get back what's our -own. Bedad! Ye'll know soon, Steve, darlint. 'Tis you and me, and Jim -and Silver Fox, and ivery one of us, as'll take our muskets and go out -to foight the blackguards." - -"Mac's jest talkin' sense. Reckon it air as he says, Steve," cried -Jim. "Yer was near bein' wiped clean out jest now, and if yer wait -it'll be a case with yer. Best get back to the hut and take what yer -want. You've a bit of a pony, and I fancy you'll be able to take -most of yer things. Then set fire to the place. We'll cross to the -Alleghanies, and then we'll take service with the regiments which are -bein' formed." - -Steve stood looking at his rough but honest-hearted friends for some -few minutes, and then his eyes roamed across the peaceful stretch of -the river to the far bank, under the shade of which Jules Lapon and -his comrades were paddling. Then the whistle which the French leader -had dropped caught his attention, and he stared at that, too, for a -little while. - -"Father would do the same," he said aloud, but addressing no one in -particular. "Yes, he would go, after firing the hut. There is no other -course open. We have often talked over the possible coming of the -French, and decided that we should have to retire unless supported by -troops. But they are nowhere here. We have only ourselves to rely on. -We must go." - -He led the way to the log cabin, and at once set about packing the -most valuable of his and Tom's possessions. Sammy led out the old pony -which was usually employed in dragging timber, and roped the articles -to his back, big tears welling up in his eyes as he did so. When all -was ready Steve took a brand from the fire, looked once more upon his -old home, the cabin in which he had lived sixteen happy years, and -then fired the shingles. There was an air of resolution on his face as -he did so, and he stood to windward watching the flames as they caught -hold and licked round the logs with the same expression. Then, as the -roof fell in and huge tongues of flame flared up into the air, he -turned away with a smile. - -"I will help to build a mansion where that happy home was," he said. -"Come Jim and Mac, and you too, Silver Fox, old friends, we will go -where we can be of use to our country, and one of these days we will -settle again in these parts, when the French have been driven into -Canada." - -"When they have been sent neck and crop out of North America," growled -Jim. "Pick up yer traps, Steve. The other folks air waitin' for us way -up there back of the rise." - -Sammy took the rope bridle of the laden animal, and the trappers and -their Indian friend fell in behind. And thus did Steve leave his home, -not to return again till many an adventure had befallen him, and not -till many and many a man had fallen in the contest which was about to -break out with a ferocity which was almost unexampled. - - - - -Chapter VII - -The Alleghany Raiders - - -Sad and heavy of heart were the settlers whom Steve and his friends -met at the top of the divide which ran between the valley in which -they had lived and the forest region beyond, stretching right away to -the Alleghany mountains; for each one of the forty or more persons -of whom the party consisted had just lost home and belongings. Men, -women, and children had been forced to turn out of their log cabins -and take to the woods. - -"It air a shame and no mistake," said Jim as the men of the party -gathered about Steve's pony and discussed the matter. "But there's -jest one thing that makes it easy so to speak." - -"Easy! Yer don't call it an easy thing to have to fire the hut -that took so long to build, do yer, Huntin' Jim?" cried one of the -trappers, Pete Jarvis by name, his brows contracting as his bitterness -increased. "Yer don't say as it's an easy thing fer a man what's fifty -and more to turn his back on what he's given years of his life to -make, to steal like a skunk out'er these woods, where he's trapped -and shot, and with his wife and children take the trail back to the -west. Yer don't think that, Huntin' Jim. It's hard enough to break a -man's heart." - -"It air all that and more, chum," was Jim's consoling answer. -"Neither me nor you, nor Mac, nor Steve, the young Hawk as he's known -hereabouts, likes havin' to git at the word of them 'ere Frenchies. -But fer all that I'm right. Ef it war winter where should we be?" - -"'Tis then the poor childer would suffer, so they would," burst in -Mac. "Sure, 'twould be the death of many a one, the poor darlints. -Jim's right, so he is, Pete. We're lucky afther all." - -Pete scratched his head at that, for the matter had never crossed his -mind before. He had looked at this sudden exodus from a different -point of view, and he was filled with bitterness and wrath. Still, now -that he came to review the case, he saw that Jim was right. - -"That air true," he admitted. "We've got a heap to be thankful for, -and now that you've put it before me, why I'm downright glad that the -time has come now, and not later. Still, boys, it air hard." - -"It is, more than hard," agreed Steve. "But we still have something to -be thankful for. We've been hearing tales of other settlements, and -they have not even been able to leave. The Indians gave no warning. -The French did not trouble to come along with their ridiculous bits -of tin, but raided the places, burnt the huts, and massacred the poor -settlers." - -"And why ain't they done it here?" demanded Jim eagerly, clenching a -big brown fist. "I'll tell yer, Steve, and you too Pete. It's 'cos -that feller Jules Lapon air in these parts. Reckon he wanted them -huts and crops. He don't want to walk in and find the hul place burnt -by his Injuns. So he sends along and gives us the warnin' to quit, -knowin' that once we've took the trail he can send the hul crowd of -his Injun varmint after us. Waal. He ain't a goin' to get the huts, -'cos we've put fire to 'em, and the crops got served the same way. Ef -we look after ourselves reckon he and them ugly red critters won't -have such an easy time of it. We'd best get the business settled up." - -There was, indeed, little doubt that the danger which had suddenly -burst about the heads of the settlers was a real one, and that now -that the Indians had risen in those parts, the party might be followed -and attacked. For the past four or five months tales of massacres -of English colonists had come to the ears of Steve and his friends. -All along the border-line huts and settlements had been raided, too -often suddenly and without any warning, and hundreds of unfortunate -men, women, and children had been killed and scalped. An Indian war -of the most ferocious description had been raging here and there on -the eastern slopes of the Alleghany mountains, and in many places -the enemy had burst over that range and had annihilated settlements -on the far side. Marching with the Indians, egging them on, and -sometimes vying with them in their cruel practices, were scores of -French _voyageurs_ and settlers, and even many young officers from -the regular forces; whilst behind these leaders, stimulating them -with promises of land, and aiding them with money, guns, and powder, -were the authorities living in Quebec. It was really a matter for -wonder that Steve and his friends had not been disturbed before, -for they had carved out from the virgin forests a most valuable -settlement, and one which may be said to have stood in the direct -line of the French advance. It may have been that they owed their -security from interference so far to the fact that the land nearest -to them was owned by Jules Lapon, and he happened to be away in other -parts murdering and slaying, and taking stores from any party of -trappers who happened to stumble across his path. Or this ruffian -may have purposely kept his Indian allies away, having determined to -obtain possession of such a valuable clearing. Whatever the cause, it -happened that this particular settlement had escaped till now, and had -been left so long without interference that many who lived there were -beginning to hope that the impending storm might after all pass over -their heads. And now, with scarcely any warning, the cloud had burst. -They had been ordered to quit, and to leave all that they possessed. -It was more than hard. It was cruel to think that these hardy -trappers, the pioneers of the land, had no one to look to for help, -and must needs pack up hastily and fly for their lives at the bidding -of a French monarch whose name had barely come to their ears. - -"It does not help us to look upon the hardship of our case, boys," -said Steve, as the men stood about him, dressed in their hunting -shirts, their coon-skin caps, their fringed leggings and moccasins. -"We ought to feel glad that we and the women and children are alive, -and our business now is to make arrangements for our journey. Which -way do we make?" - -"Due west," answered Jim, with an emphatic wag of his head. "Up there -somewheres on the Alleghanies we'll hit upon colonial troops. There -ain't many of 'em, but they'll be enough to keep these redskin skunks -away, and any of us as has a mind to can take on service with 'em. Ef -we was to make north and west, up towards Albany----" - -"Reckon that air out of the question," interrupted Pete. "I'm farthest -over in that direction, and Silver Fox here can tell you that an army -could not get through. West air our only way." - -This was, in fact, the only direction in which the little party could -make, for Silver Fox had brought information that roving bands of -Indians were on the war-path between the settlement and Albany. - -"Then we will turn west," said Steve. "We have got to protect -ourselves, and I should say that the best way would be to send the -women and children and half the men ahead, while we others wait and -cover the retreat. I suppose we shall make for the old trail?" - -"That air what we'll do," replied Jim. "Now, as we're all here, -supposin' we pick out those who air to stay. Married men goes in -advance ef possible. Mac, guess you'll lead. You're a good trapper and -woodsman, and yer know that it'll want a 'cute man to see that the -way's clear. Me and Steve and a few others'll take the rear." - -With such matter-of-fact individuals, accustomed to acting swiftly -and in sudden emergencies, it took only a few minutes to arrange the -details of their flight, and very soon the party chosen to go in -advance had moved off through the forest, Mac leading and searching -closely for the blazings on the trees which would tell him that he had -come across the trail which led to the mountains. After him went the -married men, with their wives and children. The ponies, upon the backs -of which the children and some of the women were mounted, were placed -in line, and, being thoroughly well trained to work in the forest, -stepped one after another along the track. Their rear was brought up -by Sammy, leading the lanky pony upon which all Tom's and Steve's -possessions were packed. - -"Guess we'll give 'em a good hour's start," said Steve. "Jim, I'll -make back and keep an eye on the river with Silver Fox. If all is -right I'll strike once on the trunk of a tree. If they are following -you will hear two blows." - -He and the Indian slipped away from the little band of backwoodsmen, -and within an hour were looking down upon the river which they had so -recently left. It was black with canoes which were passing to and fro, -while a number were drawn up in front of the bank where Steve had had -his encounter with Jules Lapon. Above the tops of the trees hung a -dense pall of smoke, a dozen other columns shewing where the settlers -had fired their huts. - -"They will follow to-morrow, Hawk," said Silver Fox, when he had -looked at the scene for some little while. "They think that they will -easily come up with us. In two days they will surround our party and -we shall have to fight. It would be well to ambush them." - -That set Steve thinking, and for an hour he lay there in the bracken -staring down at the river. Then he got to his feet, picked up a fallen -branch and struck the trunk of a massive tree a heavy blow, repeating -the blow again some two minutes later. - -"They will hear that," he said. "Now we will return, Silver Fox. Have -you ever been on this trail?" - -"Once, Hawk," was the answer. - -"Do you remember the hills lying a day's march from this? There is a -gap." - -The Indian suddenly came to a stop, for they were returning by now, -and stared into Steve's face. "The Hawk is sharp," he said, with a -flash of his keen eyes. "Silver Fox remembers that gap. There we will -lay an ambush." - -They trudged on through the forest and presently came up with Jim -and his comrades. Then, with two men scouting in the woods on either -side, and the same number in rear and in front, the tiny little party -of stern men strode on after the fugitives in advance. And when the -morning of the second day broke they struggled up to the rising -ground which Steve had mentioned to Silver Fox. It was a rugged and -precipitous ridge, with trees growing thickly up to its foot, and -thick, long scrub running to its summit. As Steve clambered to the top -he saw that it stretched for some miles on either hand, and he knew -that to cross it at any other spot would be a difficult task, for he -and his father had often hunted in the district. - -"It is just the place for us," he said to Jim, as the trapper and some -of his comrades gathered about him. "From the forest down below the -Indians who are pursuing will be able to get a glimpse of our party -after it has climbed over this ridge, for the land rises again, and -you can see for yourself that it towers above this place. Now what -do you say to this? We send on the best of the horses, with all the -women and children, and instruct them to get ahead to that piece of -open country to which I am pointing. Meanwhile, we will lie here and -prepare a nice little ambush." - -"While the women and children draw the varmint into it," cried Jim, -with every sign of satisfaction. "Steve, you air 'cute. I 'lowed that -many a day ago, but here yer air agin. Boys, that air a plan that's -worth workin'." - -The spot was, in fact, an ideal one for an ambush, and Steve had had -it in his mind's eye the whole of the previous two days, for he was -well acquainted with the district. As he had said, this steep rocky -ridge cut across the course of the fugitives, running for many miles -on either hand. In many places it was almost unclimbable, and at this -point it happened to be less severe, so much so that many a colonist -making east into the promised land, the valley of the Ohio, had -followed the blaze marks of those who had gone before him, and had -clambered over the rise where others had found a road. It was the most -natural thing, therefore, for this party of fugitives to take the same -track, and indeed it was the only course that they could take. The -Indians would know this, so Steve argued, and there was little doubt -that by now they were within a few miles of the ridge. What would -happen when they came up to it? - -"They will climb over and wipe the whole lot of us out," our hero had -said to himself. "We must stop them here if at all." - -Then, as he tramped through the forest on the previous day, he had -recollected that in approaching the ridge from the Ohio valley one -caught a glimpse every now and again of the track far in advance, for -the country to the west rose again, less sharply to be sure, but to a -greater elevation. A party making their way over that second rise in -the land would be instantly detected by the Indian pursuers, who would -imagine that all their pale face enemies were there. - -"It is our only chance," said Steve, as the men gathered about him. -"Our scouts in rear have not yet signalled, so we know that the enemy -are not yet up with us, though they were on our trail last night. Then -we have plenty of time. In an hour the ponies, with the women and -children, will be on the high ground beyond, and when the Indians see -them----" - -"They'll come streamin' up this ridge like hounds," growled Jim. "This -air the place to stop 'em. You place the boys, my lad." - -Very rapidly and coolly Steve told the trappers off to their posts, -cautioning them that there was not to be a sound till he fired his -musket. Then he himself took cover close to the edge of the track -and waited. Presently two slim figures appeared down below, flitting -between the trees, and the trappers left behind as scouts began to -climb the ridge. - -"A hundred of the varmint full on the trail," whispered one as he lay -down beside Steve. "We watched 'em till half an hour ago, and then me -and Stubbs come along at a dog trot. They'll be in sight in less than -no time. Reckon they'll spot the rest of our party. They air right up -there on the high ground beyond, and yer can sight 'em ploddin' along -beside the ponies." - -[Illustration: "STEVE RESTED HIS BARREL IN THE FORK OF A DWARFED -TREE"] - -"Hist! That air one of the skunks." - -Jim, who happened to be next to Steve, lifted a warning finger and -then pointed below. A painted redskin, hideous in his feathered -war-gear, slipped like a shadow from the trees and stood in the open, -staring up over the ridge to the high land beyond. They saw him turn -and call softly, and then, one by one, some hundred of his comrades -flitted up to his side and stood staring at the white fugitives -beyond. Some danced with joy and brandished their tomahawks, while one -of their number turned and addressed them. - -"My children, these pale faces are ours," he said. "Within the hour -their scalps shall hang at our belts. Climb the rise and enter the -trees. Do not make a sound till they are enclosed by us. Then rush -upon them and slay." - -He pointed to the ridge, and, leaping forward, led the way up the -steep ascent. And as the whole party followed, their eyes fixed upon -their leader or upon the summit of the rise, some twenty ponderous -muskets went to as many stout shoulders, and sights were levelled upon -the redskin demons clambering up the track. Steve rested his muzzle -in the fork of a dwarfed tree and aligned the sights on the feathered -chief who led the party. And there he waited, his cheek well down -on the stock, his eye glued to the sights, and his finger pressing -ever so gently on the trigger. He was as steady as the fork in which -his weapon rested, for Steve was a hardened fighter by now, and he -knew that the lives of all the women and children depended on the -coolness and courage of himself and his comrades. He allowed nothing -to frighten him, and where many would have pulled the trigger out of -sheer excitement and inability to put up with the suspense any longer, -he crouched there waiting, waiting. - -"About thirty yards I make it," he said to himself at last. "I'll give -him another two seconds. That will get the others up a little closer. -We want our bullets to strike more than one of the ruffians." - -Suddenly there was a loud report, a spurt of flame lit up the shadow -in which he lay, while the leader of the Indians threw his hands -into the air, howled in the most diabolical manner, and then fell -backwards, to go sliding and bumping down the track till a fallen -tree arrested further progress. A second later a volley came from the -surrounding bushes, from behind rocks and boulders, while a storm of -bullets plunged into the very centre of the huddled enemy. When the -smoke blew away, Steve and his friends looked down upon an almost -deserted track, cleared of Indians save for the bodies which lay prone -on the hill-side or which rolled and slid down towards the bottom. -Here and there in amongst the bushes on either hand the crash of a -bough told that the enemy was there, but those sounds lasted only a -few seconds, and presently figures flitted in amongst the trees down -below. - -"Them critters won't come to a stop till they've reached the river," -laughed Jim, his face lighting up with joy. "Reckon they'll run till -they've come back to that 'ere Jules Lapon of theirs. Steve, reckon -you've jest saved us." - -He stepped over to the young trapper and gripped him by the hand. "It -war your idea agin what brought us through," he said, "and it air you -as'll lead us out of this country. Boys, you've heard tell of our trip -up to Albany, and of how young Steve got on to the idea of them boats -and reeds. Waal, this here notion of an ambush air his. Ain't he fit -ter lead us?" - -There was a shout of approval. - -"He air all that," shouted Pete. "Hawk has made his name, and air real -keen and 'cute. Reckon I don't want no better leader, no more do any -of the others." - -"Then, cap'n, you'll take on the command as before," said Jim easily. -"We air out of the muss with them 'ere beggars. What air we to do now?" - -"Push on as fast as we are able," was our hero's answer, when he had -recovered from his embarrassment. "We will march with scouts out -behind and in front and on either side. I am hoping to reach the -mountains in four days." - -The party pressed on after those in advance, and in due time came up -with them. And thus, taking the utmost precaution against attack from -the Indians, they marched through the forest in the direction of the -Alleghany mountains. Now and again they came upon an open space, -where the blackened logs spoke of a settlement which had been fired. -And often enough there were signs of the struggle which had taken -place. The bodies of murdered colonists lay among the grass, while -such relics of the former inhabitants as a tiny shoe, a rag doll, or -a wooden horse, caught the eyes of the men of the party and caused -them to grind their teeth and clench their fists. Men swore into their -beards, and in low tones vowed that they would repay the authors of -these massacres. - -And so in time they came to the mountains, climbed the long and weary -foot hills, and at length struggled to the top, still surrounded by -the ever-present forest. - -"We ain't far from white folks, cap'n," said Jim as the party began to -descend the far slopes. "Pete reports as he's dropped on fresh fires, -where the embers air quite warm; and there's been a hul lot of men -about stampin' the ground with hard-soled boots." - -"Reckon there's men up there," suddenly exclaimed one of the trappers, -pointing to a high peak distinguishable above the forest trees. -"They've been watchin' us, and the sooner we let 'em know who we air -the better it'll be. They might be shootin' into us." - -Steve at once sent off a couple of the backwoodsmen to speak to the -strangers, and in a little while his messengers came back with four -trappers similar to themselves. They were hardy-looking men, bearded -and bronzed, and dressed in the customary hunting shirt and leggings. - -"Reckon you air lucky folk," said one, addressing Steve. "There's been -few come through safely since the French set them Injuns on. Have yer -had a muss with 'em?" - -"We beat them back at the range," answered our hero. "We set a trap -for them, and they walked into it. That's the last we saw of them. But -we have passed many a ruined and burnt-out settlement." - -"Ay, there's many of 'em, more's the shame. Ef we up here get news of -the comin' of the Injuns, why, we goes down and does what we can. But -it ain't often like that. They come down upon the settlements like a -hawk, and every one's wiped out. There ain't many settlements left. -They say as all the backwoods huts air fired and men scalped, and that -the bigger settlements just near the Alleghany range have also been -fired. Then some of the varmint have been over the range, and they've -wiped out big farms and hul villages. It makes a man swear to hear -it all, and to know that we can do nothing to prevent the murders. -But what can you expect when George has only a thousand men, same as -us, to look after four hundred miles of frontier? Why, there's Injuns -out all along the line from Western New York State right away down to -North Carolina." - -Steve and his friends were indeed amazed at this statement. They -knew that an Indian war had been raging along the frontiers of the -thirteen States, but having been so cut off in the forests, little -news had come to their ears. They had learned that various expeditions -had been sent against the French and their allies, and that these -had for the most part been defeated or had failed to effect their -object. They knew too that massacres had taken place here and there. -But this was indeed news. It was terrible to learn that all along -this frontier, extending over some four hundred miles, farms and -settlements had been exterminated, that bands of Indians had ravaged -the possessions of the colonists, and had even carried their war over -the Alleghanies, wiping out the huts of the pioneers, which may be -called the first line of defences, then firing the settlements which -were not so far advanced, and which formed a second line, and finally, -throwing themselves upon a third and final line, that formed by the -more prosperous and more settled villagers on the eastern slopes of -the Alleghanies. - -"But how have they been allowed to do all this?" demanded Steve, -indignantly. "Surely there are men in the colonies! Why, if this -sort of thing is allowed, the Indians will reach the coast, and will -massacre at Charlestown and other places." - -He swung round on his companion, his face flushed and his eyes -flashing with indignation. Then he suddenly observed that a fifth -stranger, dressed as a hunter like the rest, but with something about -him which attracted more than usual attention, had joined the group, -slipping up to it unheard and unseen from the forest. He was tall and -lithe, some twenty-four years of age, and his keen blue eyes fixed -themselves on Steve's figure. - -"Excuse me," he said, speaking with the voice of a man who had been -brought up in a town, "excuse me, sir, but what you say is hardly -likely to occur now. A year ago it seemed more than possible. But -perhaps you have not heard. At last the English Government is tired -of this massacre and this bullying. War has been declared, and troops -are coming to help us. You may ask why the colonies have not done -more. Pooh! They call a blush of shame to the cheek of every honest -and patriotic colonist. While the shrieks of these unhappy settlers -ring almost in their ears and almost within hearing of the coast -towns, these comfortable stay-at-home planters and traders and country -gentlemen sit in their council rooms and squabble. They set aside -all thought of assisting their hapless brothers and sisters, while -they heckle their unfortunate governors. But I must apologise again. -You must understand that I feel the position bitterly, for I have -had a hand in these troubles since the very commencement. Allow me -to introduce myself. I am George Washington, colonel commanding the -irregulars who have been given the task of defending four hundred -miles of frontier." - -So this young and determined-looking man was George Washington, of -whom every trapper and hunter had heard. Steve regarded him with open -admiration, and then, stepping up to him, shook hands eagerly. - -"It is a lucky day for us, then, Colonel," he said. "I am Steve -Mainwaring." - -"Cap'n Steve, known as the Hawk amongst the Injuns," burst in Jim, -stretching out a big brown paw to grip that of the colonel. "Cap'n -Steve, Colonel, and as sharp and 'cute a fighter as ever I see. -How'dy?" - -"I am glad to meet you, gentlemen," said the young colonial officer. -"You will come to our camp, where we will endeavour to make you -comfortable." - -He took Steve by the arm and led the way through the forest. And very -soon the fugitives were in the middle of the hutted encampment where -George Washington and his men had their quarters. Huts were allotted -to the various families, while the colonel took Steve to his own log -house. - -"Come with me, Steve," he said with a friendly smile. "I am rather -lonely, and it will be nice to have a companion to chat with. Besides, -I want to hear all about the backwoods and the troubles you have had -with the French and the Indians." - -He led the way to an unpretentious hut, and very soon Steve was -stretched on a rough wooden form, staring at the embers and chatting -quietly with George Washington, even then a hero, and destined to -become one of the greatest of American citizens. - - - - -Chapter VIII - -A Question of Territory - - -"Never before has this fine country seen such troubles," said Colonel -George Washington, as he sat puffing at his pipe and looking across -the wooden flooring of his hut at Steve's long and active figure. "You -have had fighting, you tell me. You will see more. We are only just -entering upon the struggle. Tell me, Steve, what do you propose to do?" - -That was a question which our hero found some difficulty in answering. -But at length he rolled over on the form and sat up to look at his -host. - -"What do you advise?" he asked. "I have a letter here which I wish -to deliver at Charlestown, and I should like to find out what has -happened to my father. After that I shall join some band of scouts, -and fight the French and their Indians. I suppose they mean to drive -us all out of the country, and take it for themselves?" - -There was an emphatic nod in answer to his question, and then for a -while the two sat staring at the fire, each busy with his thoughts. - -For who could doubt that the total extermination of the British -colonists was intended? The French were rapidly pushing south and -east, and in front of them ran a swarm of their Indians, massacring -and slaying, and steadily pushing back the British settlers. To -understand the position of affairs, and the facts which had led up to -the moment when Steve and his friends arrived at the camp where George -Washington and his small army had settled themselves on the Alleghany -Mountains, it would be well for the reader to study a map of North -America, and trace for himself the possessions held by the French and -the English. For it must be remembered that these two nations, each -jealous of the other, and often at war with each other, had sent their -settlers and pioneers to this huge continent of North America. To -describe how the first of those settlers landed, how they fought their -way from the coast and conquered the forests, would be to enter upon a -subject which would need abundant space and more attention than can be -given here. But the history of those days is filled to repletion with -tales of gallant deeds, of perseverance against great suffering and -difficulty, and of final and glorious success. It will be sufficient -perhaps if we say, when dealing with the British colonies, that -Quakers and Puritans, together with others from England and Wales, -also Scotchmen and Irishmen, found their way to the eastern shores -of North America, and having dealt with the Indians, finally founded -states, thirteen in number, stretching from New England in the north -to infant Georgia in the south. - -Let the reader glance down the eastern coast of the map, and he will -trace these thirteen States without difficulty, and will notice that, -while each has easy access to the sea, where the coast naturally -limits further extension in that direction, to the west there is a -huge sweep of country running right across to the Pacific coast, but -broken here and there by mountain and river and vast inland lakes. -Then let him take those States in their order from the north, and -ascertain what reason there was why each one should not extend to the -west till her people flooded the whole continent. - -It may be admitted at once that abundance of time was one of the -main requirements for bringing about such a state of affairs, for -colonies do not grow in a day, and putting aside all natural barriers, -and those erected by the hostility of the old inhabitants, whom the -colonists will in course of time drive from their own country, many, -many years must pass before the tide of immigrants flows across the -land. For those who come first naturally select suitable places -nearest the coast, while those who come later settle within reach of -their friends, exchanging commodities with them. Later arrivals are -forced farther and farther away, till in time the settlements are -found miles and miles from the coast. Look at North America to-day. -She has added many states to those thirteen which existed in the days -when Steve sat in the log hut with George Washington. Her people -have overflowed the country, they have pushed the Red Indian back -steadily, and to-day they swarm in almost every part. The virgin -forest of that day, the haunt of the buffalo and the hunting grounds -of the Indian, now resound to the clang of the hammer, to the crash -of the train, and to the hum and roar of a thriving population. -Thousands come to the land every year to swell the throng, and paucity -of population is no longer a source of anxious thought for the -governments of the various States. - -But it was in the year 1756. All told, the colonists of those thirteen -States did not exceed a million and a half, while each one of the -States may be said to have been of the size of England. It will be -realised at once that it was all that such a population could do to -colonise the neighbourhood of the coast, and that if the western -border was to extend, thousands must come out to the country. As a -matter of fact, however, few though the colonists were, their farms -extended a considerable distance from the coast, and save in the -towns, where they lived close together, the settlers were separated -by wide intervals. They placed their huts for the most part in the -fertile valleys, clinging to the rivers, thus having at hand the means -of getting their corn and produce to the coast. And slowly, as the -land was taken up, settlers took their farms farther and farther away, -till some barrier arrested further progress. Such a barrier existed, -and a glance at the map will show the position of the Alleghany -Mountains, extending from Pennsylvania down to Georgia. It was not, -of course, an obstacle which could not be surmounted, but it was for -all that an obstacle which turned the would-be farmer back, for the -simple reason that, with such a range stretching between him and the -coast, there was no possibility of his getting his produce to market. -Moreover, on the far side of that range Indians inhabited the forests, -and they were an enemy to be reckoned with and feared. - -[Illustration: CANADA and OUR AMERICAN COLONY in 1755.] - -Thus it happened that from Pennsylvania south to Georgia there was -every inducement to the young colonies to be satisfied with what land -they already possessed, while to the north, where the natural barrier -of the Alleghany Mountains did not exist, there were other barriers, -none the less formidable, which held the State of New York and those -of New England in check. Stretching between them and the unknown west -lay the country inhabited by the Iroquois, consisting of six nations -of Indians who had banded themselves together for purposes of offence -and defence, and who were friendly to our colonists. To think of -snatching their hunting lands from them, was to think of a relentless -and fearful war, which might damage the prosperity of the colonies. -Farther north there ran the huge river St. Lawrence, with the French -and their so-called Christian Indians for ever ready to sweep over the -frontier. - -It will be realized then, that there was reason why the young States -should not extend, but in dealing with them, one must not forget the -host of trappers and hunters belonging to each State, who, like the -Indians, steadily and surely pushed on away from the settlers. For -where there were villages there was little game, and it was upon -the latter that they depended for a livelihood. And so it happened -that, while the colonies proper came to an end at the slopes of the -Alleghany mountains, the trappers clambered over the range, and -descended into the country beyond. And in course of time, when their -numbers had increased and they had driven the Indians back after many -a battle, they too formed settlements, adventurous farmers joined -them, cleared the forest, and lived the dual life of farmer and -trapper. Then the restless spirit of the hunters took them on again, -till the forests west of the mountains harboured many and many a -gallant trapper, till their solitary log huts were seen in the valley -of the Ohio, on the banks of the Monongahela, the Alleghany, and the -Kenawha. - -Those were the men who knew that Indians still existed, who hunted -the bison and the bear, and fought the bloodthirsty native of the -forests in his own manner and with bitter determination. It was -these hardy fellows, men of Tom Mainwaring's stamp, trappers such -as Jim and Mac and Pete, who carried old England's banner into new -lands, and who were the very first to come in contact with the French -and their Indians. Their occupation of this valley of the Ohio won -claims for England which France could not deny and which we could not -repudiate, and though up to this date the various States had for the -most part stood aside, apathetically watching while these honest and -brave pioneers were driven back, their huts fired and their people -massacred, yet the time was now come when they and the Government in -England were to recall the fact that this valley of the Ohio was ours -by right of conquest, that it had been won by the toil and blood of -the trappers. - -There remains but one other point to explain with regard to the -colonies. It may be asked why these million and a half souls looked -on so calmly while the unfortunate pioneers and trappers were hunted -and massacred, why they sat at home while the Indians swarmed to the -western slopes of the Alleghanies and over the crest, slaughtering and -destroying the settlements? It must be a matter for marvel that they -remained for the most part inert and unshaken, even while the third -line of defences was ravaged, and the bloody war brought to their very -farms and mansions. - -There were many reasons for this state of affairs, and it may be said -of the Southern States that it was so long now since their fathers -and their grandfathers had driven the redskins over the Alleghany -Mountains that they had forgotten that the Indians existed. There were -no longer raids in their direction, and no fear of massacre. Then -again, those who managed the affairs of the scattered population of -these various States were more than inclined to sink patriotism and -all thought of their fellow-States in acrimonious discussions amongst -themselves, in petty squabbles over some matter which was of the -smallest actual importance, and in for ever harassing their governor. -They fought amongst themselves, squabbled with their neighbours as -to boundary lines, and wrangled while their countrymen were being -massacred, and even their own security threatened. - -In the north it was entirely different. The States of New York and -New England had French and French Indians on their borders, and -they had never forgotten the bitterness of former wars, nor did the -ever-present fear of an incursion help to dull their memories. We -shall see that it was to these Northern States in particular that we -are indebted for men and money, and for the initiative which first -roused the States to a sense of their duty, and the home Government to -the need for a leader and active opposition to the aims of France. - -Having given some idea of the thirteen States and their condition in -and about the year 1756, let us turn to France and her possessions in -North America. And perhaps it will be of interest to go as fully into -this part as into that concerning our own colony. Let the reader run -his finger from the northernmost tip of the island of Newfoundland -along the northern shore of the St. Lawrence, and he will pass over -the route which the gallant Jacques Cartier, of St. Malo, followed -in the years 1535-36, when on a voyage commissioned by Francis I. -This bold sailor was the first known European to ascend the mighty -St. Lawrence river, a river which is of huge proportions, and which -is fed by the most gigantic reservoirs. Look at the five huge lakes, -Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, which cover a space -larger than that covered by the whole of Great Britain, and consider -that these five drain steadily into this St. Lawrence river, and you -will perhaps have some idea of the vastness of this gigantic waterway. - -This Jacques Cartier cast anchor off the Isle of Orleans, which he -named the Isle of Bacchus, for it was well covered with vines, and -lay near the river St. Croix, within sight of the position where the -city of Quebec now stands. He met with a friendly reception from the -natives, and afterwards sailed up the river to Montreal, where an -Indian town was then situated. Having done more than any other white -man was known to have done, he erected a cross at St. Croix, claimed -the land for his master and for France, and duly returned home, having -completed his second voyage to these parts, a voyage commissioned, -as has been said, by Francis I., with the object of discovering a -short route to the Indies and new countries not yet discovered and -appropriated by the Spanish or the Portuguese. - -Monsieur Roberval was the first lieutenant to take up his residence -in the newly-found country. It is quite unnecessary to follow his -unimportant doings there, or the fate of the immigrants who went to -join him. But it may be stated that progress was exceptionally slow, -that colonists were few and far between, and that for many years the -French population of New France was extremely small. Sometimes the new -possessions met with favour from the French court, and for a while a -new impetus was given to colonising. And gradually the interior of the -country was opened up, or rather, some superficial knowledge of it was -gained from the reports of discoverers and hunters. For here, as in -the Ohio valley, the chief inducement to the hardy pioneers to push -on was the desire to obtain furs, for which there was always a ready -sale. - -But it must not be thought that their journeys took them so far that -nothing more was left to discover. Other men of the same venturesome -turn of mind were to appear upon the scene, Champlain amongst the -most noteworthy. Then, too, we must direct our attention to Nova -Scotia, the French Acadie, which attracted the eyes of the colonists -in 1604. We find that expeditions landed here and founded settlements, -and later we hear of gentlemen adventurers coming to this fertile -Acadie, there to seek their fortunes. In course of time, too, to be -precise, in the year 1625, Jesuit missionaries sailed for New France, -and we find them hereafter dominating the affairs of the colony, -ever pushing forward and boldly entering the country of the Indians. -Indeed, the history of Canada is filled with accounts of these -gallant missionaries, who struggled often alone into the forests, who -were murdered and tortured by the redskins, and who yet pressed on, -endeavouring always to bring the heathen Indian under the influence of -their religion. - -Cardinal Richelieu also appears upon the scene, the great Richelieu -who dominated France, and we find him forming a trading company and -arranging to send out artisans. - -It is interesting at this time to remember that England had colonists -at Massachusetts Bay, and that this country was ambitious of -obtaining more lands, and even of ousting the French. Indeed, in -the year 1628 Kirk appeared in the St. Lawrence off Quebec, and -though he did not take the place, Champlain, then the governor, had -the mortification of hearing that, in his descent of the river he -had captured four armed vessels and eighteen transports, which were -conveying those artisans whom the great Richelieu had selected. This -was a serious set back to the colonists, and was increased tenfold -in the following year, for Kirk again appeared upon the scene, and -summoned Champlain to surrender. That was the first occasion when the -broad banner of England floated over the fort of St. Louis, and the -site whereon the city of Quebec now stands. However, on returning -home, Kirk discovered that the war with France was at an end, and as -a result the treaty of St. Germain-en-Laye was signed, and Charles I. -handed back to France her possessions on the St. Lawrence, and Port -Royal, in Acadie. - -During all these years the progress of New France had been slow, and -on the mighty St. Lawrence her colonists were lost in the immensity -of their new possessions. In Acadie they had fared little better, and -though Port Royal was handed back to them and they enjoyed peaceful -possession of the country, it was not for a great number of years, for -our fleets captured the province in 1654, and in our hands it remained -till 1667, when Charles II. gave it back to Louis XIV. - -We pass over those years in Canada with the mention of few events, -amongst the most important of which was the danger which the colonists -now encountered from the Iroquois. They had a deadly feud with these -men from France, and we hear of their canoes ascending the Richelieu -and lying off Quebec itself, taunting the small garrison. These -uneventful times, however, produced scores of gallant men desirous of -pushing on into the mysterious west, and the names of Etienne Brulé -and of Nicolet loom large in the list. For a while the invasion of the -Iroquois kept these spirits close to the forts at Montreal and Quebec, -but when the Indian trouble had subsided, the Mohawks having been -dispersed, these gallant men pushed on again. They were found on the -great lakes, and to north and south of them. Hunters pushed into the -wilderness in search of skins, _coureurs de bois_, often the younger -sons of men of position in France, blazed their tracks through the -forests, intent upon discovery. And with one or other were to be found -the ubiquitous priest, bolder and more persevering than any perhaps. -The tales of these wanderers fill one with wonder and admiration, -and the history of these years of discovery teach us that the French -were wonderful hunters and explorers. They took to the forests as a -duck does to water. Often enough they associated with wandering bands -of Indians, learned their language and lived with them for months -and even years at a time, dressing in their hunting costumes. The -fascination of the wilderness cast such a spell over the colonists -that at this period, when men were sorely needed in the settlements, -when the hold which France had on her fine possessions was none of the -securest, scarcely a young colonist, be he habitant or the son of a -man of consequence, could be persuaded to remain. Threats of severe -punishment could not keep them. They broke from home ties, took their -ponderous muskets, their bullet and their powder pouches, and went off -into the forests, content to hunt and wander into a country which was -entirely strange, and to indulge in a life of freedom and adventure, -where hardship was the order of the day, and where only the strongest -and boldest survived. - -But it must not be supposed that the governing powers at Quebec, in -their endeavours to retain these young men, entirely muzzled the -desire to make fresh discoveries. They fostered the idea, selected -suitable men, and equipped expeditions. Frontenac, whose name has -secured an honoured place in the history of Canada, sent Jolliet to -find that great water of which the French had heard, though it had -been but vaguely mentioned. This intrepid explorer finally launched -his canoe on the waters of the giant Missipi (as it was then spelled), -and with Marquette, a bold Jesuit, paddled down the stream. René -Robert Cavalier, Sieur de la Salle, completed this important work of -exploration, and with Tonty and Father Membré sailed down the long -stretches of the Mississippi till he reached the Gulf of Mexico. This -momentous voyage opened the eyes of the French very wide indeed, for -the travellers could tell of fertile lands stretching from the great -lakes to the gulf in the south, and of a huge expanse of country which -would give refuge one of these days to millions of wanderers pressed -out of their own native lands by the overcrowding there. However, -beyond building a few forts, nothing more of consequence was done -till we arrive at a period in which New France, now generally styled -Canada, made rapid strides under the able leadership of her governors -and the careful attention of Louis Quatorze. - -There were perhaps three thousand souls in the colony prior to this -period, and it was obvious that many more were required if France was -to retain her rights there. The astute young king was the first to -recognise this, and we find him sending emigrants in large numbers, -emigrants who had been carefully selected. They consisted of young men -of the peasant class, called _habitants_, and of officers and younger -sons, for the most part unmarried. Then ship loads of peasant girls -and demoiselles were dispatched to the colony, and every inducement -offered to these men and women to marry and settle down. Indeed, young -men who failed to take notice of these inducements were harried and -taxed till they fell in with the wishes of their king. In addition -to these emigrants, men of some family were persuaded to go to the -colony, and from these smaller "gentilhommes" a Canadian noblesse was -formed, seigneurs were selected from amongst them, and a form of -feudal life commenced in the backwoods. The seigneur had a huge grant -of uncleared forest, he built his log hut or cabin, and a rough fort -to protect him against the Indians. And about this fort gathered his -_habitants_, tilling the land he allotted them, and paying their rent -in kind, a portion of corn, a few bear skins, fresh salmon from the -lake, or other commodities. Allegiance they gave to their seigneur for -the simple reason that these seigneuries were scattered and widely -separated, and self-support was their only policy, for otherwise they -would have fallen victims to the first redskin marauders. - -And thus we find the possessions of France slowly being peopled, till -in the year when Steve and his friends reached the Alleghanies, the -colonists numbered some 60,000 souls, exclusive of some ten thousand -living in Acadie, once French but now English, though the _habitant_ -who had filled that smiling land was French by birth and intensely -French in thought and sympathy. We find Cape Breton, an island just -north of Nova Scotia, a possession of France, with the formidable -fortress of Louisbourg situated upon it, and its ramparts bristling -with cannon. Hunters and _coureurs de bois_ had sailed across the -lakes, and knew every foot of their shores, while soldiers and agents -of France had built forts and trading posts in numerous places, had -erected stockades at certain points on the Mississippi, and were -slowly progressing in a scheme which promised soon to allow the men -descending this mighty Mississippi to join hands with men of their -blood at New Orleans, settled some time ago by the French. - -Look again at the map for a moment, and see what such a line of forts -meant. It cut the northern continent into two unequal parts, leaving -France the major portion lying to the west, as well as that wide tract -between the Mississippi and the Alleghanies. It was this portion, -commencing with the valley of the Ohio, which they determined to -occupy, despite the fact that our hunters and pioneers had penetrated -its forests years before, and it was this same valley in which their -own Indians were now camping, having harried and massacred far and -wide, and set fire to all the settlements not only in the valley, but -as far as and beyond the Alleghany range. - -History repeats itself, and it is strange to consider that the -constant forward movement of these persevering French was copied years -afterwards by those gallant men who opened up the great west of North -America to the thirteen colonies, that the work of exploration carried -on in Canada by hunters, by _coureurs de bois_, and by the restless -and bold spirits of the young noblesse was repeated on the far side -of the Alleghanies. Not that our trappers, even at this date, when -the French were doing their utmost to oust the British from the Ohio -valley, had been backward. They had done much, and a glance at the map -will show the reader that they had a station on Lake Ontario, Oswego -by name, which was well in advance of their own frontiers, and which, -in fact, was a bitter thorn in the side of the French. But adventurous -though our trappers were, they had not penetrated so far perhaps into -the wilderness as had the French, for the simple reason no doubt -that ways of communication were less frequent and difficult to come -across. A French trapper might enter his canoe at Quebec, and there -was water to take him hundreds of miles into the heart of the country, -to the farthest bays and creeks of the giant lakes. True, there were -mighty falls, as witness those of Niagara, but a canoe could be -carried. There were "portages" where canoes must be taken from the -water, the stores piled upon the backs of willing Indians, and the -whole outfit carried to some point above the falls. But these did not -altogether bar the great waterways, and on this account prospecting -and exploration was easier for the French. And thus we find them at -the period of this impending conflict masters of the St. Lawrence, -with strong places at Quebec, Montreal, Niagara, and Frontenac, not -to mention the huge and elaborately defended fortress at Louisbourg -on Cape Breton Island. We hear of their soldiers and trappers, with -thousands of Indians south of the great lakes, of their forts on the -Mississippi and on the river Richelieu and on Lake Champlain. In -fact, these energetic men, in spite of their paucity of numbers, were -swiftly surrounding the British, cutting off the thirteen States from -the smiling interior of America, and aiming no doubt at their final -extermination. We shall see, however, that even an apathetic people -may at last see their danger, and that England was not to be so easily -driven from a colony which had been founded by her hardy sons. - - - - -Chapter IX - -George Washington speaks - - -George Washington, the young colonel of colonial troops, was one -of the few men who may truly be said to have taken an active and -patriotic interest in the thirteen States as a whole in those eventful -months when Steve and his friends fought Jules Lapon and his Indians -in the forest, or hunted and trapped along the river at the risk -of losing their lives. Young though he was, this courtly colonial -gentleman, whose name at this day is held in honoured memory by -Americans and Englishmen alike, had already taken an active part -in the events which had slowly and insensibly led up to a conflict -between the French and the English. Steve looked at him as he lolled -on the rough wooden form, and could scarce credit the fact that he was -speaking with George Washington, openly spoken of at that period as -the colony's chief champion, and well known to be one of the first to -have crossed swords with the enemy. - -"What do you advise me to do, Colonel?" he asked, as he refilled his -wooden pipe. "I must work, of course, or else I shall starve, and -the work I want is something in connection with scouting. Then there -is my father. I do not fear that anything has happened to him, but -am naturally anxious that he should learn that I have crossed the -Alleghanies." - -"You have a letter for Charlestown; is that not the case?" asked the -Colonel. "I can have that delivered for you, and I will make a point -of warning all the men stationed at the crossings over this range that -they are to stop your father and tell him what has happened. If you -consent to that, then I have work for you." - -He pulled at his pipe and stared across at the young trapper between -half-closed lids. - -"He is just the lad we want," he was saying to himself. "He is called -the Hawk, and I know that no Indian would give him such a title if he -were not worthy of it. He has friends, too, who will help him. Yes, -he has come in the nick of time. Well," he went on, speaking aloud, -"what do you say to this proposition? I will take care that your -father is warned, and I have work for you, work which is of the utmost -importance, and which every patriotic man would eagerly undertake." - -"Then you may put my name down for it, Colonel," said Steve quickly. -"I have seen enough of these Frenchmen to make me sure that every -trapper will have to fight if he wishes to get back his possessions. -They have robbed us all in the most barefaced manner, and I for one -mean to get back what they have taken. Then, they say that these -enemies are determined to drive us altogether out of the country. That -means that England is in danger of losing her colony, and every man, -or lad for the matter of that, should take a hand in defending the -country." - -"Would that all would think in the same way," sighed the Colonel. "I -am surrounded by apathetic people, by farmers who are still almost -ignorant of the turn affairs have taken, by planters and traders whose -relatives have been massacred by the Indians, and who yet are content -to continue planting and trading without a thought or care for the -unhappy people who have sought a home on the far side of this mountain -range. Excuses are everywhere. Men will not turn out to fight because -they have crops to look to, because they have wives and a home, or -with better reason, because they have lost all sense of patriotism, -and the national danger does not alarm them. It is maddening to think -that there are hundreds and thousands who could help us, whose fathers -were patriotic to the backbone, and who would have responded at the -first call. I can only think that prosperity has killed all thought -of the nation, and that they will not be roused till the French are -at their doors. There, Steve Mainwaring, you have my opinion of the -southern States. They are mostly apathetic, though the men could -fight, ay, and would fight if only they could be brought to the -point. Look at Pennsylvania, too. Her council will not move a step to -help the colony, simply for the reason that they are for the most part -Quakers, and hostile to even the thought of war. Would they fight, do -you think, if they heard the war whoop of the Indians?" - -He looked across at Steve, and flushed red with indignation. - -"If they did not they would have little chance afterwards," was our -hero's scathing answer. "They would be cowards if they did not do all -that was possible." - -"And yet they are not that," said George Washington slowly. "It is -simply apathy which keeps them at home. They seem to have no interest -in the struggle. Now, look at the north. There are men, if you like! -They are Puritans for the most part, but they do not forget the -Indians, and they have already helped with men and money. There have -been stirring times, I tell you, Steve, and there is stern fighting -before us. I'll let you know how we stand at the present moment, -and what has happened in the past, for I expect that you are fairly -ignorant. News does not travel far or fast in the backwoods." - -Steve and his friends had, in fact, only a superficial knowledge of -the events which had led up to the then position of affairs, and he -listened with interest as George Washington told of how the French had -commenced upon a course of intrigue and invasion which was destined to -despoil the thirteen States. It was De la Galissonière who had first -cast covetous eyes on that no-man's land in the valley of the Ohio, -and who in 1749 had sent an expedition to the valley with instructions -to nail up proclamations stamped in tin, claiming the land for France. -He argued that once this had been done he could pour settlers into -the country, who would quickly oust the British, for it must be -remembered that the latter were few in number, and for the most part -very scattered, preferring to pitch their farms alone, and not to -live, as did the French, always in communities. And while this process -of filling the debatable and coveted land was in course of completion, -agents were engaged with the _habitants_ in Acadia (Nova Scotia), -undermining their loyalty to King George of England, and preparing -them for revolution. This was perhaps one of the most disgraceful -events of this period, for these humble and hitherto contented people -were dominated by these agents, who gained an ascendency over them by -detestable means. - -It was Shirley of Massachusetts and Dinwiddie of Virginia, both -far-seeing governors, who first bestirred themselves in the matter. -They realised the schemes of the French, and the patriotic and -energetic young colonel who sat opposite to Steve, the famous George -Washington, was sent on a mission to the commander of Fort Le Boeuf, -which the French had erected some twenty miles south of Lake Erie. -That was in the year 1753, and when George Washington, after a most -arduous journey, returned to Williamsburg, he brought no satisfactory -answer with him. He had met with politeness. That was all. The French -would not retire, and showed every disposition to remain in the -country south of Lake Erie. Dinwiddie, who was at this time the moving -spirit, had in the meanwhile obtained the sanction of the English -Government to oppose force by force, and to do his utmost to arrest -the invasion of the French. - -It is interesting at this time to remember that France and England -were at peace in Europe, for after the war of the Austrian -succession, and the battles of Dettingen and Fontenoy, the peace of -Aix-la-Chapelle was solemnly signed. And yet we find our Government -giving its sanction to a movement in America destined to drive the -French out of the country, while we know that France, in spite of the -peace, was steadily, if not feverishly, pressing her colonists into -the valley of the Ohio, and flagrantly abusing the peace which existed -between the nations. However, such conduct on our part was certainly -to be commended, for we were not the invading party, and were merely -attempting to protect our own interests. We were not desirous of an -open rupture with France, our hereditary enemy, for the simple reason -that we were not ready. Our Government was weak, its colonial policy -vacillating, while its chief minister was altogether unsuited to -our needs. But, whatever the condition of those at home, there were -strenuous men in America, and we find Dinwiddie despatching a second -mission of forty backwoodsmen, under Ensign Ward, to erect a fort -at the junction of the Alleghany and the Monongahela rivers, in the -Ohio valley. They were driven back by French _voyageurs_ and soldiers, -who promptly erected a fort at this chosen spot, a fort well known in -following years as that of Duquesne. - -And now we come to more stirring times, times in which George -Washington took an active part. As he sat opposite to Steve, he -modestly related how he had been sent with 150 men to destroy this -Fort Duquesne, how he had fallen in with a party of Frenchmen, and how -they had exchanged fire, with the result that the French leader and -some of his men were killed and wounded, while some twenty-two were -taken prisoners. This may be said to be the first occasion when blood -was shed in this historic conflict, and bearing in mind what has been -written with regard to the apathy of the various southern States, it -is only fair to mention that Washington commanded Virginians, and that -it was Dinwiddie, a Virginian governor, who persuaded his legislature -to vote £10,000 for the cause, and thereby enabled him to take active -steps to oppose the French. - -But the men whom Washington now had under his command were hopelessly -few, though reinforcements had brought their strength to 350, for -the French had been preparing for the struggle for a long while, -and had more than a thousand men at Fort Duquesne. They advanced on -Washington, who retired to Great Meadows, and threw up entrenchments, -aptly named Fort Necessity. And there he was attacked in force, while -a deluge of rain descended on the two opposing forces. After nine -hours of gallant resistance, the French were still all round the -improvised defences, and being in almost as miserable a condition as -the colonials, they proposed a capitulation, which the young colonel -refused. Later, when his ammunition was exhausted and some hundred of -his men lay killed or wounded, he consented to discuss terms, which -were at length agreed upon, for they were sufficiently honourable and -lenient. - -Such an open rupture, it may be easily assumed, caused unusual -excitement, and the presence of the French and their murdering Indians -in the backwoods of the Ohio valley practically drove our trappers and -pioneers back across the Alleghany range. A few hardy and courageous -men, however, still clung to their huts, and we have already made the -acquaintance of some of these. The excitement, and obvious intentions -of the French were not sufficient even yet to rouse the thirteen -States to concerted action, though Virginia, having quarrelled with -Dinwiddie till he was almost frantic, and having voted him twenty -thousand pounds for purposes of military defence, but saddled with -some impossible proviso, at length withdrew the proviso, and granted -the money free. There was little stir in the other States. Men from -New York State were under arms, and some from Carolina. Pennsylvania, -with a large German population, stirred not a finger. It is wonderful -and amazing indeed to remember that these people inhabiting the -various States and displaying such suicidal apathy, were the sons -of a race which had shown wonderful pluck and perseverance, and -themselves the originators of that following race of men who fought -and bled for their country so manfully, whose blood flows in the veins -of descendants who are justly proud of their forefathers, and who, -in place of apathy, show to a wondering world great patriotism and -activity, the power to fight and work with equal determination. - -We leave the conflict at Great Meadows, and the year 1754 with -England and France still at peace in Europe, but preparing for an -inevitable war in the backwoods. Those following months saw a new -French expedition sent to Canada under a new governor, and feverish -preparations pushed on for the coming war. As to England, she at -length saw the necessity for sending help, and despatched troops to -America, while her fleets sailed, each captain having no doubt secret -instructions to attack and capture the French expedition. Indeed, in -the summer of 1755 two French vessels were captured off Nova Scotia. - -Meanwhile Braddock, the chosen leader of our troops, had arrived at -Alexandria, opposite the site of the present city of Washington, -and plans for the coming campaign were discussed, while Johnson, a -young Irishman, who had lived much in the backwoods, and who knew -the Indians as well as did Steve, was given the task of travelling -amongst the six tribes who composed the Iroquois, and endeavouring -to counteract the subtle influence of the French. For these astute -enemies of ours were not content to have their own Indians following -them. They aimed at suborning the six tribes who had hitherto been -favourable to the English colony. - -Now let the reader glance again at the map for an instant. He will see -that the river St. Lawrence forms one side of a triangle, of which the -Mohawk river, uniting with the Oswego, forms a second, the Hudson, -Lake George, and Lake Champlain, with the river Richelieu, completing -a line which makes the third. The latter two sides formed the readiest -means of attacking the French, for there was a waterway in either -case, while on every hand there was virgin forest, through which the -task of escorting an army was very great. The council which met at -Alexandria, and which consisted of British officers and governors of -the various States, decided that Fort Duquesne was the key of the -whole position, and should be attacked in force, while to divert the -attention of the French an expedition should make for the chain of -lakes running northward from the Hudson, and a second for Acadia, -where the _habitant_ subjects of King George were in practically open -rebellion. - -It is not possible to give in detail the various incidents which -befell these three expeditions, but a few words will suffice to -describe what happened. Braddock's force, consisting of regulars from -England, and of a few rangers from New York, Virginia, Maryland, -and Carolina, marched for Fort Duquesne through the woods, and -after meeting with great difficulties and serious delays at length -came within a dozen miles of the fort. What followed will for ever -be an illustration of the futility of attacking a guerilla force -as if it were a European army encamped in the open, or drawn up in -serried ranks to oppose the coming of the enemy. Braddock's men were -met after they had crossed a river by a fierce and stinging fire -which belched from the thick forest and brush. Occasionally a blue -or white uniform was seen, or the feathered head of an Indian, and -at these our guns were discharged with some effect. Indeed, for a -while the French flinched, and but for the courage of their officer -might have fled. They rallied, took up their stations in the bush, -and kept up a constant musketry fire upon our columns drawn up in -close order in the open. Then the Indians crept through the forest -to either flank, and presently our hapless men were being raked by -a stinging hail of bullets. Pack animals dashed madly amongst them. -The war-whoop of the Indians deafened the combatants and increased -the disorder. At this moment, when the British were standing their -ground with magnificent courage, replying to a fire delivered by an -invisible foe with searching volleys, a little common-sense might -have gained the day for us and sent the Indians and the French in full -flight to their fort. But there was no one in authority possessed of -that common-sense. The Government of that day had done as those of -following Governments have done without fail. They had sent a British -officer to command, who knew nothing of the backwoods and the men who -inhabited them, who was ignorant of Indian warfare, despised cover, -and thought that there was no glory in a fight in which the combatants -did not stand shoulder to shoulder, in the full blast of the cannon. -An order to the men to break ranks and take cover might have altered -the sad event entirely. But our soldiers were kept in the open, and -at length, after facing a terrible fire for two hours, they fled on -seeing Braddock mortally wounded. - -"It was the most terrible experience of my life," said George -Washington as he sat in front of Steve. "Those gallant but ill-led -men stood as firm as rocks, and were slaughtered like sheep. The few -Virginian backwoodsmen we had with us took cover and did their best -to hold the enemy, but were too few to make any effect upon them. -We fled, and our flight became a rout. A panic seized the men, and -nothing could hold them. Let us pass on from that battle, for it is -not pleasant to have to reflect upon it, while I can assure you that -the effect of such a disastrous defeat was felt throughout America, -and even in Europe. As to its effect in the valley of the Ohio, you -should know that very well. No doubt you saw something of the Indians -and of the French." - -"We were attacked by one band, under a rascal named Jules Lapon," -answered Steve. "But we beat them off handsomely, and won our way -through from Albany in safety. I believe that we owe our security from -interference at our settlement to that same Jules Lapon, for he had -land next to ours." - -"And carefully kept others from stealing it, even his majesty Louis -XV. of France. But I will proceed. As I have said, I was one of those -unfortunate ones who took part in the Braddock expedition, and I was -saying that the effect was disastrous in the valley of the Ohio. The -Indians swept on, and though I was left to protect the frontier, how -much use was I when I had some four hundred miles to watch and a -bare thousand men to help me? No wonder the Indians pushed on, and -thousands of our settlers were massacred. But to proceed. The French -captured papers with the baggage of Braddock which told them plainly -what other movements were taking place, and they at once made ready to -oppose these attempts on their frontier. Shirley started from Albany -with some 1500 men, and made his way by the Mohawk river to Oswego, -where he prepared to march on Fort Niagara. But the French put all -thought of such an attempt out of his mind by throwing reinforcements -into Fort Frontenac, which, as you know, is on the opposite side of -Lake Erie, only some fifty miles away. Shirley had nothing left -but to increase the defences of Oswego, and returned, having left a -garrison of 700 men. - -"The third expedition was under Johnson, a man who knows the Indian -better perhaps than any other white man. He also set out from Albany, -with 6000 provincial soldiers, 4500 of whom came from Massachusetts. -All were amateurs in the art of war. A few were backwoodsmen, but -the majority were farmers, mechanics, or fishermen. As for Johnson -himself, he was wholly unused to the command of men, and innocent of -that organising ability without which a force cannot be victualled -satisfactorily. In addition, I must tell you that the men he had were -unused to discipline, and very apt to act and think for themselves. -But I will not give you all the details. Johnson reached the bend of -the Hudson, _en route_ for Crown Point, the French station at the foot -of Lake Champlain, and left 500 men there to build a fort known now -as Fort Edward. Then he pressed on across the twelve miles of virgin -forest which stretched between him and Lake George. Arrived there he -commenced to build Fort William Henry. - -"Meanwhile the French had poured reinforcements into Crown Point, for -it must be remembered that they had captured Braddock's papers, and -knew that this movement of Johnson's was afoot. Their scouts told them -of the arrival of the British, and they at once made arrangements to -attack. Stealing down the long strip of water which runs parallel -with Lake George, known as Wood Creek, they landed from their canoes -at a point which struck the road between Fort Edward and Fort William -Henry in the centre, and, believing that there were no cannon at -the latter fort, they prepared to attack it. Meanwhile Johnson had -heard of their coming, and sent out a force to find the French and -drive them back. This force fell into an ambush, and very nearly met -the fate which had befallen poor Braddock. However, they extricated -themselves and retired on the fort, where the contest was continued. -And here the New England farmer and backwoodsman showed his mettle. He -took cover cleverly, for the fort as yet existed only in name, and was -a mere barricade. He searched the woods with his bullets, and, aided -by our guns, caused considerable loss to the enemy. Then, gathering -heart, the sturdy provincials leaped over the barricades and charged -down upon the French with clubbed musket and tomahawk. That gallant -charge drove the enemy from the field, and resulted in the capture -of their leader. It was followed by another success, for part of the -French force, consisting of Canadians and Indians, had retired from -Fort William Henry into the woods to the place where their ambush had -been laid, their intention being to loot and gather scalps. Here they -were pounced upon by a small force sent from Fort Edward and utterly -routed. Thus, you will observe, what had very nearly been a disaster -ended in a fine victory for our arms, and in a measure helped to -lighten the depression caused by Braddock's defeat." - -Colonel George Washington sat up to look at Steve, and remained for -some minutes lost in thought. No doubt he was passing in review those -eventful days during which he had marched with Braddock. He had given -Steve some idea of what had occurred, though he had not completed the -tale. For a fourth expedition was attempted that year. Two thousand -staunch rustics, enlisted from Massachusetts, sailed from Boston -harbour for Nova Scotia, their object being to capture Fort Beauséjour -which the French had built on debatable land on the isthmus connecting -Canada and Nova Scotia. It was from this post, the headquarters of the -intriguers, that agents and soldiers worked to undermine the loyalty -of the _habitants_ of Acadia, for France was determined to recover -this lost province. However, the gallant peasants from Massachusetts -brought their designs to an end, for they sat down outside the fort, -and despite attacks from Indians and Acadians outside, they pressed -the siege so strenuously that the place was surrendered. Then the -troops marched across to the north shore of the isthmus and took Fort -Gaspereu without meeting with opposition. - -The end of this momentous year of 1755 found France and England still -ostensibly at peace, for there had been no declaration of war as yet. -The winter brought some abatement to Indian ravages on the British -frontiers, but the French had the best of the position. The valley of -the Ohio was theirs, right up to and over the Alleghany range. They -had a formidable force at Fort Duquesne, at Frontenac, and at Niagara. -Their defences at Crown Point were improved, and now they were hard -at work erecting Fort Ticonderoga at the very foot of Lake Champlain, -not more than forty miles from Fort William Henry. As to Nova Scotia, -it was in our possession now, but the very formidable fortress of -Louisbourg on Cape Breton Isle dominated the position, and offered a -haven to French ships, and a base from which the strongest expeditions -could set out. - -"There is little else to tell you, Steve," said George Washington, -sitting up suddenly to shake the ash out of his pipe and refill the -bowl with best Virginian. "Still, as I think over all the events -which have happened, I see one or two other points which may help to -enlighten you. Nova Scotia, for instance, that old French Acadie, you -might well consider to be still a thorn in the flesh, in spite of the -reduction of Fort Beauséjour; for Louisbourg lies very close to it, -and there were thousands of disaffected _habitants_ to be dealt with. -But they are no longer in need of consideration, for they have been -deported. Yes, cruel though the act seems, it was necessary, in my -opinion, for they were a menace to our safety, and were so obviously -French in interest and sympathy that it was necessary to remove them. -And now to complete my tale. Oswego has fallen, and the French have -wiped the station out of existence. Then France has made a descent -on Minorca, and that taken in conjunction with her attitude here has -caused our government to declare war, and to show that it will support -us, it has voted £115,000 with which to carry on this conflict. -General Abercromby and Colonel Webb have taken up commands, and I -hear now that the Earl of Loudon has arrived in the colony. Meanwhile -colonial troops have been enlisted for the coming campaign, and after -gathering at Albany report says that they are now reinforcing Forts -William Henry and Edward, where they will strengthen the defences and -make ready for an advance by road or lake upon Fort Ticonderoga. But -it is already late in the season, and I doubt that anything will be -done before the advent of 1757. We want more men and money, and very -much stronger support from home, and I hear that there is a prospect -of receiving it; for rumour says that a new ministry will be formed, -and Pitt will come into power. Then this campaign will be pressed on, -and we may hope to beat the French. For here again I have a little -information. - -"Knowing how relatively few their men are, you would expect France to -pour troops into Canada," said the young colonial leader, as he looked -across at Steve. "Well, she has done so up till recently, and has sent -a fine commander in the person of Montcalm. But European conquest has -distracted her attention, and it is a fact that she has joined a -coalition with the object of attacking Frederick of Prussia. She has -dropped her active colonial policy for the shadow of European glory, -and, mark my words, she will bitterly rue her determination. She has -progressed rapidly in this campaign, her woodsmen and Indians press -at our doors, and our middle and southern States still sit apathetic, -playing into the hands of our enemies. There will never come such -another opportunity. The task before these Frenchmen is easier at this -moment than ever before, and never again can she expect such good -fortune. And yet she has suddenly changed her policy. She has banished -all thought of these vast stretches of unclaimed land, and would -rather humble the power of Frederick of Prussia than become a power in -North America. I tell you she will repent the action. It is England's -turn to profit now, for we have suffered bitterly. - -"But I have told you all the facts now, and will again return to -my proposition. Steve Mainwaring, report tells me that you are a -practised scout and backwoodsman, and, moreover, I can tell that -you have had a good education. A man of your class is wanted in the -neighbourhood of Fort William Henry, a leader of scouts who can keep -our generals informed of the movements of the French. The winter is -almost upon us, and the next few months will see little movement in -other parts. But on Lake George a serious attack from the French -is possible, for they can come over the ice. Will you take service -with the colonials and enlist a band of scouts to act in that -neighbourhood?" - -There was silence for a few minutes, while Steve looked back at the -Colonel, a man after his own heart, tall and active, with fearless -kind eyes which looked straight into his. Then he sat up suddenly, -sprang to his feet, and gripped the hand held out to him. - -"I will go gladly, sir," he said. "I will take service till such time -as this contest is ended." - -"Good! That is excellent. Then we can go further. You will be gazetted -as captain," said George Washington, "and I may say that I have -been authorized to act in this manner, for our leaders are eager to -discover the right man. You will receive a bounty on being gazetted, -and will draw sufficient in pay and allowances to keep you. To your -men you can offer a bounty of six dollars, and twenty-six shillings a -month pay, besides rations and clothing." - -"I accept the terms willingly, Colonel," answered Steve promptly. "I -think I can guarantee that I shall be able to enlist ten men at least. -The money will be little inducement to them, for they have a good deal -more to fight for. As to the clothing, they will prefer to keep to -their hunting costumes. All will be trappers born and bred." - -"Then you can enlist them up to forty in number. And now, Steve, for -your orders. When can you be ready?" - -"In a week, I think," was our hero's answer. "That will give the men -time to settle their families." - -"And when can you march?" - -"When you order, sir." - -"Then you will set out in ten days' time, and meanwhile I will send on -a letter to Fort William Henry, intimating what I have done. Now join -me at my evening meal." - -Ten days later Steve set out from the mountains, seventeen of the -trappers who had fled from the settlement accompanying him. Jim and -Mac and Pete were there, while Silver Fox, wrapped in his blanket, -taciturn and silent, strode on in advance, his keen eyes noting -everything, his nostrils agape as if he already scented the smoke from -the camp fires of the Shawnee Indians, hereditary foes of his race, -with whom he hoped to meet before the conflict was ended. - -And so with the encouraging cheers of George Washington's ragged -soldiers ringing in their ears, the party set out, Steve their -acknowledged leader, and turned their faces for Albany. They plunged -into the forest within a few minutes, and stole along, a silent band, -clad in moccasins and trapper's leather. Icy blasts occasionally -reached them, while leaves of every tinge and shade slid from the -trees and pattered in their faces. The winter was at hand, and before -Steve and his band had reached their destination the frosts had -commenced and some snow had fallen. Little did they care for the cold. -These hardy huntsmen entered Fort William Henry ruddy and browned -by exposure, their honest faces displaying their enthusiasm and the -eagerness which all felt to commence the contest. Nor were they kept -long impatient. For the French were close at hand, and, indeed, had -come within sight of the fort that very morning. - -"I am glad to see you," said the commander, as he shook Steve's hand. -"You will find your own quarters, and draw your rations as do the -others. To-morrow you will see what the French are doing. A dozen of -our poor fellows were ambushed and slaughtered yesterday." - -Steve saluted and returned to his men. That evening their arrangements -were completed, and as the first streak of dawn lit up the gloomy -forest surroundings of Fort William Henry, he and his men stole from -the fort in single file, and, passing the sentries and outposts, -disappeared one by one amongst the trees and brambles. They were alone -again, dependent on their own courage and exertions, and conscious -of the fact that a remorseless enemy might pounce upon them at any -moment. - - - - -Chapter X - -Steve and his Band of Scouts - - -"The first thing that we have to do is to muster our forces and divide -up the work," said Steve, when his party of trappers and hunters who -were to act as scouts had left Fort William Henry a mile or more -behind them. "Without organisation we shall be nowhere. We cannot live -out here and do good work unless we rest, and if we wish to live we -must not dream of resting all together. There would be a very sad tale -to tell if we were so careless." - -He called gently to Jim and Mac, who happened to be in rear of him, -and at a signal from the latter the band of scouts gathered about -their young leader, flitting noiselessly amongst the trees. As for -Steve, looking tanned and weather-beaten, and as fine and independent -a young leader as could well be found, he leaned against the -lichen-covered trunk of a small oak, from which the leaves had long -been shed, and kicked his snow-shoes from his feet. - -"Make yourselves easy, boys," he said. "We'll discuss matters." - -"One minute, Cap'n," answered Jim, shouldering his musket and facing -round. "Now, boys, you ain't forgot what we've been talkin' about. Get -into yer places, jest to let the Cap'n see as you know what's wanted. -Hem! Form line! Pete, you're a foot or two out in yer calculations. -Jest hop back a piece; and Mac, didn't I tell yer back there in the -fort that an old soljer such as you air should know better how to -range up with the company?" - -Steve was amazed, and watched with a twinkle of amusement in his -steady eyes as the band of backwoodsmen shambled into line, a line -remarkable rather for its broken appearance and for its irregular gaps -than for regularity. For the lusty and courageous backwoodsmen who -till that day knew no master, who had fought and hunted in their own -manner, without direction from any one, and more often than not with -themselves alone to look to for leadership and advice, had little or -no notion of discipline. They scoffed at leaders as a general rule, -and at formation of any description. And in consequence the argument -which had induced them at length to conform to Jim's wishes had waxed -hot and furious. - -"We've been settin' our heads together, Cap'n," said Jim, as he ran -his eye down the ragged line of staunch backwoodsmen and scowled -at Mac and a few others who did not show that amount of interest -in the movement which pleased him. "We've seen what them chaps air -like way back at the fort, and we reckoned that after all a bit of -discipline air wanted. Yer see, supposin' we was called together all -of a sudden, and them skunks of redskins war close handy, waal, if -we hadn't any idea of order, where should we all be? Reckon the most -of us would be jawin' and tellin' the others what to do. Waal, that -ain't the thing to keep scalps on our heads. We want to collect quick -as a flash and wait for a command. Ef you don't happen to be handy, -then me or Mac or Pete, jest in that order, ef it's agreeable to you, -'ll take over the post of leader for the time, and there won't be -no--no--what's the word boys?" - -"Confusion," suggested Steve quietly, suppressing the smile of -amusement which was on his lips and stepping into his snow-shoes -again. For all of a sudden he realized that these men who had -so willingly placed themselves under his command were serious, -desperately serious, and meant to do their utmost to get even with the -enemy and wrest back from him the possessions which they had lost. -The fine fellows were ready to sacrifice some of their much-cherished -independence with the one object of making success more assured. He -ran his eye down the rank of stalwart trappers, and noted Jim's slim -proportions, his tall, wiry figure. Then Mac's flaming red beard -caught his attention, and he looked with open approval at the sturdy, -short figure of the Irishman, who stood at attention, his musket to -the shoulder, his eye fixed on his leader. A glance, in fact, was -sufficient to show that he alone of the whole company present had had -some experience of drill and discipline. There, too, was Pete, his -bulky figure bursting almost from his hunting shirt, his head and ears -swathed in a huge coon-skin cap. Of the others, tall and short, slim -or more sturdily built, there was not one who had not the appearance -of a hardy backwoodsman. There was a keen look in every face, and if -he had not known it before, the manner in which this band had slipped -from the fort that morning and made their way into the forest told him -that all were skilled in such work, that every man had had experience -and could be counted on to act with the stealth and cunning of the -oldest Indians. Though all with the exception of Mac lounged on their -muskets in the most unmilitary style, Steve felt gratified at this -the first sign of some attention to discipline. He swept his eye -along the line again and let it rest on Silver Fox for the space of a -second. The Mohawk warrior stood behind the line of men, resting upon -his firearm, the fringes of his moccasins trailing into the snow at -his feet. There was a look almost of scorn on his sharply-chiselled -features, a look which seemed to say that he of all the party thought -such a movement unnecessary. - -"With men of my race such a thing is unnecessary, Hawk," he said in -his slow, gutteral tones. "With us there is a leader, and when danger -comes on the sudden the chirrup of a bird, the call of a wild cat, or -the screech of an owl brings all together. Then he who speaks is the -chief. If others dare to open their lips they die. With these comrades -other methods are wanted perhaps. If so they are good. These are -all brave men, and are here to fight and not to play. Silver Fox is -satisfied." - -"And I too," cried Steve, as he strode down the ranks and passed a -word with every man. "Boys, you have done me the honour of accepting -me as your leader, and I will do my best for you. I think that we all -have the same cause for coming here. We have something to win back -from the French and their Indians, and we have a king who asks for -our help. I am glad to see that you are prepared to obey some sort of -discipline, for it will certainly help us in case we should ever get -into a tight place. It will be of service too when we are in action, -and I for one have come here to fight, to do my best to drive back the -French and their Indians." - -There was a general shuffling of snow-shoes at his words, a restless -movement along the ragged line which told that the men approved. Had -regular soldiers been there they would have tossed their caps on to -their bayonets and cheered. But these backwoodsmen knew well that a -shout might bring a hornet's nest about their ears, and more than -that, custom had taught them to be taciturn as a rule, to be silent -and thoughtful, given to deeds and not to words. - -"And we're all here to do the same," burst in Jim. "Reckon me and you, -Cap'n, and every boy here, has a bone to clean with them 'ere French, -and ef we hadn't er guessed as you would most likely show us some -fightin', why----" - -"Sure ye know we'd not have been here," sang out Mac, his long -friendship with Steve and Jim overcoming all discipline. "But Hawk'll -show us the way, bhoys, and remimber, ivery one of ye, that till -we can drive these men back to their own counthry there'll be no -peace for us, their murtherin' Indians will be rhunnin' over our -sittlemints, and our wives and childer, God kape the darlints! will be -back there where we've lift 'em, waitin' and longin' for their homes." - -There was a low growl from the ragged rank at that, and the -backwoodsmen instinctively gripped the barrels of their ponderous -muskets. There was now a stern look in their eyes, a look which boded -ill for the enemy. - -"Then we are all agreed," sang out Steve. "Now for ways and means. I -propose that we live out of the fort. Men there are dying daily from -infectious disease, while those who form the garrison have little to -do but grumble. Let us take up our quarters out here in the forest. We -are used to roughing it, and know well how to provide against severe -weather." - -"Seth Shorter! Where air yer, Seth? Ah, then step forward and speak -up," sang out Jim at this moment. "Now, Cap'n, Seth here has been born -and brought up close to these lakes, and I reckon he'll know every -inch of the ground. Ef we're to live out in the forest, he's the boy -to say where. As for livin' out, why we're all for that, for who'd -want to stay in there at the fort?" - -He pointed a contemptuous finger in the direction of Fort William -Henry where they had spent the previous night, and where even that -short experience had taught them that life in the British stronghold -was not one altogether to be desired. For, as Steve had said, men died -fast from disease, while the hours hung terribly heavy for all who -formed the garrison. - -"Now, Seth, where air this camp of ours to be?" demanded Jim, -slouching up to the sturdy backwoodsman who had been called upon, and -slapping him upon the shoulder with his gloved hand. "Where air the -place, lad?" - -"Thar ain't a doubt where we should camp," came the ready answer. -"It's like this, Cap'n and mates. Here's Wood Creek running down -from the foot of Lake Champlain, and alongside of it thar's Lake St. -George, which is a good deal bigger. Waal, up thar, at the foot of -Champlain, there's Crown Point, one of them Frenchie's forts, and -below that they've Ticonderoga building. Between Lake St. George and -Wood Creek thar's a tidy strip of land and wood, and ef thar's a place -as I know, why---" - -"You are acquainted with that," interrupted Steve, eagerly. "Well?" - -"Waal, thar's a bit of a stretch o' rocky ground at the foot of that -strip o' land, and thar ain't a tree on it for quite a bit. All -round's forest, same as this, and then thar's the frozen lakes. Now, -Cap'n, I've shot and trapped over that 'ere place scores o' times, and -me and a mate once did a winter's outin' thar, trappin' and collectin' -pelts. We was, as you might say, jest as this 'ere party air. We was -lookin' for a campin' ground whar we could live in spite of weather, -and whar we could have a show ef them red-skinned varmint comed along." - -"And yer found it?" asked Jim eagerly. - -"You bet. That thar rocky ground has got a kind of nose on it. It -kicks up into the air all of a sudden, jest a hundred feet perhaps, -and right at the top it dips jest as sudden. That dip air about the -size to take this party, and with a few trees across the top and -a lacing of reeds the snow'll lie and form a roof which looks as -natural--waal----" - -"As possible," suggested Steve. - -"Right, Cap'n. As natural as possible I reckon. From that ere place a -few of us chaps could hold up a hundred and more of the varmint ef we -had a supply of victuals." - -"Then we'll make for it and inspect," said Steve promptly. "How far is -it from the fort?" - -"A matter of five mile perhaps, mate, I mean Cap'n." - -"The same, my lad," laughed Steve. "We are all mates on this trail. -But one word before we move. You are all more experienced than I am, -and since you have decided to follow some sort of discipline, I will -say nothing more about it, but leave the matter to you alone. But once -we have our quarters we will divide into watches, and select hunters -and scouts. Now, Seth, just give us a lead." - -The trapper shuffled over the snow at once, his musket flung over his -shoulder, and without seeming to take note of his position strode -off at right angles to the course which they had been following. As -promptly his comrades divided into parties, which had been arranged by -Jim and Mac, and while some trailed off after Seth and Steve, others -moved away like ghosts into the forests to act as flanking guards. -And as Steve cast his eye to right and left he caught sight of their -figures every now and again, silently flitting between the trees, each -man listening intently, noting every little sign, and still keeping -in touch with the main party. Ten minutes later the hoot of an owl -brought the trappers together. - -"Thar's been redskins and Frenchies here," said one of the band, as -he pointed to a narrow track in the snow. "They passed last night, I -should reckon." - -"And blazed a fresh trail," added Steve swiftly. "Look over there." - -His sharp eye had seen a white clip in the side of a tree some -distance away, and closer inspection and a little search showed that -he was not in error. - -"The Hawk has an eye of which the finest chief might be proud," said -Silver Fox. "These men passed in the afternoon of yesterday. There -were ten of them." - -"And one was less accustomed to shoes than the others," said Steve -swiftly. "He was a pale face." - -"He was. The Hawk can read the signs as I have already learned. One -was a pale face, and he led. They went towards the fort, blazing a new -track. They returned across the ice." - -There was an exclamation at that from some of the trappers who up till -lately had been unacquainted with Silver Fox. But Jim silenced the -doubts of his comrades promptly. - -"How's that, chief?" he asked in the Mohawk, which all the party -understood. "How did you get that reckonin'?" - -"Ask the Hawk," was the curt answer. "He read these signs, and he knew -how they returned." - -"It is easy to guess at their track back, but one cannot say -absolutely for sure," smiled Steve. "Look at the tracks of their shoes -here, boys. Well, there are no return traces. Yesterday they made in -the direction of Fort William, and I guess that they were back at -their own quarters before night fell. Remember how cold it was and how -it began to blow in the early afternoon." - -"It did that," exclaimed one of the men. "The snow was sweeping over -the ice on the lakes." - -"Just so, and the clouds of snow hid them well. They slipped from the -forest on to the ice, and with the wind behind them were almost blown -back home, while their traces were covered. Here, in the forest, where -the full force of the wind was not so much felt, their tracks are -pretty clear. They are home again, boys, and we can do nothing with -them to-day. But another time----" - -"We'll remember that they've blazed a path," said Jim curtly. "We'll -set a watch on this place." - -Once more the band separated and plunged on through the silent forest, -and within a little while they found themselves on rising ground which -finally led up to a hollow, some fifty feet long, by twenty broad, and -some fifteen deep. Its opening faced directly north, in the direction -of the French position, while its back was walled in by a mass of -rock and frozen earth. For roof it had the sky, now overcast and -treacherous-looking, save at the extreme rear, where a mass of snow -was supported by the branches of a fallen tree. - -"The only one as grew up thar," explained Seth, pointing to it. "Me -and my mate felled it and dropped it inter position, whar it formed -a roof over our heads. Now ef we was to do the same right along, and -place a wall in front, there'd be a fort ter be proud of, and room in -plenty for every man." - -For some few minutes the members of the band closely inspected the -hollow and its surroundings, Steve noting with much satisfaction that -the slightly elevated position of the mound gave those who occupied -it a perfect watch-tower from which they could in clear weather see -the frozen surfaces of Lake St. George and Wood Creek, while the trees -stood back so far that there was little or no cover for an attacking -enemy. It was just the place for an armed camp, for it was within -reach of their friends, occupied an advanced position, and, owing -to its nearness to Fort William Henry, could easily be victualled. -For a little while he stood on the edge of the hollow staring out at -the wind-swept and dark frozen surface of the long lake to the left, -known as St. George, and then at the still more slender strip to the -right, Wood Creek, on the banks of which many a little skirmish had -taken place between colonials and French Indians. _La petite guerre_, -as the French named these conflicts, had been the order for many a -month past, for the enemy were bold, and too often their Indians and -_coureurs de bois_ had pounced upon the colonials as they gathered -firewood, or looked for food in the forests. Steve and his party, with -such a commanding position, might well hope to put a stop to many of -these unexpected attacks. - -"We have found the very place, Cap'n," exclaimed Jim, with some -emphasis, as he stared around. "On a quiet night I reckon we could -easily hear folks on the ice, and ef we was held up badly, why a -charge of powder buried under the rocks and fired with a train would -make a boom as would come to the ears of those in the fort." - -"We'll occupy it and take possession at once," answered Steve readily. -"Call the men round." - -An hour later fourteen figures could be seen slouching away from the -mound across the snow in the direction of Fort William Henry, while -their comrades, with Steve, slipped their gloves from their fingers, -and, slinging their muskets, made for the forest. A few words, in -fact, to these intensely practical men had set them in motion. While -three stood on the mound keeping a sharp look out, the others went to -drag the longest boughs they could find in the forest, where hundreds -lay on the ground. Then the fourteen who had made back for the fort -carried a note from Steve asking for stores of every description. -Indeed, as the night began to fall this portion of Steve's following -came trailing back, dragging an improvised sledge, on which they had -loaded cases of salted meat, dried bear's flesh, bacon, and beans, -besides rum, lead, and an ample supply of powder. - -Meanwhile those who had remained had gathered a huge stock of boughs, -and had easily contrived to place the longest across the top of the -hollow. Others had been laid crosswise on these, and on the top of all -a thick covering of brambles, reeds, and pine branches had been strewn. - -One of the backwoodsmen had detached himself from his fellows, and -while they laboured at the roofing of their fort he had set to work -with knife and tomahawk. He was an expert, it seemed, for in a little -while he had a number of blocks of frozen snow collected at the very -mouth of the hollow. And with these and a number of loose rocks -he soon contrived to erect a rough fireplace, with a wide chimney -overhanging it, which ran up the sloping back of the hollow, and -finally pushed its white top through the rough roof above. It was a -neat job, and one to be proud of, and this trapper longed to see the -chips which he had set in the grate below fired, and send long tongues -of flame up the chimney. - -"You'd have the hul howling lot of varmint round us in a jiffy," -growled Jim, as he watched the man lay the wood in the grate. "Reckon -thet fire'll have to get started when it snows hard, and after that, -when it's light, nothing but chips as dry as a bone'll have to get -throwed on it. Even then, thar ain't any sayin' as a redskin wouldn't -spot the smoke." - -"With care, it will be well," said Silver Fox, as Jim turned to him as -if to ask for his decision. "See, my brother, behind the smoke there -will be the sky, and it is clear and white. If dry chips are used -there will be a little white smoke perhaps, but none that is dark. We -can keep fire within the fort once it has been set alight. Truly, you -pale faces think of strange things. Where my brothers and I would have -set our wigwams in the thickest forest, there seeking protection from -the snow and keen winter winds, you come hither and burrow like foxes. -You make one big wigwam where we should have seen no opportunity of -doing so, and as I look on and smoke you erect a fort which is strong -against attack, which is a watch-tower from which you can see every -foot of the lakes, and which also is a comfortable lair in which the -firelight can be seen, and where we may huddle about the warmth, and -smoke and think. Truly there is no understanding you men who have come -so strangely from over the water." - -The tall Indian brave wrapped his blanket still closer about his -figure, and gazed out at the huge panorama stretched before him. -There lay the glistening surface of the two lakes, now clad with ice -from end to end, and fringed all about by continuous forest, which -grew up to the banks and cast there a deep shadow, which looked -black against the white of the ice. And away in the distance the -faint reflection from another long expanse of frozen water, Lake -Champlain, called after that famous Frenchman who had done so much -for New France, and who had founded Quebec. It, too, was clad in a -garment of white, snow hanging to the trees, and in the dull wintry -green of the pines, which grew thickly there. For background there -was the blue haze of the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains, now -the favourite haunt of thousands of holiday-seeking Americans. And -still farther to the north, buried in the dull horizon and behind it, -lay the Richelieu river, with its few forts, and its _seigneuries_, -where the _gentilhommes_ of this new colony, the lately-constructed -noblesse, sat in their palisaded houses watching as their _habitants_ -cooked their food or went a-hunting. Then it was that these noblesse -might don doe-skin leggings, shirt, and moccasins, and clad in the -thick fur coats, with hoods, worn by the Indians of Canada, and with -thick mittens slung about their necks, might venture into the forest -with the _habitants_ and enjoy all the excitement of the chase. Yes, -they could hunt and fight, but work, never! Each one was the seigneur, -and the lords of Old and New France never blistered their palms nor -dirtied their fingers. - -"We're almost ready," said Steve, as he stood beside the tall Silver -Fox, staring out at the scene below. "What we want now is a wall of -snow here in front. How are we to set about building it?" - -"It's as easy as fallin'," answered Jim at once. "Look up there, -Cap'n." - -He pointed to the leaden sky above, and held his hand up for a minute. - -"Wind's from the north, Cap'n," he said, "and it's goin' to snow. -To-morrow things'll be properly covered, and ef we jest build a wall -of branches at the face of this nest, waal, it'll be covered afore the -mornin'. Reckon this place'll be lookin' jest natural when the light -comes again." - -"Then set the men to work," cried Steve, hurrying off to where a pile -of branches and small tree trunks had been dragged. "It will be dark -in an hour, and if it is going to snow, as I can well believe, why, we -may just as well make all snug beforehand." - -Less than an hour later there was an erection of boughs and branches -against the face of the hollow, to which the finishing touches were -given as the darkness fell. By then snowflakes were silently flitting -to the ground, powdering the rough roof above the hollow, and resting -upon the caps and shoulders of the trappers. A little later it was -dark, and through the flakes the distant twinkle of a dozen or more -lights could be seen. - -"Ticonderoga," said Steve, as he sheltered his face from the snow. -"To-morrow we shall hope to know more about its position and about the -movements of its garrison. Now, what about sentries?" - -"Reckon we can all turn in and be comfortable, Cap'n," answered Jim -promptly. "There ain't no need for look-outs to-night. The snow'll -keep every livin' soul under cover. It's coming thicker. See for -yerself. The lights have gone, and the darkness is deeper." - -One by one the gallant little band crept into the cosy little nest -which they had prepared, a strip of blanket being dropped over the -small opening which had been left amongst the branches. Then pipes -were produced and filled, while the backwoodsman who had so diligently -built fireplace and chimney, used flint and steel with a will, and -watched with all the pleasure of a child as the sparks caught hold and -the flames licked round the wood. Soon there was a bright blaze, while -smoke soared up the chimney. - -"There ain't no red-skinned varmint as'll be able to see that, I -reckon," growled Jim, as he snatched a blazing ember from the fire and -lit his pipe, passing the brand round the circle when he had finished -with it. "It air snowin' hard, and the best brave livin' couldn't see -more'n a dozen yards. Get to work with supper, boys, then a yarn or -so, and we'll put in the best sleep we've had for many a night past." - -Could the French commander at Ticonderoga have clambered to the top of -their hollow and peered down at the band lounging below, he would have -been more than a little disturbed. For the firelight which lit up the -quaint quarters of Steve's command, was reflected from every face, and -showed a collection of trappers, every one of whom was a man indeed. -They sat for the most part with their muskets close beside them, or -across their knees, for the habit had grown upon them these last few -months. And as they yarned, the tale falling now from this one, and -then from the lips of others of the band, stories of fierce border -fights came to the ear, stories which all knew to be true in every -detail. Wiry backwoodsmen recounted how they had left civilization to -become pioneers in the wilderness, how fortune had smiled upon them, -how the land had been cleared, the crops sown, the hut erected, and -the store of pelts increased, till the prospect for the future was -rosy. And then the French had come, they and their so-called Christian -Indians. Wives and children had been slaughtered, men had been slain -and scalped, huts fired, and the future utterly wrecked. That was the -moment when the forebodings of the French commander would have been -greatest, for every bronzed face below looked exceedingly grim and -determined, while often enough there was a bitter word on the lips of -those who had lost dear ones. Hands gripped the ponderous muskets, -while fingers fidgeted about the flint locks or felt for powder -pouches. Yes, these men had much with which to refresh their memories, -and each and every one was determined to come to hand-grips with the -French, and to fight till the day when the enemy was beaten and they -and their friends restored to their possessions. - -"Time to turn in," said Steve at last. "Boys, we'll take it in turns -to keep the fire going, and to-morrow we'll tell off a couple to act -as cooks. Good-night! Let's hope we shall see something of the enemy -soon." - -There was a chorus of good-nights, then blankets were produced, and -very soon the firelight showed only recumbent figures. - -"There's a sight for yer," was Jim's exclamation on the following -morning, as he rose from his blanket and pushed his head through the -narrow outlet. "Ain't that a pictur?" - -Steve pressed past him and gave a cry of amazement, for though he knew -the forest well, and had seen many a winter, he had never looked on -such a scene. Far and wide the country was white, and glistening in -the rays of a winter's sun. Trees and lakes and mountains all had the -same thick covering, save in a few odd places, where the green of the -pines broke through, or where the snow had tumbled from the treetops. -As for the lakes, they were a vast expanse of the whitest snow, laid -out most wonderfully at their feet, a long expanse which stretched -up to the banks, clambered up the trees, and ran on over the forest -unbroken. Unbroken? No, for suddenly Steve's arm shot out, and he -pointed in the direction of Ticonderoga. - -"Critters," said Jim with a sniff of approval. "Injuns, I reckon, and -those are guns trailin' out behind 'em. Cap'n, it looks as ef they -war off on some expedition. There'll be two or three hundred of the -fellers." - -It was true enough. Straggling across the surface of Lake St. George -came a small force of Indians and Frenchmen, while in rear trailed -a couple of guns mounted on sledges. The head of the expedition was -turned towards the foot of the lake, and, as it advanced, those who -looked could not be sure whether the force were intended for an attack -upon Fort William Henry, or whether they were themselves the object of -the enemy. - -"There can no longer be a doubt," said Steve, some ten minutes later. -"Those fellows must have seen us, or gained news of our coming. They -are marching for this side of the lake, and before very long we shall -have their cannon playing on us. Call the boys." - - - - -Chapter XI - -Held Up! - - -It was with very mixed feelings that Steve and his band of hunters and -scouts watched the coming of the French and their Indians, for as the -light grew stronger and they were able to see somewhat better, they -made out that two hundred at least of the enemy were marching across -the snow-clad lake. - -"And there air the guns, boys," said Jim, as if he had been -calculating their chances. "Up here we've a fort so to speak, and -it'll take them braves a time to storm it. The French'll lead 'em, and -they air the ones we must keep a watch on. Ef them gunners get the -range, and can pop in a few shots, there'll be a muss." - -"If we are good enough to allow them to keep at the game," said Steve -slowly. "Granted that they get the range, and make out the front -face of this place, well, we must do something to prevent them from -knocking us to pieces." - -"A sortie, Cap'n?" asked Pete, standing beside his young leader, and -looking unusually bulky and formidable on this clear, frosty morning. -"Ef that's the order, you can put me down. A bit o' runnin' would -suit me. It's cold here for fingers and toes." - -"We will see," responded Steve, still with his eyes fixed on the -advancing enemy. "Meanwhile, I vote that we select our cooks and get -some breakfast. A man can do better when he's had a meal. Stir the -fire, boys, and who are the ones to look to our food?" - -He stepped inside the shelter again, and ran his eyes round the men -whose figures were lit up still by the fire, for now that a heavy fall -of snow had covered their rough roof and the front wall, it was very -dark inside. There were twenty-seven men in all, for he had obtained -several recruits at the fort on the previous day. Seth and another at -once put their hands up. - -"I ain't been trappin' and fightin' all these days without knowin' a -bit about a cooking pot," said the former with a grin. "Put me and -Adam here on to the job, Cap'n, and we'll do our best. A man can't do -more." - -"'Cept fight and pull a trigger whenever there's critters to be shot," -laughed his comrade. "That air a bargain, ain't it, Cap'n? We cook for -the company, and we does our share with the muskets. 'Twouldn't be -fair to bring us out here to do what chaps from the coast and towns -could manage just as well." - -"You may take my word for it. You shall have a full share of the -fighting," laughed Steve. "Get to at breakfast then, while we discuss -the other matter." - -A little later all were seated about the fire once more, discussing -a savoury stew of bear's meat, which had been left simmering most of -the night. And as they sat and ate, Silver Fox, vigilant as always, -crouched in the opening to this the strangest of forts, and watched -the enemy. - -"They are out of sight, Hawk," he said at length, turning and crawling -to Steve. "The forests cover them for a while. Soon they will be here." - -"Then now is the time. Get to work," cried Steve. - -The band broke up at once, and leaving their muskets, crept for the -most part through the opening. For they had work to do outside, and -now was their opportunity to accomplish it while the trees hid them -from the enemy. Gathering outside, they piled a wall of snow at the -foot of the barrier which filled in the front face of their fort, -while some inside took stout stakes and rammed them through the -interlaced branches and their thick covering of snow till apertures -were left through which a man might thrust a musket barrel and take -good aim. Moreover, these openings were at such a height from the -floor of the fort that those who made use of them could see to fire -over the wall which those outside were busily erecting. - -"They are for use if we are driven inside," said Steve, as he watched -the men at work. "Now, boys, run the wall as far out on the right as -you can, and make openings in it also. We must do all we can to upset -the calculations of the enemy, for it would not do for us to fire from -the opening of our retreat in the first instance." - -Using their hands for the most part, or a thick bough, the trappers -swept the deep snow which lay on the rocky ridge into a wall some -three feet high, and now that that portion directly in front of the -hollow was completed, they pushed on with the work to the right of -the fort, where the hummock or rock ran on without interruption, -presenting a ledge some ten feet wide, which was perfectly level. To -the left the rock fell away suddenly just outside the hollow, and it -would have been impossible to erect even a narrow wall. - -"Reckon that air a good idea of yours, Cap'n," said Pete, as he beat -the snow with his hands to make it bind firmly together. "When them -critters gets out'er the trees and makes for the hollow, the snow'll -puzzle 'em a little, and they won't be properly sure whereabouts the -mouth of the hollow lies. Chances air that not a one of 'em's ever -set foot in it. They've likely enough looked up here a score of times -jest in the ordinary way of scoutin'. But that won't help 'em much, -particular when the hul place is changed by the snow." - -"Just what I thought," answered Steve. "If we were to open fire from -behind the wall erected just in front of the hollow, the smoke would -give our position away to them at once, and they would soon send their -cannon balls plumping into the place. As it is, we can crawl away -behind the wall till we are well to the right, and there----" - -"Reckon cannon balls don't do much harm against rock, Cap'n," burst in -Jim. "The only thing now is to be careful that them critters don't see -us at work as they come out of the trees. Best call some of 'em in." - -By now the wall which Steve had planned was almost completed, and -he at once followed Jim's advice. The majority of the trappers were -directed to lie down behind that portion which stood in front of the -hollow, while the red-bearded Mac, Pete, and four others went on with -the projection to the right, for there it would not matter much if -they were seen. However, it is no easy matter to drag guns through a -forest where the ground is rough and covered deeply with snow, and -an hour more had passed before the head of the enemy's force emerged -from the screen of trees which had hidden them from Steve and his men, -and which had equally hidden the band of trappers from the French and -their bloodthirsty Indians. When they did at length emerge, filing out -from the mottled background one by one, Steve's men were in readiness. -Those who were advancing to attack them could see only an eminence, -getting steeper as it neared the top, and then suddenly erecting a big -hummock, in which lay the hollow so strangely converted into a fort. -Many had looked at this spot before, just as they did at other parts -of the surrounding country in their daily search for stragglers and -woodcutters from Fort William Henry. They had a general idea of its -conformation, but the heavy fall of snow upset their calculations. -They stared at the rise, looking in vain for the hollow and for sight -of the trappers. - -"Strange," exclaimed their leader, a tall French officer, who was -wrapped in a fur coat, and whose head and ears were muffled in a thick -skin cap. - -"We had information that they went there last night. Our scout told us -that they were busy cutting wood and roofing in some hollow. He saw -that it was about to snow, and fearful of losing his way in the storm, -he made back to the fort. But the same storm will have kept these -trappers here, unless--unless." - -"Unless they should have crept away this morning," said his subaltern -quickly. "I will give an order to the Indians. The Hurons will tell us -whether they are there or not." - -A nod told him that he had his captain's permission, and within a -minute a dozen blanketed forms had slid ahead of the force. Steve saw -them toss their blankets to their comrades, and then, like hounds on -the trail, their heads went closer to the snow-covered ground, their -shoulders bent, and, separating, the Huron Indians went off across the -snow at the edge of the forest at a pace which would have taxed the -strength of the strongest European. - -"Them cusses'll make round the place within a quarter of an hour, and -ef a fox had made out, I reckon they'd know," growled Seth, as he -watched from an embrasure. "My advice is lie low and puzzle 'em. Give -'em a chance to crawl nearer." - -Steve gave a low whistle at once, while he lay at full length staring -through an embrasure at the enemy below. And within a little while Jim -and Pete and Mac were beside him. They came crawling along the cleared -ground behind the wall, and presently were seated beside their young -leader. As for the French and their Indians, they had seen not so much -as a sign of the movement. For Steve was 'cute, and had the advantage -of possessing trained trappers. When building their wall not a man had -dared to step to the outside of it. They had taken the snow and thrown -or swept it to their front, so that on the outside there was not so -much as a mark. Then the two hours' labour had enabled them to run the -wall some thirty yards to the right, while behind it there was a rough -gallery, along which any man could crawl unseen. - -"Now, boys," said Steve, as they threw themselves at his feet, "I -propose that we take Seth's advice. We'll lie still as foxes till they -begin to think that we have gone. Let them send their Indians up here, -and all wait till I give a signal. That will be the best way in which -to meet them. And in any case we all fire from the extreme right of -the wall, unless they get so close that a rush is possible. Then we -will collect. Has every man plenty of ammunition?" - -"Heaps, Cap'n," answered Jim, "and the boys know what's to happen. -In case they don't, we'll give 'em a warnin'. All are to wait for the -signal." - -They went crawling back to their stations on hands and knees, and -presently Steve joined them at the extreme right of the wall. Here, -within a space of ten yards, the whole band was collected, each man -stretched full length on the rock and snow, his eye to a loophole, his -head well hidden by the wall of snow, and his musket ready beside him. -All were wrapped in rough fur coats, for the most part made of skins -which they themselves had collected. Big, warm coon-skin caps covered -their heads and ears, while each man had a pair of sack gloves secured -to his neck by long strips of doe skin, so that he might discard the -covering at any moment and move from his position without losing his -gloves. Indeed this was a plan generally adopted in Canada and America -in those days, and one which we know was made use of by the Japanese -in their recent war with Russia. - -Meanwhile the enemy had halted on the fringe of the encircling forest, -and stood there about the guns, within six hundred yards of their -object. And as they stood the twelve Huron Indians stole softly away -over the snow, till at length they had completely covered the circle. -There was a movement then amongst their comrades, and presently the -teams of men hauling the guns strained at the tackle, and dragged the -ponderous weapons into the forest. At the same time a hundred of the -Indians broke from the ranks with wild whoops, and began to move -towards the mound. - -"They know as well as we do that we're here," growled Jim, as he -stared through his loophole. "Them critters'll come within range jest -to tempt us. But they won't dare to rush right up. Trust 'em for that. -They ain't much good at chargin', and no Injun's goin' to throw away -his life for nothin'." - -"The French will give them a lead perhaps," said Steve. "When they -find that we do not move, and their own Indians will not approach -closer, it is probable that they will come themselves to see whether -we are actually here." - -"Jest because no Frenchie, and no white man for the matter of that, -who ain't had experience hisself can believe the 'cuteness of the -Injuns, Cap'n. Some of 'em who air new to the backwoods and to the -trail, reckon they're mighty 'cute theirselves when they've been a -month only in the country. They don't reckon that nothin', not even -the print of a bird escapes the eye of a brave. Ef they do give the -Injuns a lead, why----" - -"It's our turn, boys," sang out Mac. "Sure, haven't we suffered? -Haven't our people been shot down and scalped. Haven't the women and -childer been driven from their homes. Sure, now's the toime of our -loives." - -"If all goes as we hope," Steve ventured. "There are the guns to be -thought of." - -They continued chatting in low voices while the hundred or more -Indians discarded their blankets or coats, and with muskets at the -trail came sidling up towards the mound on their snowshoes. Presently -the smooth and unbroken expanse of snow below which had met the eyes -of the trappers early that morning was scored and seamed by hundreds -of marks and lines, the prints of the snowshoes. The figures of the -Indians, too, dwarfed before by the distance, were now far clearer, -for they were within two hundred yards of the hollow. Steve and his -friends watched as they gathered together for a while and discussed -matters. Then one of the Hurons, a gigantic fellow, broke from his -comrades and came stalking up the rise, his musket over his shoulder, -his tomahawk in his hand, and a wily and determined look on his -sharply-cut mahogany features. - -"It air an old trick that," growled Jim. "Maybe he's given offence -to some of his tribe. Perhaps he ain't been so forward in the battle -as he should ha' been. So he's took the first opportunity of doin' -somethin' out o' the way to prove as he ain't a coward. Ef he walks -right up, as he well may do----" - -"Not a man must move," said Steve sharply and with decision. -"Recollect that we are placed high above them, and that the ground -slopes very steeply, even from the front face of the wall, so that if -a man wishes to look over and see us he must actually reach the wall. -Not a man must lift a finger till that Indian actually sees us and -shouts. Then it will be time." - -A whispered warning was passed down the ranks, and all squinted -through their loopholes, watching the hulking figure of the Indian as -he ascended. It appeared indeed as if he was determined to sacrifice -himself, and would actually clamber up to the wall and over it in his -eagerness to be killed or to discover the enemy. He advanced without -a waver till within forty yards of Steve and his men, and then, for -the first time, they saw him hesitate. He paused, looked round at -his comrades, now too far away to support him, and then deliberately -lifted his musket to his shoulder, pointed the barrel at the mound -above him, and pressed the trigger, sending a bullet thudding into the -snow. When the smoke blew away, he was still there, standing now to -his full height, his eagles' feathers trailing to his waist, his scalp -locks, with which his leggings were fringed, fluttering in the wind, -and his hideously painted face turned towards the hollow. - -"Listen pale faces," he called out in his sing-song style, as if he -were addressing a meeting of braves. "I am here to summon you to come -down and be our prisoners. I swear that no harm shall befall you." - -He was silent for a while, and stood staring up at the hummock as if -expecting an answer. - -"Ef only I might," whispered Jim, his face aglow at the thought, and -his huge brown fist clenched. "Ef only I dared shoot the skunk where -he stands. Harm! As ef we didn't all know that an Injun's word ain't -worth a row of chips. As ef one of them critters could ever keep his -fingers off a white man when he got the chance! Don't me and every -boy here know well that a man might jest as well, ay, and better, far -better, too, put a barrel to his head and draw a trigger rather than -fall a prisoner. None of yer Indian prisoners fer me. Huntin' Jim ken -tell a tale or two o' pale face men and women, and children, too, the -villains has burned and tortured to death by inches!" - -"Hush! He's going to speak again," whispered Steve, nudging the irate -backwoodsman. "Perhaps he thinks after all that we are not here." - -"Thinks, Cap'n! He knows jest as well as you or me. He ain't a fool. -None of them varmint air." - -"You do not speak, pale faces," came the sing-song voice again. -"Listen, all who lie hidden before me. I give you one more invitation -from the white men who lead us. Descend and there shall be no harm." - -Once more he waited, while many a hand went to the muskets and many a -face scowled at the tall Indian. - -"Then, listen again," he went on. "I and my brothers know that you -are there, hiding like foxes. If you will not descend, then show -yourselves, fight like men, and let it be a combat with tomahawks. -See, I am here, the Giant Oak, known throughout the great lakes for -strength and endurance. I have fired my shot, and here I will wait -for your leader to come forth and do battle with me." - -Silence. The silence of the grave alone greeted the brave who had -dared to come so close to the hollow. As Steve stared down at him, he -saw that the Indian was making good use of every second, for his keen -eyes searched every foot of the snow-clad slope above him, looked into -every tiny hollow, and sought to discover a footmark, something to -tell him the exact position of the men whom his experience told him -were there. But nature had done her work well enough. The heavy fall -of snow had covered every trace, and the astuteness of the trappers -had done the rest. The man looked baffled and desperate. He caught at -his powder horn, charged his musket, primed the lock, and once more -sent a bullet thudding into the snow. Then, jeering aloud and throwing -every sort of insult at the heads of the hidden enemy, he turned and -slid down the hummock, watched by many a pair of eyes. - -"And lucky for him," said Jim. "Now there'll be a bother. They'll put -their heads together, and there'll be a palaver. The French'll try to -make 'em charge, and likely enough the critters will come a little -closer. Then, ef they haven't moved us, them Frenchies'll try a rush." - -"When we shall break the silence," said Steve. "Look, there are the -guns." - -Jim was an old Indian fighter, and what he had prophesied took place. -For while the Indians gathered together, and could be seen talking -and being harangued by some French officers, the two guns which had so -long been out of sight suddenly appeared at the edge of the forest, -and this time within an easy three hundred yards' range. There they -were dismounted, and Steve's men watched the gunners ram in their -charges and train the weapons on the slope. - -"A combined movement," said Steve easily, a determined smile on his -lips. "They will endeavour to distract our attention while their -comrades charge. Ah, there go the Indians. Pass the word. Let every -man remember that not a trigger is to be drawn till I give the signal." - -It was just as well that he reissued the warning, for it is hard work -for men itching to retaliate and suffering under the knowledge of many -cruel wrongs, to lie and listen to the patter and thud and whistle -of large calibre bullets without sending their own leaden messengers -back. However, the backwoodsmen knew what was wanted, and they lay -like logs as the Indians drew nearer and nearer, firing as they came. -Often and often those trained shots, who had lived their lives in -the woods, could have picked off one of their old enemies. But they -refrained, though many a growl escaped them. Then came the guns. A -column of smoke belched of a sudden from the fringe of the forest, -and a ball thudded against the rocky wall behind, bringing down a -mass of frozen débris. A second missile struck the very summit of the -hummock, was caught as it were by the snow, and with all the venom -taken out of it and its pace retarded, went rolling down the far side. - -"Jest a little gentle play," smiled Jim grimly. "Let 'em send their -cannon balls. Reckon they won't hurt us. But them Frenchies air -gettin' ready to charge." - -It was as he said, for as Steve looked through the round opening made -in the bank of snow, he saw some fifty dark figures emerge from the -trees beside the guns, and throw off their heavier clothing. They -were French regulars for the most part, as was shown by their blue -and white uniform. But there was a sprinkling of _coureurs de bois_ -amongst them, bold men of the forest, who had long ago demonstrated -their capacity for this class of work. - -"We'll not be in a hurry," said Steve. "It is harder work to charge up -a hillock, which after all may be untenanted, than it is to dash up -while bullets swish past, and while the shouts and cheers of comrades -help to keep up one's courage. Not a shot, boys, till you hear my -musket. Ah, here they come, and the guns are starting again." - -He had watched the French gunners sponging out their pieces, and -now crouched a little lower as a ball came hurtling overhead with a -scream, and expending all its force against the soft cushion of snow -lying on the hummock above, dropped backwards like a stone, and fell -with a thud at his feet. - -"Sure, 'tis one of thim bhoys as could give ye a gentle little knock, -so it would," sang out Mac, while the trappers laughed heartily. "I'll -be afther axing ye, Mr. Frenchie down there, to aim to the rhight a -bhit, for Mac here don't like thim pellets, and there's Huntin' Jim as -is afeared of the beauties." - -There was another laugh at that, a low, noiseless laugh for these men -knew that sounds travelled easily and far on such a frosty day. Then -all fixed their eyes on the gathering of Frenchmen below, and watched -as they advanced towards the hillock, taking their time, for they -wished to have all their breath for the more difficult part of their -task. - -"Ef they'd only hurry," growled Jim. "They're delayin' so much that it -makes me jumpy. 'Sides, it's goin' to snow agin, and that'd help 'em." - -Indeed, as he spoke, a few flakes came sidling noiselessly through -the air, while the clear sparkling light was rapidly shut out by the -masses of heavy clouds which were gathering above. Heavy snow might, -indeed, be expected, and would help to hide the attackers as they -came. Nor were the French slow to recognise that fact. While the guns -went on with their bombardment, pitching balls now to the right and -then to the left, and on one occasion clean into the hollow, the party -who had gathered and moved out to storm the hillock halted and shouted -to one another. Ten minutes later as the snow-flakes came tumbling -heavily and the wind whirled them across the white expanse below, the -Frenchmen started again, and, raising loud shouts, dashed forward as -fast as their snow-shoes would carry them. Arriving at the steeper -part of the hillock they kicked their shoes away, and in a trice were -scrambling up, their muskets slung over their shoulders and tomahawks -or cutlasses in their hands. - -It was a tense moment for all behind the wall, and even the oldest -trapper there felt his heart thumping against his ribs and his pulses -throbbing with unusual force. Steve's men lay as if they were dead, -each man stretched behind a loop-hole, and every muzzle held just -within the opening. The dark figures below became a little more clear -amidst the whirling snow-flakes, their shouts grew rapidly closer, and -far sooner than Steve had expected they were within easy range. But -still he held his hand till only thirty yards divided the combatants. - -Bang! Crash! His own piece bellowed noisily, and in an instant a -volley burst from the defenders, spitting flames and smoke and leaden -bullets into the Frenchmen. There was a shout of consternation, and -some dozen of the attackers fell backwards and went sliding down the -steep sides of the hill, carrying an avalanche of snow with them, till -they reached a more level portion, where their bodies came to a rest. -Behind them they left many a dark stain on what had been a beautifully -white carpet, stains which the falling flakes did their utmost to -cover, as if they were ashamed of this handiwork. - -"We have drawn their fire. We have the birds. Charge, mes enfants!" - -A slim, short officer, dressed in blue and white uniform, and minus -his hat, which had been shot from his head, stood erect for an -instant, waving his sword and the pistol he carried in his other hand. -Then, turning to face the wall from which the stinging hail of bullets -had come so suddenly, he leaped at it, and in a little while was -desperately striving to clamber over it. - -"Men on the extreme right reload muskets," sang out Steve. "The others -use clubbed muskets or tomahawks." - -There was no time for more, for the remainder of the attackers had now -joined their leader and were already within a few paces of the wall. -As Steve leaped to his feet and swung his ponderous musket butt over -his shoulder twenty of the enemy were within a couple of yards of -him, and in an instant the pistol of the leader was pointing at his -head, there was the flash of powder in the pan, a sharp report, and a -strange feeling under his cap. The cap rose of a sudden, spun round, -and fell at his feet, while Steve grabbed for one brief instant at his -scalp and at the locks of hair which had been so neatly shorn from it. -Up went his butt, he swung it over his head and brought it down with a -crash which broke the Frenchman's guard, wrenched his sword out of his -hand, and sent him rolling backwards doubled up like a ball. - -"On to 'em, boys. See the Cap'n. Drive 'em back same as he did." - -It was Pete's voice which burst in on the babel of shouts which had -broken from attackers and defenders, while the burly backwoodsman -himself leaped over the wall, his musket swinging over his head and -the butt swaying this way and that, clearing a path on every side. - -"Up and over the wall," shouted Steve. "Now, send them back." - -It was all over in less than a minute, even before the men told off to -load their muskets had accomplished that task. One desperate onslaught -of the backwoodsmen had sent the Frenchmen rolling, sliding, and -tumbling down the steep slope till they were out of sight behind the -falling bank of snow. Only their voices could be heard, the cries and -moans of the wounded, that and the deep voice of the two cannon which -had ceased their fire for one instant as the combatants came to hand -grips, and which opened again now, the gunners having learned that the -attack had been beaten off. - -Thud! One ball struck the rock a foot above Steve's head and covered -him with splintered rock and snow. Then came the second. They could -hear the whirr of the ball as it rushed through the air, the sound -rising to that high-pitched shriek which has made many a recruit, ay, -and many an old soldier too, bend his knees and his head and look -uncomfortable. Crash! It hit that face of the hollow which had been -filled in with branches, thudded against the rocky wall beyond, and -then---- - -There was a terrible explosion, which seemed to shake the hillock, and -which threw Steve and his men in all directions. The roof which they -had placed over their little fort disappeared amidst the snow-flakes, -while the wall in front was shattered, the branches being sent over -the wall of snow on to the slope below. - -"One to them," said Steve, sadly, as he picked himself up. "That ball -must have struck the keg of powder we left in the hollow. Listen to -their cheers. They guess that they have damaged us severely. Let us -see how many of the men are hurt." - -One by one the trappers picked themselves up till only two still lay -on the ground. - -"Jest stunned and knocked silly, Cap'n," said Jim. "Reckon we're in -luck this time. But it air not goin' to snow all day, and when it -clears them fellers'll knock us to pieces." - -"If they are allowed to continue practice with the guns," answered -Steve swiftly. "Boys, the French guns must be put out of action. I am -going to spike them, and I want a volunteer. Settle amongst yourselves -who is to come, while I get something with which to plug the vents of -the cannon." - -He pulled his ramrod from its fastening and dived into the dismantled -hollow, where a minute's search produced an axe. There was a boulder -near at hand and very soon he had cut two six-inch lengths off the -rod. By then Mac stood beside him, his snowshoes in his hand, his -beard and hair red and flaming against the background beyond. - -"Ready and willin', Cap'n," he said. - -"Then come," answered Steve easily. "Boys, we'll be back by the -morning." - -He waved his hand to his comrades, slung his musket, and strode away -to the left. A minute later he and Mac had disappeared round the -shoulder of the hillock, their dark figures being swallowed up in a -whirl of flying flakes. - - - - -Chapter XII - -Generosity to the Foe - - -A blinding whirl of snow hid Steve and Mac from friends and foes alike -as they slid from the hummock and made for the back. There was not -a sound from their snow-shoes as they progressed, and only distant -shouts and whoops from the French and their Indians broke the silence -of the wintry day, those and the deep boom of the cannon which now -plied their iron shot more rapidly. For the gunners had found the -range, and though the snow made accurate aim totally out of the -question, yet they took pains not to lose the direction, and in the -next quarter of an hour half-a-dozen balls thudded into the hollow. - -"The sooner we can put a stop to that the better," said Steve as he -halted at the bottom of the hillock. "Up to now we have had luck, but -a shot might hit a number of the men, and already the odds are great. -How far are we from the forest, Mac?" - -"Sure, Oi've no idea, Cap'n. 'Tis mesilf as is scared wid the snow. -There's no sayin' where we are." - -"There are the guns," answered Steve in a whisper, "and so long -as they continue to fire we shall have something to give us the -direction. I am sure we are making straight for the forest, and if my -calculations are right we should be amongst the trees in a very few -moments." - -They slid along over the snow again, Steve leading the way. Then -a dull wall cut across the white ground in front of him, and with -a smothered exclamation of satisfaction he realized that they had -reached the friendly shelter of the forest. By then both were covered -with snow, and were with difficulty distinguishable at ten paces. - -"We have everything in our favour," Steve whispered, halting for a -while. Now, I propose that we make round towards the guns and watch to -see how many are serving them. If few----" - -"Sure we'll rush 'em," burst in Mac, his red beard trembling, so -greatly was he excited. "Give the word, sor, and bedad, 'tis mesilf as -will charge all alone. Them Frenchies'll never stand." - -"Perhaps not. But we must make sure. We must drive them off and allow -sufficient time in which to spike the guns. Now, look here, Mac. If -we charge them, hold your fire whatever you do. Use the butt or your -tomahawk. If they bolt, then sit down and watch for their return. I -shall use my axe to drive in the spikes." - -There was no need for further arrangement, and so they set off again, -this time turning sharp to their left in the direction of the guns. -For the cannon still bellowed at intervals, and on one occasion, when -the wind blew the whirling flakes aside for a moment, Steve saw the -flash distinctly. In a little while the two were bent almost double, -for they were within earshot, and presently they halted behind an -enormous oak, for the guns were in sight, half-a-dozen dim figures -working about them, sometimes in view and sometimes blotted out -altogether by the snow. But there were others there also. As Steve -and Mac stared at the place, endeavouring to make out the precise -surroundings, they became aware that other figures were silently -gathering, that the space behind the guns was being filled by a -company of blanketed men, from whose scalp locks fell a crest of -trailing feathers. The red and white and blue painted faces showed up -through the storm, and soon there could not be a doubt that the Indian -allies of the French were there. Suddenly a tall figure appeared -amongst them and a voice was heard. - -"Your chief," said the French officer in his own tongue. "Good. You -can understand me and tell your friends. The snow falls heavily, -chief." - -"It falls," was the response, in passable French. - -"And hides us from these pale faces. Now is the time for Hurons to -strike with their tomahawks. Let them climb to the back of this -hummock and fall upon the pale faces from there. We who have just been -beaten back will attack from the front." - -There was a minute or more of delay while the Huron chief turned to -his comrades. Then he swept round and faced the French officer. - -"It is well," he said. "In a short while we shall be there. Will you -and your men crawl forward now and wait for our shouts. Then charge, -and it may happen that you will find us in possession and these men -all slain and scalped." - -The officer nodded curtly, and then as Steve and Mac looked on, the -band of Indians tossed their blankets aside as formerly and went off -in single file. Steve was still gaping with astonishment and dismay as -the figure of the last disappeared in the forest. - -"They are off to surprise the back of the fort," he whispered. "The -question now is, whether we ought to return so as to warn our friends, -or whether we should stay." - -For a little while the two stared into each other's eyes, for the -dilemma was a genuine one, and a decision not to be easily arrived at. -Then Mac pushed his tangled moustache from his mouth, scattering the -tiny icicles which had gathered there. - -"Warn 'em I Sure ye couldn't, me bhoy; thim Injuns'll be in position -long before we could get up to 'em. A trapper can't cover the ground -quicker than they, and ye may be sure that they'll slip along as -though the gintleman himsilf was behint 'em. The bhoys must look to -thimsilves. Be chanst they'll have set a watch for our return." - -"Then we must leave it like that," answered Steve. "There are too many -about here just now, but already the French are moving off. Give them -a little while and we'll charge." - -They crouched behind the friendly shelter of the oak and watched -as the minutes fled by. The French officer waited to see the last -of the Indians disappear, and then went off through the snow, his -feet splaying out in a manner which showed that he was unused to -snow-shoes. They heard his whistle and then the murmur of voices -growing fainter. Meanwhile the guns continued their thunder, though -the men who worked them could only have guessed at the position of the -trappers. Still they were cunning fellows, for they had taken care -to provide themselves with a signal which pointed always towards the -spot where the hollow lay. They had laid one of the long sponging rods -between two forked branches, bolstering up the leading end with lumps -of snow till the man who stood beside it had it pointing true. It was -a wise precaution which they had taken before the snow commenced to -fall, and now Steve watched as the direction was taken from it. - -Five minutes later a man who was dressed as a trapper slipped up to -the men, spoke a few words, and was gone. Once more the guns belched -forth their flame and shot, and then to Steve's joy all but four of -the gunners threw off their mittens, snatched up the firelocks piled -near at hand, and went off after their friends. - -"They have word that the attackers are nearly in position, and that -they are not to fire again for fear of hitting their friends," -whispered Steve. "Now is the time, Mac. Not a shout, not a sound, -remember, till we have the guns. Ready? Then come along." - -His axe was gripped in his hand now, while his musket was slung over -his shoulder. He slipped like a ghost from behind the oak, and slid -across the snow towards the guns. He was within four yards of them -when one of the four gunners who had remained, and who up till then -had been staring out into the snow, swung round, looked at him for -a moment, and then gave a cry of amazement. He seized one of the -sponging rods and whirled it above his head, while his comrades at -once drew their cutlasses. - -"On them boys! Cut them down! There are only four!" shouted Steve, in -French. "Charge and we have got them!" - -Whether or not the Frenchmen believed that there were more of the -trappers behind it would be difficult to state; but the man who had -first seen Steve and Mac started back at his words, and lowered his -rod. Then as Steve rushed in he swung it up again, whirled it round -once, and then struck a tremendous blow which lost all its force in -the snow. For Steve had had his eyes open, and, moreover, was as agile -as a cat, even with snow-shoes on his feet. He leaped to one side, and -then ran in, striking the gunner between the eyes with the shaft of -his weapon. Almost at the same instant a cutlass blade swished over -his head as a second gunner made a wild cut at him, and striking the -barrel of the musket swinging on his back, cut a deep grove into it. - -"Ye baste!" shouted Mac, as he brought the butt of his musket against -the soldier's head. "Stand back will ye. Will ye dare to sthrike the -Cap'n. Ha! So ye're still there. Now, bedad, that's koind of ye, so -'tis." - -The red-headed Irishman rushed at the third man with a bellow of -rage, lifting his musket as he ran. Then quick as a flash he swung -the ponderous weapon at the Frenchman, throwing it so truly that it -struck him full in the face and across the chest and sent him to the -ground with a thud which could be heard a dozen yards away. And there -he lay, the Irishman standing over him, his hair the one prominent -feature, for his cap had been jerked from his head. As for the other -Frenchman, he bolted as Steve ran to attack him, and was soon out of -sight. Our hero at once rushed to the nearest gun, slipped one of his -improvised spikes into the vent, and then drove it home with his axe -head. Meanwhile Mac had raced forward a few yards, and turning in the -direction of the hollow placed one of his capacious hands to his mouth: - -"Boys! Jim!" he shouted with all the force of his lungs. - -"Ahoy!" came back. "Is that the Cap'n?" - -"It is. Boys, kape a watch on the back of the fort. The bastes are -wantin' to rush ye; and they're comin' up in front, too!" - -There was a distant shout of thanks heard clearly through the frosty -air, and almost instantly a musket spoke. Then the whoops of the -Indians broke forth, while the French, who were attacking the front of -the hillock, joined in the chorus. - -"Don't spoike the secind gun, sor," called out Mac, all of a sudden. -"Sure we'll turn it on the ruffians ef they come to attack us. Here's -powder, and, bedad, here's the bags of bullets with which they charge -the craturs." - -The Irishman had seen service before, and doubtless he had had some -instruction in the loading of guns. He ran the sponge rod down the -muzzle of the one which had not yet been spiked, wiped it out, and -introduced a charge, while Steve poured a handful of powder over the -vent. In another minute they had depressed the sights, and our hero -stood beside the gun, panting after his exertions, and holding the -muzzle of a pistol taken from one of the Frenchmen across the vent. -Meanwhile the musket shot which had been fired from the neighbourhood -of the hummock where Steve's men lay had been followed by many sharp -reports, and by the din set up by the combatants. Sometimes the flash -of the powder could be seen, for the fall of snow was not so heavy -now as it had been. Dim figures could be discerned here and there, -and presently some dashed towards the guns; for the man who had run -for his life as Steve and Mac charged had returned with some comrades -determined on capturing the guns again. They arrived within sight of -the place to find all in readiness, and the instant they caught sight -of Steve, standing ready to receive them, they bolted back again, and -darting to the right till out of range of the weapon, went shouting -for their friends. - -"Get that sponging rod under the edge of the sledge, Mac," sang out -Steve, a smile of confidence on his lips. "Ten chances to one they -will rush us from another direction, and we must be ready to slew the -gun round and fire. Yes. Here they come, this time from the right." - -As quickly as possible the rod was thrust under the runner of the -sledge which carried the gun, and with a heave Mac slewed it round -till the muzzle pointed towards the spot from which the French were -coming. He dug it again into position, and then waited, ready to move -the sights still further if necessary. - -"Jest a little lower wid the muzzle, sor," he sang out. "That's the -way. Give 'em the charge rhight in their faces, and thin, bedad, we'll -be for lavin'." - -He stood on the tips of his moccasins peering into the distance, and -then shuffled a little to one side in his snow shoes, wrenching the -rod as he did so, and again slightly altering the aim of the gun. -Figures had sprung up again on the sudden, and some twenty Frenchmen -could be seen coming towards the gun as fast as the snow and their -shoes would allow them. A musket spoke sharply, a flash illuminated -the front of the enemy for an instant, and a heavy ball struck the -runner of the sledge, glanced from it and very neatly severed the -sling which held Steve's musket to his shoulders. Then came another -shot, crisp and clear, the missile clipping a bough above the heads -of the two gallant backwoodsmen standing beside the gun, and bringing -a cloud of frozen snow about their ears. It was time to fire. Steve -leaned over the breach, placed the pan of his flint lock close to the -vent and pulled the trigger. Then he and Mac turned, and after Steve -had driven his second spike home and so rendered the gun useless, -darted off into the forest unmindful of the shouts they left behind -them, knowing only that their use of the gun had resulted in terrible -loss to the enemy. - -"They have no thought of pursuing us," gasped Steve, some minutes -later as they halted deep in the forest. "I think the discharge must -have worked havoc, and thoroughly upset them. Listen to the others. -Jim and the boys were just in time to catch the Indians, and I have a -shrewd idea that they have beaten off their attack. Can we help in any -way?" - -"Hilp! Sure 'tis oursilves as will want hilp if them fellers catch a -sight af us. Cap'n, we'd best lie hid here till the fightin's over, -when we can follow the inimy and see that he returns home." - -"And that he does not take his guns with him," exclaimed Steve. "After -all, they could very easily bore out the vents again if they took -them back to Ticonderoga, and then we might have them firing at us -again. Let us return a little way, Mac, till we get a good sight of -the weapons. With our muskets we should be able to keep the enemy away -from them. Lucky for me that I picked up one of the French muskets -when we left. Mine had a deep dent in the barrel, where that man's -cutlass struck it, and I doubt whether it was fit to be used." - -They looked to the loading and the priming of their firearms, and then -turning away from their old tracks, for the enemy might even now be -following, they struck off on another trail which brought them in a -roundabout way to the guns. By now the snow had ceased to fall, so -that before very long they caught sight of the two cannon, standing -black against the white background beyond. Close to the runners of the -sledges on which they were mounted lay two of the gunners whom Steve -or Mac had struck down, while the third was sitting up on his elbow, -and engaged in wiping the blood from his eyes. - -"Sure, 'tis sorra he'll be that he's aloive, so he will," said Mac, -indulging in a dry chuckle. "'Tis the Frinchman himsilf as will have a -head that's fit to burst. Sure the man's dizzy." - -"And well he might be," answered Steve. "Poor fellow, your musket -gave him a hard blow, and there is no wonder if he does feel dizzy -and ill. Don't fire, Mac. The man is harmless, and we are not here to -injure such as he. Listen to that. Cheers!" - -"Cheers it is, sor. Them's Jim and Pete and the ithers. Sure they've -beaten off the blackguards." - -Wild shouts of triumph came across the snow-clad clearing and into -the forest, and there could not be a doubt but that they were those -of their comrades. Musket shots followed, and then cheer upon cheer, -while Steve fancied he could even distinguish Jim's voice. But -presently something else occupied his attention. Out of the tail of -his eye he caught sight of a figure flitting through the trees away on -his left. - -"Hu-u-ush! Indians!" he whispered, pulling Mac by the sleeve of his -hunting shirt. "Down, or they will see us. They are returning from the -hillock." - -"And would give all they have and a deal more, too, the bastes! if -they could take us with thim," answered the Irishman, dropping on -to his face behind a friendly tree and peering round at the enemy. -"They're makin' for the guns, sor. Will ye allow thim to carry the -weapons away?" - -Steve gave an emphatic shake of his head. - -"Indians or French are the same in this case, Mac. They are enemies. -If I can prevent it they shall not take the guns. But perhaps they -are only returning for their blankets. Count them. I fancy some have -fallen." - -They lay full length in the snow and watched as the silent band of -discomfited Indians swept by them, gliding over the snow as if their -shoes were parts of themselves. But the men who now returned wore a -different appearance from those who had such a short while before -made through the forest to attack the back of the hillock. This band, -gliding so swiftly through the gaps between the trees in single file, -was composed of men who had met with deep disappointment, and showed -it. Their heads were bent. Some looked ashamed, while there was an -air of savage fury on more than one of the clear-cut faces. More than -ten of their original number were missing, while amongst the tall, -copper-coloured braves who now filed along on their way to the open, -were a dozen at least who had been wounded. There could be no doubt -that that was the case, for behind them they left the trace of their -snow-shoes and dark stains here and there which told their tale only -too truly. - -"I was right. They are making for the guns so as to get their -blankets," whispered Steve. "Lucky for us that they did not come this -way, or stumble upon our trail. Even a beaten brave notes every mark -in the snow, and if even one suspected that we were here they would -turn and pounce upon us. Listen, Mac. If they or the French try to -take the guns, fire your piece and shout. Then move away to right or -left, loading as you go, and fire again. They will then think that -there are many of us." - -A glance at the Irishman was sufficient to show that he had grasped -his leader's meaning. Steve saw him look to the priming of his musket, -and then slowly and cautiously get to his feet. - -"They'll do what they can to help their friends," he said. "Look, if -ye plaze, sor. There's a French sodjer, and he's givin' thim an order." - -A man had suddenly come into sight as Mac spoke, and Steve watched him -advance to meet the Indians, who were now engaged in recovering the -blankets which they had left beside the guns. He spoke to them, made -signs with his hands, and then snatched up one of the ropes which were -attached to the sledges. For a minute, perhaps, the Indians stared at -him, for this was a task which none of them cared to undertake. It -was not real fighting, and, therefore, perhaps derogatory to them. -However, a word from their chief set matters right, and in a little -while a dozen had harnessed themselves to the tackle. - -Crack! Steve's musket sent a leaden messenger at the group, a -messenger which was no respecter of persons. It struck the muzzle of -the rearmost weapon, with a resounding clang, glanced from it and -passed through the calf of one of the Indians. - -"Hit! One to you, sor," called out Mac. "Listen to the baste shoutin'. -Bedad, Mac here will thry himsilf." - -He put his musket to his shoulder, while the group about the guns -suddenly divided. The shot had taken them utterly by surprise, for -they had no notion that the enemy was behind them. Halting where they -were, they looked at their chief, while the wounded man hastily tied a -strip of cloth about his leg. - -"A shot from behind, my brothers," said their chief. "It is some -straggler who has been lying in the forest. We will return and slay -him." He dropped the tackle and without another look or word strode -off in the direction from which the bullet came. A dozen of his -comrades followed his example, and ere Mac had time to sight, the band -was clear of the guns, and already entering the forest. - -Crack! For a second or two the smoke which had belched from the -weapon hid the Indians from view, but a gust blew it rapidly aside, -and when Steve looked there was the Indian chief lying full length in -the snow, while the braves who had turned from the guns to support -him stood dumbfounded, staring at his recumbent figure. For this was -hardly the kind of warfare which met with their approval. These fierce -Hurons, a portion of the so-called Christian Indians whom the French -had induced, to the number of many thousands in all, for many tribes -had come from Canada, to become their allies, were accustomed to fall -upon unsuspecting enemies and butcher them in their sleep if possible, -or at least before they had time to more than grasp a weapon. True, -these braves could fight and fight courageously, as they had proved -many a time; but they were little use when asked to assault a fort -or to attack an enemy in the open. Their forte was the tracking of -enemies in the forest, the stealthy following up of stragglers, -wood-cutters, and the small parties sent to shoot meat. It was in -expeditions of such a nature that they shone, for their backwoods -knowledge, their natural cunning and stealth, enabled them to creep -up without observation and wreak a fierce and terrible vengeance on a -foe fewer than themselves in number, and more often than not utterly -unsuspicious of danger. And here they were exposed in the open, a -thought that was hateful to every one, and being fired at by unseen -muskets aimed by men of whose presence they had had no notion. - -As the chief fell they gathered about him with grunts of -consternation, which were increased to howls of anger as Steve lifted -his ponderous weapon again, sighted, and sent a bullet into their -midst. With one exception they turned tail and fled. - -"Hold!" cried the brave who had kept his ground, a tall and -fine-looking Indian. "Are my brothers so easily scared? Will they -suffer a chief to be slain and not retaliate? Surely we are children, -for we run when but few men are there to fire at us. Follow, Hurons. -Let us take these men who have fired, and to-night they shall burn -over our fires while we watch them writhing." - -It was a cheerful proposition for Steve and Mac to listen to, but one -at which every brave who heard picked up heart and courage. Why, -after all, should they retire from this field without prisoners, -without one or more of these pale faces on whom to wreak their -vengeance? Besides, they were not children. The very mention of such -a word, the scoffing tones of their comrades, were enough to rouse -them to desperation. They turned again, their war-whoops rang shrilly -through the forest, and in a moment a stream of the painted braves was -charging towards Steve and Mac. - -"Take them coolly," said our hero, leaning his musket barrel in the -fork of a tree. "Are you ready? Then fire." - -Their shots rang out in rapid succession, and two of the charging -braves threw up their hands and fell, laughing hideously, for no brave -worthy of the name could die with a groan on his lips. He must laugh -as if the pangs of death were nothing but an enjoyment. - -"Now let us run," whispered Steve swiftly. "Perhaps our shots will -bring help from the hillock. If not, we have a start, and may be able -to get away. Throw your musket on one side and come along." - -Tossing their weapons on to the snow, the two set off as fast as -their legs would carry them, their pace being improved by the very -fact of their having discarded their muskets, for the muskets then -in use weighed perhaps three times as much as the present magazine -rifle. Behind them came the Indian braves, in single file now, silent -as hounds on the trail, their eyes shining strangely and a look of -ferocity and rage on every face. Two hundred yards farther on Steve -turned for an instant. He and Mac had not increased their lead, but at -the same time they had not lost ground. The issue of this chase was -still in doubt, for he and the Irishman might still reach the hillock -before the Indians came up with them. On the other hand, a lucky shot -from one of the braves might bring the chase to an end very summarily. -As if to remind him of that fact, there was a sharp report behind, -a report which went reverberating through the forest, and a bullet -chipped a foot or more of frozen bark from a tree within a few inches -of the fugitives. A second later Steve caught a glimpse of a figure -some few yards in front of them. It was Jim, Hunting Jim, the fringe -of his shirt and leggings blowing in the wind. - -"Jest keep on towards the hillock, Cap'n," he said swiftly as Steve -came abreast of him. "Yer know what's wanted. Draw them varmint into -this here trap." - -There was no time for more. Steve and Mac held on their course, -darting over the frozen snow as if the danger were even greater. And -after them came the Indian band, their nostrils agape, their fingers -gripping the tomahawks which they hoped to use very shortly. But their -hopes were doomed to disappointment, for within a minute they had run -into the circle of trappers whom Jim had brought with him. There -was a shout, a musket spoke out sharply, and then with a cheer the -trappers threw themselves upon the braves. - -"That war a find and no mistake," said Jim some ten minutes later -as Steve stood gasping beside him. "I reckon Injuns was never so -surprised in all their mortal lives, onless it was the fellers -way back there at the divide when we were on the trail from the -settlement. Waal, we wiped 'em out, and with what we killed before I -guess as they won't be so keen on comin' our way again. There's twenty -down at least, and half as many French. Boys, our Cap'n's given us a -bit o' fightin'." - -There was a smothered cheer at that, while the men gathered round -their young leader. - -"We must move again," said Steve sharply. "I thank you all for having -come just in the nick of time. And now let us be moving. I want some -of you to go down and see that the guns are not taken. If they are -there get to work at the tackles and pull the weapons back to the -hillock. We can draw the spikes with a little trouble, and then, -boys----" - -"He's the lad fer us," sang out Pete. "He ain't thinkin' of givin' up -our fort, not even if five thousand of the Frenchies wants to come and -attack us. He's goin' to put in guns, so as he can fire back the iron -pills they've been sendin' us. Take it as done, Cap'n. Them guns'll be -in position afore the night comes." - -"Then you will look to it," responded Steve, smiling as the men -crowded about him with another cheer. "Now there is other work. Jim, -take some of the men and follow the enemy as far as the lake. Mac and -I will return for our muskets and then scout round to make sure that -not an Indian or Frenchman is left." - -The party of trappers separated into three small bands at once, -Steve watching Jim and Pete march their men away to carry out his -instructions. Then he and Mac returned on their old trails, this time -at a more reasonable pace, and having discovered their muskets dived -into the forest and scouted there so as to make sure that none of the -enemy were left. Now and again a far-off musket shot came to their -ears, as the rearguard of the retreating force fired at the trappers, -and on three or four occasions they came upon the dead bodies of -Frenchmen or Indians who had fallen. But for the shots there was -silence everywhere, the silence of the virgin forest, till a faint -sound came to Mac's ears. - -"Sure, it's a groan, so 'tis," he whispered. "Listen to it, sor. It'll -be the ghost of one of them poor craturs." - -The superstitious Irishman trembled, while beads of perspiration burst -out on his forehead despite the lowness of the temperature. He looked -scared, and turned appealingly to Steve. - -"Nonsense!" exclaimed the latter, emphatically. "Don't talk such -rubbish. It must be some injured man. Listen, and then we shall get -the direction." - -[Illustration: STEVE AND MAC DISCOVER THE WOUNDED FRENCH OFFICER] - -They stood still for some five minutes, and then at last the same -moaning sound came to their ears. Steve promptly turned to his right -and set off at a a rapid pace, Mac following with the same scared look -on his wrinkled features. - -"Tracks of Indians," said Steve suddenly, as he came across the marks -of snow-shoes. "They were carrying a wounded man. Look at the spots of -blood. Keep your musket handy, Mac, and use it if there is need." - -Some fifty yards farther on the two suddenly burst into a tiny -clearing, and discovered there the figure of a man, lying propped -against a tree, where he had undoubtedly dragged himself, as the marks -in the snow plainly showed. He turned as Steve came forward, and the -latter recognised him. It was the tall Frenchman who had commanded the -attacking party. He was pale and wan, and evidently in great pain. - -"Monsieur, I am your prisoner," he said bravely. "I was hit in the -thigh, and I think my leg is broken. The Indians who were carrying me -tossed me aside for fear that I should delay them." - -Mac and Steve were on their knees at once, tending to the wounded -officer. "We will make a litter and carry him out on to the lake," -said Steve. "Find a dozen of the boys, Mac, and hurry. We must get -back before the night comes." - -Half an hour later the gallant French officer was lying in a litter -constructed with the help of an Indian blanket and two stout poles, -and was being conveyed by four of Steve's trappers, a relay of men -following behind. Their muskets were slung across their shoulders, -while one of the hunters strode ahead with a white rag tied to his -ramrod. And so they passed through the forest and came to the lake, -where, a mile away, the retreating force could be seen. - -"Fire a round and wave the flag," shouted Steve. "That will call their -attention." - -A little later a dozen French soldiers returned, their arms also -slung, while a lieutenant was in command of the party. - -"You are our prisoner, colonel," said Steve to the wounded officer, -"but we know that you are wounded, and will be better cared for by -your own friends. We release you on your oath that you will take no -further part in the war." - -"Monsieur, I gladly give that promise, and call all here to witness -it," came the answer, while the poor fellow feebly pressed our hero's -hand. "Messieurs, you are brave and generous. I give you a thousand -thanks. To you, monsieur, I say that I am for ever indebted. If ever -you should be in need of help and I am present, call on Colonel St. -Arnould de Prossen. He will help you to the utmost of his ability." - -The parties saluted, the French with formality, the trappers in their -own rough and ready manner. Then they turned from one another and -went on their different ways, the French overjoyed at such handsome -treatment, the trappers pleased to have been of service. As for Steve -he little thought that he would soon have need of French help. He -little dreamed that the time was near at hand when it would take the -influence of a man stronger even than Colonel de Prossen to save him -from death. He made back for the hillock, and that night there was no -prouder commander than he, for he and his men had come well out of -their first engagement. - - - - -Chapter XIII - -A Traitor in the Camp - - -"To Captain Steve Mainwaring, His Majesty's Regiment of Scouts." - -An Indian climbed up the steep rise of the hillock on the day -following the French attack and presented a note to our hero. Steve -turned it over in his gloved hand, looked at the writing, and then -opened the missive. - -"You have done well, and I congratulate you," ran the letter from the -Commander of Fort William Henry. "Your messenger reached us late last -night and explained the heavy firing which we had heard. For your -information I now beg to tell you that I have suspicions that news is -leaking out of this fort. The French have become acquainted with our -dispositions within a few hours of our making them. There is treachery -somewhere, and I look to you to discover who is the rascal. You will -take steps to clear up this mystery, and will report in due course. -I am sending you this day a further store of provisions, powder, and -shot to suit the captured cannon." - -There was the usual official ending to the letter and the signature -of the Commander of Fort William Henry. Steve read it through again, -folded it, and dismissed the Indian. Then he called Pete and Jim and -discussed the matter with them. - -"Ef there was fifty traitors and bearers of news it wouldn't surprise -me," said Pete. "I ain't got no opinion of them colonists and reg'lars -at Fort William Henry. No opinion at all. They ain't fer the most part -fit to watch for Frenchmen, and much less for Injuns. What air the -use of expecting 'em to be any good, when them critters the Frenchies -could slip through trappers sich as we air? How do yer mean to get -about the business, Cap'n? It seems no easy matter. You've got a -mighty wide strip of country to watch, and ef it's one man bearin' the -news, as seems probable, why, he can go any way, and slip in between -us." - -The question was a more than usually difficult one, and for a long -while Steve sat and smoked, staring out through the exit of the fort, -for the damage done by the exploding powder had now been more or -less repaired. News was leaking out of the British fort, news which -might be of importance. It was feared that the French, who were in -great strength at Ticonderoga, might select some clear, fine night to -start out from their fort, and time their march so as to arrive near -Fort William Henry early in the morning. The commander who had sent -Steve the message knew very well that he was sadly lacking in many -respects, particularly in scouts, and the fear of this descent of the -French weighed upon him. And now, in some way or other, he had learned -that news was leaking, that plans he made to resist a French attack -were promptly conveyed to the enemy. - -"We have got to stop the leakage whatever happens," said Steve -suddenly, "for if the French are always to know what our people are -doing, they might easily take them unawares and slaughter the whole -garrison. My idea is to take advantage of snowy and overcast weather." - -"Snowy weather! Steve--beg pardon--Cap'n, that ain't like you," -exclaimed Jim, somewhat sadly. "How on airth air a man to see sech a -skunk when it's thick? It ain't possible. Ef there's one thing sartin -it is that thick weather ain't the time to turn out and hunt." - -"Not if we have to hunt a wide strip of land, Jim," answered Steve -drily. "But we shall not have to do that. This fellow makes use of -Lake St. George. Steady, Jim. I know you have your own ideas. So have -I. Listen to them and then laugh as much as you like." - -The tall trapper subsided at Steve's words, while Pete grinned. - -"Fill up yer pipe, Huntin' Jim," he said with a laugh. "Reckon you've -got to sit tight while the Cap'n says his say. This here's a palaver. -When he's done, you can get to it with yer tongue. An old hoss like -you air worth paying some attention to. So's Steve. He air a good 'un." - -Jim was mollified. A smile wreathed his thin lips and wrinkled his -mahogany features. He sat down on a lump of frozen snow, kicked off -his snowshoes, and rammed a plug of tobacco into his pipe. - -"Right there, Pete," he said. "Reckon when all's said and done that -an old trapper air worth consultin' when it comes to a fix and -there's time to think. But he ain't as good always when there's a -muss and something's got to be done right away at once. Then it's the -youngsters who air worth attendin' to. They air quicker like with -their brains, and chaps like Steve here gets ideas like a flash. He's -done it before." - -"I was speaking of the lake, then," said Steve, with a smile, for he -knew Jim well by now, and was aware of his impetuous nature. "I said -that in my opinion this man, for we will take it for granted that -one only is employed in the work, comes and goes over the ice, and -most likely has a rendezvous somewhere near Fort William Henry, where -he meets the rascal who gives away the information which the French -require." - -"Gives, Cap'n!" exclaimed Pete, with an oath. "Gives air a polite -word, I guess. Chaps what act as traitors don't give much. They sell. -I can't make out how a man, who's worth calling sich, can 'low hisself -to do a dirty trick like that. It's selling country and friends, and -p'raps wife and children, and all for a little gold." - -"Mean men are employed in mean trades, Pete," answered Steve. "It -may even be that this rascal who sells news from Fort William Henry -is a Frenchman in disguise, an English-speaking ruffian with French -sympathies. Any way, I fancy that is how the news leaks out. There -is someone in the fort who sneaks into the forest and meets a French -messenger. That messenger makes his way over the ice, of that I am -sure, for the simple reason that when we came through the forest on -our way here there was only one track, a fresh one, you will remember, -which had been used by several men. This sort of business is done by -a single messenger as a rule, and even supposing that I am wrong in -saying that the man does not make use of the forest, he will not do -so in future for fear of running into our scouting parties. He will -also choose snowy weather, for our look-out station here gives us the -opportunity of seeing anyone who leaves the fort at Ticonderoga." - -"Blest ef he ain't a judge like his father," burst in Jim, smoking -furiously. "Get on with it, Steve." - -"There is really nothing more. We shall send out scouts every day, -and night, too, when the weather is fine. When it comes on snowy, -we'll send men down close to Fort William Henry, while a few of us -will station ourselves across the lake and watch. The man who comes -from Ticonderoga will cut over the ice in a direct line, for he has a -long journey, and will take the shortest route. Look out there for -yourselves. That line I speak of will pass the point which pushes out -from this side of the lake. A line of watchers stretched for a quarter -of a mile across that line ought to see something." - -For a little while the trio stared out at the frozen and snow-covered -surface of the lake, that lake at the head of which stood the French -fort of Ticonderoga, while at its foot was Fort William Henry. And as -they looked, Jim and Pete agreed to the full with what Steve had said. - -"Reckon you're right, Cap'n," said the former. "This chap'll be -caught somewheres within hail of that point ef he's caught at all. -Waal, we've given them Frenchies and their varmint a knock already, -and we'll let 'em have another. Give us a fill of yer 'bacca, Steve. -Mine's done. Now, let's have some orders. It's time we shook down to -reg'lar business." - -It took only a little while to arrange the duties for the whole band. -They were divided into two sections, each of which was to act as a -rule independently of the other. They were to take night duty week by -week, and when away from the fort, as it had now come to be called, -were to scour as much of the country as possible, so as to prevent -French parties from pouncing upon the woodcutters who were sent every -day from Fort William Henry. This arrangement would always allow half -the band to garrison the place, while the boom of one of the captured -cannon would quickly bring the other in, if that were necessary. -As to the weapons which had been captured, they had been mounted -on the front face of the hillock, and a little thought and skilful -handling by one of the band possessing some mechanical knowledge soon -removed the spikes which Steve had driven into the vents. Men were -told off from the two parties to act as gunners, and no sooner had -the arrangements been completed than Mac took these men in hand, and -commenced to drill them in their new duties. One other arrangement was -made. - -"If snow begins to fall, those who are out scouting will make at once -for Fort William Henry," said Steve. "They will endeavour to hit upon -the meeting-place where this rascal sells his news, while those who -are resting here will file off to that point on the lake, and will -draw a line out from it. It will be cold work, boys, but it may bring -success, and thanks from our commander. I think, too, that it might -help if the men engaged in this last duty were dressed as Indians, -for then a Frenchman who happened to catch sight of one of our number -would not take fright so easily. You see, we have very few braves -working with us, and they seldom come even as far from the fort as -this. The French have, on the other hand, some hundreds of Hurons, -Micmacs, and other braves, and they make long excursions." - -"It air a good thing that," agreed Pete. "What's more, there ain't -a one of us that can't dress as an Injun in quick time, and act the -part too. As for dress, there's plenty of the braves lyin' out in the -forest." - -For a week the scouting work of the band of trappers went on without -incident. The two parties fell into their duties as if they were born -to them, and all agreed that their lot was infinitely more pleasant -than it would have been had they remained at Fort William Henry. -Thanks to the care which Steve had taken, the men had ample time for -rest and sleep, and either half of the band on their return from -scouting always found a good meal ready, that being one of the duties -of those resting in the fort. - -"Reckon that 'ere attack and the way we beat 'em off has shook them -Frenchies and their Injuns up a bit," said Jim, one night as he sat -smoking in front of the cosy fire which blazed in the fort. "They've -had their own way for a precious long time, and it's kind'er taken -their breath away to have someone suddenly stop 'em. There ain't no -news from Fort William Henry, Cap'n?" - -"Only that the commandant thinks that whoever has been sending news to -the enemy has been quiet this last week. It has been fine, Jim." - -"Ay, and it'll snow afore many hours have gone. Jacob thar?" - -"Waal, what air wrong? What's wanted?" - -A bearded head, topped by a coon-skin cap of huge dimensions which -covered the ears, was thrust into the opening of the fort, while the -owner held the blanket aside with one of his thickly gloved hands. -The firelight shone upon his tanned face, and upon the hundreds of -tiny icicles which clung to his beard, his moustache, and eyebrows. - -"Waal?" he repeated. "What's amiss?" - -"Nothing, lad. But you air the boy on sentry go, as Mac calls it, and -it's reasonable to think that you've looked to the weather. What's it -doin'?" - -"Nothing. Jest cold as ever it was. But it's cloudy. There ain't so -many stars. Suppose it'll snow afore midnight." - -"Then sing out when the first flake falls," called Jim. "Now, shut -that 'ere door, Jacob, and quick with it. The wind comes in like a -knife, and we're warm and smokin'." - -The bearded face at the opening grinned, a grin denoting disgust -rather than merriment. - -"You was always like that, Huntin' Jim," Jacob growled. "Just wait -till it's your turn for sentry go. I'll be the boy then to sit snug in -thar and smoke, and I won't let you know it, oh no, of course I won't." - -He was gone, and they heard his feet scrunching the frozen snow -outside. The blanket fell into its place, and the men inside lounged -again, spreading their hands to the flare, smoking and gossiping, for -your trapper was not always the silent person he is sometimes painted, -but a garrulous individual, fond of company, and making the most of it -when he had the opportunity. A little later blankets were produced, -and the whole party lay down with their feet to the fire, over which -a huge iron pot of stew was left simmering. - -"It air snowin'. Jest rouse yerselves and come out. It'll liven some -of yer outside, for the wind air like a knife." - -Jacob's bearded face appeared again, and he roused the trappers with -no gentle hand. They sprang to their feet, rubbed the sleep from -their eyes, and prepared to depart. Ten minutes later saw them all -filing from the fort, all save two who were to act as guard. They were -dressed in their usual hunting costumes, under which all wore the -thickest and warmest garments that they could procure for otherwise -they could never have endured such exposure. And now, in addition, -each had an Indian blanket wrapped round him, while an eagle's crest -was secured to the warm fur caps which all wore. - -"We shall pass," said Steve, as he inspected his comrades in the -firelight. "Now, one word more before we go. This must be the work of -one man to-night. We shall be spread out over the ice, and should the -Frenchman come, he will probably be seen by one only of our number. -That one must pounce upon him promptly. Come along." - -He turned to the doorway and went out, the band following close upon -his heels. It was snowing outside, but not so hard as it did on the -day when the Indians and French attacked them. It was, in fact, just -the night that a man would choose for an expedition such as that of -meeting a rascal from the British force, and buying information from -him, for the snow would act as an excellent cloak, while it was not -so thick as to prevent a man from making progress in it. Then again, -though the wind was cold, it was not blowing strongly, and what there -was came from the south. - -Steve stepped over the snow wall which had been left in front of the -fort, and gaining the steep slope beyond it, promptly slid down, his -snowshoes scattering the white particles in a fine spray on either -side. One by one the band followed, floundering down to the bottom. -Then they moved off in single file, and very soon had plunged into -the depths of the silent forest. Three miles took them to the bank of -Lake St. George, when they struck out on to the ice, here clear of -snow, for the wind had been in the opposite direction, and had swept -it away. Their faces were now turned to the north, and they kept on in -that direction for half an hour. Then Steve halted. It was still very -dark, and snowing a little. But all were glad to find that the forest, -which clad the point below them, sheltered them from the keen wind, -and that it was considerably warmer. - -"We will spread now," said Steve. "If you find that you are getting -cold, swing your arms round your head. Don't beat them against your -sides, for the sound would carry." - -"It air likely, too, that some of the boys will fall asleep with -this cold and standin' still," whispered Jim. "Steve, supposin' yer -order the men to beat up and down past one another. That'll keep 'em -lively, and it'll make it more sartin that no one can get through." - -There were twelve in all, and their young leader at once adopted the -suggestion. - -"We'll divide again into two parties," he said. "Jim, you will have -command of the five out farthest, making with yourself six. I'll -command the other half. We will spread out for a quarter of a mile -from this bank, you posting yourself at the farthest point. The men -will be at intervals of about forty yards, and as soon as they are in -position they will commence to beat to and fro, each couple exchanging -places. In that way the ground will be thoroughly patrolled. -Understand?" - -"Right, Cap'n." - -"Then take your men. This fellow may be along at any moment." - -Within ten minutes the twelve watchers were in position, and for four -long and weary hours the men continued to patrol the snow-covered -ice. But trappers were used to such work, and made light of the -exposure, though the wind was so cold, even here in the shelter, that -untrained men would quickly have succumbed. However, Jim's idea helped -not a little, for the men patrolled backwards and forwards without -cessation, walking at a brisk pace, which kept their blood circulating -and their extremities warm. And as they watched, the snow still fell -silently and gently, sometimes almost ceasing altogether. The sky -overhead was still overcast, but not so much as before, and that added -to the reflection from this vast expanse of white made it possible for -all the men to see a few yards in all directions, and to retain their -relative positions. A deathly silence hung over the lake, broken only -by an occasional crash, as the wind sent a mass of snow tumbling from -the trees in the forest. Then the sound would reverberate down the -long expanse of ice, and go rolling away to the mountains far beyond. - -"It looks as if we were going to be disappointed, Jim," said Steve, -as he walked along the line to speak to the hunter. We have been in -position four solid hours, and have seen nothing." - -"Which don't say as there ain't nothin' to be seen, Cap'n," was the -answer. "I reckon it's somewhere's about three in the mornin', and a -good hour for this feller to be returnin'. P'raps he slipped past here -before we turned out of the fort. He may have made so far through the -forest, and then dropped on to the ice when the snow commenced. Give -him another two hours, and then we may as well get back to the fort -and curl up in front of the fire. It's cold here. Them chaps down at -Fort William Henry would ha' been asleep or frozen long ago." - -They separated again, and another half hour passed without -interruption. Then, suddenly, from the lower end of the lake there -came a shout, then a second, and almost immediately afterwards the -report of a rifle, heard very clearly at that distance, for the ice -acted as a sounding-board. At once all was excitement amongst the -waiting trappers. They lifted their coon-skin caps so as to make sure -that they would hear even the slightest sound, and ranged up and down -at an even faster pace. They were on the qui vive, and determined to -catch anyone who attempted to pass them. - -"Chances air that Pete and the other boys have come upon the meeting -of these varmint," said Jim, as he drew close to Steve. "They've -likely as not shot one of 'em, and will be followin' the other. -Supposin' we extend a little." - -The movement was carried out promptly, Steve stationing himself on the -far extremity of the line. An hour later, when the excitement had died -down and the trappers were beginning to murmur that there was little -use in staying, for the man, if he actually existed, must have already -passed, or have been shot lower down the lake, Steve thought he caught -sight of a figure flitting across the snow quite a distance out on the -lake. He could not be certain, but as it would not do to miss even -a chance, he hurriedly set off in the direction, trusting that the -trapper stationed next to him would be careful to notice that he had -gone, and would follow on his traces. Dashing ahead at his fastest -pace, it was not long before he came upon the marks of snowshoes, and, -thanks to the increased light out there on the lake, made sure that -two men had passed. Then he set off after them, sweeping over the snow -at a rate which would have taxed the endurance of an Indian, for -Steve was an old hand with snowshoes. A quarter of an hour later he -again caught sight of a figure, and within a few minutes made out a -second, in advance of the first. The time for action had arrived. He -took one swift glance behind him, and thought he saw the dull outline -of one of the trappers following in his wake. Then he started forward -again, and soon was within easy distance of the last of the figures. - -"Halt, there!" he shouted, as he lifted his musket to his shoulder. -"Throw your hands up, both of you, and return at once." - -There was an exclamation, a shout of alarm, and almost instantly the -two men threw themselves on their faces in the snow. Then there was a -short interval, followed by the loud report of a musket. A splash of -flame illumined the darkness, while a leaden ball raced past Steve's -head, and went humming into the distance. He was down in an instant, -and having waited to make sure of the position of the enemy, he took -careful aim and fired. Instantly there was a loud scream, one of the -dark figures started up, staggered, and fell again, to roll over and -over in the snow. Then something else happened. A dozen shots were -fired from a spot some little distance to the right, while Indian -war-whoops broke on the air. - -"They must have had friends waiting for them," thought Steve, as he -busily reloaded. "Where is Jim? He and the men should be here by now. -Ah! That must be their fire." - -[Illustration: "WHEN HE CAME TO HIMSELF AGAIN HE WAS BEING CARRIED ON -THE SHOULDERS OF FOUR INDIANS"] - -He swung round suddenly, for more shots had rung out behind him, -shots which he made sure came from the muskets of his friends. But -in a moment he found that he was mistaken. A series of loud reports -answered the last discharge, and the flashes told him that the muskets -were aimed in his direction. - -"Surrounded! The Indians have got between me and my friends," thought -Steve. "I must creep away, and make the best of a bad position." - -He knelt up stealthily, saw no one in his immediate neighbourhood, and -commenced to creep on hands and knees. But he was not allowed to go -very far, for one of the two dusky figures which he had been following -rose at once, and strode back a few paces. There was the loud ring of -a ramrod as the man drove in a bullet, and then came the report, the -crash of which rang in Steve's ears. Stars flashed in front of his -eyes, and the snow over which he was creeping turned to a blood-red -hue. He fell all of a heap, and lay there for some few seconds, while -the shouts of the combatants rang in his ears. Then he revived a -little, staggered to his feet and fell again, this time with a crash -which left him senseless. When he came to himself again he was being -carried on the shoulders of four Indians, the snow had ceased, and the -lights which twinkled in the distance were those of Ticonderoga. Steve -was a prisoner. - - - - -Chapter XIV - -Steve meets an Old Enemy - - -Steve Mainwaring was a prisoner, and as he realised that fact a -thousand misgivings filled his mind. For to be taken by the French and -their Indians was not a fate which even the boldest of the British -courted. - -"It may mean torture," he thought. "The French are not always able to -control their Indians, and even if they were always capable of doing -so, there are the backwoodsmen. We have heard what they are, and the -fugitives from our settlements have given us many a tale of their -ferocity." - -No one, in fact, could guess in those rough days what pains were -awaiting him if he fell into the hands of the French, and if there had -not been sufficient evidence already, there was to be abundance in the -near future. But that was hardly required. The thousands of unhappy -settlers who had been driven from the forests and the backwoods were -full of tales of brutality, of cruelty on the part of French pioneers -and Indians alike. And it was a known fact that even if the French -were kindly disposed and desirous of treating their prisoners well, -they often had to stand aside and look on helplessly while the braves -who were their allies wreaked a terrible vengeance on the unhappy -people who had been captured. This was the price which New France had -too often to pay for the allegiance of these monsters. - -"I have been taken in fair fight, and am a prisoner of war," Steve -said to himself. "That in itself should gain fair treatment for me. -But what is the use of worrying? I am cold, and have a severe pain in -my side. I suppose I have been wounded. Brothers, have you a blanket -with which to cover me? My blood runs cold with the frost and my -wound, and in a little while I shall be frozen." - -He spoke the last aloud, addressing himself to the Indians who carried -him, and speaking in the Mohawk tongue. All four instantly came to a -halt, there was a grunt from the leading man on the right, and then -Steve was gently laid on the ground. - -"Cold, brother?" said the leader, a fine specimen of a brave, if the -faint light could be trusted. "We will give you a covering and see -to your comfort. Tell us, how comes it that you speak our tongue, or -rather, that of the Mohawks? Have you lodged in their wigwams?" - -Steve answered with a nod. "I have lived and hunted with them," he -said feebly, for he was very weak. "They are firm friends of mine, as -are others of the Iroquois nation. They call me Hawk." - -At that there was another grunt, a grunt which denoted approval and -the small amount of astonishment which the brave would permit himself -to express. - -"Hawk. Yes, we have heard of you. Then you were the chief of those -whom we attacked a week ago?" - -"I was. The fight was a fair and open one. The Hurons attacked boldly, -but were unfortunate. Those who fell were as brave as those who lived -to return to Ticonderoga." - -This time all the bearers nodded their approval and grunted. For -these Indian braves, with all their faults, with all their ferocity -and their barbarous customs, had one redeeming virtue. They were -brave, and they respected bravery. It was the one great virtue after -which all strove, and if an enemy could speak well of their conduct, -then he was for the time being a friend. More than that, these wild -men of the backwoods, who had come so many miles to aid the French, -were accustomed, like other Indian nations, to make much of their -prisoners, provided they had fought with courage. A prisoner with -them was a man who had already shown fortitude, and who, by becoming -a prisoner, threw down the gage to his captors as it were, and boldly -asserted that if they were bold, he was still bolder, that if they -and their brothers could support hardship and pain amounting to the -acutest agony, he could support the fiercest pains which they his -captors could design. In fact, a prisoner was wont to boast loudly of -his own superiority, to defy his captors to make him flinch, and when -the time for the ordeal came, to endure hours of the most diabolical -torture, and finally the pangs of death without so much as a groan, -if possible with a smile of triumph on his quivering lips. And till -the time for torture arrived he was a brother and a man, deserving of -respect and attention, not a beast to be goaded and bullied and loaded -with chains. - -"Our brother is weak," said the brave. "He shall have a covering at -once, and we will carry him with all comfort and care. The Hawk is -our friend. We have heard of him. There are braves with us who met -the Hawk and his brothers on the Mohawk river and down in the great -valley beyond. Yes, of a truth, the Hawk is known to us as a man of -bravery and energy." He went off over the snow at a swinging pace, and -presently his tall figure appeared again, while in his hands he bore a -huge rug of bearskin. - -"This will keep the warmth in you, Hawk," he said kindly. "We will -wrap you in it till you are completely covered. Then your blood will -run again. You have lost much, brother. See, it is frozen on your -shirt." - -Steve had not felt the place before, but was glad to hear the news, -for he reckoned that if there had been severe bleeding from his wound, -as seemed to have been the case, for he was very weak, the frost had -arrested further hæmorrhage, and perhaps saved his life. He submitted -while the Indians wrapped him in the skin rug, and then felt himself -lifted on their shoulders again. Very soon he was in a comfortable -glow from head to foot, and that, combined with his weakness and -weariness, caused his eyes to close, and he fell asleep. An hour or -more later a light flashed in his face, for the dawn had not yet -broken, and on looking round, he found that he was in a big hut, the -walls of which were constructed of whole timbers. The light flashed -from a candle lamp hanging to the rafters, and showed beside the -walls and roof of the hut, the figures of the four Indians standing -about him, and some twelve French soldiers and as many backwoodsmen, -the irregulars on the side of France. Someone was speaking in the -background, and for a time he listened to the words. Then some -familiar note in the voice struck on his ear, and he found himself -wondering who was speaking, wondering why the voice caused his heart -to flutter so and his pulses to beat. - -"One captured, you say? Only one? Peste! Is this carrying out my -orders?" - -There was a bang as the speaker's hand came down upon a table which -stood close to one of the walls. - -"That is so, monsieur. One only was taken," came the answer, and by -dint of craning his head, Steve saw that it was a regular who spoke, -dressed in the familiar uniform of the French line, but now swathed in -warm furs, which, however, did not cover the chevrons, which showed -that he was a sergeant. "One only, monsieur," he repeated, as if -excusing himself. - -"And for this fine capture you paid well no doubt. What was the price? -Come, I am asking you." - -The voice was very calm now. There was a note of satire in it, and -those who listened could tell that the man who spoke was angry, that -his calmness was only the prelude to an outburst of temper. The -sergeant felt that, too. He drew himself up at attention, clapped his -pike close against his shoulder, and looked askance at his commander. - -"The price, monsieur. There was one killed by this prisoner, and three -others who fell within the five minutes which followed. Yes, four were -killed altogether, one of these being a messenger." - -"Ah! I hear. But there were three messengers. That was the -arrangement, friend, for if one were fool enough to be captured or -killed, then there were two left. You follow, sergeant? You give me -news of one of these fine fellows. I have been roused in haste, and -have come here expecting other news. You do not bring it. You have -only one beggarly prisoner to show. The whole tale, man. Let me have -it." - -This time the speaker's rage got the better of him, and he thumped on -the table as an excited Frenchman might be expected to do, leaning far -over it till his face was within an inch of the sergeant's. Not till -then did Steve catch sight of his features, and when he did so, he -fell back with a scarcely suppressed groan. It was Jules Lapon, the -very man who had hunted him and his friends out of house and home. - -"The whole tale, monsieur? You have heard it already, unless----" - -"Unless what? Speak fool. I am but just out of my bed, and have -gathered nothing, save the fact that you have returned without a -single messenger." - -"Then the news is still bad," came the faltering answer. "One -messenger was killed within four miles of this, while the hunter who -accompanied him as guide escaped unharmed. They were set upon near the -British fort, and they alone escaped. The other two messengers are -therefore accounted for. They were surrounded and attacked by hunters, -just as the two who escaped were suddenly followed and fired on at -this end of the lake. We put the enemy's numbers down at a dozen, and -of those we captured one. He is here, monsieur." - -The sergeant having unburdened himself of a disagreeable tale, -endeavoured to distract his angry commander's attention from himself -and his failure to the prisoner, and succeeded. Jules Lapon scowled at -him for a little while, drumming with his fingers on the table. Then -he cleared a path for himself by savagely sweeping the soldiers aside, -and in a moment was standing over the prisoner. - -"Bring a light and let us see the fellow," he growled. "Come, it is so -dark in this hole that one cannot see. Are you sure, sergeant, that -he is one of the enemy? You have done so well that perhaps you have -half-killed and then captured one of our own side. Mistakes are made -in the darkness." - -"By white men, perhaps, monsieur," came the answer, an answer which -caused Jules to writhe. "Indians were with us, monsieur, and they are -not often in error." - -"The lamp, man! Hold it higher, and pull that skin from his head. Ah!" - -He started back as if he had been shot, and gripped instinctively at -the tomahawk which was thrust in his belt. For a moment he looked -thoroughly frightened, and then of a sudden his features assumed an -expression of triumph and hate and of the most diabolical malice all -intermingled till those who watched him were amazed and horrified. As -for Steve, he was utterly bewildered. He knew well that the meeting -between himself and this Jules Lapon would hardly prove a pleasant -one, for the relations between them were somewhat strained. He and his -friends had, in fact, obtained two consecutive victories over this -Frenchman and his band of Indians, and no doubt those successes had -roused the ire of Jules. But the tables were turned now, and had been -for some time. For if Jules had lost at first, he was the conqueror -now. He had turned Steve out of house and home, the settlement where -the hunters had lived so happily was his, by right of conquest if by -no other right, and now, to crown all, here was the Hawk his prisoner, -wounded and completely in his hands. Then why so much triumph and -hate? - -"Ah. Then this is your prisoner. The only one you say, sergeant?" - -The voice had become calm again. This Jules Lapon was now speaking in -even tones suggestive of kindness. - -"That is true, monsieur. The only one. He is the Hawk, the leader of -those men whom we attacked a week ago. It is a fine capture." - -"You have done well, sergeant. This man is of more value even than -that news could have been. He is wounded, you say?" - -"There is a bullet lodged in his ribs, Monsieur. He bled much, and is -weak, so that we were forced to carry him. But he may have recovered -now, and will stand if we lift him to his feet." - -At a sign from the sergeant, the Indians raised their prisoner, and -stood looking at him critically, wondering whether this pale face, of -whom they had heard before, would fail now, or whether he would have -sufficient courage to overcome his weakness. But they had little need -to fear the result, for though Steve was weak, as weak and weary as a -tired child, he had a determined spirit, and moreover felt intuitively -as if this was the supreme moment of his life, as if his future, his -safety in fact, depended upon his courage now. He set his teeth, -placed his feet well apart, and stood erect, his face towering above -that of Jules. - -"The Hawk thanks the braves who carried him," he said, as steadily as -he could. "They treated him honourably, and though he has no gift to -make, he gives them thanks a thousand times." - -"He is a man. We are satisfied," was the answer. - -"He is more. He is a spy!" - -Jules darted forward with a cry of delight, and snatched at Steve's -skin cap, to the top of which was attached an eagle's crest. - -"Tell me, sergeant," he said, swinging round with an air of triumph, -"this prisoner was captured out on the ice. Had he a blanket?" - -"Not when captured, monsieur. But all who supported him were dressed -so. They had the appearance of Indians." - -"Then this Hawk is a spy," shouted Jules. "He and his men came in this -direction with one object. They came to spy, and in order to help them -they dressed as Indians, knowing well that they would pass as such -with a crest and a blanket about them, so long as the snow fell. This -is a most important capture. See that this man is guarded well, and at -dawn march out a firing party." - -The sergeant brought his pike to his shoulder smartly as Jules swept a -path to the door and departed. Steve watched him go, and then stared -at the Indians and the soldiers and the backwoodsmen about him. He -was too weak to take in the full significance of that last command, -but vaguely wondered whether the firing party could be meant for him, -and whether he was to be executed. And as he wondered, he listened -to the chatter of those about him. It was evident that many of the -backwoodsmen, rough and brutal men as many were, who had become -tainted with the cruelty of the Indians, approved of the sentence. -They crammed tobacco into their pipes and smoked furiously, while they -acclaimed the decision of their leader with many an oath and with many -a glance at the prisoner. Some of the regulars were of their opinion -also, but not so the sergeant. - -"Disguise! Spy!" he cried, some minutes later, having talked the -matter over with some of his comrades. "This brave lad whom we have -taken had no more idea of spying here than I have of setting a watch -at Fort William Henry. I'll be bound that he and his friends knew of -the messengers going to the English fort, and set a trap for them. -They guessed that an Indian dress might help their plans, and adopted -it. Why, the same is done here amongst ourselves. Even this commander -of ours, who shouts into one's throat, and orders all as if they were -dogs, dresses as a brave, ay, and goes out with a following of Hurons." - -"Which does not alter the case as it stands, friend of the three -stripes," answered one of the trappers. "This leader of ours, a -backwoodsman like ourselves, fights in the garb that best suits him, -chancing capture. This fool here decks himself out in feathers, and is -captured. Both run the same risk. One is taken and shot as a natural -course, while the other, the smarter man, you understand, lives to -fight another day. As to shouting down a man's throat, there are some -dull dogs who want a deal of that, and still remain dull." - -For a little while it looked as if the two would come to blows, for -the sergeant strode over to the trapper who had spoken, a flush of -anger on his face. But evidently he thought better of the matter, -turned to the Indians, and in a little while was accompanying Steve -out of the hut. Borne on the shoulders of the braves, the prisoner was -transferred to a second hut, where he was placed on a low couch. - -"Whatever happens you shall have food and some attention, friend," -said the sergeant. "I will leave the Indians to see to your wound, -while I myself get you some victuals. Cheer up. You have still a -friend or two left in the world." - -He smiled kindly at our hero, and, taking a lamp, went out of the hut, -speaking a few words to the Indians as he went. The latter at once set -about tending to Steve's wound, for these sons of the lake and forest -were for the most part excellent surgeons. One placed a jar over the -fire, and blew at the embers till the flames roared round it. A second -crept from the hut, to return some ten minutes later with some soft -fleecy material, while beneath his arm he carried a bundle wrapped in -bark. Opening the last, he disclosed a heap of dried leaves, which he -commenced to pound between two stones, while some he even chewed. A -little water was added to the mass, and the whole worked into a soft -brown paste. - -"The Hawk will let us see and tend this wound, well knowing that -we have had experience," said the chief who had already shown his -friendly spirit. "We will carry you close to the fire, so that you -will feel no cold. That is well. The Hawk has won our favour. He -does not flinch at the prospect of a death which would be an eternal -dishonour to even the most cowardly brave. Fear not. There are men -here who will see that this indignity is not allowed. If die you must, -there are other and nobler ways of taking the life of a prisoner." - -Little did the fine fellow know what pangs he was causing our hero, -for to Steve, if he were condemned to die as a spy, shooting would be -infinitely preferable to the death by torture which the Indians would -inflict. He knew their customs well, and he told himself over and over -again that it would be better far to stand for one brief minute and -face the muskets than to be feasted for a day or more by these braves, -to be petted and praised by them, knowing full well that all the while -their preparations were being completed for the orgie of the morrow, -when all their diabolical ingenuity would be called into play to -provide a slow death for him, which in their opinion was alone worthy -of a warrior. Ugh! The very idea made him shiver. - -"You are cold. Cover our brother with the skin again," said the chief. -"Now, let us remove the shirt, and see what harm has come to him." - -Very gently they cut the leather shirt away and removed his clothing -till the wound was uncovered. By then the water in the jar placed over -the fire was comfortably hot, and with some of this and a portion of -the fleecy material the chief bathed the place till the nature of the -injury could be seen. - -"Ah! The bullet struck beneath the arm, Hawk, and ran round the ribs. -It is here. I feel it beneath my fingers." - -The chief ran the tips of his fine fingers over the ribs, and traced -the direction of the bullet from the entrance wound to the spot where -the hard mass could be felt to move under the skin. - -"Some water, brother," he demanded. "Nay, hotter than that. Heat it -till it bubbles." - -He sat patiently beside Steve while the jar was placed on the fire -again. And presently, when the water was boiling, he strode over to -it, and plunged the blade of his keen hunting knife deep into the -contents. - -"The Hawk has felt pain before," he said. "He will not flinch. The -bullet shall be within my hand in less time than it takes to count the -fingers. Lie so. Now, Hawk." - -Steve shut his teeth again, and never so much as winced as the keen -blade, wielded by a dexterous hand, cut down on the bullet. It was -extracted in a few seconds, and when Steve opened his eyes, there it -was in the chief's hand. - -"Good," grunted the brave. "The worst is done. We will dress the wound -now." - -Once more he had recourse to the jar of water. A wide piece of doe -skin was steeped in the boiling water first, and then, having been -wrung out, was made the receptacle for the brown paste already -prepared. The skin was then folded round, screwed up at the ends, and -again plunged into the water, and left there for a couple of minutes. - -"It is ready," said the chief. "Squeeze the mass dry, and bring the -skin to me." - -Up to that moment the wound had been smarting, particularly that -portion where the Indian had made use of his knife. But a minute -later, after the hot brown paste had been applied and covered by a -pad of the fleecy material, the pain disappeared, and Steve felt huge -relief. He was carefully bound up with long strips of doe skin, his -shirt replaced, and in a little while he was lying back on the couch, -expressing thanks to the Indians. - -"Here is the food, and you look as if you could enjoy it," said the -sergeant, entering a little later. "Come, drink this stuff. It is hot -and steaming, and will put warmth into your body." - -The kind-hearted fellow sat down and watched his prisoner eat and -drink. Then he propped his head up on the couch, drew the rug well -over him, and sat staring thoughtfully at his figure till Steve's eyes -closed and he slept. - -"A fine lad, and one who fights stoutly for a lost cause," murmured -the sergeant, as he watched the sleeper. "To look at him as he lies -there, one could take him for one of our country, though he is bigger -and stouter than we are built. And he speaks French, too. Yes, I -remember that. It struck me as strange when I heard him answer this -Jules Lapon. Can it be that he is partly French, his mother perhaps -being one of our land? There have been many such marriages, and often -they have turned out well." - -For a little while he lapsed into silence again, till his eye caught -the gleam of a long, thin streak of light which was pushing its way -through a chink in the roughly fashioned door. It was dawn, the hour -for the firing party, and the sergeant rose at once to his feet. - -"We shall see," he said aloud, as he moved towards the door, but still -kept an eye on Steve. "This lad is a brave one, and I am taken with -him. That is strange now, for up to this an Englishman has been to me, -as to all my comrades, just an Englishman, fit to be slain if need be. -I have pitied them often, to be sure, for it is hard to see them given -over to these braves. But it is necessary to keep the Indians in good -temper, and, therefore, what is necessary should not be grumbled at. -Why is it that this young Hawk has gained my goodwill?" - -He was of a reflective turn of mind, this French sergeant, and stood -again with his hand on the latch of the door, staring hard at Steve -and thinking aloud. - -"Peste take it! Why is this? Ah! It must be this Jules Lapon. I have -hated him ever since he came to us, and more so now that he is our -commandant in the absence of the colonel. He is a hard man, or else he -would never order the execution of a white prisoner without some sort -of trial. I doubt that he has the power. The colonel could intervene, -if only he were not chained to his bed with a broken thigh. _Mon -Dieu!_" - -He strode across the floor of beaten and frozen earth, and shook the -sleeper vigorously. His face was flushed, and there was an air of -excitement about him. - -"Pardon, monsieur, but I wish to ask a question. Monsieur, you are -awake, and I ask pardon for disturbing you. But this is a matter of -importance." - -Steve opened his eyes wearily, and acknowledged the presence of -the sergeant somewhat peevishly, for he had been enjoying a most -refreshing and dreamless sleep. He rubbed his eyes, stared at the -sergeant, and then caught sight of the streak of light penetrating -through the door. Then his senses returned with a rush, and he -remembered. - -"The dawn, sergeant," he said. "Then this Jules Lapon will carry out -his purpose. I am ready. Help me to get to my feet." - -"Not now, monsieur. I am about to go for the firing party, but wish -to ask an important question. Tell me, was it you who aided monsieur -le colonel, Colonel St. Arnould de Prossen, till a week ago the -commandant of this force?" - -He waited for the answer eagerly, as if his own life depended on it, -and gave a cry of joy as Steve replied that it was he who had found -the unfortunate soldier, and who had had him carried on to the lake -and handed over to his friends. - -"Then rest easy, monsieur. I go to the colonel, and we shall see if -this firing party assembles. Sleep again. Have I not said that you -have many friends? Even the Indians would save you now, not because -they wish to reserve you for torture, but because you have shown -bravery and much honour to themselves." - -He pressed Steve gently back on to the couch, and raced from the hut. -A few minutes later he was knocking at the door of his colonel's -quarters, thumping on the logs with an energy which brought shouts -of anger from within, and very soon afterwards the squat figure of a -French soldier servant came to the door. - -"Peste!" he exclaimed. "Are you mad, sergeant, to come and beat so on -the commandant's door? Go away before it is light enough for me to -recognise you. Go, I say, or I shall know you, and then there will be -trouble." - -"Give way. I have important information for the colonel. Let me pass," -gasped the sergeant, thrusting the man aside and pushing his way into -the hut. A moment or two later he was confronting the wounded officer, -and for some ten minutes the two were closeted together, much to the -amazement of the soldier servant. - -"There, there, Armand, you must leave us," said the colonel, as his -valet rushed in after the sergeant with the intention of ejecting the -intruder. "Our friend has news for me. Withdraw. Come again when I -knock, and have no fear. Our friend is in his sober senses." - -"I am glad that you have come to me, sergeant," he said, at the end -of their interview. "Glad to think there are some here who have kind -hearts still after all this bitter warfare. Not for worlds would I -have this lad injured, for he behaved with noble generosity to me. Go -now, summon your firing party, and march the squad to the hut where -this prisoner lies. If any dare give you an order to proceed with -this unjust and cruel execution, show this note. Though I am wounded -and incapable at the moment, I am still nominally, if not actively, -in command, and I will have my orders obeyed. Go, and I will follow -presently." - -Half an hour later Steve awoke to the fact that men were gathering -outside the hut in which he lay. He could hear the tramp of their -boots on the frozen ground, and the ring of their muskets as they -stood at ease. The voice of the sergeant came to his ears as he gave -the commands. "Attention! Shoulder your pieces! Stand steady there, -lads, for Monsieur Jules Lapon comes to inspect you." - -The door was thrown open, a gust of freezing air swept the apartment, -and there was Jules, muffled in furs, his face haggard and weary as if -he had some great weight on his mind which had kept him wakeful since -the arrival of the prisoner, two bright, hectic spots on his cheeks -and staring, blood-shot eyes which seemed to denote a fever. And -despite the cruel smile now on his lips, it wanted no acute observer -to see that this young man, with all his bravado, was hesitating as to -his course of action, not out of compassion for the prisoner, but for -fear of what might happen to himself. However, the sight of Steve's -calm face settled the question. - -"You are ready, sergeant?" he asked curtly. "Good. Then bring out the -prisoner. There is a wall yonder, where you will set him up and shoot -him promptly. He is a dog and a spy, and should thank us for giving -him bullets instead of a noose." - -"He will certainly not thank you for his life, monsieur. The lad is -too proud and too brave for that. He would not ask it of me, and much -less of you." - -The words, spoken in the coldest and most cutting tones, caused Jules -to swing round and face the open. He flushed to the roots of his hair, -and then turned deathly pale, while, like the coward and bully he was, -his lips at once commenced to frame lies and excuses. For his superior -was there. Four soldiers stood before him, bearing a bed, on which, -warmly covered with skins, lay the long figure of the colonel. - -"Have you no heart, man?" demanded the colonel fiercely. "Do you -not know that this prisoner was the leader of those men whom we -attacked last week? Yes, you know that, I see. Then it is also in your -knowledge that it is to that gallant youth that I owe my life. And yet -you would shoot him! You are suspended, monsieur. You will retire to -your hut till I can send you out of the fort. Sergeant, you will carry -monsieur the prisoner to my hut, where he will remain till completely -recovered. Tell off one of the men to wait on him." - -The colonel fell back on his pillow, waved to his bearers, and was -gone without deigning to glance again at Jules Lapon. Then the -sergeant's voice was heard. - -"Ground arms, my lads. Now pile them against the hut. Good. Enter now -and fetch monsieur. You will carry out the colonel's orders." - -In a minute Steve was being conveyed across the open, while Jules -Lapon looked on as if dazed. Then he turned, rushed across to his own -dwelling, and broke the door open with a furious kick. He was beaten. -At the very last minute the life at which he had been aiming for so -many months now, for some subtle reason of his own, was saved, and -the prisoner, in place of standing up before the muskets of a firing -party, was being quartered in the colonel's own hut. Jules ground his -teeth with fury, and filled the bowl of his pipe with savage energy. - - - - -Chapter XV - -Off to Quebec - - -"You have to thank a very fine and robust constitution, and the -open-air life which you have lived for your excellent progress, -monsieur," said the French colonel one morning, some six weeks after -Steve had been taken prisoner, as the two sat in front of a cozy log -fire in the speaker's hut, "and I have to thank fortune--bad fortune -for you, perhaps, monsieur--that some weeks of what would have been a -weary time for me have passed so very pleasantly. It is the fortune -of war, good for me, bad for you, and in either case to be taken -philosophically." - -"For myself, I admit that I am sorry to have been taken prisoner," -replied Steve with a smile, "but then I might have been in the hands -of Monsieur Jules, instead of in yours, colonel, and then----" - -"Monsieur Steve would not have been here. You have not forgotten the -firing party and the wall. Yes, that wretch would have had you shot, -for he has some spite against you. Tell me, Monsieur Steve, have you -ever done this compatriot of mine an injury, other than defeating him -in the course of this war?" - -Steve shook his head emphatically. "None," he said. - -"Then there must be some other reason for his enmity. You speak French -like a native, monsieur, while you are an English colonist born and -bred. That is curious." - -"My mother was French," explained Steve. "She was a Mademoiselle -Despelle before her marriage. More than that I do not know, for she -died when I was an infant, and my father has always been very reticent -about such matters. It is to him that I owe my knowledge of French, -for he speaks the language like a native." - -"And your name is Mainwaring. Monsieur Steve Mainwaring. Yes, there -must be some other reason for this Jules to have such spite against -you, and I shall endeavour to unravel the cause. Meanwhile, monsieur, -allow me to warn you most solemnly. For the moment this man is at -Crown Point, and therefore harmless; nor will he have a post of -authority again while I am able to prevent it. Still, beware of him, -monsieur. He is dangerous. And now to give you some information. In a -month perhaps the ice will have broken. Even now there are signs that -the end of this terrible winter is coming, and as soon as the spring -puts in an appearance you and I will go to Quebec, where I can promise -a welcome. For I do not forget that I owe my life to you. Monsieur -will be a prisoner on parole till the end of the war, while I--well, -I am a lame dog, and of little further use, I fear, and besides, I -have given my word to you--I am on oath not to fight again during the -course of this conflict." - -The tall colonel looked down woefully at his thigh, still heavily -bandaged, and then glanced at the crutch which lay beside his chair, -and which up till then he had never dared to use. Then he sighed, -brushed a tear away, and smiled. - -"I spoke of accepting fortune good or bad philosophically," he said. -"_Bien!_ I will act up to my words, but my fighting days are done." - -It was only too true, and none but those who have seen the keen -soldier struck down in his prime can realise what this gallant colonel -must have felt. For his prospects were brilliant; he was in command of -one of the most important advanced posts, and had everything before -him. Then a chance ball had fractured his thigh, and here he was, -one leg some two inches shorter than the other, lamed for life, and -unfitted for further service. But he did not permit his disappointment -to take the place of his gratitude to the young man who had befriended -him, who had discovered him deserted in the forest and restored him to -his friends, and to this colonel alone Steve owed his comfort during -the last few weeks. For his wound had proved to be a severe one, and -was followed by some amount of fever. However, he was practically -recovered now, and for quite a time had constituted himself nurse to -the colonel. As to his friends, Jim and Pete and the others, he had -been able to send them a few brief lines, telling them of his safety, -and promptly a note had come back, scrawled on a dirty piece of paper, -and conspicuous for its brevity. - -"You ain't dead yet, cap'n, and whilst there's life there's hope. Look -out fer a rescue." - -That was all. There was a blurred letter at the end which might have -been Jim's signature, or Pete's, or even Mac's. But the words were -clear enough, and somehow they gave Steve much comfort. - -"I am sure they will do something for me," he said, when he had -read the note, "but rescue here is hopeless, for there are too many -Indians. Then, when I reach Quebec I shall be still further away, -so that there is little hope of seeing them there. On the way up -though----" - -He considered the matter for a few seconds, for he had learned from -the colonel already that when he was removed from Ticonderoga it would -be by water. - -"No, I will send them no information of the move," he said. "It would -not be fair to do so, and besides, I shall be travelling with a man -who is unfit to fight. No, I fear that they will be able to do nothing -for me, and I shall have to rely on myself alone." - -With that Steve had to banish all thought of help from his friends, -and resigned himself to a long imprisonment in Quebec. A few weeks -later the frosts broke up, the sun melted the ice, and ere long the -green of a gorgeous country began to be seen again. - -"We will make for the headquarters of our Government," said the -colonel, now promoted to a chair outside the hut, where he could -bask in the spring sunshine and listen to the twitter of the birds. -"Anything will be better than to remain here, unable to stir a foot, -while others are active and busy. For you, Steve, I fear it means -removal from friends. But then it is inevitable." - -Ten days later Steve and the colonel were carried by road to Crown -Point, at the foot of Lake Champlain, and from there were conveyed -by canoe to the reaches of the Richelieu river. An escort of Indians -paddled beside them, and swept their own craft along at a pace which -very soon brought them to the mighty St. Lawrence. They turned into -the river, and in due course sighted the promontory on which the city -of Quebec is built, then a small and straggling place made up of -private residences and churches, and of numerous batteries, barracks, -and forts. As Steve's eyes rested on what is now, and was even then, -a queen of cities, bathed in the spring sunshine, he realized what -Wolfe and many another was to realize after him, namely, that this was -no trading place, a mart given over to business men and the trade -of the country. It was a stronghold devoted to the military and to -the church, for the predominant features were barracks and batteries, -spires and belfries, all clinging like flies to the steep cliff. - -"A jewel than which there is none more beautiful in the crown of -France," said the colonel, as he pointed out the various places to -Steve. "Quebec is the most regal-looking city I have ever seen, and I -never know whether she looks best as we see her now, with the spring -sunshine smiling on her, or in the winter, when she is clad in her -mantle of white. Monsieur, this struggle between our two nations may -end in victory for England, but whatever happens, this jewel I am -showing you will never fall. Quebec is impregnable. Look east and west -and you will see why I am so confident." - -It seemed indeed as if no other opinion could have been given, for -as Steve approached this fair Canadian city he, too, declared to -himself that nothing but starvation could cause it to surrender. For -Quebec stands on a steep promontory, as has been described, and has -to its immediate east the river St. Charles, and beyond that again a -long ridge continuing for some six miles and ending abruptly in the -beautiful falls of Montmorency, at that time of the year in their -full grandeur, for the melted snow and ice had added to the volume of -the river. This ridge, which was the southern extremity of an upland -plateau, fell sheer into the river, and a glance at it was sufficient -to discover the obstacles which would at once confront any foe bold -or rash enough to attempt to clamber to the top. Standing on that -same ridge on many a day after, Steve looked down upon the garden of -Canada, the Isle of Orleans, which the first navigator of the mighty -St. Lawrence had called the Island of Bacchus. - -To the west Quebec is even more strongly protected by natural -obstacles, for the ridge on the edge of which the fair city is built -runs westward for many miles, falling almost perpendicularly into the -river, while the St. Lawrence, just opposite the town, is suddenly -constricted by a projecting spit of land, known as Point Lévis, which -narrows the bed till it is barely three-fourths of a mile across, a -distance which the French rightly considered could be commanded by -their batteries. - -"This will be your prison, Steve," said the colonel, kindly, as the -canoes made in for the wooden stage, "and I think that you could -come to no more charming spot. I shall take you to see Montcalm, our -military leader, and shall advise you to give him your promise not -to attempt an escape. No. Do not refuse, I beg of you," he went on, -seeing Steve pull a long face. "After all, you can but try it for a -time, and can then formally declare your intention not to remain on -parole any longer. It will make all the difference to you just now, -for if you give your word, you will be allowed much liberty, and -you will be therefore out in the open. On the other hand, you will -be placed in confinement, which will be irksome, to say the least of -it, and not the best thing for your health. Then, too, consider the -circumstances. Miles and miles of forest now lie between you and your -friends, and there is not the smallest chance of your getting down to -them, or they up to you, for the country swarms with our backwoodsmen -and Indians. Such an attempt would be sheer madness. You must wait, -my lad, and, later, if your friends beat us back, perhaps it will be -worth your while to withdraw your parole and make that attempt of -which all prisoners dream. There, I am honest with you, am I not? If -matters were in my hands I should aid you to escape." - -He laughed heartily, patted Steve on the back, and then held out -his hand for our hero to help him ashore. For Steve had become -indispensable to the wounded colonel, and was more like his son than -anything else. - -"I suppose you are right, colonel," said the lad some little while -later, when they were ascending the steep hill. "I will give my parole -and try the arrangement for a time." - -A little later they were ushered into the presence of Montcalm, a -soldier whose memory is still kept green, and who, though an enemy of -ours, was undoubtedly one of the bravest and most honourable of foes -Englishmen have ever met. He shook hands gaily with Steve, asked -after his wound, and gripped his hand again when the colonel had told -him how this prisoner had saved his life. - -"Monsieur," said Montcalm, swinging round and regarding Steve with -shining eyes, "such an act of generosity should earn for you your -freedom. But I dare not give it, and I must ask you to reconcile -yourself to captivity here. You will give me your word?" - -"I will, general. For the present and until further notice I promise -not to attempt an escape, and to obey any orders as to my behaviour -which you may choose to give." - -"Good! Ha, ha, monsieur le colonel. You hear him? You hear this young -officer? _Bien!_ He promises not to escape till he warns us. Truly, -you English are droll! But I understand, monsieur, and I know how -honourably you will keep your promise. Now for quarters. You will be -posted with the colonel, at his express wish, and will be allowed the -same rations as our captains. As for pay, perhaps monsieur le colonel -will permit you to draw on him, and afterwards you can refund. I -hope you will find the time pass pleasantly. There are many here to -entertain you." - -That indeed proved to be the case, for Quebec in those days was filled -with young officers, and with a sprinkling of wealthy men. Balls and -routs were of frequent occurrence, and for a time Steve was a lion at -these entertainments, thanks again to the honesty of the colonel, who -had told his tale everywhere. - -"We hear, monsieur, that our beloved colonel owes his life to you," -said one of the numerous ladies then resident in the city. "Tell us -your story of this venture." - -Steve bowed in courtly manner, a trick which he had learned since his -arrival, flushed to his hair, and looked embarassed. - -"Madame must know, surely," he answered, desperately. "I saw the -colonel speaking with her a little while ago, and she is good enough -now to admit that she has heard this tale." - -"True, monsieur. But it is your version that I require," was the -laughing answer. "Come, monsieur, I will not permit you to disappoint -me." - -Thus pressed, Steve shuffled uneasily, admitted that there might be -truth in the colonel's tale, and then blurted out his own explanation, -as if he had need to make an excuse for performing what had been a -very generous action. - -"You see, madame, I was there," he said. "I chanced upon the colonel, -and could I leave him to die? I brought him in, and since we did not -desire to be troubled with a wounded man, why--well, we took him to -his friends." - -There was laughter at that, for some half-dozen other people had -gathered, amongst them the colonel, who leaned on his crutch. - -"You hear that, monsieur le colonel?" called madame, with a laugh, -catching sight of the wounded officer. "I thought I should like to -hear what this prisoner of yours had to say as to your rescue. You -should listen to him. Ladies and gentlemen, I declare that these -English are naive. Monsieur tells me that having chanced upon our -wounded friend he brought him back to his friends for one reason only. -Guess at it, if you please. No. You cannot, mon colonel. Very well, -monsieur has the effrontery to say that he feared you would be a great -trouble to them. He would not be bothered with so useless a person as -our colonel." - -There was loud laughter at that, laughter which sent Steve flying from -the group, his cheeks aglow, while the gallant and merry colonel who -had so befriended him stood leaning on the back of a chair, shaking -his crutch after him. - -"Ah! Let me catch the rogue," he called out, and then, "Madame. It -is like the lad. Honest as the day. He says what he means whenever -possible, and at other times keeps silent lest he should give offence. -Despite what he says, I know him to be a brave and a generous lad." - -Many and many a time in the months which followed did Steve take rod -and line and cross to the river St. Charles. He was even given the -use of a gun and a canoe, and permitted to go on the St. Lawrence, or -even into the forest on the southern bank. But he was always careful -to return before dusk, and made a point of reporting his arrival. -And while he was a prisoner only in name, and the weeks grew into -months, the reader may wonder what had been happening in other and -more familiar quarters, for the war with France was now more than ever -a fact, and the two nations were preparing for the struggle which both -knew well must end in victory for one, and the consequent mastery of -this huge continent. - -Steve had gone to Fort William Henry in the winter of 1756, and the -spring of 1757 found him in Quebec. It will be remembered that he had -taken part in more than one of _les petites guerres_ at the foot of -Lake St. George. These conflicts had been of frequent occurrence, and -throughout the winter they continued, Jim and his friends, as well -as those in Fort William Henry, often sending out small parties to -attack the French. The winter months passed, in fact, without other -incident, save for one attempt made by the garrison of Ticonderoga. On -March 18, 1757, they descended over the ice of Lake St. George, hoping -to take the garrison of Fort William Henry by surprise. They were -easily driven back, and retired to their own fort, having accomplished -nothing. Elsewhere nothing of moment occurred, so that this long -winter season may be described as being barren of incident. - -Meanwhile the British Government had determined to support the -colonial troops, and regiments had been collecting at Cork, in -Ireland, preparatory to sailing for America. On the eighth of May -some hundred sail set out with these reinforcements, and finally -arrived at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, which the Earl of Loudon, now -in command of our forces in America, had recently reached with his -troops. Of these he had now under his immediate command some eleven -thousand, and with them he hoped to be able to attack and capture the -very formidable fortress of Louisbourg, which, it will be remembered, -had been erected at great cost on Cape Breton Isle, just north of -Nova Scotia. But information now came to hand that there were seven -thousand Frenchmen in Louisbourg, two-thirds being regulars, while -Indians swarmed in the vicinity. This formidable force, added to a -French fleet of no mean proportions, was considered too powerful for -the troops under Loudon's command, and in consequence the idea of an -attack on Louisbourg was given up, and on August 16 Loudon embarked -with the bulk of his troops, leaving the 27th, the 28th, the 43rd, and -the 46th regiments as a garrison for Nova Scotia. - -Valuable months had been wasted, and the projected descent on the -formidable French fortress had ended in fiasco. But Loudon cannot be -blamed alone for such a result. If reinforcements had been collected -earlier and despatched without delay, they would have reached Cape -Breton Isle before the French fleet put in an appearance. It was this -delay, together with the prompt crossing of the Atlantic by the French -fleet, which caused the expedition to be countermanded. But we lost -far more than valuable time and money in this useless movement. By -withdrawing his troops from America proper to Halifax, Loudon left -the disputed country south of the great lakes and west of the line -drawn north from the Alleghany mountains almost denuded of men. There -were some three to four thousand to hold this huge country, a force -insufficient even to keep back the French in the neighbourhood of Lake -St. George, if they wished to press south in that direction. - -It may readily be seen that Loudon was guilty of a serious error in -thus denuding an important stretch of country, and it may equally -be anticipated that the French were quick to take advantage of the -withdrawal of our soldiers. Montcalm had been busily gathering Indians -from far-off portions of Canada, Indians attracted to the French after -their victory at Oswego. These, with numerous regulars and Canadians, -he poured down the Richelieu river, massing them at Ticonderoga, till -he had nearly 8000 there. Some forty different Indian tribes were -represented, and if the native element had been cruel and bloodthirsty -before, it promised to be even more so now. For these sons of Canada -who crowded the huts at Ticonderoga were pure savages, vastly -impressed by the French, and more than ever eager to join in this -fray now that they had heard the tales of their brethren who had been -already engaged. - -On the British side General Webb, who had been left in command in -this area, had some 1600 troops in Fort Edward, while Munroe had -two thousand five hundred in Fort William Henry, or encamped in its -immediate neighbourhood. This latter force was surrounded by the huge -numbers at the disposal of Montcalm, and prepared to defend itself -as well as possible. The French had forty guns, and made no active -attempt upon the place till these were in position. Then, at a range -of two hundred yards, they opened such a fire that the fortifications -were splintered and flying in fragments before many hours had passed. -Munroe and his men made a gallant defence, but their ammunition soon -began to run out, while some of their cannon burst. They attempted two -sorties, which were repulsed, and waited in vain for some action on -the part of Webb and his men at Fort Edward. But no one came to help -them, and finally, when some hundred and fifty of the defenders had -fallen, Munroe agreed to surrender, further resistance being useless. -Terms were arranged, the garrison to march out with the honours of -war, and to proceed under escort to Fort Edward, there to remain till -they should be exchanged. - -What followed will for ever be a stain on the annals of New France -and a warning to all who employ the help of such ruffians as the -Indians had already proved themselves to be. The numerous braves -with Montcalm, accustomed to murder all their prisoners, seemed to -think that these men who had surrendered were theirs, with whom they -thought they could do as they wished. They were already nearly out of -hand, and as an earnest of what was coming, the miscreants promptly -slaughtered a dozen or more unfortunate fellows who from illness -or wounds had been left in the hospital. On the following morning -the British troops were to set out under escort, and seventeen more -unfortunate and helpless men were slaughtered by the Indians in the -sight of Canadian officers, who did not even venture to remonstrate. -Indeed, the Canadians engaged in this war looked upon the methods -and desires of the Indians with favour. They considered that the -scalps of the enemy were the natural reward for the services of these -miscreants, and there is not a shadow of doubt that at the surrender -of Fort William Henry they were, with few exceptions, if not actively -sympathetic with the Indians, at least callous onlookers at a tragedy -to which energy on their part could have put a summary end. Be that as -it may, the march had no sooner begun than the Indians got completely -out of hand. Montcalm, in place of drawing a cordon of his regulars -around the prisoners, endeavoured to arrest the excitement by his -own unaided efforts. Almost at once the war-whoop sounded, and in -a few seconds the howling demons were busy amongst the prisoners, -tomahawking them, or dragging them into the forest to slaughter at -their leisure when opportunity offered. It was a horrible exhibition -of cruelty and inhumanity, and it is a wonder that, seeing the -helpless methods adopted, Montcalm and his officers contrived to save -a single one of the unfortunates who had surrendered to them. Perhaps -a hundred were slain, and some six hundred carried off, of whom about -half were returned on heavy payment. The remainder were taken away by -the Indians on the following day, and who knows what happened to them? -Suffice it to say that this disgraceful and cruel affair shocked all -who heard of it, and raised such a storm of feeling in the breasts -of all who boasted British blood, that "Remember Fort William Henry" -became the cry of our soldiers in the future, and when the opportunity -came they remembered. The trigger finger which in days before might -have been steadied and withdrawn pressed sternly and without mercy -in the future. The Canadian who begged for his life, had to beg most -earnestly before he was sure that his captor would be merciful. For -bitterness had entered into this war, and the British were face to -face now with the fact that it was one of life and death, one which -aimed at their very existence in America. - -Another summer had gone and still the war was not ended, while the -French may be said to have been victorious all along the line. They -held the Ohio valley securely, their Indians and trappers still -ranged the forests along the Alleghany border, while their troops -occupied Ticonderoga, whither they had retired after the capture -and destruction of Fort William Henry. In other quarters also they -predominated, for Louisbourg constantly threatened Nova Scotia, while -the island of Cape Breton on which it was erected, offered immediately -in the neighbourhood of the huge fort a most excellent harbour to a -French fleet which was ever ready to descend upon our American ports. - -England wanted fresh troops, new and more enlightened leaders, and -a far more energetic policy if she was ever to raise her head from -the mire and despondency into which she had fallen. She wanted one -paramount general at home, to rouse the people in England from their -lethargy, to stimulate their zeal in the cause of the American -colonists, and to reinforce our men already in the field not by -driblets, but by a big army capable of coping with the difficulties -which stared us in the face. That able leader appeared early in the -year 1758, when Steve had been almost twelve months a prisoner. -The great Pitt came into power, and the nation at once felt the -change which he exerted. There was enthusiasm now, where there had -been apathy before, and men spoke of the end of this campaign with -confidence, forgetting that but a few months gone by the utter loss -of America had been prophesied. New energies were concentrated in the -conflict, money was voted with a freer hand, and the best that England -and her American colony could give in brains and generalship was -sought for. - -Ticonderoga was to be attacked, and Abercromby was to command, for it -was urgently necessary that this route to Canada should be opened and -the defeat at Fort William Henry wiped out. Then Fort Duquesne, for -some time a stinging thorn in our side, was selected for an expedition -which Brigadier Forbes was to lead to glory. Amherst was selected -for the most important of the expeditions, that to Louisbourg, in -which operation the fleet was to help also. With Amherst Lawrence and -Whitmore were to act as Brigadiers, while James Wolfe was selected -in the same capacity. At home preparations were made to capture or -destroy the provision fleets preparing to sail from France to Canada, -and Hawke and Osborn did excellent service in this respect. - -In fact, thanks to Pitt's energy, England showed her teeth during -this spring of 1758, and took up the struggle in a manner which -thoroughly alarmed Montcalm and his forces. There was less gaiety now -at Quebec, for matters wore a serious aspect. Preparations were even -made to resist an attack by the British, while all prisoners, of whom -there were many, who had hitherto enjoyed considerable liberty, were -confined to the fort and placed under a guard. - -"I offer you many apologies on behalf of the commandant, monsieur," -said the officer who brought the orders to Steve. "But you will -understand. There are certain necessary preparations. Work is going on -in the batteries which you must not see. You will remain in this fort, -and will leave it at the risk of your life. Also, you will confine -yourself to the front face of the fort, and will not venture to walk -along the other walls. I wish to warn you formally that the sentries -are under orders to fire the instant they detect an attempt at escape. -Pardon, monsieur. It is unpleasant to have to speak so to such a -friend as you are." - -Steve bowed, and thanked the officer, saying that he fully understood -the necessity for the order. - -Two months later, when the spring weather had fully set in and the -river was entirely free of ice, an Indian entered the courtyard of the -fort in which Steve was located. There were always numbers of braves -hovering about the batteries and barracks, and the presence of this -one was therefore not remarkable. Steve had not even seen him, for he -was leaning on the wall staring out at the green woods on the Isle of -Orleans. Suddenly the tinkle of some metal instrument attracted his -notice, and he swung round to catch sight of the Indian trudging past -him, and of a tomahawk which had fallen on to the stone paving of the -courtyard. - -"Stop," he called out in the Mohawk tongue. "Stop, brother, you have -dropped your tomahawk." - -Picking it up Steve followed the Indian and handed the weapon to him. -Then only did he look into his face. It was Silver Fox, painted and -daubed as a Huron Indian, cool and absolutely unruffled as of yore. - -"Greeting, chief. Silver Fox delights to look into the eyes of the -Hawk. Read this, and be ready to-night. I have spoken." - -He took his tomahawk, grunted his thanks, and passed on, leaving a -tiny note in Steve's hand. - -"My lad, my dear, dear lad," ran the note, which our hero carefully -opened when out of sight of the sentry, "we have tracked you to the -fort at Quebec, and have completed our arrangements for a rescue. Be -ready to-night. Listen for a voice beneath the front wall where you -are accustomed to walk. Your father." - -A rescue! That very night, too! Steve thrust the note into his pocket -and straightway commenced to whistle merrily, for he was tired of this -captivity, and longed to be free again, fighting and hunting with his -friends in the forest. - - - - -Chapter XVI - -The Return of the Hurons - - -Steve was filled with delight at the idea of rescue. A thousand -thoughts flashed through his mind, a thousand memories of the old -days, which seemed now so very long ago, for despite the easy terms of -his imprisonment, the time had dragged heavily. - -"To-night! To-night!" he said over and over again to himself as he -paced backwards and forwards. "And father is there. Where can he have -been, and how comes it that Silver Fox has managed to get into Quebec? -He seems to know the place, too, and is in no hurry to depart." - -He had purposely walked in the opposite direction to that taken by -the chief, but now he watched him out of the corner of his eye. -Silver Fox was dawdling idly in the courtyard, as many another Indian -had done on that and on previous days. He strolled along the wall, -looked out at the magnificent prospect spread out before him, at -the rolling waters of this, one of the mightiest of rivers, at the -green slopes of the Isle of Orleans, and at the blue and green vista -beyond, the forest-clad southern bank which stretched right away -across the much-debated frontier to America, the colony filled with -the hardy sons of Old England, and with fugitives from many parts of -the world. Silver Fox halted for quite a little while and filled his -pipe meditatively, striking flint and steel with great deliberation, -and puffing languidly as if he had nothing in the world to occupy him, -nothing to fear, and only desired to remain there and think and watch -the lovely country below. For half an hour at least he leaned against -the granite parapet, and then Steve saw him walk softly along some -dozen paces, turn his head to the place where the sentry was placed, -and then deliberately point below. - -"A signal undoubtedly," thought Steve. He dropped his hand to show -that he was watching, and then turned away again, while the Indian -chief daubed in the colours of the Hurons struck flint and steel again -as if his tobacco had not been lit sufficiently, and then sauntered -calmly from the courtyard. Half an hour later our hero ventured to the -same spot and carelessly looked over. Down below, some thirty feet -perhaps, was a narrow path running between the wall of the fort and -another wall which hemmed in the courtyard of a private residence. - -"That is where I am to expect them," he thought. "Well, it is a good -place, for the path is little used, and at night time it is densely -dark. Now how am I to get here without upsetting the sentries?" - -He thought for a little while, and then suddenly walked across the -courtyard, clambered up the flight of steps which led to the room -which had been allotted to him as his quarters, and promptly took off -some of his clothing. A minute later he had thrown himself on his -couch, where he lay half on his face, feigning illness. An hour or -more later there was a step outside, and the guard, whose duty it was -to make a round of the rooms occasionally, looked in at the door. - -"Ha! Monsieur sleeps," he said gently, for he was a good fellow, and -Steve had always been pleasant with him. "Monsieur is tired. I will be -careful not to wake him." - -He tip-toed away down the passage, and would soon have been out of -hearing had Steve remained silent. But that was the last thing he -wished to do. He desired to attract the attention of the man, and -promptly gave a groan as if he were in agony. - -"Did I hear correctly? Was it monsieur who groaned?" - -The guard stopped abruptly, and brought the stock of his ponderous -musket with a clatter to the ground, the jar being instantly followed -by a second groan. - -"Surely, it must be monsieur. What ails you, if you please, Monsieur -Steve?" he asked, coming back to the room. "You are ill and in pain. -What is the matter?" - -Steve was not the one to sham as a rule, but he knew that he could -not very well remain in the courtyard that night unless he had some -plausible reason. He was not ill. In fact, he had never felt better -or more energetic in his life. But he was 'cute, as Hunting Jim had -already observed, and he was determined to manufacture some complaint. - -"It is nothing," he answered, letting another feeble groan escape him. -"I do not feel very comfortable. I have pain here. Perhaps monsieur -would speak to my servant and ask him to bring me something warm to -drink." - -Steve placed his hand over his stomach and rolled on to his face -again, for he was fearful that his healthy colour would betray -him. The guard trailed his musket promptly, and went off at a run, -bellowing for the soldier who had been detailed to wait on the -prisoner. - -"Quick," he cried, accosting the servant in the courtyard, "Monsieur -is ill. I discovered him lying on his couch, groaning horribly. He -desires something warm to drink. Run to the kitchen and see if you can -obtain some milk." - -A little later Steve was sitting up and sipping the warm milk, while -his servant looked on sympathetically. - -"Pardon, monsieur," he said, "but the pain will be better shortly. -Monsieur looks well, and I am sure that this is only a little matter; -for think, monsieur was in the courtyard two hours ago and I heard him -whistling as if he had not a care in all the world, and as if he were -with his own friends again." - -Steve winced at the words, knowing that they were only too true. But -a man who wishes to escape must act the part he has selected to the -utmost of his ability, and he did so promptly. - -"You are right, Jean," he said. "It is only a little thing. Some food -has upset me. In a little while I shall be better. You are a good -fellow to come so quickly. Now leave me, for I think I can sleep, and -perhaps later the sentries will allow me to have some exercise." - -"Truly, monsieur. They are asking kindly after you already, for -monsieur is a favourite. I will go to them, and you will walk when you -feel inclined." - -He went out of the room, closed the door, and slipped silently down -the passage. - -"He is better," he cried gaily as he came to the guard-house. -"Monsieur makes light of his pains. Another would be groaning and -groaning, till one would imagine he was on the point of death. But our -prisoner sips his milk and asks to sleep, so that he may trouble no -one. Ah, yes, and he wishes to know if he may walk in the courtyard -later, just to exercise, you understand." - -"Certainly," came the answer. "Let monsieur walk if he wishes, though -one would have thought that it would have been better were he to keep -his bed till to-morrow. But there, these English are strange. They -walk and walk, just for exercise as they say. Surely a man is better -and lives longer when he rests, and rests often." - -Steve did not long remain on his couch. In a little while he was -seated at the table with which he had been provided, and was engaged -in writing. To the commandant he scribbled a few lines thanking him -for his constant courtesy and kindness, and stating deliberately that -he was tired of being a prisoner, and intended to escape if possible. -Then he wrote a short note for his servant, enclosing a handsome -amount of money and many thanks for his attention. Also he gave him -instructions to make his adieus to a number of friends in the garrison. - -"Now I am ready," he thought. "It is dark now, and must be about -seven o'clock. I shall wait till ten, and then go out. If they are -suspicious I will return and then creep out again." - -He threw himself on his bed and dozed for a long while, till a step -outside roused him. He sat up then to find Jean standing over his -couch. - -"Monsieur is better?" he asked. "Then he will sleep, and to-morrow I -will come later than usual to rouse him. Monsieur has no pain?" - -"Pain! You are a wonderful physician," answered Steve heartily. "I -declare that I never felt better in all my life. What is the night -like, Jean?" - -"Fine, monsieur, but somewhat dark. It is also crisp, and cold for -this time of the year." - -"Then it is just the night to brace me up. I shall have a stroll, -Jean, and then turn in. Yes, wake me late to-morrow, and, by the way, -I am hungry." - -Jean was delighted with his master, and promptly produced food. - -"You are a strange person, monsieur," he said with a grin of -satisfaction. "You are ill and in great pain at one moment, and then, -behold! after a little sleep you are well again and wish to eat and to -walk." - -"You forget. There was the warm milk, and Jean gave it to me," smiled -Steve. "But I am hard. I have roughed it in the forests ever since I -was a little fellow, and have had very little illness." - -He sat down at the table and ate a hearty meal. Then he lit his pipe -and strolled into the courtyard, passing a few words with the sentries. - -"He is a fine young fellow, this monsieur," said one, to his comrade, -when Steve had passed on. "If all are like him we shall have but a -poor chance. Jacques, can you tell me why it is that our prisoner has -never attempted an escape?" - -"Perhaps he is afraid, comrade. Men have been shot for that in the -last few months." - -"Afraid! Not he!" came the answer. "It is this way, Jacques. Monsieur -is a man of honour, though he is only a youngster. He has been on -parole up till lately, and that is why he has made no attempt. As -to why he does not go now, well, I will give you the reason. He is -no fool, comrade. Understand that. He is no fool, I say, for he -knows that the sentries here are old soldiers and keep a good watch. -Besides, could a cat escape from this place, and if it did, where -is it to go? Nowhere! Unless a prisoner is tired of life and throws -himself into the river. That would be better than to be butchered -by the red villains whom we have hanging about the place. Tobacco, -Jacques? Help yourself, but be gentle, please, for I have but my -slender pay and allowances, and a smoke is a luxury." - -They stood together chatting for a while, and then separated to patrol -the courtyard, passing Steve on each occasion and noticing that he was -walking up and down rapidly, as was often his custom. - -"_Vraiment!_ These English make me smile," laughed one of the men, as -he met his comrade opposite the guard-house. "One would think that -monsieur earned his rations by walking this place. Now, if I were -he----" - -"You would draw the rations first and sleep, leaving another to do -the walking," was the laughing answer. "Peste take these English. -It is because they are so energetic that they still keep up their -opposition. Others would have given in long ago after suffering so -many defeats." - -They stood together chatting for a time, their talk turning upon the -surrender of Fort William Henry and the massacre which followed. Then -they shook their heads and agreed that such a catastrophe would have -ruined their own cause, while, strangely enough, it had made the enemy -even more determined. - -And while they chatted Steve gradually approached the wall, and -finally halted at the spot where Silver Fox had given his signal. It -was absolutely dark down below, and though he peered into the black -shadows, even his trained eyes failed to see any object. He was in the -act of withdrawing his head when there was a movement below, and the -faint bark of a dog. Then someone whispered. - -"Steve? Is that you, lad? Then catch this tackle." - -Something swished in the air, a bright object shot up from the black -abyss, and the prisoner gripped an iron hook, to which a stout rope -was attached. To place the hook in position was the work of a second, -and within a minute he was down at the bottom of the wall, with his -hand gripped firmly in that of his father. - -"Come. They will discover that you are gone in a very few seconds -perhaps, and then there will be a noise. Ah! The sentries are calling." - -Steve clutched at his father's sleeve, and allowed himself to be led -away through the darkness. They ran along the narrow path, darted out -into one of the roads which ascend the cliff, and soon afterwards were -making their way along another path. - -"They're at it! Listen to 'em shoutin'." - -Steve suddenly heard a well-remembered voice speaking a foot or two -behind him, and with a gasp of surprise realised that Hunting Jim was -one of the party. But he had no time to greet him, and, indeed, little -opportunity of doing so, for Judge Mainwaring hurried him on at a -rapid pace, shouts from the fort having plainly shown them that the -escape was already discovered. In fact, the sentries who had been so -eagerly discussing the English nation and their idiotic absurdities, -as they were pleased to call several of their customs, were smart -fellows, in spite of all their chatter. Steve had been gone less than -a minute when one of the men became suspicious. - -"_Ma foi_, but I believe this monsieur has given us the slip already," -he suddenly exclaimed. "I cannot see him. Jacques, get along and -report if he is there." - -The last-named ran along the courtyard, and presently his voice was -heard. "He is nowhere to be seen," he cried. "Had we not better fire -so as to give the alarm?" - -"Fire! And so wake the whole garrison! Not for worlds. Get across to -monsieur's quarters, and report if he is there. It is possible that he -entered while our backs were turned." - -It was not long ere the sentry returned with the news that Steve's -room was empty, and then, indeed, the alarm was sounded. The sentries -shouted to the sergeant of the guard, and the sergeant, having -promptly turned his guard out and interrogated the sentries, roused -the officer in command of the fort. A cannon was then fired, a signal -agreed upon beforehand to mean that a prisoner had escaped, and very -soon the garrison was acquainted of the fact. - -"Now to the left," whispered Steve's father when they had run the -better part of a mile and were on the outskirts of the city. "That is -excellent. We are now on the plains of Abraham, and in a little while -should be in safety." - -Breaking into a fast walk, the fugitives kept straight ahead for -another mile, till they came to a dip in the ground. There was the -reflection of a fire hanging over the dip, and presently Steve caught -sight of a native wigwam of large proportions. His father gave a cry -of delight, and in a few seconds they were all inside. A smothered -greeting welcomed them, and at once Steve was gripping the many hands -held out to him, for there were now seven persons crowded into the -wigwam, and a lantern which hung to one of the roof poles shone on -their painted faces, and enabled the rescued prisoner to see them. Not -that he easily recognised these friends, for they were all heavily -daubed with paint and decked out in all the feathers and finery of -the Huron Indians. However, he was sure of his father, the huge, -raw-boned chief who stood beside him, holding him affectionately by -the shoulder, for the voice betrayed him at once. But for that, Steve -would have passed him by without recognition, for the Judge had shaved -his beard, and now presented a smooth face, than which there was none -more noticeable for the power and reserve which it expressed. - -"You ain't forgot me, Cap'n, I hope," burst in one of the men, painted -hideously to represent a fox. "You ain't quite forgot Pete, as took up -quarters with yer 'way back thar down by Lake St. George." - -"Nor me, if ye plaze, Masther Steve, Cap'n, beggin' yer honour's -pardon," said someone else, pushing to the front and holding out a -huge paw, which was painted now, but which at other times was freckled -and tanned to a colour that matched that of an Indian. It was Mac, a -grin stretching from ear to ear, clean shaven, and with his brilliant -locks cut back to form the conventional scalp lock of the Hurons, -and dyed; yes, Mac boasted hair of the blackest jet now, and but for -his speech, his huge grin, and his squat, powerful figure, was quite -unrecognisable. - -"You've took the Cap'n aback," cried Jim, pushing Mac aside. "It ain't -likely as he'd recognise an old pal in a beauty sich as you air. Why, -Mac, you was never so good-lookin' in all yer life before, and ef -you'll take a bit of advice from me, why, you'll stick where yer air. -Jest take to bein' a brave for the rest of yer natural existence." - -That brought a still wider grin to the broad face before Steve, a grin -which seemed to sever it into two complete portions, and which showed -a most excellent set of teeth. - -"Bad scran to ye now, Huntin' Jim, ef I don't take ye by the neck -this instant and scalp ye. 'Tis yerself that's uncommon handsome -to-day. Stand up and let the Cap'n see ye." - -He retired into the background, and gave Steve an opportunity of -setting eyes on the tall trapper who had been such a staunch friend. -He, too, was decked as an Indian, and in his case the disguise was -perhaps even more natural than in that of the others. For Jim was -tall and wiry. He was trained by constant wanderings in the forest -to the very last ounce, and his muscles, though small and not of -Mac's proportions, stood out like whipcord. Then, too, his sharp and -intelligent features helped in the deception, while the habits which -this old hunter had learned in the fifty years of his busy life had -given him that imperturbable look common to the Indians. - -"You was never so surprised in all yer life, Cap'n, I reckon," he -said. "You was mighty sick of roostin' up there in the fort, and no -doubt thinkin' of having a turn for liberty yerself. Then Silver Fox -come into the fort, and I'll bet what yer like that he walked about as -ef he'd been thar many a time, and as ef he wasn't on no account to be -hurried. He's that cool, he's like an icicle." - -"He is a gallant fellow, and I thank him. Chief, I owe a lot to you as -well as to these other friends. But who is the stranger?" - -A tall Indian had stood in the background looking on at the scene with -a half-suppressed air of contempt on his finely chiselled features, -for your Indian could not understand the need for such warmth and -such hand-shakings over a meeting. Silver Fox beckoned to him. - -"This is my brother, Hawk," he said, "this is Flying Bird, a Mohawk -once, and later a Huron. He is now again one of our tribe." - -"And thereby hangs the tale of your release, my boy," broke in Mr. -Mainwaring. "The story is soon told. This Flying Bird was born in the -same wigwam as our old friend Silver Fox, and would have been there -to this day had not the village been raided. The Hurons made a sudden -descent, and Flying Bird was carried away. He was then seventeen, and -almost a brave. He was spared, and became one of the Hurons, marrying -into the tribe. Now he has lost his wife, and taking advantage of the -fact that the Hurons were marching into the country adjacent to that -in which the Mohawks lived, he made a journey to find Silver Fox. He -came in the nick of time. I had just returned to find you a prisoner, -and the band of scouts which you had formed near Fort William Henry -about to be disbanded. They had been fortunate in escaping from the -fort before the surrender, and of course there was little left for -them to do. - -"Well, we made plans to meet again at the breaking of the winter, and -two months ago we gathered at Silver Fox's village. His brother had -returned to Canada for the cold months, so as to allay suspicion, and -we fell in with him ten days ago south of the St. Lawrence. As to how -we reached that part, why, the movements of our troops are beginning -to worry the French, and they are concentrating at the threatened -places, leaving the upper reaches of the Richelieu and the country -to the west of that river almost denuded of trappers and Indians. We -slipped through, and----" - -"And here you are, father. What is the next move?" - -"We wait here for a week perhaps, till the hue and cry for you is -over. Then we take to the river, capture some sort of craft, and sail -for Nova Scotia." - -Everything had, in fact, been carefully mapped out, and so far the -plans of the rescue party had gone without a hitch. But there was -a great deal still to be done, and many dangers would have to be -faced before Steve and his friends could hope to reach safety again. -However, they were not the men to flinch at the thought of danger. -Indeed, they rather enjoyed the prospect and the novelty of their -present position, and on the following morning eagerly scanned the -city and its neighbourhood for signs of searchers. - -"Fortunately for us they have very few Indians at their beck and call -just now," said Mr. Mainwaring, "for they have sent them down to -Ticonderoga and to the country about Louisbourg. There are a few lazy -fellows still remaining, the ne'er-do-wells of the various tribes, and -there is of course this small party of Hurons." - -He smiled at Steve, and proceeded. - -"You see, there was need for a party to lie close to Quebec, for it -would have been impossible to spirit you away from the city in the few -hours we had at our disposal. You will see why shortly, for the river -will swarm with canoes, and what Indians there are will be sent off -in search of your tracks. We had to have some arrangement whereby we -could take up our quarters near the city, and Jim settled the matter -very quickly." - -"Thar warn't nothin' in it," growled the trapper. "We wanted to lie up -here, and Flyin' Bird gave us the word that all the redskin varmint -was off to other parts. Waal, Cap'n, we fixed it up that we should -be a kind of deputation of Injuns from the Huron tribe come back to -complain of the favouritism shown to other redskins. That air a likely -tale, for these braves air always rowin' among theirselves. Flyin' -Bird's seen the commandant, they've had a palaver. We're here waitin' -for a proper palaver with this officer, and I reckon when he's ready -we won't be so anxious to get our grievance to his ears. But there -ain't no hurry. The French know how to deal with redskins, and they've -larned long ago that time ain't anythin', that ef yer hurry matters -yer show unnatural weakness and anxiety. So this officer'll wait a -while, and when he sends, he won't find no one to greet him." - -"And meanwhile we are fairly safe from interference," chimed in Mr. -Mainwaring. "The Hurons are accustomed to stand aloof from other -braves, and therefore we are hardly likely to have visitors. If some -come, Flying Bird will entertain them." - -Daylight showed that the authorities at Quebec were determined to -retake their late prisoner if possible. Canoes filled with soldiers -and trappers swarmed on the river, and the steep shore all along on -either side of the city was closely scrutinised. Then a strong party -was sent out along the banks of the St. Charles river, for that was a -likely direction for a fugitive to take. Once a party of trappers even -came to the Huron wigwam lying in the hollow. - -"We seek a pale face who has broken away from the city," said their -spokesman, addressing Flying Bird, who alone appeared to meet them. -"Have you seen traces of him. He broke away last night." - -"Then his trail will have been stamped out by the coming and going of -the people," was the curt answer. "Here, however, there may be traces, -my brothers. I have not looked for them, but if they are here surely -you who are accustomed to the forest and the trail should be able to -discover them. For us, we are resting. We require favours before we -will help your countrymen." - -Flying Bird remained seated all the while, smoking placidly. The -Frenchmen stared at him doubtfully, muttered words beneath their -breath, and moved away. - -"Let the dog sit there and rot if he will," growled - -[Illustration: "WE SEEK A PALE FACE WHO HAS BROKEN AWAY FROM THE -CITY"] - -one. "These Indians are either completely out of control, and far too -eager even for our hot bloods, or they are sulky and will not stir a -finger. Let the dog sit and smoke." - -They moved away in none of the best tempers, for these trappers and -the French in general were more than beginning to see that the price -they had to pay for the use of their numerous tribes of ruthless -savages would prove heavy in the end. Already they knew that it had -roused the British from their apathy. There were tales even then in -Quebec that the backwoodsman and the regular who fought for England -had a new battle cry, that bayonets were more vengeful and terrible -than ever before. - -A week later the hue and cry had died down, and the party made ready -to escape. Flying Bird sauntered off towards Quebec early in the -morning, his musket over his shoulder, and a fishing line strung to -his belt. Entering a canoe down by the stage, he paddled out into the -river, rounded the promontory to the west of Quebec, and sent his -craft along parallel to the steep cliff, at the top of which lay the -Plains of Abraham. His comrades above saw him occasionally, for he had -paddled to the far shore, and was diligently fishing. He was there at -dusk, and those who had the curiosity to look at him from the city saw -that he was pulling up his line and preparing to return home. - -"It will be dark by the time he is over this side of the river," said -Steve's father, "and by that time we shall be near him. You can find -this trail, Silver Fox?" - -"On the darkest night, Chief." - -"Then we will go. Pick up your traps, boys." - -The party filed out of the wigwam, leaving their late home standing, -and, with the Indian leading, strode off towards the edge of the -cliff. Steve had been decked as a Huron, and he took his place -third in the line. They reached the edge, and without the smallest -hesitation the Indian chief scrambled over it. - -"Be careful, brothers," he cautioned them. "The way is steep. A fall -would end in death." - -One by one in quick succession they lowered themselves over the edge, -and gripping boulders and grass and the roots of bushes, finally -reached the bank below. The canoe was there, and they stepped into it -silently. Jim pushed off from the shore, and in a little while they -were shooting down the centre of the river, hidden in the darkness, -from which they watched a hundred and more twinkling lights which -glimmered from the windows of the fairy city of Quebec. - - - - -Chapter XVII - -Down the Mighty St. Lawrence - - -"We ain't out er the wood by no means," said Jim, when the canoe had -shot past the city and had lost the lights behind a promontory of the -Isle of Orleans, "cos there's the journey back. Judge thinks as we'd -best make down stream for the sea, and cut out to Halifax or some -other place, wherever our chaps may be. There's talk of an expedition -to Louisbourg, and, of course, that's somewheres at the mouth of the -river. Now, ef it was me alone----" - -"You'd make up stream, or even enter the Richelieu," burst in Mr. -Mainwaring, "and for the simple reason that you have never even seen -the ocean, nor even a big ship. You are at home in the forest, and -feel that you could more surely reach friends in that way." - -"Thet's the case, Judge, in a nutshell." - -"But I happen to know that the forests south of this are swarming with -Indians. We had the utmost difficulty in making to the north, and we -have to remember that the escape of the prisoner will within a couple -of days be associated with the disappearance of the band of Hurons. -That will rouse the French, and they will send urgent messages down to -the neighbourhood of Ticonderoga. No, my friends, I have good reason -to know that Frontenac is almost deserted at this moment, so that we -might escape that way. Even then there would be a very long strip of -forest to traverse, and many enemies in it. The mouth of the river -is our easiest way, for once clear of the neighbourhood and safe on -a suitable vessel, no one can catch us. And French vessels down the -stream will be deceived by our hoisting a French flag, while the mouth -itself is patrolled by our fleet." - -Mr. Mainwaring had, in fact, supplied himself with all the available -information before venturing on this hazardous journey to Quebec, -for an intelligent man, such as he was, knew very well that such an -expedition was fraught with much danger, and that if not carefully -planned in every detail, it would very likely end in disaster. The -reader will remember that Pitt had come into power, and that one of -the chief items of his programme against the French was to be an -attack on the formidable fort of Louisbourg. Our ships were on the way -there from Halifax already, and it was clear that safety lay in that -direction for Steve and his friends if only they could descend the -river. - -"I can see that it will be easier to make down by the water than to -march miles and miles through the forest, scouting every foot of the -way," Steve said. "What about a suitable boat, father? We shall want -something bigger than this canoe, for this would never live down at -the mouth. I understand that it is like an open sea there, and that it -is often very rough." - -"It is swept by sudden gales, even in the summer," was the answer. -"As for a boat to take us to our friends, there is one lying down at -the tail of this island, and just within sight of Quebec. She lies, I -should say, eight or ten miles from the city, so that any commotion -aboard will not be seen or heard. That is the vessel we are going to -capture, Steve. How we are going to do it is another matter. We must -discuss that. Meanwhile we shall paddle down beside the island till -about a mile from the end, and there we shall tie up." - -Accordingly the paddles were kept moving gently, for the stream was -strong here, and it was hardly necessary to urge the canoe along. Half -an hour later the signal was given, and they turned the nose of the -bark canoe into the bank, and Silver Fox made her fast there to some -overhanging branches. - -"Guess we can put in a sleep," said Jim, yawning widely. "The nights -are getting very short now, so it won't be long before we are up and -doin'. Who'll take the watch?" - -"I will," answered Steve promptly. "Turn in all of you and sleep. I -will rouse you an hour before it is light. By the way, shall we settle -this question of the capture of the boat to-morrow?" - -"Onless you've got somethin' fixed already, Cap'n. Blest ef you ain't -now. I knows that by yer voice. Spout it out, boy, and let's know -what it is. He was always like this when cap'n of the band, Judge. -Kind er suggestin' a discussion when he'd got the hul thing settled in -his own mind. Spin it out, Steve." - -"There is nothing in it, only I thought we had better settle the -matter now. We shall be dull and sleepy in the early morning. I fancy -our best plan is to be that Huron party out fishing. There are plenty -of Indian canoes about on the river every day, and often enough the -men are fishing. We can do the same, and gradually drift down to the -boat. But have we lines aboard?" - -"You bet. There's half a dozen in Flyin' Bird's pouch." - -"Then I will bait a couple now and fish. We must have a few fish with -us, and when we get opposite the boat we will offer some to the men -aboard. Thus we shall have an excuse for hanging on to the boat, and a -couple can clamber aboard. If the rest of us cannot do the same---" - -"You've said enough, Steve, so you have," cried Mac, opening his -capacious mouth for the first time for many an hour. "If others cannot -follow, why, me name's not Mac. Sure, we'll be rhunnin' over the decks -afore you can count yer fingers." - -"Then pass the lines and get to sleep." - -Steve sat in the centre of the canoe while the hours of darkness -passed. On either side of him sprawled his companions, lying packed as -closely as possible, for a bark canoe is never of great dimensions, -and though this was a large one, it gave little room for men who -wished to sleep. In addition, a craft of this sort was very liable -to capsize, particularly when manned by novices. But Steve and his -friends had learned to manage these canoes when they were very young, -and could move about in them, spear fish over the side, and even sleep -in them with the utmost security. - -Almost before he was prepared for it, Steve saw a streak of white -break across the black sky towards the east, and knew that dawn would -not be long in coming. In half an hour it was beginning to get light, -and he at once roused his companions. - -"Time's up," he called out softly. "Rouse yourselves and rub the sleep -out of your eyes. Now, I vote for a meal before we start. Then, if -there is trouble, we shall be able to struggle on for a long while -without wanting food." - -They followed his advice with eagerness, for the night's adventure had -sharpened their appetites. But very soon the meal was ended, and there -being nothing further to wait for, they cast off from the branches, -paddled well out into the river, and then, taking in their paddles, -drifted down the stream, each one of the party, with the exception of -Jim, who steered with the tip of his paddle, having a line overboard. - -"There yer air," he said some minutes later. "Best not look all -together, lest they should get suspicious. Thar's the boat, boys, and -a bonny one she seems. I reckon she's ten times bigger'n this." - -"Forty times," answered Mr. Mainwaring. "She is quite a large craft, -and not far short of eighty tons. If so, there are few of larger -size that ever venture up the river. That is a peculiarity about the -French. I believe they have seldom brought a boat of more than a -hundred tons up to Quebec. And yet there must be sufficient water, -though there are shoals here and there, and the passage is considered -dangerous. She will suit us well, boys. In a little while we shall be -exchanging our rôle of Huron Indians for that of a sailor. Lucky it is -for us all that one of our numbers has sailed a boat before." - -"We ain't aboard yet, Judge," said Jim, rather suddenly. "Steve, -you've lived a year in these parts. What do yer make of them critters -away over thar under the island? You others keep on fishin'. 'Twon't -do to seem curious." - -Steve raised his head slowly, drew in his line, and threw it out from -the other side of the canoe. The movement gave him the opportunity -of looking in the direction Jim had indicated, where he saw a large -ship's boat pulling out from the tail end of the island. She was -manned by six sailors, and swept through the water at a rapid pace. In -addition, the white coats of four passengers proclaimed that they were -regulars from the French garrison, while an equal number of Indians -crouched by the thwarts. In the stern sat a man who was huddled in a -cloak, for the early morning was chilly. - -"I should say that she is a patrol, probably ordered to search all -vessels and boats which come south of the island. Perhaps her crew -have directions to turn all back who come so far. I don't like the -look of those fellows, but we must not appear to be alarmed. Go on -fishing, all of you, and just see that your muskets are handy. Flying -Bird, be ready to answer them." - -He addressed the Indian in Mohawk, and then tossed his line again, -pulling up a fish a moment or two later quite coolly and leisurely. -Meanwhile his comrades went on with their fishing, without even -turning their heads, for they were one and all trained men, who -knew by experience that the simple turning of a head was sometimes -sufficient to cause suspicion. They betrayed not the slightest -curiosity, but pulled in their fish or rebaited their hooks with -wonderful unconcern. Jim still steered the canoe languidly, glancing -now and again at the strangers, while Steve was able to keep his eyes -on them without appearing to do so. - -"They are making direct for us," he said suddenly. "I will turn round -for fear that they might recognise me. I was a prisoner so long, and -quite free to move about that the majority of the troops in Quebec -know me." - -Suiting the action to the word, he swung round and dropped his line -in on the far side. Presently a hail came over the water, while the -splash of paddles could be heard. - -"Ef they order us back, why, we've got to obey," said Jim. "Better to -please 'em and put the critters off the scent than to run our heads -against a wall. Let the beggars sing out again before you answer them." - -Flying Bird nodded curtly, for he had picked up a deal of English, and -could understand the drift of the conversation. He went on fishing -calmly, without even turning his head, till they were hailed again, -this time in the Indian language. - -"Hi! Put about there and wait till we come up with you. Who are you, -and where are you from?" - -In a little while the boat came seething alongside, where she lay, -held by an occasional stroke of the oars, while the man in the stern -repeated his questions. Steve did not dare to steal so much as a look -at him, while Jim suddenly ducked his head and turned, so that the -Frenchman could not see his face. For once again Jules Lapon's voice -was heard. Once again had this odious Frenchman come upon the scene -when least desired, and at the most inopportune moment. It was he -without a doubt, more sallow than of yore, his overbearing manners -almost as openly displayed as on the last occasion when Steve had -faced him. - -"Where from, and who are you, Indians?" he demanded curtly, in the -Huron tongue. "We have orders to search all who come this way, and to -send them back if they have no good reason for coming." - -"The chief can see what our business is," answered Flying Bird -steadily. "Does the Frenchman wish to be assured that these are -fish?"--and he held up one of their catch--"or does he suspect us of -other business? As to who we are, this is a party of Hurons from the -south country. We are awaiting a palaver with your big chief. That is -all." - -He baited his hook and tossed it into the river, turning away at once -and ignoring the Frenchman. But Jules was a man of keen perception, -and possessed of a suspicious mind. Unknown to Steve, he had recently -come to Quebec to take up some duty there, and had almost instantly -heard of the escape of the prisoner whom he had cruelly ordered to be -executed down at Ticonderoga. A backwoodsman, such as he was, knew the -difficulties with which a fugitive would have to contend, and he had -at once assured himself that Steve must have friends who were helping -him, and that in place of making away from the neighbourhood of the -city at once, he was probably in hiding close at hand, awaiting a -favourable opportunity to escape. - -"And this is just the party to help him," he said to himself as he -stared at the occupants of the canoe. "I will not let him slip through -my fingers if he is here. We will go a little closer, and then have -a look at the far side. It is distinctly suspicious that they should -have their faces turned away." - -Very slowly the big boat was rowed past the canoe till she was above -her. Then she dropped down again, and drifted past while Jules Lapon, -standing at the tiller, and still wrapped in his cloak, carefully -scrutinized the painted faces before him. Jim's angular features he -passed without a second look, while Mac stared back at the Frenchman -with a boldness and an impudence which had the desired effect. He -went on to Steve, found nothing suspicious in his open face, and -passing Pete, Silver Fox, and Flying Bird in turn, came at length to -Mr. Mainwaring. Something in the strong face and in the huge build of -this brave seemed to strike him. He gave an exclamation, and, bending -forward, looked closer. Then his sallow cheeks were suddenly suffused, -he bent forward to take a closer view, swept his eyes along the -occupants of the canoe again, and stopped when he came to Steve. - -"The prisoner," he shouted at the top of his voice. "Hurrah! I have -found him as I had hoped to do. Cover them with your muskets. Drop -those paddles and sit upright or we will fire." - -Jules had indeed made a discovery of the utmost importance. But -he was a man who always found it hard to curb his passions or his -impetuosity. Had he done so now, he would first have warned his men -that he had made some discovery, and so have had them in readiness. -As it was, the four soldiers who sat in the boat did not understand -a word of Huron, and had no knowledge of what had passed. They had -been on this duty for the past six days, and were heartily tired of -it, particularly as this leader of theirs had already treated them to -more than one false alarm. They sat half asleep, lolling against the -thwarts, by no means pleased to be turned out at such an early hour -without their breakfasts. The sudden order took them absolutely by -surprise. They had not even powdered the pans of their muskets. - -"Peste! Up with your muskets and cover them, fools!" shouted Jules, -seeing them hesitate. "I tell you that that is the prisoner. Shoot him -down if he moves a muscle." - -"You will be good enough to seat yourself, Monsieur Jules. Jim, you -are our best shot, and will cover him." - -It was Steve's voice which spoke, and at the order the heavy deckard -which the trapper carried went to his shoulder, and his eye squinted -along the sights. - -"Covered," he growled, "and jest you watch it over thar. This here -gun's got a way of its own of goin' off sudden. Jest watch it or -you'll know why. It's shot many a varmint before, and it won't take -long to treat a skunk like you to a bullet." - -"Mac, and you, father, and Silver Fox cover the soldiers and the -Indians. Now, messieurs, you know me perhaps. I am the prisoner, as -this Jules Lapon tells you, I am about to escape, and I advise you to -be satisfied with that statement. You,"--and he pointed to one of the -men,--"will oblige by throwing your musket overboard. Good! Now your -pouch and horn and your bayonet. That is excellent. Your comrades will -follow suit." - -Long before those in the boat had recovered from their astonishment -every musket aboard the canoe was levelled at their heads. And one -by one the muskets and bayonets aboard the French boat were tossed -overboard, the Indians being compelled to follow the example set -them. So far not a shot had been fired, for the band of supposed -Hurons had been too quick for their enemies. But if eyes could have -fired bullets, then every one of the occupants of the canoe, and in -particular Steve and his father, would have been slain by Jules, for -this curiously bitter Frenchman glared at them furiously, and finally -turned his eyes on Jim. Up till then he had been too excited and too -angry to take note of the tall Indian who covered him with his weapon. -But now an uncomfortable feeling crept down Jules Lapon's spine. He -swore under his breath, tried to stare back at the squinting eye -of the man who levelled the sights, and then was suddenly overcome -by that strange sensation. His knees shook and his legs doubled up -beneath him. He crouched in the stern, his face hidden in his hands, -tears, induced partly by sheer terror and partly by mortification, -streaming down his cheeks and welling out between his fingers. - -"Others has felt like that and weakened," growled Jim, lowering his -piece. "There's better men nor you has looked into a gun and felt ill -and sick. I've done it myself, and I knows that queer feelin' that -you've got. But fer all that I ain't never played the coward like you. -A leader's a man as should stand up to the worst, and face everything, -so as to show his men he's worth his salt. You ain't. Reckon you're -the biggest coward as I ever set eyes on." - -The trapper spat derisively into the water, laid down his musket, and -commenced to fill his pipe. - -"What next, Cap'n?" he asked, a grin on his hard features. "Thar's -work to be done. Beg pardon, Judge, but it seems natural like to turn -to Steve after being away thar at the hollow with him." - -"And you could not do better. Let the lad lead us. I have perfect -confidence in him. Steve, what is the next move?" - -For a little while there was no answer, for our hero was engaged in -looking closely at the boat which they had decided to capture, and -then over his shoulder at the river. There was not another boat in -sight, while, though he looked very carefully, no one seemed to be -stirring aboard the ship. - -"We shall want men aboard that boat to manage the sails, for I know -nothing of seamanship, and Pete and Mac and Jim are the same. But we -are lucky. Here are the very hands we want." - -He pointed to the sailors aboard the boat, at the stern of which the -discomfited officer sat, and at once a smile broke over the faces of -his friends. They saw his meaning in a flash, and the coolness of -their old captain amused them. - -"Shucks! Ef he ain't the most----" - -"Jest the slimmest, 'cutest, cussedest chap as ever you or me set eyes -on, Pete," burst in Jim. "No wonder that 'ere Frenchie thar has dug -his head into his hands. Reckon it makes him kind er faint to look at -him." - -"I said that we should need sailors. There they are. Monsieur Jules, -you will be good enough to come aboard this canoe and bring your -soldiers with you. My men, you have nothing to fear. We are merely -about to change places with you." - -At a nod from Steve, Jim and Mac dug their paddles into the water, and -presently they were alongside the boat. Jim leaped aboard at once, -took Jules Lapon by the shoulder with no very gentle hand, and lifted -him to his feet as if he were a babe. - -"Ef you ain't able to hold yerself up, why, I'll sling yer across -to the canoe. Bah! Man, show some spirit. From all accounts yer can -be bold and hard enough when things air right and you've got a poor -prisoner to deal with. There's the cap'n thar as can tell a yarn about -yer." - -The exchange of boats took only a few minutes, and very soon the party -of Hurons were seated in the one which had belonged to Jules, while -that worthy, with his soldiers and his Indians, was crouching in the -canoe. They were given a couple of paddles, and were ordered to row up -stream. - -"If we see you turn, or if you shout, we shall follow," said Steve. -"It would be better for you to go quietly back to Quebec." - -They watched as the Frenchman and his disconsolate crew paddled away, -and soon they were round the bend of the island, prepared to attack -the vessel which they hoped would take them to the sea. - -"You have nothing to fear," said Steve to the sailors who still manned -the oars, "and I promise to set you free as soon as we can get along -without your services. How many are aboard the ship?" - -"As well make the best of a bad job," came the answer. "There are two -only, monsieur, and you can climb aboard as soon as you like. You say -that we shall be set free, monsieur?" - -"I give you my promise. We shall make this boat fast astern, and -tow her down. When you can be spared you shall take the boat and -sufficient arms and provisions and go. Is that a bargain?" - -"You can count on us, monsieur, and our comrades aboard would prefer -such terms to the hard knocks which you are able to give." - -A few words passed between the Frenchmen, they smiled at Steve and -his friends, and seemed to enter into the spirit of this adventure of -theirs as though it was as pleasant to them as service with their own -comrades. - -"'Tis a poor heart which cannot make light of troubles, monsieur," -laughed their spokesman. "A minute ago it seemed that we should be -shot. Now we are promised safety, and are commanded by one who speaks -kindly to us, and even says 'monsieur' when he gives us an order. That -is good. We welcome a change after that ruffian." - -By now the boat was very close to the anchored ship, and presently she -struck against the counter, and one of the French sailors hung on with -a boathook. - -"We shall trust you to go aboard and let your comrades know what is -happening," said Steve to the spokesman of the sailors. "Otherwise -shots might be fired and useless opposition shown. Get aboard, my lad." - -"You can come up," shouted the man a little later, appearing at the -rail above with two strange faces beside him. "My comrades see the -wisdom of behaving quietly, particularly since I took the liberty of -promising them what you offered us. Is that correct, monsieur?" - -"Perfectly. You will be rewarded also if you behave properly. Now make -the boat fast and place yourselves under the orders of monsieur here, -who is my father." - -It was wonderful to see with what eagerness the French sailors sprang -to obey Mr. Mainwaring. For though the huge Englishman was dressed -as a Huron, and plentifully daubed with paint, yet he spoke perfect -French, and held himself as only a white man could do. But surely -never was there a stranger sight than this, a ship commanded by -Indians, and worked by pale faces. - -"We shall have to make a change, Steve," said his father. "Just hunt -out some old clothes from the lockers down below. They will serve a -double purpose. We shall be more comfortable, and then, in case of our -meeting another ship sailing under French colours, we shall pass all -the easier." - -That night, as the darkness began to get deeper, the ship was anchored -close in to the southern bank, and remained swinging to her cable -there till the dawn came again. Then she went on her course again. -And so, without incident, the sea was reached, the island now known -as Prince Edward Island sighted, and finally the bleak slopes of Cape -Breton Island. - -"If monsieur would allow us to escape in the boat within the next few -hours we could reach our friends in Louisbourg," said the sailor who -had spoken for his comrades before. "The wind is fair for us, and we -should not have a long pull." - -Steve and his friends at once agreed, the boat was pulled alongside, -and food and water lowered. Then Mr. Mainwaring presented each of the -six sailors with a small sum of money and sent them down to the boat. -They pushed off, waved their adieux, and put out their oars. Then the -tiller of the big ship was put up again, the sails filled, and she -bore away to the far end of the island. Rounding that, and giving the -land a wide berth, the party aboard saw a ship stealing along close to -the island. At her fore flew the fleur de lis of France, and sighting -the boat out in the offing, her head was turned and she came surging -out towards Steve and his friends. - -"She is a big boat. It would be hard if we were to see the inside -of a French prison after all our trouble," smiled Mr. Mainwaring. -"But I doubt that she will have the courage to come far, for if my -information has been correct, the British fleet must be hereabouts. -They have been blockading the mouth of the river since the winter -broke up. Ha! Steve, what do I see?" - -There was a white dot away in the far distance, a dot which might -have been a bird. But it held the same position steadily, except -for the fact that it grew gradually bigger, proving that it was a -ship approaching. And presently a huge eighty-gun frigate, with the -British ensign at her mast-head, came into clear sight and ranged up -alongside the captured Frenchman. A gun was fired, and hardly had the -boom been heard when a boat dropped from the side of the frigate, a -smart naval officer tumbled into it with his crew, and, being joined -by another individual, raced across the water. They were alongside in -five minutes, and a ladder being lowered the naval officer and his -companion came aboard. - -"A party of seven. So far so good," exclaimed the officer, running his -eye over Steve and his friends. "Is this the ship we were to expect?" - -"It is," answered Mr. Mainwaring promptly. "Allow me to introduce the -party, general. I am Mr. Mainwaring, though somewhat altered, I fear. -And here are my son, Hunting Jim, Mac, Pete, Silver Fox, and Flying -Bird, all old friends and staunch companions. I have to thank you for -picking us up. My friends, this is General Wolfe." - -"Indeed, I fancy the term picking you up hardly meets the case. You -seem very well able to look to yourselves, and, if my observation is -correct, have been fairly comfortable." - -The officer who spoke turned to Mr. Mainwaring, and then shook hands -with every one of the party, giving Steve an opportunity of inspecting -him closely without seeming to be rude. General Wolfe, whose name -was then prominently before the world, was a tall, gaunt man with -no other particular feature about him to attract unusual attention, -unless it was his hair, which, like Mac's, was decidedly red. He was -quiet, reserved, a typical officer and gentleman, and evidently one -accustomed to discipline and to be obeyed. Little did Steve think -as he watched this brigadier that Wolfe was to be the hero of this -conflict with France in Canada, and that he himself was to be closely -associated with him in the conquest of that fair city from which he -had so recently escaped. - - - - -Chapter XVIII - -The Attack on Louisbourg - - -"You have turned up in the very nick of time, gentlemen," said General -Wolfe, as he surveyed the party standing before him on the deck of the -French vessel. "Our fleet and transports have arrived in these waters, -and we are about to attempt a landing on Cape Breton Island. After -that we shall lay siege to the fort of Louisbourg. Can I be of service -to you in any way?" - -He swept his eye over each one of the group, smiling at the strange -appearance of Steve and his white friends, for they were now dressed -in the rough sailor clothing which they had found aboard, and for -the most part looked curious objects. Their paint and feathers had -disappeared entirely, but all clung to their fringed hunting shirts, -while rough trousers of sailcloth protected their legs, and French -sailor hats covered their heads where only a few days before there had -been scalp locks and the crests of eagles. - -"Come, gentlemen, now that you are free, you have the world to choose -from. You can return to England, you can make for your old haunts -near Ticonderoga, where I am sure Hawk and his band of scouts will -be welcome, or you can remain here and help us a little. Personally, -I should be glad if that were your decision, for I am training a -number of the men of my brigade to fight in open order, making use -of cover as do backwoodsmen. I could not have better instructors than -yourselves." - -[Illustration: The TRIANGULAR ROUTE Between CANADA and our AMERICAN -COLONY 1755.] - -"You can put me down, then, general," sang out Jim, promptly, raising -his arm. "Only there's jest one condition of service I bargain for -after rations and pay are earned. I fight under my old cap'n. He's -here, and he's fit to lead a hul regiment." - -"Pay and allowances will be the same as formerly. As to your -condition, that can be arranged if Mr. Steve Mainwaring wishes to take -up a commission again." - -Steve promptly agreed to do so, and within a very few minutes the -general had obtained seven valuable recruits for his new regiment. - -"You will be able to enter upon your duties almost at once," said the -general. "As I said, we are about to attempt a landing. Up to this the -sea has been too rough for such an expedition, but there is every sign -of its getting calmer, and should it do so, our boats will put out. We -will now return to the frigate, where the master-tailor can supply you -with suitable clothing, for, after all, I fear that we could not allow -you to take your places in our ranks in such dress as you now wear." - -He walked to the rope ladder, swung himself down with wonderful -agility, and was followed by Steve and his friends and by the naval -officer. An order was then given, and the two men at the oars pulled -away for the frigate, a couple of sailors being left aboard the -captured vessel. - -"We have lost a few of our ships since we sailed from Halifax," said -the general, "and as I expect that you have no further use for the -ship you captured, we will put her into commission at once. There is a -permanent Prize Board sitting, and they will inspect her and decide on -her value to-day. That money will be yours, gentlemen, for you are the -owners." - -Some hours later as Steve walked the broad deck of the frigate, he -could hardly believe that he had so recently escaped from prison. -The days had flown since his father and his old friends came to his -rescue, and they had been so filled with incident. He felt strange on -this big vessel, and found it difficult to realize that he was again -under orders, holding a captain's commission, and about to take part -in the conflict between England and France. - -"This is a very different affair from those up by Ticonderoga, Steve," -said his father, coming up to him. "Look at the force we have; there -must be ten thousand men at least. I mean soldiers of course, and am -not counting the crews of the ships." - -"Of the ships there are nearly two hundred," answered Steve, for he -had been busily counting them. Indeed, Mr. Mainwaring might well -observe that this was a big affair, for on this sunny June morning -those who patrolled the deck of the frigate could see numerous ships -of war, sloops, frigates, and transports, all cruising backwards -and forwards off Cape Breton Island. Boscawen, "Old Dreadnought," -was the admiral in command, and his fleet had only recently reached -Halifax, where he had picked up the vessels remaining there, and had -brought them on with him. Amherst, whom the reader will recollect, -was in command of the troops, had now some twelve thousand men aboard -the ships and transports, for on his arrival at Halifax he had -strengthened his own force with the troops taken to this port by the -Earl of Loudon in the previous year. Nor had he a single regiment too -many, for the task before him was a formidable one. - -Louisbourg, like Quebec, may be said to have been the stronghold of -the military, while, owing to its excellent harbour, it was also a -rendezvous for the French fleets. It consisted of private residences, -churches, and innumerable barracks and forts. In fact, it was a vast -fort, constructed at huge expense and pains, and designed by the very -best engineers of France. Seen from the edge of the harbour, its most -prominent features were the king's bastion and barracks, the hospital, -and the Recollects church nestling under the walls of the former. -There were fish stages and wharves, for Louisbourg was occupied by a -large number of men who looked to the sea for their living. In all -there were some four thousand inhabitants at this period, and these -consisted of the fisher folk above mentioned, of numerous priests, and -of many others whose business was connected in some way or other with -the military or with the navy. - -This vast fortress undoubtedly existed for war alone, and the French -had made enormous efforts to make it impregnable. Once before the -gallant New Englanders had captured the place, but a shortsighted -English ministry had handed it back to France, whose ministers were -possessed of far keener perception. They realized that the struggle -between the two nations would break out again, and since it had come -into their hands after capture, they had spared no pains to complete -their preparations for offence and defence. There were four thousand -French and Canadian regulars behind the two miles of granite walls of -the fortress, making eight thousand defenders if the civil population -are counted. Four hundred cannon grinned from the embrasures, while -the store-houses contained ample ammunition and food for a year. Add -to these preparations against attack the natural defences of the -place, for the seas were rough, and the coast rocky for miles on -either side, save for an occasional cove capable of easy defence, -and the reader will be able to gather some idea of the difficulties -before our forces. In addition, the seven-mile circumference of the -harbour prevented all approach from the sea-side to the fortress, and -sheltered seven battleships and five frigates, which together added -five hundred and fifty guns and three thousand men to the strength of -the garrison. - -"There will be a landing to-morrow," said General Wolfe that evening, -as he joined Steve and his father on the deck. "This sea is settling -down, I am thankful to say, for I am the worst of sailors, and if only -the wind will remain fair we shall embark during the night. You will -take part in the landing." - -That night, in fact, it became known through the fleet that an -endeavour would be made to land in the early hours of the following -morning, and sunrise found the troops embarked in the ship's boats, -and hanging on to their sides awaiting the signal. Three spots had -been selected for the expedition to attack, and in consequence the -force at General Amherst's disposal was divided into three divisions. -The first and second of these were under the command of Brigadiers -Lawrence and Whitmore respectively, and they were to attack the two -coves nearest to the fortress on its west. Wolfe was in command of -the third division, with orders to row along the rocky coast till -he came to Le Coromandiere, which while being the most likely spot -for a landing, being easier than the former two, was at the same -time strongly defended by the enemy, who had trenches, rifle pits, -and strong barricades, with mounted cannon. It was four miles from -Louisbourg, so that it was some little while before the boats of this -division arrived near the cove. Meanwhile our fleet opened a terrific -fire on the fortress. - -"Listen to that fer cannon," said Jim, who sat beside Steve, his -musket, now provided with a bayonet, set upright between his legs. -"I've never in all the course of my days heard the like of it. It's -thunder and worse." - -"Our men are just giving the French in the fortress a taste of what -they have in store for them," laughed Steve. "But take a look at the -cove, Jim. Those are guns there, and there must be a large force of -men ready to receive us." - -"Then the more the merrier, lad. I've fought behind trees many a score -of times. I've been shut in a fort with a couple of hundred redskin -varmint howlin' and firin' outside, but I've never in all my days -tried my hand at this sort of thing. Somehow we rangers think we're -better soldiers than air these here reg'lars. But I ain't so sartin. -No doubt when it's a war with braves, or a fight in the forest, we're -the best boys at the game. But out here, a job of this sort ain't done -by hanging behind trees and rocks. It wants a rush, and to make that -a man has to have downright pluck. Yes, I'm beginnin' to see that a -reg'lar has got heaps o' grit when he fights in his own way, and as -he's been taught. Whew! Did yer feel that?" - -Steve did. It was the shot from one of the French batteries which, now -that the boats were within some hundred yards, opened on the flotilla -suddenly. The shot, round and grape, hissed and hummed through the -air, and striking the water for the most part, sent up cascades which -blew away in spray, drenching many of the occupants of the boats. -Had that cove been sheltered it is probable that Wolfe's division -would have suffered terribly, for there were twelve hundred Frenchmen -waiting for their attack, and they had many guns. But this barren, -rockbound coast gave little or no shelter, and it happened that a big -swell was running, which made correct aim impossible, and a hit more -a matter of chance than of skill. And so it turned out that little -damage was done. The bellow of the cannon was answered by a derisive -cheer, and at once the boats' crews bent to their oars and raced for -the narrow beach. - -"Thunder! That air wuss nor bullets," sang out Jim, half rising to his -feet, for this was a weird and new experience for the hunter. "Reckon -another of them bangs and there won't be much of this crowd left to -fight. Cap'n, it air clean mad to keep out here in the open when -there's a bit of a rock thar that'll shelter us from them guns and -give a landing at the same time." - -This time the trapper got to his feet, in spite of the shouts of the -ensign in command of the regulars aboard the boat, and as if to show -how right he was, there came the crash of a second discharge, round -shot and ball, hurtled about the boats, striking some of the men, and -splashing foam and spray everywhere. - -"Look thar," cried Jim, in no way abashed by the gold lace and smart -uniform of the young officer. "Yer'll never set yer toe on the beach, -but yer'll get to hand grips with them ere Frenchies ef yer'll make -away where I'm pointin'." - -The officer was on his feet in a moment, scanning the rock to which -the trapper had drawn his attention. Then he gave a sharp word of -command, which caused the tiller to be put over and the bows of the -boat to sheer off in that direction, while the crew, who had lain on -their oars and looked doubtfully about them after the last discharge -of cannon, bent to their work again with a will. Another boat near at -hand followed their example, and a third was not slow to do the same. -It became a race, and the water was churned into froth at the bows of -the boats. - -"Steady! That's near enough. Over we go. Hurrah!" - -A wild cheer burst from the men as they leaped into the surf, and with -their young officer and Steve ahead made for the shore. - -"Make way for the other men and just get your breath, my lads," sang -out the officer. "Sit down and keep close to the rock. They cannot see -us here, and we shall be able to form up for a charge. Ha! Look at the -brigadier. He is following. Did anyone see his signals?" - -He looked round anxiously, passing his eyes from face to face till he -came to Steve. The latter nodded, while a smile played on his lips. - -"I fancy I did," he laughed. "The brigadier was in a hot place, and -saw that his men would be shot to pieces. I rather think I saw him -signal to the whole flotilla to retire." - -This, in fact, was the case. General Wolfe, seeing the narrowness of -the beach, its difficult approach, and the batteries which commanded -it, had signalled for the flotilla of boats to retire at once, for he -was fearful of losing his men. But he was not the officer to allow a -breach of discipline of this sort to arouse his anger. His boat came -surging up to the rock upon which the first party had landed, and in -a trice he was being carried ashore on the shoulders of a stalwart -sailor. - -"Well done! Well done, indeed, my lads. A very smart manoeuvre, which -may save the situation for us. Lucky none of you saw my signal." - -There was a dry smile on his thin lips, and he looked at the young -officer directly, causing him to flush to the roots of his hair. - -"Now we shall turn those gentlemen out, my lads. Will any one follow -me?" - -There was a shout at that, a bellow of excitement, for the men had -been roused by the small losses already suffered, and were stung -by the fear of failure. In a trice they were lined up behind the -brigadier, who faced round to inspect them, a simple cane his only -weapon. And beside this gallant officer stood Steve and Jim, the -latter looking grim and determined. - -"What reg'lars can do, so kin I," he growled. "But I 'low as this -fightin' in the open air enough to scare a chap as is used to the -forest. Let's get ahead with the charge. I'm warm and ready." - -So were the men. Their blood was thoroughly up. They gripped their -muskets, and held the bayonets levelled with their chests. Then the -brigadier gave the word, and the troops, now all collected, save for -those who had been hit, or who had been drowned in the surf, gave a -shout and set off towards the intrenchments held by the French. - -"Steady, boys. Here are some of their grenadiers. Let the left -flanking company get down and open fire. Steady. Drive them back, or -they will take us in the rear." - -The brigadier brought the column to a halt for a few moments, while -the company selected sent out its riflemen, for a company of French -grenadiers had suddenly put in an appearance. However, the English -soldiers were not to be gainsaid on this particular day. There were -a number of defeats to be wiped out. The memory of Braddock's defeat -was still fresh, while Fort William Henry and its dastardly massacre -was always before them. Those skirmishers fired a hail of bullets into -the grenadiers sent down by the enemy to oppose the landing, and then, -finding that their powder was damped by the sea-water, for very few -of the men had escaped a drenching, they clapped bayonets to their -muzzles, gave a fierce shout, and heads down charged the enemy, the -long and terrible weapon, which they knew so well how to wield, held -well in advance. - -Meanwhile the column, thanks to Jim's sagacity and to the sharpness -of the ensign and of the other two commanders of boats who had -followed to the spit of rock, lay out of range of the French cannon -and musketry fire. The enemy lying in their rifle pits and trenches -above could not see them, and were forced to remain idle while the -company of grenadiers they had sent down attempted the impossible task -of turning the invaders back. Nor did it improve their steadiness when -they saw these same grenadiers flying back for their lives, a draggled -and drenched crew of red coats charging after them, with bayonets -flashing in the June sun and shouts of triumph on their lips. For -that sight gave them an idea of what they might expect in a very few -minutes, and caused many to have doubts. Brigadier-General Wolfe did -not give them long before showing them his intentions. - -"We will charge now," he sang out, standing there before the column -as cool as an iceberg, while he swished the air with his ridiculous -little cane. "There are batteries, with some hundreds of men to defend -them. We are about to take those batteries and to chase the French -back to the walls of their fort." - -There was a shout from the officers, who had by now got their -companies into order, a shout which was taken up deliriously by the -men. The brigadier turned, waved a signal, and set off steadily -round the spit of rock. Then he broke into a trot, and as soon as -the companies swung round from the shelter, they wheeled so as to -face the enemy's position, opened out a little, preserving wonderful -steadiness in spite of the bullets and round shot hurtling about their -ears, and then broke into a fast run which very soon changed into a -most determined and furious charge. The men's blood was undoubtedly -up. All thought of personal safety was gone. They forgot the fact that -bullets were flying, forgot that they were drenched to the skin, and -that their powder was wet, for they had no need for it now. This was a -day for cold steel, and the thought of that, the determination to get -up to those batteries, to fling the French back and punish those who -had fired at the flotilla alone filled the minds of the men. - -"It 'ud do a lot of trappers a power of good to see 'em," shouted -Jim, as with Steve beside him he swung out from the shelter of the -rocks. "This air fightin'! This I 'low would take all the grit a -backwoodsman's got, 'cos there's no cover. Air yer ready?" - -He turned to find that Steve was not only ready, but was already -rushing away from him. For our hero had caught the infection spread by -these gallant fellows under Wolfe's command. He had no wish to kill. -He felt only a huge desire to be amongst the very first to reach those -batteries, come what might, and when he was there, not a Frenchman -would dare to remain. He would see to that. He was armed with a sabre -on this occasion, and dressed in the red coat and pantaloons of an -officer who had died on the voyage from England. He felt more than -ever now that he was an officer, to whom the men would look. And that -thought, as well as his own natural dash and gallantry, stimulated -him. He shouted with the loudest, swung his sabre above his head, and -then raced through the bullets and the cannon shot. A low wall of rock -stood in his way, and Brigadier Wolfe was in the act of scaling it. -With one leap Steve stood on the summit. Then he turned, caught the -brigadier by the arm and hoisted him up. The two were now ahead of the -charging column. - -Brigadier Wolfe faced the tall young officer for a second, and -coolly shook him by the hand, gripping his left, for Steve had his -hilt in the right. The sight of such an act of coolness brought a -frantic shout from the men. Steve turned to look at them for one -brief moment, and noted the set expression of their faces, the grim, -determined looks, the gaping nostrils and the heaving chests. Then, -as the brigadier waved his cane, he faced the enemy again, and with a -shout went on at the head of the men. A huge Frenchman, armed with a -ponderous musket, suddenly shot up from behind a barricade, brought -his piece to his shoulder, and aimed at our hero. There was a flash, -the powder in the pan spluttered up into smoke, while the bullet swept -within an inch of Steve's head, thudding heavily on something just -behind him. - -"Ef I don't get even with that ere chap, why, I ain't Huntin' Jim," -shouted a voice at his elbow. "Jest wait a minute. Ha! Yer'd shoot -me down. That's jest to make yer remember that I ain't so soft as to -fall 'cos a bullet's happened to strike me." - -[Illustration: "IN ANOTHER SECOND HE HAD BAYONETTED THE FRENCHMAN"] - -It was Jim undoubtedly, all his old backwoods coolness gone, all -his cunning and his Indian ways forgotten in the excitement of this -moment. His eyes were wide open, his lips set close together, while -rage was written on every feature. The stolid hunter had been struck -through the fleshy part of one arm, and the sting of the wound had -served only to increase his excitement. With a bound he passed Steve, -and in another second he had bayonetted the Frenchman, bringing the -grenadier to the ground with a terrific crash. By then the head of -the column was up at the batteries, and for a few moments a desperate -hand to hand contest was fought, while the gunners endeavoured to -fire their charges of grape into the midst of the rear of the column. -However, English bayonets had before then driven the French off the -field, and on this occasion our gallant fellows were not to be denied. -They drove those of the enemy who dared to remain out of their rifle -pits with their murderous bayonets, broke down and shattered their -defence, and sent them racing for the fortress. Nor did that entirely -satisfy them. They broke into more open order, and with Jim and Mac -and Steve to lead, chased those fugitives to the very gates of the -fortress, till reinforcements poured out of Louisbourg, and until -the cannon of the fortress began to ply them with shot. Only then -did they deign to retire, showing a defiant face to the enemy, now -outnumbering them by many hundreds. - -"Very gallantly done, lads," said the general, when the column was -again drawn up, and the wounded had been seen to. "I congratulate -officers and men on the brilliant dash which they have shown, and on -having won a most valuable landing-place for our army. To-night you -will have the place of honour in the general's published orders. Let -me not forget to thank those gentlemen who have so recently come from -a visit paid to the French in Quebec. Their gallantry and dash were -most stimulating, while I myself owe some help to their leader." - -There was a shout at that, for long ago the men had been made -acquainted with Steve's history. But these men of the backwoods were -as yet strangers to the majority of the attacking party, who had but -lately arrived from England. They had heard many a time of their -particular methods of fighting in the forests, of their cunning and of -their value as scouts. It did them good to find that these same men -could stand in the open and deliver a charge when bullets and round -shot were flying, and when there was no cover to be obtained. - -"I expect we shall soon have some of our old scouting work now," said -Steve that night, as he and Jim and Mac sat under a tent which had -been brought ashore, and discussed the action of the morning. "One of -the first duties of the general will be to see that the country round -about the fortress is clear, for there are many Indians about, and a -canoe can easily be paddled across from the mainland. While we are -scouting, the troops will be busily engaged in getting the guns ashore -and making ready for a proper siege. That will be slow work, and I for -one shall not care to take part in it." - -Two mornings later our hero was sent for to the tent of Brigadier -Wolfe. - -"You will at once be attached to my light companies," he said, as -Steve saluted. "Your friends will, of course, be with you, and you -will do all you can to give instruction. The men had about two weeks' -work at Halifax, but are, of course, very inexperienced. They are all -young and active, and picked as marksmen." - -On the following day, therefore, Steve and his friends walked over to -the officer in command of these light infantry companies, and promptly -set to work. On his advice the men were at once taken away from the -camp, and divided into smaller parties, each of which was under one -of the backwoodsmen, for Pete and Mr. Mainwaring had now come ashore. -There was dense forest within easy reach, as well as some more open -ground, on which, however, it was possible to find cover. And here -for hours at a time the men were practised, till they were fairly -proficient. Then one half was set to fight the other, the men being -roused to such keenness by these methods that they hardly seemed to -notice any fatigue. - -"They are the fellows who will help us to win this war," said the -brigadier a few days later, as he watched them at their work. "But now -for my news. The rough seas are delaying the landing of stores, and -until they are all ashore we cannot, of course, undertake to lay siege -to the fortress. Meanwhile the general has ordered me to march round -to the far side of the harbour and erect a battery there. I will take -these companies. We start at daybreak to-morrow." - -It would be tedious to narrate how Steve and his friends accompanied -this expedition, and how, in spite of a galling fire from the -batteries and the ships, General Wolfe managed to construct his -earth-works and batteries at Lighthouse Point. It was a class of -warfare which, like the attack on the cove, was entirely new to them, -and all agreed in admiring the persistency and the cool bravery, not -to say recklessness, of the soldiers. - -That battery, in spite of the heavy fire poured upon it, silenced -the French guns, and broke to pieces a battery on Goat Island in -the middle of the harbour. Its fire was soon followed by the bellow -of the huge siege guns which had now been brought ashore, and very -soon the din about the fortress of Louisbourg was such that men were -deafened, and Steve had never heard the like of it before. Sorties -were delivered, and were promptly met and driven back. The siege was -pressed vigorously, shot and shell pouring on the devoted place, while -the politest messages passed between besiegers and besieged. Then the -Canadians and their Indians outside our lines delivered their attack, -an attack which Steve and the light regiments, now employed as scouts, -were able to detect in good time and drive off easily. - -And so a month passed, a month of endless cannonading, till the -fortress was shattered, and the walls and buildings flying in -fragments everywhere. The French were in desperate plight, and wisely -agreed to surrender, having fought most gallantly. Thus the formidable -fortress came into our hands, and Pitt's forward policy began to -bring a long-looked for success. We had captured a place for long the -greatest menace to our power in America, and with it had taken some -six thousand soldiers and sailors, thus reducing the enemy's strength, -while it set ten thousand of our own troops free to operate in other -quarters. As for the fortress itself, it was of no use to us, and some -two years later was torn to pieces and utterly dismantled. Hardly a -stone of that fine costly place can be seen to-day. - -Steve did not long remain at Cape Breton, for scouts were required -at Ticonderoga, and an urgent message had been sent through to -General Amherst to ask for a supply. Steve and his friends were sent, -therefore, and arrived in the neighbourhood of Fort William Henry, -now reconstructed, only to hear the doleful tidings of a defeat, -the effects of which required even more than the crowning victory -at Louisbourg to counteract. For General Abercromby had made a most -hopeless and inexcusable failure of his long projected attack on -the French fort at Ticonderoga. Nor was this failure due to want of -careful preparation, to unsuitable troops, or to lack of courage. -Of the troops there were plenty and to spare. Had the attack been -delivered by the same troops again, properly led over ground which -had been carefully reconnoitred, there would have been a different -result, in spite of the stubborn and wonderful gallantry of the -French. But Abercromby made no use of the excellent scouting material -which he possessed. He made no use of the few guns dragged to this -part with infinite labour, but left them six miles in his rear. He -had six thousand troops, all burning to avenge the massacre at Fort -William Henry, and he launched his regiments one after another over -open ground in a frontal attack upon the _chevaux de frise_ which -the French had erected. Time and again gallant souls dashed forward, -only to be beaten down and slain by the bullets and cannon of unseen -marksmen and gunners. Why, the youngest subaltern, inexperienced -in war, would have ordered all further attacks to cease till he -had brought up his guns and smashed those formidable but flimsy -defences to pieces. Not so General Abercromby. He had shown no lack -of astuteness and organising ability up till now. But at this the -critical time in the actions of this expedition he ruined all by -his helpless and singularly unsuitable tactics, or, rather, by his -absolute disregard of the simplest of tactics. - -That bitter defeat cost us two thousand men, for the most part men -of the regular regiments, though the colonial militia did their duty -admirably. Indeed, as has been said, there was never any lack of -bravery. The soldiers one and all were filled with the utmost courage -and zeal. - -Steve and his little band soon found more work to do, for Bradstreet, -a popular and very dashing New England officer serving with -Abercromby, jumped at the news which Mr. Mainwaring was able to give. -Frontenac, a French port at the entrance to Lake Ontario, and almost -opposite the forts at Oswego which Montcalm had captured and burned, -had for a long time been of the utmost importance to the French. But -to meet Abercromby at Ticonderoga, and Amherst at Louisbourg, the -French had been compelled to denude it of its troops. Bradstreet at -once took advantage of this news. With Steve and Jim leading his -forces, he went by river and land, taking the Mohawk route, and after -a long struggle reached the lake. From there he paddled across to -Frontenac, captured the place, for there were only a hundred soldiers -to defend it, and promptly burned the forts and town, together with -some armed vessels lying off it, and enormous stores of food and -armaments, powder and ball, which had been collected there. In fact, -he delivered a blow of the utmost consequence, and one which helped -not a little to counteract the defeat we had received at Ticonderoga. -Let any reader who may happen to sail into Lake Ontario just glance at -the fine city of Kingston, and remember that it was there, on the site -which this city occupies, that Steve and his friends, with Bradstreet -in command, inflicted a blow on the French which was of the utmost -consequence, and which helped to make this eventful year of 1758 stand -out prominently in our annals. - -To their success was added that of Forbes, sent against Fort Duquesne. -It will be remembered that it was here that Braddock had met with -defeat, and that the fort from its position was necessarily a thorn -in our sides. Forbes was faced with stupendous difficulties, not -the least of which was the terrible weather he met with. It seemed, -indeed, as if he would never reach his destination, for he had miles -of forest to traverse, and a host of undisciplined troops to deal -with. So certain did it appear that he would not persevere in his -attempt, that the French reduced their garrison. However, Forbes, -in spite of ill-health, was a man of bull-dog determination, and he -eventually reached the fort, took it, and changed its name to that -of Pitt. The thriving city of Pittsburg now occupies the site where -Duquesne stood. - -One other item has to be mentioned in the description of this year's -doings. A gallant Moravian missionary, one Post by name, offered to -undertake a journey to the Ohio Indians, who, led by the French, had -for so long been harrying our Alleghany frontiers. This brave man -went not once only, but twice to these people, at the risk of almost -certain torture and death, and finally persuaded the fierce braves -to give up their alliance with the French, to cease their slaughter, -and to bury the hatchet with the six nations. For the tide of war was -changing. The tale of Frontenac, and of Louisbourg, had reached to the -farthest wigwams, and no Indian existed who did not desire above all -things to be on the winning side, the side to which most reward and -plunder would come. - -Thus our generals found themselves with a huge weight off their -minds. Ticonderoga still existed, and it alone barred our advance up -those lakes, St. George and Champlain, to Canada itself. The winter -of 1758 found Pitt with another policy, pushing on his preparations -for carrying it out when the spring should have come to break up the -ice in the mighty St. Lawrence. Quebec was to be the objective, and -Brigadier-General Wolfe, the silent, active leader, was to command. -Nor was Steve to be left out of the expedition, for hardly had the -month of May, 1759, come when a message reached him. - -"To Captain Steve Mainwaring," it read, "From General Wolfe. Please -make it convenient to travel to New York at the earliest date, and -from there join the fleet making for Quebec. I have urgent need of -your services." - -Steve packed his clothing, took Jim and Mac and his father with him, -and set off at once, eager to see again the fair city in which he had -been so long a prisoner. - - - - -Chapter XIX - -Wolfe makes his Last Attempt - - -"Listen to that, boys. There is music for you," said Mr. Mainwaring -some weeks after he, Steve, and the two trappers had set out for New -York. "Listen to our guns, and do not say after this that we shall be -too late. Quebec is not to be taken in a day. The city is one of the -very strongest, and has a big army to defend it. I said long ago that -we should be in time to see and take part in the crowning act of this -campaign." - -"And you've stuck to that through thick and thin, Judge," chimed -in Jim, standing at the rail of the ship, and looking his old self -again, for the hunter was dressed at this moment just as he had been -on that day when we first made his acquaintance. Steve, too, was in -his trapper's clothing, looking taller and broader now after his many -months of campaigning, and bearing on his face more character perhaps -than ever before, for the anxieties of command had developed the -natural self-assurance which he had possessed from the first. - -"I am delighted to feel that we are here at last, and in time, too, -father," he said. "I confess that I had doubts about reaching Quebec -before the city was taken, for we have been so long delayed. But -here we are, and, of course, the very first thing will be to seek an -interview with the general. I have my letter, and that should gain an -interview for me. As to the city being easily captured, I am sure that -our troops have their work cut out for them." - -The little party was gathered on the deck of a small transport which -they had picked up at Louisbourg. For having arrived at New York in -accordance with the wish expressed in General Wolfe's letter, they had -taken the first trader for Louisbourg, and had had the huge misfortune -of running into big seas and nasty weather. Indeed, as if to make the -task of our general harder, this season proved to be an extremely late -one. Spring was very long in coming, and the expedition, which sailed -from England early in the year, was much delayed by contrary winds. -Even when it did arrive in the harbour of Louisbourg the seas were -encumbered with ice floes, and ice was floating thickly in the harbour. - -The same difficulties had been encountered by the ship on which Steve -and his friends sailed, and when at length they reached Louisbourg -the fleet had sailed for Quebec some weeks before, while their own -arrival there was delayed further by having to await a transport. But -here they were at last, and within a few hours were landed at the huge -camp which the general had pitched on the western end of the Isle of -Orleans. Promptly they went to the quartermaster-general to report -themselves. - -"Better late than never, gentlemen," he said, as Steve handed him his -letter, "and I can promise you a very warm welcome from our leader, -that is, as soon as he is recovered. He has very bad health as a -general rule, as you may know, and now I regret to say that he is -down with an attack of fever, and lies in bed over at the camp by -the Montmorenci. Now, I shall allot tents for you, and you will draw -rations in the ordinary course. You must find wood for yourselves, and -must appoint your own cook." - -"That ain't no difficulty to men as has been cooking their own grub -all their lives," said Jim, with a laugh. "Reckon I'll take that 'ere -job till the time comes for fightin'. Then I'm off to try what a -charge feels like again. General, fightin' in the forest ain't nothin' -for excitement compared with the rush of these 'ere soldiers. A man -feels a man when he sees the enemy plain before him, and when he's -made up his mind to reach 'em and turn 'em out whatever their numbers." - -"The kind of spirit which I fancy fills our gallant fellows," came the -smiling answer. "If I make no mistake you are Hunting Jim." - -"You've struck it, General. That's me." - -"Then I have heard of your dash at the landing on Cape Breton Island. -You will have other chances, my man, for Quebec has still to be -taken. Now I wish to warn you. Those guns are being fired from Point -Lévis, just opposite the city, and should you make in that direction -you will do wisely to keep well in rear of our batteries. The work -there is rather warm at times. As to your duties. You will, of course, -wait till you have seen the general. But there is much for you to -do. We have Rogers, a gallant colonial, and Stark, and others, too, -in command of bands of trappers and scouts like yourselves, and for -weeks they have been in the forests, meeting the French irregulars and -their Indians. There have been some very fierce encounters between -the different parties, and I am glad to say that our men have driven -the French and their allies back, and have penetrated even as far as -Montreal. You might very well join one of those bands." - -"And what of the fighting here, sir?" Steve ventured to ask. "We -rather feared that we should arrive too late, for we have been very -much delayed. It is already September." - -"And very soon we shall have to be returning, for the winter will be -upon us. But it will not come to that, I hope. Frankly, gentlemen, -we are face to face with what would appear to be an insuperable -difficulty. We have made attempts on the city without success, and -our leader is almost in despair. As to what we have actually done, we -brought our fleet right up the river, much to the amazement of the -French, who have never dared to do such a thing with their own ships. -That proves that our navy is very capable, and, indeed, we owe a -tremendous amount to it. We pitched our camp here promptly, while the -fleet lay off the island, and were almost at once in difficulties, for -the French sent down fire ships. However, our tars made short work of -the flaring ships, and, indeed, enjoyed the fun of towing them away. -Then we captured Point Lévis, and commenced to build batteries. Our -guns have been at work, just as you hear them now, almost incessantly -for eight weeks, and the lower parts of the city are crushed to -pieces. But still the garrison is there, with strongly entrenched -lines stretching east from the city to the Montmorenci, and known to -us as the lines of Beauport, while there is also a force watching -the ford which exists higher up the river Montmorenci. Our aim is, -of course, to get on to that plateau, and on one occasion we landed -troops below it, close to the falls, and failed to gain a footing -above, though our men made a gallant and very reckless charge, without -having received orders to do so. - -"At the present moment we are contenting ourselves with a constant -cannonade, and with feints here and there, while our ships, some of -which have passed Point Lévis, and run up above the city, drift down -during the night, thus making the French think that we may attack -at any moment. Prideaux has captured Niagara, which has resulted in -a movement of Montcalm's troops, Bougainville having been sent with -1500 men to Cap Rouge, which, you know, is some seven miles west -of Quebec, at the end of the ridge which faces the river there, and -offers an insuperable barrier to us." - -"The one on which we lay hidden for a week, or rather where my friends -took me after they had rescued me from prison," broke in Steve. "I -remember the ridge well. The heights above are known as the Plains of -Abraham." - -"You recollect the ridge, sir? How do you mean?" demanded the -quartermaster-general suddenly, a faint flush spreading over his face. - -"We descended to the river that way," came the answer. "There is a -rough path, which we scrambled down during the darkness. A canoe was -waiting for us at the bank, and we set off in her. After that we -captured a ship and----" - -"Stop! One moment!" - -To Steve's amazement the quartermaster-general came a step closer, and -stared at him with a curious expression of excitement. - -"You clambered down that ridge, sir?" he asked. "Up to this we have -considered that an impossible feat. Are you sure?" - -"Certain. I was a prisoner for some months, and was allowed great -liberty. I have scrambled down from the plains many a time, and could -clamber up again. What defences do they have there?" - -"None. There are fifteen hundred men at Cap Rouge, as I have just -explained, and here and there are guards to watch the ridge. But -Montcalm believes, just as we have always believed, that to scale -those heights is impossible. You could clamber up? You are certain? -You could find a place?" - -"I am positive," came the swift answer. "Give me a boat in which to -run up river and inspect, and I am sure I can find a place." - -[Illustration: QUEBEC in 1759.] - -By now there was little doubt of the excitement into which the officer -had worked himself. His face was red and white by turns, his hands -were clenched, and he strode to and fro as if he could not remain -still. - -"I will do it," he said. "The general is ill, very ill, I fear, -though he is reported to be a little better this morning. But this is -important information, and he must have it at once. Be good enough to -accompany me." - -He beckoned to Steve, turned, and strode to the river, where there was -a boat belonging to one of the men-of-war, fully manned, and at once -the officer stepped into her, Steve taking his place beside him. - -"Pull for the Montmorenci, lads," he cried. "This is urgent business, -and your officer must excuse my taking his boat. Let one of your -number stay behind to tell him that the quartermaster-general was -compelled to borrow it." - -The oars splashed and the boat put off into the river. Then she surged -over to the far shore, for the sailors could see that something urgent -was afoot. And presently the bows struck the far bank, and Steve found -himself walking beside the general to a hut situated in the English -camp. - -"Tell the general I am here and wish to see him on the most urgent -business," said the officer. "I know he is ill, but this news cannot -wait." - -A minute later Steve was gripping the feeble hand of his old -commander, who lay in a camp bed, prostrate with fever. But even -though he was ill and suffering he could remember old friends, and at -once greeted our hero. - -"Our escaped prisoner," he smiled, somewhat wanly, "come at my -bidding, but very late, I fear." - -"We were delayed, sir," answered Steve. "We feared that we should -arrive too late." - -"Would that you had, my lad. But Quebec is still not ours, and I have -grave doubts about taking it. Montcalm has sixteen thousand men to -defend the place, to say nothing of the enormous natural obstacles -which aid him. I have seven thousand men, gallant fellows every one, -and finely equipped and disciplined. If it were possible they would -have captured the city for us by now. But it is not. I see no way out -of the difficulty." - -"Knowing that, I ventured to bring this young officer with me," said -the quartermaster suddenly. "General, Steve Mainwaring was a prisoner -at large and knows every foot of the surroundings of Quebec. He can -tell you of a place where an attempt might be made." - -Wolfe shot up on his couch as if he had been stung, and stared at our -hero with blood-shot eyes, which plainly showed the fever from which -he was suffering. - -"You know of a place!" he cried eagerly. "Where? Where?" - -"I mentioned that I had escaped down the cliff which falls from the -Plains of Abraham. There are several tracks down it, and one I often -used when I was a prisoner is known as the Anse du Foulon. Men could -climb there, General, if the place were pointed out to them." - -"Will you find it? Will you lead the men there?" - -The hollow eyes of the general stared at Steve eagerly, while the sick -man sat on the edge of his couch as if about to stand. - -"I could," was Steve's emphatic answer, "I or any of the three friends -with me, one of whom is my father. If you will give us the order, sir, -we will carry out the duty, and will do our best to take a party to -the top so as to hold the place. Then others can ascend." - -"You shall go at once. The quartermaster-general will make all -arrangements for me. You shall be taken aboard one of the sloops of -war, and sail up the river. That will allow you to get your bearings. -When you have identified the place come back to Point Lévis. I shall -be there, and we will make final preparations." - -The general dismissed them with a nod, and as they left the hut they -heard him calling to his servant. - -"A gallant gentleman, cursed with execrable health, but possessed -of wonderful spirit and ability," said the quartermaster-general. -"Captain, your news will do more for him than any amount of rest or -physic. Find this path for him, and our leader will be happy." - -Indeed, our hero seemed to have arrived in the very nick of time, and -as a result perhaps of his news, the general was soon out of his bed, -and making his way from point to point, inspecting the batteries and -camps, infusing new spirit into the men, and causing the enemy many a -qualm. The news of a possible attempt on the Heights of Abraham was -kept a dead secret while Steve was engaged on his search, and every -effort made to harass the French. In order to carry out this programme -effectively the camp at Montmorenci was broken up, and the troops -brought to Point Lévis or to the Isle of Orleans. Then a garrison -was selected for these two posts, and all save a regiment of seven -hundred men secretly embarked upon the ships of the fleet, the men -who remained being posted close to Point Lévis. Thenceforward, for a -few days the French had many an alarm, for fleets of boats, filled -with troops from the camp at Orleans, or from that at Point Lévis, -put off from the bank as if about to make an attack, only, however, -to return as promptly, for it must be remembered that they were the -only available garrison now for those points. Ships opened fire on the -city from various stations, while the fleet massed up by Cap Rouge, -and so many feints were made that Bougainville was severely harassed. -As for Montcalm, the brave and able commander of the French, he saw in -all these feints a projected attempt on the mouth of the St. Charles -river, under the very shadow of Quebec, and disposed his troops -accordingly. - -Meanwhile Steve, his father, and the two trappers had embarked on a -sloop, and having sailed during the night up to Cap Rouge, drifted -down river on the following day. Twice in succession they repeated the -performance. - -"I am satisfied now that we have found the place," said our hero, -when sent for by the general. "From the river here the land looks so -different that at first we were a little uncertain. But we have picked -up our bearings, and there can be no doubt. It remains now only to -make sure that the enemy is not above, and if they are there, to get -such a hold that they cannot drive us down before reinforcements -arrive. May we have a canoe, General? and whenever you select the -night for the attack, we will slip ashore, find the path, and signal -to the men." - -"We are ready now," came the answer, for Wolfe was nothing if not -eager and impetuous. "But the weather is against us. It is dull and -inclined to rain, and that, in my opinion, would spoil our chances. We -want a fine night. Return to the sloop, Steve, and when the hour comes -I will send for you." - -Steve left the general stalking restlessly backwards and forwards in -front of his tent, looking wan and ill after his attack of fever. But -Wolfe was full of energy and determination. This coming attempt, he -felt, was to be his last. It was to be the one great stroke upon which -the success of the whole campaign depended, and nothing should cause -failure that care and attention beforehand could obviate. He went -aboard the fleet, and himself studied the face of that cliff up which -his battalions were to clamber. Then he published his orders, gave his -final instructions, and sent a short note to Steve. - -"The weather is settled now, and the night will be fine," he wrote on -the twelfth of September. "Carry out your plan to-night. As soon as it -is dark make for the shore, and find this path. When you are sure that -you are near it lie close down by the water and listen. My men leave -three hours after it is dark. Show them a lantern as they pass you." - -That was all. This General Wolfe, a keen organiser himself, was one -of those officers who had the happy knack of rapidly discovering the -good points of those who served him. Once assured of an officer's -discretion, he could give an order and leave it to the officer in -question to carry it out in every detail without interference. And -now he sent his final orders to Steve, intimating to him that on his -discretion depended the success or failure of the whole expedition. - -"Then we will make our preparations," said our hero, when he had -read the note. "We already have a canoe, and I advise that we put -some provisions into her, for the troops may be delayed. We will go -alone, and will take knives and tomahawks. A musket might go off -accidentally, and in any case we shall be glad to be free of the -weight." - -"Another o' Steve's 'cute ideas," cried Jim. "This 'ere game as we've -got air the biggest I reckon of any as we've ever tackled, 'cos, yer -see, ef we make jest the smallest mistake and the French hear us, -waal, what's the good of troops? They'll be down upon us at once." - -"But not in force," answered Steve quickly. "Remember, Jim, that -Montcalm has the majority of his men either in the city or in the -Beauport lines. There are men at Cap Rouge, but only posts along the -cliff we are to climb. We will find the path, clamber up it, and leave -two at the top to watch. If a French sentry should come along and hear -the noise made by the men as they disembark, those two must silence -him. After that it will take only a few minutes to get some of our -fellows up, and then Montcalm will want an army. Our boys will not be -turned off the cliff by anything less. Jim, you and Mac will take that -post up at the top. Father and I will descend and give the signal." - -Darkness had fallen barely more than a quarter of an hour when the -party of four prepared to leave the sloop. Those aboard her now knew -what was about to happen. Indeed, the English troops aboard the fleet -were aware of the attempt about to take place, and were already -silently embarking in the boats secured to the ships' sides. As to the -French, they still believed that an attack in force was impending at -the mouth of the St. Charles, or against the Beauport lines, for the -feints of the fleet at Cap Rouge had ceased entirely, while Montcalm -did not even suspect that the bulk of Wolfe's army was aboard. There -was a curious calm up the river, where there had been so much energy -a few days ago, while down stream, at Point Lévis, the guns thundered -even more loudly than before, and there was very obvious activity at -the camp on the Isle of Orleans. Indeed, perched as they were high up -in Quebec, and the ridge on either hand, the French could see every -movement of the English, unless cloaked by the darkness. Montcalm had -been an attentive watcher, and on this very night his charger stood -ready saddled, so that the commander might gallop along the Beauport -lines, wherever circumstances might call him. Little did Montcalm -think that it was towards the opposite direction that his horse's -hoofs would carry him. - -"Good luck, boys. Remember we're waiting. Remember that every man -aboard the fleet looks to you to-night, and that every mother's son in -Old England will sing your praises if you are successful." - -The captain of the sloop, a rough old sea dog, gripped each one of the -party by the hand as they prepared to step into the canoe. Then he -gave Steve a bag containing a dark lantern, flint, and steel. - -"Light it ashore," he said earnestly. "Even the best lamp of this sort -might show a glimmer, and the French would see it. Get under cover -when you strike the flint, lad. Don't forget. Under cover." - -There was a faint murmur from the men as Steve dropped gently into the -canoe, while the clatter of booted troops lowering themselves into the -boats of the fleet came softly to the ear. - -"Push off," he whispered. "Out paddles. Jim, take post in the stern." - -It was a silent party which floated down the mighty St. Lawrence, for -up above there might be many listening ears. The paddles dipped ever -so gently, while at the stern Jim sat stolidly, his nerves strung to -high tension, for this was new work again, his paddle deep in the -river, and his eyes following the faint line of the ridge. - -"Put her in. We have floated far enough, and, I think, are nearly -opposite. H-u-u-s-h!" - -There was a sound high up above the river, and close at hand, for the -canoe was now within a few yards of the bank. Then, startlingly loud -on this calm night came the voice of a sentry. - -"_Qui va là?_ Who goes there? Reply or I fire." - -"Be silent. We are a provision boat. You will show the enemy our -position." - -Quick as thought Steve gave the answer in French, and at once the -figure which had stood dimly silhouetted against the clear sky and the -stars above disappeared. - -"Paddle back a little," whispered Steve, when the man had gone. "Now -lie off the bank for a while, dipping your paddles gently. In a few -minutes we will drop down again." - -They took their frail craft some two hundred yards up stream again, -making out into the river as they did so. Then, having allowed some -minutes to pass, they struck for the bank again, floated down without -using a paddle, and grounded noiselessly. There was no need now -for talking. Steve stepped softly ashore, and was followed by his -comrades. Together they lifted the canoe, and laid it on the bank some -yards from the brink. Then they turned their faces to the cliff, crept -over the grass, and between bushes and brambles till they were at its -foot, and then separated. Five minutes later they had gathered again -at the same spot. - -"Struck it, Cap'n," whispered Jim, a thrill of excitement in his -usually even voice. "I jest hit nicely on it. Come." - -On hands and knees now the four crept along at the foot of the cliff -till Jim stopped them. They turned to the left abruptly, and as Steve -felt the ground his fingers detected the hollow track which he had -used on former occasions when a prisoner at Quebec. They were on -it now, Jim leading still, and Mac in rear, clambering through the -darkness. - -"H-u-u-u-sh! What in thunder air thet?" - -Jim spoke in a whisper, and Steve, who followed closely after him, -squeezed up to his side. There was a mass of wood and earth clinging -to the face of the cliff, and entirely blocking a portion of the -zig-zag Anse du Foulon. - -"Get round it," whispered Steve, when he had run his fingers over the -obstruction. "Quietly! I think I heard someone moving up above." - -Creeping to the right, and making use of every possible stump and -rock, Jim clambered round the obstruction, and reached the path again. -Another minute and he had gained the summit of the cliff, here some -two hundred feet in height, and was stretched on the grass which clad -the edge. And there the four lay listening for some few minutes. - -"There's a sentry or two 'way over thar," whispered Jim, after a -little while. "I can hear the tap of his boots, and what's thet?" - -"A song. He is doing what many a sentry does to pass the hours of -darkness. Humming a little tune all to himself. It's company to a man -posted on such a lonely beat. Well, Jim, we'll go. Keep a bright -look-out." - -Steve and his father slipped from the edge, past Mac and Jim, and -groped their way down the steep path. On any other occasion they would -have placed their heels against the earth and slid, for the path gave -little holding, while its steepness was lessened by the fact that it -ran zig-zag across the face of the cliff. But a slide now would bring -the sentries to that quarter, and so the two groped their way down -till they reached the bottom. Then Mr. Mainwaring unstrapped a blanket -which he had carried attached to his back, and he and Steve sat down -beneath it, dragging the edges close to the grass. The rasp of a flint -on steel followed, and within a few seconds the candle in their dark -lantern was alight. - -"Close the dark slide now, Steve," whispered Mr. Mainwaring. "I will -take charge of the lamp while you watch. Then you can sing out when -I am to expose the light. Remember, lad, you are in command of this -little party." - -He took the lamp and sat down close to the edge of the water, his -eye fixed on the dark figure of his son. As for Steve, he stood -like a rock, listening intently and watching the river. Ah! A voice -broke from the summit of the cliff, the sing-song tones of which he -recognised. It was the sentry again. - -"Who goes there? Halt, or I fire!" - -And almost at once, in the most excellent French, came the answer. -"Silence, fool, can you not see that we are provision boats floating -down to Quebec. Silence, I say!" - -The sentry was satisfied. He shouldered his arm and strode off, -complimenting himself on his sharpness. As for the boats which he -had detected, they were, in fact, the leading craft of the flotilla -which bore our troops, and the officer who answered in such excellent -French was a Highlander, sent in advance for the very purpose, in -case the necessity to reply to a challenge should arise. The time had -come. Steve clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, a signal -which his father instantly followed. There was the low squeak of the -moving slide, and then a pencil of light shot out from the bank, to be -extinguished in less than five seconds. - -One, two, three, Steve counted the boats as they ran in to the bank -and grounded. He ran forward, greeted the officer in command, and then -turned to lead them. They reached the cliff, gained the track, and -commenced to ascend. Hark! Above the faint noise made by the boots of -this advance party, above the deep breathing of the men there came a -sharp challenge from above. - -"Who is there? Ah! I hear men moving down below, and there are boats. -Fire!" - -Then followed a sudden shriek, there was the sound of a conflict -above, and within a few seconds a body crashed on the path some yards -beneath the top of the ridge, rebounded, and fell with a sickening -thud to the bank below. At the same instant a shot was fired, while -shouts arose in the distance. - -"Charge. Up with yer, boys. We've got 'em. There ain't more then a -score here. Up yer come, every one of yer." - -Jim shouted the words, and as Steve clambered to the top, he came -across the trapper standing to his full height, jubilant at the -success of the leading party. - -"Did yer hear that air varmint strike?" he asked coolly. "Yer did. -Then you've nothing more to fear. It air that fellow Jules Lapon, -who's come up against us this many times. Reckon he won't be troubling -no longer." - -Steve had barely time in which to grasp his meaning before the first -of the men were up. And after them, struggling up the track and at a -hundred and more other spots, came the rest of the troops, excited -and eager, fiercely determined to win on this occasion. Reckless -of danger, staunch to a man, and with childish confidence in their -officers, these gallant fellows gained the heights, paused to gather -breath, and then fell into their companies. When the daylight came, -Montcalm looked with consternation to the Plains of Abraham. For Wolfe -was there with four thousand three hundred seasoned and determined -men, who stood eagerly awaiting the expected battle. - - - - -Chapter XX - -The Plains of Abraham - - -The sun, rising in all its early autumn splendour on that eventful -thirteenth of September, 1759, looked down upon an historic scene -which England should never forget. The slanting rays pierced the -mists overhanging the side reaches of the St. Lawrence, and slowly -disclosed to view the promontory on which the city of Quebec was -built, now no longer that fairy place which Steve had known it, but -a mangled heap of ruins, with debris of fallen houses, convents, and -barracks choking the tortuous streets. The lower portions of the -city were gone, while above, where the cannon shot from Point Lévis -had failed to reach, the batteries and walls stood out prominently -on this fair morning, as defiant as ever, frowning upon the English -camp on the Isle of Orleans, and upon the two long plateaux on either -hand. There was turmoil in this upper city. Soldiers and civilians -were rushing aimlessly about, horsemen galloped from the walls with -frantic messages, while Montcalm, that gallant soldier, discussed the -situation with the Marquis Vaudreuil, governor of Canada. - -The news had just reached the city, and as the French commander looked -towards the Plains of Abraham, spying them through his glass, he saw -that it was only too true. - -"At last," he said, "they have outwitted us, these fine Englishmen and -their persevering leader. They are waiting for our soldiers. I must -go." - -In his own heart Montcalm knew in what a desperate plight he and his -force were, for he had already learned that the enemy who had for so -long faced the city were trained men, veterans, determined to win. - -"We have a breathing space," said General Wolfe, looking haggard -on this early morning as he stood surrounded by his officers. "Let -the men lie down and eat their rations. And send for Captain Steve -Mainwaring and those gallant friends who helped us last night." - -He stood, his glass to his eye, watching the distant city and the men -bustling about the walls. Then he turned to his own battalions and -inspected them critically. - -"They will not fail me," he said, in tones of the utmost confidence. -"Though they are but a few more than four thousand, they will beat -these French. But I must remember that there are enemies in front and -behind." - -Wolfe was, in fact, in a precarious position, had the French but known -it, for by placing his army on the Plains of Abraham, within little -more than half a mile of the city, he had wedged his force in between -Montcalm's city garrison and the soldiers holding the Beauport lines, -and the force, now amounting to over two thousand, which held Cap -Rouge under command of Bougainville. These separate bodies of troops -might march to attack him at the same moment, and he would find -himself assailed in front and rear, a very serious position for so -small a force as he possessed. However, to the brave many things are -possible, and it happened that Wolfe's daring tactics on this occasion -threw the enemy into hopeless confusion. The guards along that -ridge where the Anse du Foulon had been ascended rushed with their -information to Quebec, shouted the alarm, and caused Montcalm hastily -to gather troops from the city and the Beauport lines, where he had -imagined the attack would be delivered. In the flurry of the moment no -one thought of Bougainville and his men, and while the fate of Canada -lay in the balance, this officer remained within six miles of Wolfe's -position, ignorant of what had happened, and expecting hourly an -attack in force on his own entrenchments. Not till the cannon roared -and the volume of musketry fire reached his ear did he gather what was -happening, and then it was too late. Even then it is doubtful whether -Bougainville would have been right in leaving the post entrusted to -him, for cannon were for ever booming in the neighbourhood of Quebec. - -"Gentlemen, at such a time I can say little to show my appreciation -of your conduct," said General Wolfe as Steve and his comrades ranged -up before him and were closely surrounded by the officers. "I thank -you from the bottom of my heart, for you have given me and these fine -fellows of ours our opportunity. You shall see that we will take the -fullest advantage of it." - -He shook them each warmly by the hand, and then turned to watch the -enemy. As for our hero, he went back to the ranks with burning cheeks, -feeling that there was nothing he would not do for his commander. - -"There's goin' to be some of the old work to-day," said Jim, as he -munched at a hunch of bread which he had brought in his pocket. -"Cap'n, set an eye over thar to our left. Do yer see?" - -"There are Indians and Canadian irregulars filing off into the bush," -came the answer. "They will creep closer, and open fire from the -cover. Jim, we will collect a few of the rangers, and do our best to -hold those men in check." - -A number of scouts and trappers attached to the regulars had returned -to camp two days before, and these had only now put in an appearance, -having crossed the river with the seven hundred troops left just above -Point Lévis. Steve at once went to their leader, pointed out that the -enemy were massing their irregulars in the bush to the left of our -troops, and asked if he would obtain orders to operate against them. - -"Certainly," was the answer. "It is just the work for us." - -The stalwart leader of backwoodsmen went off at a run to the general, -and very soon the trappers, with Steve, his father, Jim, and Mac, -were creeping into the bush. By now Montcalm had gathered some troops -together, and had massed them just outside the western wall of the -city. At ten o'clock he was ready, and advanced with some three -thousand five hundred men, to which some fifteen hundred irregulars -must be added, these hanging on to his right flank and making for the -thickets and bush and cornfields which lay on Wolfe's left flank. - -"The men will load with two bullets, and will reserve their fire till -the enemy are at close quarters." The order, issued from the cool -leader of our men, went down the ranks, and at once there was the -ring and tinkle of ramrods as a second ball was pushed into place. -Men powdered their pans and looked to their locks carefully, and then -all eyes went to the enemy. They were less than half a mile away, and -already their cannon, three of which had been hurriedly brought into -position, were plying our ranks with their shot, while from the flank -came a hail of bullets, sent by unseen marksmen. - -Never in all his after-life could Steve forget that morning and the -scene upon which he looked, for he lay at the edge of a scrap of -cover replying to the fire of the French irregulars. The French line, -consisting of regulars and militia, advanced steadily, firing when -they came into range. They were mixed together in a heterogeneous -mass, and their shouts and the clatter of their pieces filled the -air. Steve watched them closely, and noted that already they were -thrown into some confusion, though our troops had not yet fired a -shot, for their militia backwoodsmen, once they had fired, threw -themselves down on the ground to reload, causing gaps in the ranks. -But still they were coming, looking formidable, and as if determined -to succeed. Then he gazed at the English troops, and a glow of -enthusiasm suffused his cheeks. For our men have won the unstinted -praise of everyone for their action on that morning. They were formed -in a triple line, and lay on the ground, waiting, while the cannon -shot and bullets plunged in amongst them, killing and maiming many. -Here and there stood an officer, talking quietly to his men, joking, -laughing, keeping their temper in hand, as our officers have always -known how to do. But the time for action had come. Wolfe, calm and -patient, yet itching to commence operations, walked to the front of -the Louisbourg Grenadiers and lifted his cane. - -They were up. As one man the English regiments scrambled to their -feet, lined up, and brought their pieces down to the charge. - -"Remember orders. Men, hold your fire till the word is given." - -The officers could be heard calling to the men while they dressed the -lines for the coming charge. Ah! Wolfe was advancing. Steve saw him -wrapping a handkerchief about his wrist, which had been shattered -by a ball. The French were close at hand now. Men could catch the -gleam of bayonets, and could see into one another's eyes. But there -was not a sound from the English. They still advanced, silent and -awe-inspiring. They were within forty yards when the signal was given, -officers stepped to the flanks of their companies, a loud command -was heard, and in an instant a line of flame spouted from the ranks, -while the crash of the muskets sounded more like the discharge of -cannon than of smaller weapons. Then, indeed, did our men shout. Their -voices deafened the air, for they cheered enthusiastically. As for -the French, they were thrown into instant confusion. Huge gaps were -torn in their ranks, while men fell in all directions. They stood -spellbound for the most part, while some of their militia fled, for -this was almost the first time in this momentous campaign that they -had stood face to face with our men. - -"Load again. Ready. Present! Fire!" - -The order went rolling down our thin ranks, and again Steve heard the -clink and ring of the ramrods. Then came a second rattling volley, the -bullets crashing into the French ranks. Hurrah! Our men were advancing -again. The bayonets were breast high, while the broadswords of the -Highlanders flashed in the sun. Another shout went down the ranks, and -then there was heard the clatter of bayonet on bayonet, the hoarse -cheers of Highlanders, and the frantic shouts of New England lads, -and men from Old England. The French held their ground for a moment, -bravely contesting the path. Then they turned, broke into small -parties, and for the most part fled, a few veterans here and there -standing shoulder to shoulder to the last. - -But where was Wolfe? The Indians and Canadians were flying with their -comrades now, and Steve was no longer required on the flank. He slung -his musket over his shoulder, and went off at a run till a small -gathering of officers attracted his attention. Wolfe, the gallant, -lion-hearted officer had been hit in the wrist at the commencement of -the action, and afterwards in the groin and through the lung. He was -mortally wounded, and called to Lieutenant Browne. "Support me," he -cried, "lest my gallant fellows should see me fall." - -The officer was too late, and arrived at the general's side to find -him on the ground. Then a Mr. Henderson and Colonel Williamson -arrived, while Steve came on the scene a second or so later. Together -they lifted the poor general and carried him to the rear, where they -laid him gently down again, for he was in great pain and almost -unconscious. - -"They run! See how they run!" cried an officer. - -The words seemed to rouse the dying man. "Who run?" he asked eagerly, -but with feeble voice. - -"The enemy, sir. Egad, they give way everywhere!" - -"Go one of you, my lads," said Wolfe, "with all speed to Colonel -Burton, and tell him to march down to the St. Charles river and cut -off the retreat of the fugitives to the bridge." - -Those were almost his last words. Even as he lay dying this fine -officer thought of his duty and of his country. He turned on his -side, exclaimed, "God be praised, I now die in peace," and becoming -unconscious, he died within a few minutes. Wolfe had won fame indeed. -His last hours of life had been devoted to the welfare of his country, -and this crowning stroke had won Quebec, had wrecked the French power, -and given to England another colony, a gem which shines in our crown -as brightly as do any. Many and many a winter has come and gone since -Wolfe laid down his life on those Plains of Abraham, the maple leaf -has gladdened the eye with its wonderful autumn tints on many an -occasion, while thousands of our population have blessed the man who -helped to win us this fine province. Let England and her sons not -forget. It is to devoted heroes such as Wolfe and his officers and -soldiers that she owes in great part this flourishing empire over the -seas. - -Montcalm, the brave commander of the French, was also wounded on this -field, and died on the following morning. An obelisk stands now on -the heights of Quebec in honour of these two men who won renown on -the Plains of Abraham, and pays its tribute to their bravery in the -following lines: - - Mortem Virtus, Communem - Famam Historia, - Monumentum Posteritas - Dedit. - -Canada was won, but was not altogether in our hands, for Vaudreuil, -the French governor, still had many troops and irregulars, not to -mention the murdering Christian-Indians, at his beck and call, while -there were garrisons on Lake St. George, and at Niagara and other -forts during this summer. However, Prideaux marched against the last, -and the place was taken, while Amherst, ascending Lake St. George, -found Ticonderoga deserted and blown up, and Crown Point destitute -of troops. The following year brought an attack on Quebec, then -garrisoned by English, who were for a time in desperate plight. But a -fleet ascended the river, and relieved them, while Amherst appeared -upon the scene, took his troops to Montreal, and so overawed the -French that they capitulated. - -To describe all these actions, to tell of the gallant doings of -our soldiers and the daring enterprises of Rogers and many another -backwoods hero would be to occupy more space than is available. We are -more concerned with the doings of Steve Mainwaring, now a captain in -the British army, a post he had won by his gallantry. He fought his -way with his old comrades right through this eventful campaign, and in -the end returned to that settlement from which Jules Lapon had driven -him. As to Lapon, his strange enmity was explained by Mr. Mainwaring -on that very morning after Jim had struggled with the Frenchman and -had tossed him to the bottom of the famous Anse du Foulon. - -"He is gone, Steve," he said. "Let us speak well of the dead, whatever -his faults. This misguided young man had a grudge against you and me, -a grudge which must have caused him many an hour of bitterness. He was -a connection of yours." - -"A connection?" Steve lifted his head in astonishment. He knew well -that his mother had been French, but to hear that through her he was -related to this Jules Lapon was astounding. - -"Yes, a connection," said Mr. Mainwaring. "Listen, lad. Your father is -the eldest son of a wealthy man living in England, a proud gentleman -who had his own aims and views for his son. He had arranged, when I -was only a boy, that I should marry the daughter of his old friend. -I travelled, and in due course spent some months in France. There I -met your mother and married her, much to my father's indignation. -He disowned me after settling a sum of money on me so that I should -not starve. As to your mother's parents, they were pleased with our -union, I believe, but not so a Monsieur Lapon, your mother's cousin, -and father of this unfortunate Jules. He was older than I, and for -years had been the accepted suitor. My marriage to your mother raised -his hate and anger, and for years he attempted to do me an injury. He -sailed for Canada, for he was a poor man, while I made for America. -There he discovered me, and before he died he set his son on my track. -There, my boy, the mystery is explained. Had this Monsieur Lapon been -wedded to your mother he would have been a rich man. Yes, rich, for -her father left her a big property. That will be yours, Steve, when I -am gone." - -Steve took his pipe and went away to think over the matter. His -father's conversation had cleared up a mystery which had often -troubled him. Now he understood why at times his father found need -to absent himself. He had to go to France to look to the welfare of -this property which had come to him through his wife. And now, too, he -gathered why this unfortunate young Jules had followed him so often, -and with such bitterness. He was a disappointed man, who considered -that this English family had filched wealth from his own. - -"And in the end his strange bitterness brought about his downfall," -thought Steve. "He would have done better had he left us alone, and -settled peacefully in the country. But there. I know now why he had a -spite against me, and I forgive him." - -In the course of years Mr. Mainwaring died, and Steve found himself -a rich man, the owner of many broad acres in America, and of more in -France and in England. But he never left his native country. The charm -of the backwoods held him a prisoner, while he could never forsake Jim -and Mac and Pete and many another trapper, now grown old and feeble -and dependent upon him. The storm of the American revolution, which -lost us one of our finest possessions, passed over his head like a -huge rumbling cloud, leaving him unharmed. For he remained a neutral, -in spite of threats and fines, declining to fight against his old -comrades-in-arms, though he was conscious that his fellow-colonists -had many grievances. When that struggle was ended, Steve made his way -up those historic lakes, St. George and Champlain, found the hillock -which he and Jim and their comrades had defended, and fought his -battles over again. That zig-zag path up the face of the ridge at -Quebec attracted his attention, and he clambered to the summit of the -Anse du Foulon. His steps took him to that spot where the gallant soul -of Wolfe had departed, and once again he saw the triple line of the -English, heard the roar of their double-shotted weapons, and watched -the charge of those gallant fellows. He was a lad again. The years -which had flown past since those momentous times were bridged for the -moment, and once again he was Captain Steve Mainwaring, fighting for a -noble cause, the friend and leader of a gallant band of trappers and -redskins. - - * * * * * - -[Transcriber's Notes: - -The transcriber made these changes to the text to correct obvious -errors: - - 1. p. 120, "If all is right, --> If all is right, - 2. p. 127, embarassment --> embarrassment - 3. p. 136, separted --> separated - 4. p. 184, tree." --> tree. - 5. p. 229, "We will return --> We will return - 6. p. 281, Levis --> Lévis - 7. p. 300, own friends again. --> own friends again." - 8. p. 372, Levis --> Lévis - 9. p. 374, Levis --> Lévis - 10. p. 382, Levis --> Lévis - -End of Transcriber's Notes] - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of How Canada was Won, by F. S. 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