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+The Project Gutenberg Etext of Wacousta (Volume I), by John Richardson
+#1 in our series by John Richardson
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+Title: Wacousta (Volume I)
+       or The Prophecy
+
+Author: John Richardson
+
+Release Date: December, 2003 [Etext #4719]
+[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
+[This file was first posted on March 7, 2002]
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+Edition: 10
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+Language: English
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+The Project Gutenberg Etext of Wacousta (Volume I), by John Richardson
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+
+WACOUSTA;
+   or,
+THE PROPHECY.
+
+
+
+Volume One of Three
+
+
+Preface
+
+It is well known to every man conversant with the earlier
+history of this country that, shortly subsequent to the
+cession of the Canadas to England by France, Ponteac,
+the great head of the Indian race of that period, had
+formed a federation of the various tribes, threatening
+extermin ation to the British posts established along
+the Western frontier. These were nine in number, and the
+following stratagem was resorted to by the artful chief
+to effect their reduction. Investing one fort with his
+warriors, so as to cut off all communication with the
+others, and to leave no hope of succor, his practice was
+to offer terms of surrender, which never were kept in
+the honorable spirit in which the far more noble and
+generous Tecumseh always acted with his enemies, and
+thus, in turn, seven of these outposts fell victims to
+their confidence in his truth.
+
+Detroit and Michilimaclcinac, or Mackinaw as it is now
+called, remained, and all the ingenuity of the chieftain
+was directed to the possession of these strongholds. The
+following plan, well worthy of his invention, was at
+length determined upon. During a temporary truce, and
+while Ponteac was holding forth proposals for an ultimate
+and durable peace, a game of lacrosse was arranged by
+him to take place simultaneously on the common or clearing
+on which rested the forts of Michilimackinac and Detroit.
+The better to accomplish their object, the guns of the
+warriors had been cut short and given to their women,
+who were instructed to conceal them under their blankets,
+and during the game, and seemingly without design, to
+approach the drawbridge of the fort. This precaution
+taken, the players were to approach and throw over their
+ball, permission to regain which they presumed would not
+be denied. On approaching the drawbridge they were with
+fierce yells to make a general rush, and, securing the
+arms concealed by the women, to massacre the unprepared
+garrison.
+
+The day was fixed; the game commenced, and was proceeded
+with in the manner previously arranged. The ball was
+dexterously hurled into the fort, and permission asked
+to recover it. It was granted. The drawbridge was lowered,
+and the Indians dashed forward for the accomplishment of
+their work of blood. How different the results in the
+two garrisons! At Detroit, Ponteac and his warriors had
+scarcely crossed the drawbridge when, to their astonishment
+and disappointment, they beheld the guns of the ramparts
+depressed--the artillerymen with lighted matches at their
+posts and covering the little garrison, composed of a
+few companies of the 42nd Highlanders, who were also
+under arms, and so distributed as to take the enemy most
+at an advantage. Suddenly they withdrew and without other
+indication of their purpose than what had been expressed
+in their manner, and carried off the missing ball. Their
+design had been discovered and made known by means of
+significant warnings to the Governor by an Indian woman
+who owed a debt of gratitude to his family, and was
+resolved, at all hazards, to save them.
+
+On the same day the same artifice was resorted to at
+Michilimackinac, and with the most complete success.
+There was no guardian angel there to warn them of danger,
+and all fell beneath the rifle, the tomahawk, the war-club,
+and the knife, one or two of the traders--a Mr. Henry
+among the rest--alone excepted.
+
+It was not long after this event when the head of the
+military authorities in the Colony, apprised of the fate
+of these captured posts, and made acquainted with the
+perilous condition of Fort Detroit, which was then reduced
+to the last extremity, sought an officer who would
+volunteer the charge of supplies from Albany to Buffalo,
+and thence across the lake to Detroit, which, if possible,
+he was to relieve. That volunteer was promptly found in
+my maternal grandfather, Mr. Erskine, from Strabane, in
+the North of Ireland, then an officer in the Commissariat
+Department. The difficulty of the undertaking will be
+obvious to those who understand the danger attending a
+journey through the Western wilderness, beset as it was
+by the warriors of Ponteac, ever on the lookout to prevent
+succor to the garrison, and yet the duty was successfully
+accomplished. He left Albany with provisions and ammunition
+sufficient to fill several Schnectady boats--I think
+seven--and yet conducted his charge with such prudence
+and foresight, that notwithstanding the vigilance of
+Ponteac, he finally and after long watching succeeded,
+under cover of a dark and stormy night, in throwing into
+the fort. the supplies of which the remnant of the gallant
+"Black Watch," as the 42nd was originally named, and a
+company of whom, while out reconnoitering, had been
+massacred at a spot in the vicinity of the town, thereafter
+called the Bloody Run, stood so greatly in need. This
+important service rendered, Mr. Erskine, in compliance
+with the instructions he had received, returned to Albany,
+where he reported the success of the expedition.
+
+The colonial authorities were not regardless of his
+interests. When the Ponteac confederacy had been dissolved,
+and quiet and security restored in that remote region,
+large tracts of land were granted to Mr. Erskine, and
+other privileges accorded which eventually gave him the
+command of nearly a hundred thousand dollars--enormous
+sum to have been realized at that early period of the
+country. But it was not destined that he should retain
+this. The great bulk of his capital was expended on almost
+the first commercial shipping that ever skimmed the
+surface of Lakes Huron and Erie. Shortly prior to the
+Revolution, he was possessed of seven vessels of different
+tonnage, and the trade in which he had embarked, and of
+which he was the head, was rapidly increasing his already
+large fortune, when one of those autumnal hurricanes,
+which even to this day continue to desolate the waters
+of the treacherous lake last named, suddenly arose and
+buried beneath its engulfing waves not less than six of
+these schooners laden with such riches, chiefly furs, of
+the West as then were most an object of barter.
+
+Mr. Erskine, who had married the daughter of one of the
+earliest settlers from France, and of a family well known
+in history, a lady who had been in Detroit during the
+siege of the British garrison by Ponteac, now abandoned
+speculation, and contenting himself with the remnant of
+his fortune, established himself near the banks of the
+river, within a short distance of the Bloody Run. Here
+he continued throughout the Revolution. Early, however,
+in the present century, he quitted Detroit and repaired
+to the Canadian shore, where on a property nearly opposite,
+which he obtained in exchange, and which in honor of his
+native country he named Strabane--known as such to this
+day--he passed the autumn of his days. The last time I
+beheld him was a day or two subsequent to the affair of
+the Thames, when General Harrison and Colonel Johnson
+were temporary inmates of his dwelling.
+
+My father, of a younger branch of the Annandale family,
+the head of which was attainted in the Scottish rebellion
+of 1745, was an officer of Simcoe's well-known Rangers,
+in which regiment, and about the same period, the present
+Lord Hardinge commenced his services in this country.
+Being quartered at Fort Erie, he met and married at the
+house of one of the earliest Canadian merchants a daughter
+of Mr. Erskine, then on a visit to her sister, and by
+her had eight children, of whom I am the oldest and only
+survivor. Having a few years after his marriage been
+ordered to St. Joseph's, near Michilimackinac, my father
+thought it expedient to leave me with Mr. Erskine at
+Detroit, where I received the first rudiments of my
+education. But here I did not remain long, for it was
+during the period of the stay of the detachment of Simcoe's
+Rangers at St. Joseph that Mr. Erskine repaired with his
+family to the Canadian shore, where on the more elevated
+and conspicuous part of his grounds which are situated
+nearly opposite the foot of Hog Island, so repeatedly
+alluded to in "Wacousta," he had caused a flag-staff to
+be erected, from which each Sabbath day proudly floated
+the colors under which he had served, and which he never
+could bring himself to disown.
+
+It was at Strabane that the old lady, with whom I was a
+great favorite, used to enchain my young interest by
+detailing various facts connected with the seige she so
+well remembered, and infused into me a longing to grow
+up to manhood that I might write a book about it. The
+details of the Ponteac plan for the capture of the two
+forts were what she most enlarged upon, and although a
+long lapse of years of absence from the scene, and ten
+thousand incidents of a higher and more immediate importance
+might have been supposed to weaken the recollections of
+so early a period of life, the impression has ever vividly
+remained. Hence the first appearance of "Wacousta" in
+London in 1832, more than a quarter of a century later.
+The story is founded solely on the artifice of Ponteac
+to possess himself of those two last British forts. All
+else is imaginary.
+
+It is not a little curious that I, only a few years
+subsequent to the narration by old Mrs. Erskine of the
+daring and cunning feats of Ponteac, and his vain attempt
+to secure the fort of Detroit, should myself have entered
+it in arms. But it was so. I had ever hated school with
+a most bitter hatred, and I gladly availed myself of an
+offer from General Brock to obtain for me a commission
+in the King's service. Meanwhile I did duty as a cadet
+with the gallant 41st regiment, to which the English
+edition of "Wacousta" was inscribed, and was one of the
+guard of honor who took possession of the fort. The duty
+of a sentinel over the British colors, which had just
+been hoisted was assigned to me, and I certainly felt
+not a little proud of the distinction.
+
+Five times within half a century had the flag of that
+fortress been changed. First the lily of France, then
+the red cross of England, and next the stars and stripes
+of America had floated over its ramparts; and then again
+the red cross, and lastly the stars. On my return to this
+country a few years since, I visited those scenes of
+stirring excitement in which my boyhood had been passed,
+but I looked in vain for the ancient fortifications which
+had given a classical interest to that region. The
+unsparing hand of utilitarianism had passed over them,
+destroying almost every vestige of the past. Where had
+risen the only fortress in America at all worthy to give
+antiquity to the scene, streets had been laid out and
+made, and houses had been built, leaving not a trace of
+its existence save the well that formerly supplied the
+closely beseiged garrison with water; and this, half
+imbedded in the herbage of an enclosure of a dwelling
+house of mean appearance, was rather to be guessed at
+than seen; while at the opposite extremity of the city,
+where had been conspicuous for years the Bloody Run,
+cultivation and improvement had nearly obliterated every
+trace of the past.
+
+Two objections have been urged against "Wacousta" as a
+consistent tale--the one as involving an improbability,
+the other a geographical error. It has been assumed that
+the startling feat accomplished by that man of deep
+revenge, who is not alone in his bitter hatred and contempt
+for the base among those who, like spaniels, crawl and
+kiss the dust at the instigation of their superiors, and
+yet arrogate to themselves a claim to be considered
+gentlemen and men of honor and independence--it has, I
+repeat, been assumed that the feat attributed to him in
+connection with the flag-staff of the fort was impossible.
+No one who has ever seen these erections on the small
+forts of that day would pronounce the same criticism.
+Never very lofty, they were ascended at least one-third
+of their height by means of small projections nailed to
+them for footholds for the artillerymen, frequently
+compelled to clear the flag lines entangled at the truck;
+therefore a strong and active man, such as Wacousta is
+described to have been, might very well have been supposed,
+in his strong anxiety for revenge and escape with his
+victim, to have doubled his strength and activity on so
+important an occasion, rendering that easy of attainment
+by himself which an ordinary and unexcited man might deem
+impossible. I myself have knocked down a gate, almost
+without feeling the resistance, in order to escape the
+stilettos of assassins.
+
+The second objection is to the narrowness attributed in
+the tale to the river St. Clair. This was done in the
+license usually accorded to a writer of fiction, in order
+to give greater effect to the scene represented as having
+occurred there, and, of course, in no way intended as a
+geographical description of the river, nor was it necessary.
+In the same spirit and for the same purpose it has been
+continued.
+
+It will be seen that at the termination of the tragedy
+enacted at the bridge, by which the Bloody Run was in
+those days crossed, that the wretched wife of the condemned
+soldier pronounced a curse that could not, of course,
+well be fulfilled in the course of the tale. Some few
+years ago I published in Canada--I might as well have
+done so in Kamschatka--the continuation, which was to
+have been dedicated to the last King of England, but
+which, after the death of that monarch, was inscribed to
+Sir John Harvey, whose letter, as making honorable mention
+of a gallant and beloved brother, I feel it a duty to
+the memory of the latter to subjoin.
+
+   GOVERNMENT HOUSE, FREDERICTON, N.B.,
+
+   Major Richardson, Montreal.
+
+   November 26th, 1839.
+
+   "Dear Sir;--I am favored with your very interesting
+   communication of the 2nd instant, by which I learn
+   that you are the brother of two youths whose gallantry
+   and merits--and with regard to one of them, his
+   suferings--during the late war, excited my warmest
+   admiration and sympathy. I beg you to believe that I
+   am far from insensible to the affecting proofs which
+   you have made known to me of this grateful recollection
+   of any little service I may have had it in my power
+   to render them; and I will add that the desire which
+   I felt to serve the father will be found to extend
+   itself to the son, if your nephew should ever find
+   himself under circumstances to require from me any
+   service which it may be within my power to render him."
+
+   "With regard to your very flattering proposition to
+   inscribe your present work to me, I can only say that,
+   independent of the respect to which the author of so
+   very charming a production as 'Wacousta' is entitled,
+   the interesting facts and circumstances so unexpectedly
+   brought to my knowledge and recollection would ensure
+   a ready acquiescence on my part."
+
+   "I remain, dear sir your very faithful servant"
+
+   "(Signed)   J. HARVEY. "
+
+The "Prophecy Fulfilled," which, however, has never been
+seen out of the small country in which it appeared--Detroit,
+perhaps, alone excepted--embraces and indeed is intimately
+connected with the Beauchamp tragedy, which took place
+at or near Weisiger's Hotel, in Frankfort, Kentucky,
+where I had been many years before confined as a prisoner
+of war. While connecting it with the "Prophecy Fulfilled,"
+and making it subservient to the end I had in view, I
+had not read or even heard of the existence of a work of
+the same character, which had already appeared from the
+pen of an American author. Indeed, I have reason to
+believe that the "Prophecy Fulfilled," although not
+published until after a lapse of years, was the first
+written. No similarity of treatment of the subject exists
+between the two versions, and this, be it remembered, I
+remark without in the slightest degree impugning the
+merit of the production of my fellow-laborer in the same
+field.
+
+THE AUTHOR.
+
+New York City, January 1st, 1851.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+INTRODUCTORY
+
+As we are about to introduce our readers to scenes with
+which the European is little familiarised, some few
+cursory remarks, illustrative of the general features of
+the country into which we have shifted our labours, may
+not be deemed misplaced at the opening of this volume.
+
+Without entering into minute geographical detail, it may
+be necessary merely to point out the outline of such
+portions of the vast continent of America as still
+acknowledge allegiance to the English crown, in order
+that the reader, understanding the localities, may enter
+with deeper interest into the incidents of a tale connected
+with a ground hitherto untouched by the wand of the modern
+novelist.
+
+All who have ever taken the trouble to inform themselves
+of the features of a country so little interesting to
+the majority of Englishmen in their individual character
+must be aware,--and for the information of those who are
+not, we state,--that that portion of the northern continent
+of America which is known as the United States is divided
+from the Canadas by a continuous chain of lakes and
+rivers, commencing at the ocean into which they empty
+themselves, and extending in a north-western direction
+to the remotest parts of these wild regions, which have
+never yet been pressed by other footsteps than those of
+the native hunters of the soil. First we have the
+magnificent St. Lawrence, fed from the lesser and tributary
+streams, rolling her sweet and silver waters into the
+foggy seas of the Newfoundland.--But perhaps it will
+better tend to impress our readers with a panoramic
+picture of the country in which our scene of action is
+more immediately laid, by commencing at those extreme
+and remote points of our Canadian possessions to which
+their attention will be especially directed in the course
+of our narrative.
+
+The most distant of the north-western settlements of
+America is Michilimackinac, a name given by the Indians,
+and preserved by the Americans, who possess the fort even
+to this hour. It is situated at the head of the Lakes
+Michigan and Huron, and adjacent to the Island of St.
+Joseph's, where, since the existence of the United States
+as an independent republic, an English garrison has been
+maintained, with a view of keeping the original fortress
+in check. From the lakes above mentioned we descend into
+the River Sinclair, which, in turn, disembogues itself
+into the lake of the same name. This again renders tribute
+to the Detroit, a broad majestic river, not less than a
+mile in breadth at its source, and progressively widening
+towards its mouth until it is finally lost in the beautiful
+Lake Erie, computed at about one hundred and sixty miles
+in circumference. From the embouchure of this latter lake
+commences the Chippawa, better known in Europe from the
+celebrity of its stupendous falls of Niagara, which form
+an impassable barrier to the seaman, and, for a short
+space, sever the otherwise uninterrupted chain connecting
+the remote fortresses we have described with the Atlantic.
+At a distance of a few miles from the falls, the Chippawa
+finally empties itself into the Ontario, the most splendid
+of the gorgeous American lakes, on the bright bosom of
+which, during the late war, frigates, seventy-fours, and
+even a ship of one hundred and twelve guns, manned by a
+crew of one thousand men, reflected the proud pennants
+of England! At the opposite extremity of this magnificent
+and sea-like lake, which is upwards of two hundred miles
+in circumference, the far-famed St. Lawrence takes her
+source; and after passing through a vast tract of country,
+whose elevated banks bear every trace of fertility and
+cultivation, connects itself with the Lake Champlain,
+celebrated, as well as Erie, for a signal defeat of our
+flotilla during the late contest with the Americans.
+Pushing her bold waters through this somewhat inferior
+lake, the St. Lawrence pursues her course seaward with
+impetuosity, until arrested near La Chine by rock-studded
+shallows, which produce those strong currents and eddies,
+the dangers of which are so beautifully expressed in the
+Canadian Boat Song,--a composition that has rendered the
+"rapids" almost as familiar to the imagination of the
+European as the falls of Niagara themselves. Beyond La
+Chine the St. Lawrence gradually unfolds herself into
+greater majesty and expanse, and rolling past the busy
+commercial town of Montreal, is once more increased in
+volume by the insignificant lake of St. Peter's, nearly
+opposite to the settlement of Three Rivers, midway between
+Montreal and Quebec. From thence she pursues her course
+unfed, except by a few inferior streams, and gradually
+widens as she rolls past the capital of the Canadas,
+whose tall and precipitous battlements, bristled with
+cannon, and frowning defiance from the clouds in which
+they appear half imbedded, might be taken by the imaginative
+enthusiast for the strong tower of the Spirit of those
+stupendous scenes. From this point the St. Lawrence
+increases in expanse, until, at length, after traversing
+a country where the traces of civilisation become gradually
+less and less visible, she finally merges in the gulf,
+from the centre of which the shores on either hand are
+often invisible to the naked eye; and in this manner is
+it imperceptibly lost in that misty ocean, so dangerous
+to mariners from its deceptive and almost perpetual fogs.
+
+In following the links of this extensive chain of lakes
+and rivers, it must be borne in recollection, that,
+proceeding seaward from Michilimackinac and its contiguous
+district, all that tract of country which lies to the
+right constitutes what is now known as the United States
+of America, and all on the left the two provinces of
+Upper and Lower Canada, tributary to the English government,
+subject to the English laws, and garrisoned by English
+troops. The several forts and harbours established along
+the left bank of the St. Lawrence, and throughout that
+portion of our possessions which is known as Lower Canada,
+are necessarily, from the improved condition and more
+numerous population of that province, on a larger scale
+and of better appointment; but in Upper Canada, where
+the traces of civilisation are less evident throughout,
+and become gradually more faint as we advance westward,
+the fortresses and harbours bear the same proportion In
+strength and extent to the scantiness of the population
+they are erected to protect. Even at the present day,
+along that line of remote country we have selected for
+the theatre of our labours, the garrisons are both few
+in number and weak in strength, and evidence of cultivation
+is seldom to be found at any distance in the interior;
+so that all beyond a certain extent of clearing, continued
+along the banks of the lakes and rivers, is thick,
+impervious, rayless forest, the limits of which have
+never yet been explored, perhaps, by the natives themselves.
+
+Such being the general features of the country even at
+the present day, it will readily be comprehended how much
+more wild and desolate was the character they exhibited
+as far back as the middle of the last century, about
+which period our story commences. At that epoch, it will
+be borne in mind, what we have described as being the
+United States were then the British colonies of America
+dependent on the mother-country; while the Canadas, on
+the contrary, were, or had very recently been, under the
+dominion of France, from whom they had been wrested after
+a long struggle, greatly advanced in favour of England
+by the glorious battle fought on the plains of Abraham,
+near Quebec, and celebrated for the defeat of Montcalm
+and the death of Wolfe.
+
+The several attempts made to repossess themselves of the
+strong hold of Quebec having, in every instance, been
+met by discomfiture and disappointment, the French, in
+despair, relinquished the contest, and, by treaty, ceded
+their claims to the Canadas,--an event that was hastened
+by the capitulation of the garrison of Montreal, commanded
+by the Marquis de Vaudreuil, to the victorious arms of
+General Amherst. Still, though conquered as a people,
+many of the leading men in the country, actuated by that
+jealousy for which they were remarkable, contrived to
+oppose obstacles to the quiet possession of a conquest
+by those whom they seemed to look upon as their hereditary
+enemies; and in furtherance of this object, paid agents,
+men of artful and intriguing character, were dispersed
+among the numerous tribes of savages, with a view of
+exciting them to acts of hostility against their conquerors.
+The long and uninterrupted possession, by the French, of
+those countries immediately bordering on the hunting
+grounds and haunts of the natives, with whom they carried
+on an extensive traffic in furs, had established a
+communionship of interest between themselves and those
+savage and warlike people, which failed not to turn to
+account the vindictive views of the former. The whole of
+the province of Upper Canada at that time possessed but
+a scanty population, protected in its most flourishing
+and defensive points by stockade forts; the chief object
+of which was to secure the garrisons, consisting each of
+a few companies, from any sudden surprise on the part of
+the natives, who, although apparently inclining to
+acknowledge the change of neighbours, and professing
+amity, were, it was well known, too much in the interest
+of their old friends the French, and even the French
+Canadians themselves, not to be regarded with the most
+cautious distrust.
+
+These stockade forts were never, at any one period, nearer
+to each other than from one hundred and fifty to two
+hundred miles, so that, in the event of surprise or alarm,
+there was little prospect of obtaining assistance from
+without. Each garrison, therefore, was almost wholly
+dependent on its own resources; and, when surrounded
+unexpectedly by numerous bands of hostile Indians, had
+no other alternative than to hold out to the death.
+Capitulation was out of the question; for, although the
+wile and artifice of the natives might induce them to
+promise mercy, the moment their enemies were in their
+power promises and treaties were alike broken, and
+indiscriminate massacre ensued. Communication by water
+was, except during a period of profound peace, almost
+impracticable; for, although of late years the lakes of
+Canada have been covered with vessels of war, many of
+them, as we have already remarked, of vast magnitude,
+and been the theatres of conflicts that would not have
+disgraced the salt waters of ocean itself, at the period
+to which our story refers the flag of England was seen
+to wave only on the solitary mast of some ill-armed and
+ill-manned gunboat, employed rather for the purpose of
+conveying despatches from fort to fort, than with any
+serious view to acts either of aggression or defence.
+
+In proportion as the colonies of America, now the United
+States, pushed their course of civilisation westward, in
+the same degree did the numerous tribes of Indians, who
+had hitherto dwelt more seaward, retire upon those of
+their own countrymen, who, buried in vast and impenetrable
+forests, had seldom yet seen the face of the European
+stranger; so that, in the end, all the more central parts
+of those stupendous wilds became doubly peopled. Hitherto,
+however, that civilisation had not been carried beyond
+the state of New York; and all those countries which
+have, since the American revolution, been added to the
+Union under the names of Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri,
+Michigan, &c., were, at the period embraced by our story,
+inhospitable and unproductive woods, subject only to the
+dominion of the native, and as yet unshorn by the axe of
+the cultivator. A few portions only of the opposite shores
+of Michigan were occupied by emigrants from the Canadas,
+who, finding no one to oppose or molest them, selected
+the most fertile spots along the banks of the river; and
+of the existence of these infant settlements, the English
+colonists, who had never ventured so far, were not even
+aware until after the conquest of Canada by the mother-
+country. This particular district was the centre around
+which the numerous warriors, who had been driven westward
+by the colonists, had finally assembled; and rude villages
+and encampments rose far and near for a circuit of many
+miles around this infant settlement and fort of the
+Canadians, to both of which they had given the name of
+Detroit, after the river on whose elevated banks they
+stood. Proceeding westward from this point, and along
+the tract of country that diverged from the banks of the
+Lakes Huron, Sinclair, and Michigan, all traces of that
+partial civilisation were again lost in impervious wilds,
+tenanted only by the fiercest of the Indian tribes, whose
+homes were principally along the banks of that greatest
+of American waters, the Lake Superior, and in the country
+surrounding the isolated fort of Michilimackinac, the
+last and most remote of the European fortresses in Canada.
+
+When at a later period the Canadas were ceded to us by
+France, those parts of the opposite frontier which we
+have just described became also tributary to the English
+crown, and were, by the peculiar difficulties that existed
+to communication with the more central and populous
+districts, rendered especially favourable to the exercise
+of hostile intrigue by the numerous active French emissaries
+every where dispersed among the Indian tribes. During
+the first few years of the conquest, the inhabitants of
+Canada, who were all either European French, or immediate
+descendants of that nation, were, as might naturally be
+expected, more than restive under their new governors,
+and many of the most impatient spirits of the country
+sought every opportunity of sowing the seeds of distrust
+and jealousy in the hearts of the natives. By these people
+it was artfully suggested to the Indians, that their new
+oppressors were of the race of those who had driven them
+from the sea, and were progressively advancing on their
+territories until scarce a hunting ground or a village
+would be left to them. They described them, moreover, as
+being the hereditary enemies of their great father, the
+King of France, with whose governors they had buried the
+hatchet for ever, and smoked the calumet of perpetual
+peace. Fired by these wily suggestions, the high and
+jealous spirit of the Indian chiefs took the alarm, and
+they beheld with impatience the "Red Coat," or "Saganaw,"
+[Footnote: This word thus pronounced by themselves, in
+reference to the English soldiery, is, in all probability,
+derived from the original English settlers in Saganaw
+Bay.] usurping, as they deemed it, those possessions
+which had so recently acknowledged the supremacy of the
+pale flag of their ancient ally. The cause of the Indians,
+and that of the Canadians, became, in some degree,
+identified as one, and each felt it was the interest,
+and it may be said the natural instinct, of both, to hold
+communionship of purpose, and to indulge the same jealousies
+and fears. Such was the state of things in 1763, the
+period at which our story commences,--an epoch fruitful
+in designs of hostility and treachery on the part of the
+Indians, who, too crafty and too politic to manifest
+their feelings by overt acts declaratory of the hatred
+carefully instilled into their breasts, sought every
+opportunity to compass the destruction of the English,
+wherever they were most vulnerable to the effects of
+stratagem. Several inferior forts situated on the Ohio
+had already fallen into their hands, when they summoned
+all their address and cunning to accomplish the fall of
+the two important though remote posts of Detroit and
+Michilimackinac. For a length of time they were baffled
+by the activity and vigilance of the respective governors
+of these forts, who had had too much fatal experience in
+the fate of their companions not to be perpetually on
+the alert against their guile; but when they had at
+length, in some degree, succeeded in lulling the suspicions
+of the English, they determined on a scheme, suggested
+by a leading chief, a man of more than ordinary character,
+which promised fair to rid them altogether of a race they
+so cordially detested. We will not, however, mar the
+interest of our tale, by anticipating, at this early
+stage, either the nature or the success of a stratagem
+which forms the essential groundwork of our story.
+
+While giving, for the information of the many, what, we
+trust, will not be considered a too compendious outline
+of the Canadas, and the events connected with them, we
+are led to remark, that, powerful as was the feeling of
+hostility cherished by the French Canadians towards the
+English when the yoke of early conquest yet hung heavily
+on them, this feeling eventually died away under the mild
+influence of a government that preserved to them the
+exercise of all their customary privileges, and abolished
+all invidious distinctions between the descendants of
+France and those of the mother-country. So universally,
+too, has this system of conciliation been pursued, we
+believe we may with safety aver, of all the numerous
+colonies that have succumbed to the genius and power of
+England, there are none whose inhabitants entertain
+stronger feelings of attachment and loyalty to her than
+those of Canada; and whatever may be the transient
+differences,--differences growing entirely out of
+circumstances and interests of a local character, and in
+no way tending to impeach the acknowledged fidelity of
+the mass of French Canadians,--whatever, we repeat, may
+be the ephemeral differences that occasionally spring up
+between the governors of those provinces and individual
+members of the Houses of Assembly, they must, in no way,
+be construed into a general feeling of disaffection
+towards the English crown.
+
+In proportion also as the Canadians have felt and
+acknowledged the beneficent effects arising from a change
+of rulers, so have the Indian tribes been gradually weaned
+from their first fierce principle of hostility, until
+they have subsequently become as much distinguished by
+their attachment to, as they were three quarters of a
+century ago remarkable for their untameable aversion for,
+every thing that bore the English name, or assumed the
+English character. Indeed, the hatred which they bore
+to the original colonists has been continued to their
+descendants, the subjects of the United States; and the
+same spirit of union subsisted between the natives and
+British troops, and people of Canada, during the late
+American war, that at an earlier period of the history
+of that country prevailed so powerfully to the disadvantage
+of England.
+
+And now we have explained a course of events which were
+in some measure necessary to the full understanding of
+the country by the majority of our readers, we shall, in
+furtherance of the same object, proceed to sketch a few
+of the most prominent scenes more immediately before us.
+
+The fort of Detroit, as it was originally constructed by
+the French, stands in the middle of a common, or description
+of small prairie, bounded by woods, which, though now
+partially thinned in their outskirts, were at that period
+untouched by the hand of civilisation. Erected at a
+distance of about half a mile from the banks of the river,
+which at that particular point are high and precipitous,
+it stood then just far enough from the woods that swept
+round it in a semicircular form to be secure from the
+rifle of the Indian; while from its batteries it commanded
+a range of country on every hand, which no enemy unsupported
+by cannon could traverse with impunity. Immediately in
+the rear, and on the skirt of the wood, the French had
+constructed a sort of bomb-proof, possibly intended to
+serve as a cover to the workmen originally employed in
+clearing the woods, but long since suffered to fall into
+decay. Without the fortification rose a strong and triple
+line of pickets, each of about two feet and a half in
+circumference, and so fitted into each other as to leave
+no other interstices than those which were perforated
+for the discharge of musketry. They were formed of the
+hardest and most knotted pines that could be procured;
+the sharp points of which were seasoned by fire until
+they acquired nearly the durability and consistency of
+iron. Beyond these firmly imbedded pickets was a ditch,
+encircling the fort, of about twenty feet in width, and
+of proportionate depth, the only communication over which
+to and from the garrison was by means of a drawbridge,
+protected by a strong chevaux-de-frise. The only gate
+with which the fortress was provided faced the river; on
+the more immediate banks of which, and to the left of
+the fort, rose the yet infant and straggling village that
+bore the name of both. Numerous farm-houses, however,
+almost joining each other, contributed to form a continuity
+of many miles along the borders of the river, both on
+the right and on the left; while the opposite shores of
+Canada, distinctly seen in the distance, presented, as
+far as the eye could reach, the same enlivening character
+of fertility. The banks, covered with verdure on either
+shore, were more or less undulating at intervals; but in
+general they were high without being abrupt, and picturesque
+without being bold, presenting, in their partial
+cultivation, a striking contrast to the dark, tall, and
+frowning forests bounding every point of the perspective.
+
+At a distance of about five miles on the left of the town
+the course of the river was interrupted by a small and
+thickly wooded island, along whose sandy beach occasionally
+rose the low cabin or wigwam which the birch canoe,
+carefully upturned and left to dry upon the sands, attested
+to be the temporary habitation of the wandering Indian.
+That branch of the river which swept by the shores of
+Canada was (as at this day) the only navigable one for
+vessels of burden, while that on the opposite coast
+abounded in shallows and bars, affording passage merely
+to the light barks of the natives, which seemed literally
+to skim the very surface of its waves. Midway, between
+that point of the continent which immediately faced the
+eastern extremity of the island we have just named and
+the town of Detroit, flowed a small tributary river, the
+approaches to which, on either hand, were over a slightly
+sloping ground, the view of which could be entirely
+commanded from the fort. The depth of this river, now
+nearly dried up, at that period varied from three to ten
+or twelve feet; and over this, at a distance of about
+twenty yards from the Detroit, into which it emptied
+itself, rose, communicating with the high road, a bridge,
+which will more than once be noticed in the course of
+our tale. Even to the present hour it retains the name
+given to it during these disastrous times; and there are
+few modern Canadians, or even Americans, who traverse
+the "Bloody Bridge," especially at the still hours of
+advanced night, without recalling to memory the tragic
+events of those days, (handed down as they have been by
+their fathers, who were eye-witnesses of the transaction,)
+and peopling the surrounding gloom with the shades of
+those whose life-blood erst crimsoned the once pure waters
+of that now nearly exhausted stream; and whose mangled
+and headless corpses were slowly borne by its tranquil
+current into the bosom of the parent river, where all
+traces of them finally disappeared.
+
+These are the minuter features of the scene we have
+brought more immediately under the province of our pen.
+What Detroit was in 1763 it nearly is at the present day,
+with this difference, however, that many of those points
+which were then in a great degree isolated and rude are
+now redolent with the beneficent effects of improved
+cultivation; and in the immediate vicinity of that
+memorable bridge, where formerly stood merely the occasional
+encampment of the Indian warrior, are now to be seen
+flourishing farms and crops, and other marks of agricultural
+industry. Of the fort of Detroit itself we will give the
+following brief history:--It was, as we have already
+stated, erected by the French while in the occupancy of
+the country by which it is more immediately environed;
+subsequently, and at the final cession of the Canadas,
+it was delivered over to England, with whom it remained
+until the acknowledgement of the independence of the
+colonists by the mother-country, when it hoisted the
+colours of the republic; the British garrison marching
+out, and crossing over into Canada, followed by such of
+the loyalists as still retained their attachment to the
+English crown. At the commencement of the late war with
+America it was the first and more immediate theatre of
+conflict, and was remarkable, as well as Michilimackinac,
+for being one of the first posts of the Americans that
+fell into our hands. The gallant daring, and promptness
+of decision, for which the lamented general, Sir Isaac
+Brock, was so eminently distinguished, achieved the
+conquest almost as soon as the American declaration of
+war had been made known in Canada; and on this occasion
+we ourselves had the good fortune to be selected as part
+of the guard of honour, whose duty it was to lower the
+flag of America, and substitute that of England in its
+place. On the approach, however, of an overwhelming army
+of the enemy in the autumn of the ensuing year it was
+abandoned by our troops, after having been dismantled
+and reduced, in its more combustible parts, to ashes.
+The Americans, who have erected new fortifications on
+the site of the old, still retain possession of a post
+to which they attach considerable importance, from the
+circumstance of its being a key to the more western
+portions of the Union.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+It was during the midnight watch, late in September,
+1763, that the English garrison of Detroit, in North
+America, was thrown into the utmost consternation by the
+sudden and mysterious introduction of a stranger within
+its walls. The circumstance at this moment was particularly
+remarkable; for the period was so fearful and pregnant
+with events of danger, the fort being assailed on every
+side by a powerful and vindictive foe, that a caution
+and vigilance of no common kind were unceasingly exercised
+by the prudent governor for the safety of those committed
+to his charge. A long series of hostilities had been
+pursued by the North-American Indians against the subjects
+of England, within the few years that had succeeded to
+the final subjection of the Canadas to her victorious
+arms; and many and sanguinary were the conflicts in which
+the devoted soldiery were made to succumb to the cunning
+and numbers of their savage enemies. In those lone regions,
+both officers and men, in their respective ranks, were,
+by a communionship of suffering, isolation, and peculiarity
+of duty, drawn towards each other with feelings of almost
+fraternal affection; and the fates of those who fell were
+lamented with sincerity of soul, and avenged, when
+opportunity offered, with a determination prompted equally
+by indignation and despair. This sentiment of union,
+existing even between men and officers of different corps,
+was, with occasional exceptions, of course doubly
+strengthened among those who fought under the same colours,
+and acknowledged the same head; and, as it often happened
+in Canada, during this interesting period, that a single
+regiment was distributed into two or three fortresses,
+each so far removed from the other that communication
+could with the utmost facility be cut off, the anxiety
+and uncertainty of these detachments became proportioned
+to the danger with which they knew themselves to be more
+immediately beset. The garrison of Detroit, at the date
+above named, consisted of a third of the ---- regiment,
+the remainder of which occupied the forts of
+Michilimackinac and Niagara, and to each division of
+this regiment was attached an officer's command of
+artillery. It is true that no immediate overt act of
+hostility had for some time been perpetrated by the
+Indians, who were assembled in force around the former
+garrison; but the experienced officer to whom the command
+had been intrusted was too sensible of the craftiness of
+the surrounding hordes to be deceived, by any outward
+semblance of amity, into neglect of those measures of
+precaution which were so indispensable to the surety of
+his trust.
+
+In this he pursued a line of policy happily adapted to
+the delicate nature of his position. Unwilling to excite
+the anger or wound the pride of the chiefs, by any outward
+manifestation of distrust, he affected to confide in the
+sincerity of their professions, and, by inducing his
+officers to mix occasionally in their councils, and his
+men in the amusements of the inferior warriors, contrived
+to impress the conviction that he reposed altogether on
+their faith. But, although these acts were in some degree
+coerced by the necessity of the times, and a perfect
+knowledge of all the misery that must accrue to them in
+the event of their provoking the Indians into acts of
+open hostility, the prudent governor took such precautions
+as were deemed efficient to defeat any treacherous attempt
+at violation of the tacit treaty on the part of the
+natives. The officers never ventured out, unless escorted
+by a portion of their men, who, although appearing to be
+dispersed among the warriors, still kept sufficiently
+together to be enabled, in a moment of emergency, to
+afford succour not only to each other but to their
+superiors. On these occasions, as a further security
+against surprise, the troops left within were instructed
+to be in readiness, at a moment's warning, to render
+assistance, if necessary, to their companions, who seldom,
+on any occasion, ventured out of reach of the cannon of
+the fort, the gate of which was hermetically closed,
+while numerous supernumerary sentinels were posted along
+the ramparts, with a view to give the alarm if any thing
+extraordinary was observed to occur without.
+
+Painful and harassing as were the precautions it was
+found necessary to adopt on these occasions, and little
+desirous as were the garrison to mingle with the natives
+on such terms, still the plan was pursued by the Governor
+from the policy already named: nay, it was absolutely
+essential to the future interests of England that the
+Indians should be won over by acts of confidence and
+kindness; and so little disposition had hitherto been
+manifested by the English to conciliate, that every thing
+was to be apprehended from the untameable rancour with
+which these people were but too well disposed to repay
+a neglect at once galling to their pride and injurious
+to their interests.
+
+Such, for a term of many months, had been the trying and
+painful duty that had devolved on the governor of Detroit;
+when, in the summer of 1763, the whole of the western
+tribes of Indians, as if actuated by one common impulse,
+suddenly threw off the mask, and commenced a series of
+the most savage trespasses upon the English settlers in
+the vicinity of the several garrisons, who were cut off
+in detail, without mercy, and without reference to either
+age or sex. On the first alarm the weak bodies of troops,
+as a last measure of security, shut themselves up in
+their respective forts, where they were as incapable of
+rendering assistance to others as of receiving it
+themselves. In this emergency the prudence and forethought
+of the governor of Detroit were eminently conspicuous;
+for, having long foreseen the possibility of such a
+crisis, he had caused a plentiful supply of all that was
+necessary to the subsistence and defence of the garrison
+to be provided at an earlier period, so that, if foiled
+in their attempts at stratagem, there was little chance
+that the Indians would speedily reduce them by famine.
+To guard against the former, a vigilant watch was constantly
+kept by the garrison both day and night, while the
+sentinels, doubled in number, were constantly on the
+alert. Strict attention, moreover, was paid to such parts
+of the ramparts as were considered most assailable by a
+cunning and midnight enemy; and, in order to prevent any
+imprudence on the part of the garrison, all egress or
+ingress was prohibited that had not the immediate sanction
+of the chief. With this view the keys of the gate were
+given in trust to the officer of the guard; to whom,
+however, it was interdicted to use them unless by direct
+and positive order of the Governor. In addition to this
+precaution, the sentinels on duty at the gate had strict
+private instructions not to suffer any one to pass either
+in or out unless conducted by the governor in person;
+and this restriction extended even to the officer of the
+guard.
+
+Such being the cautious discipline established in the
+fort, the appearance of a stranger within its walls at
+the still hour of midnight could not fail to be regarded
+as an extraordinary event, and to excite an apprehension
+which could scarcely have been surpassed had a numerous
+and armed band of savages suddenly appeared among them.
+The first intimation of this fact was given by the violent
+ringing of an alarm bell; a rope communicating with which
+was suspended in the Governor's apartments, for the
+purpose of arousing the slumbering soldiers in any case
+of pressing emergency. Soon afterwards the Governor
+himself was seen to issue from his rooms into the open
+area of the parade, clad in his dressing-gown, and bearing
+a lamp in one hand and a naked sword in the other. His
+countenance was pale; and his features, violently agitated,
+betrayed a source of alarm which those who were familiar
+with his usual haughtiness of manner were ill able to
+comprehend.
+
+"Which way did he go?--why stand ye here?--follow--pursue
+him quickly--let him not escape, on your lives!"
+
+These sentences, hurriedly and impatiently uttered, were
+addressed to the two sentinels who, stationed in front
+of his apartments, had, on the first sound of alarm from
+the portentous bell, lowered their muskets to the charge,
+and now stood immovable in that position.
+
+"Who does your honour mane?" replied one of the men,
+startled, yet bringing his arms to the recover, in
+salutation of his chief.
+
+"Why, the man--the stranger--the fellow who has just
+passed you."
+
+"Not a living soul has passed us since our watch commenced,
+your honour," observed the second sentinel; "and we have
+now been here upwards of an hour."
+
+"Impossible, sirs: ye have been asleep on your posts, or
+ye must have seen him. He passed this way, and could not
+have escaped your observation had ye been attentive to
+your duty."
+
+"Well, sure, and your honour knows bist," rejoined the
+first sentinel; "but so hilp me St. Patrick, as I have
+sirved man and boy in your honour's rigimint this twilve
+years, not even the fitch of a man has passed me this
+blissed night. And here's my comrade, Jack Halford, who
+will take his Bible oath to the same, with all due
+difirince to your honour."
+
+The pithy reply to this eloquent attempt at exculpation
+was a brief "Silence, sirrah, walk about!"
+
+The men brought their muskets once more, and in silence,
+to the shoulder, and, in obedience to the command of
+their chief, resumed the limited walk allotted to them;
+crossing each other at regular intervals in the semicircular
+course that enfiladed, as it were, the only entrance to
+the Governor's apartments.
+
+Meanwhile every thing was bustle and commotion among the
+garrison, who, roused from sleep by the appalling sound
+of the alarm bell at that late hour, were hastily arming.
+Throughout the obscurity might be seen the flitting forms
+of men, whose already fully accoutred persons proclaimed
+them to be of the guard; while in the lofty barracks,
+numerous lights flashing to and fro, and moving with
+rapidity, attested the alacrity with which the troops
+off duty were equipping themselves for some service of
+more than ordinary interest. So noiseless, too, was this
+preparation, as far as speech was concerned, that the
+occasional opening and shutting of pans, and ringing of
+ramrods to ascertain the efficiency of the muskets, might
+be heard distinctly in the stillness of the night at a
+distance of many furlongs.
+
+HE, however, who had touched the secret spring of all
+this picturesque movement, whatever might be his
+gratification and approval of the promptitude with which
+the summons to arms had been answered by his brave troops,
+was far from being wholly satisfied with the scene he
+had conjured up. Recovered from the first and irrepressible
+agitation which had driven him to sound the tocsin of
+alarm, he felt how derogatory to his military dignity
+and proverbial coolness of character it might be considered,
+to have awakened a whole garrison from their slumbers,
+when a few files of the guard would have answered his
+purpose equally well. Besides, so much time had been
+suffered to elapse, that the stranger might have escaped;
+and if so, how many might be disposed to ridicule his
+alarm, and consider it as emanating from an imagination
+disturbed by sleep, rather than caused by the actual
+presence of one endowed like themselves with the faculties
+of speech and motion. For a moment he hesitated whether
+he should not countermand the summons to arms which had
+been so precipitately given; but when he recollected the
+harrowing threat that had been breathed in his ear by
+his midnight visiter,--when he reflected, moreover, that
+even now it was probable he was lurking within the
+precincts of the fort with a view to the destruction of
+all that it contained,--when, in short, he thought of
+the imminent danger that must attend them should he be
+suffered to escape,--he felt the necessity of precaution,
+and determined on his measures, even at the risk of
+manifesting a prudence which might be construed
+unfavourably. On re-entering his apartments, he found
+his orderly, who, roused by the midnight tumult, stood
+waiting to receive the commands of his chief.
+
+"Desire Major Blackwater to come to me immediately."
+
+The mandate was quickly obeyed. In a few seconds a short,
+thick-set, and elderly officer made his appearance in a
+grey military undress frock.
+
+"Blackwater, we have traitors within the fort. Let diligent
+search be made in every part of the barracks for a
+stranger, an enemy, who has managed to procure admittance
+among us: let every nook and cranny, every empty cask,
+be examined forthwith; and cause a number of additional
+sentinels to be stationed along the ramparts, in order
+to intercept his escape."
+
+"Good Heaven, is it possible?" said the Major, wiping
+the perspiration from his brows, though the night was
+unusually chilly for the season of the year:--" how could
+he contrive to enter a place so vigilantly guarded?"
+
+"Ask me not HOW, Blackwater," returned the Governor
+seriously; "let it suffice that he has been in this very
+room, and that ten minutes since he stood where you now
+stand."
+
+The Major looked aghast.--"God bless me, how singular!
+How could the savage contrive to obtain admission? or
+was he in reality an Indian?"
+
+"No more questions, MAJOR Blackwater. Hasten to distribute
+the men, and let diligent search be made every where;
+and recollect, neither officer nor man courts his pillow
+until dawn."
+
+The "Major" emphatically prefixed to his name was a
+sufficient hint to the stout officer that the doubts thus
+familiarly expressed were here to cease, and that he was
+now addressed in the language of authority by his superior,
+who expected a direct and prompt compliance with his
+orders. He therefore slightly touched his hat in salutation,
+and withdrew to make the dispositions that had been
+enjoined by his Colonel.
+
+On regaining the parade, he caused the men, already
+forming into companies and answering to the roll-call of
+their respective non-commissioned officers, to be wheeled
+into square, and then in a low but distinct voice stated
+the cause of alarm; and, having communicated the orders
+of the Governor, finished by recommending to each the
+exercise of the most scrutinising vigilance; as on the
+discovery of the individual in question, and the means
+by which he had contrived to procure admission, the safety
+of the whole garrison, it was evident, must depend.
+
+The soldiers now dispersed in small parties throughout
+the interior of the fort, while a select body were
+conducted to the ramparts by the officers themselves,
+and distributed between the sentinels already posted
+there, in such numbers, and at such distances, that it
+appeared impossible any thing wearing the human form
+could pass them unperceived, even in the obscurity that
+reigned around.
+
+When this duty was accomplished, the officers proceeded
+to the posts of the several sentinels who had been planted
+since the last relief, to ascertain if any or either of
+them had observed aught to justify the belief that an
+enemy had succeeded in scaling the works. To all their
+enquiries, however, they received a negative reply,
+accompanied by a declaration, more or less positive with
+each, that such had been their vigilance during the watch,
+had any person come within their beat, detection must
+have been inevitable. The first question was put to the
+sentinel stationed at the gate of the fort, at which
+point the whole of the officers of the garrison were,
+with one or two exceptions, now assembled. The man at
+first evinced a good deal of confusion; but this might
+arise from the singular fact of the alarm that had been
+given, and the equally singular circumstance of his being
+thus closely interrogated by the collective body of his
+officers: he, however, persisted in declaring that he
+had been in no wise inattentive to his duty, and that no
+cause for alarm or suspicion had occurred near his post.
+The officers then, in order to save time, separated into
+two parties, pursuing opposite circuits, and arranging
+to meet at that point of the ramparts which was immediately
+in the rear, and overlooking the centre of the semicircular
+sweep of wild forest we have described as circumventing
+the fort.
+
+"Well, Blessington, I know not what you think of this
+sort of work," observed Sir Everard Valletort, a young
+lieutenant of the ---- regiment, recently arrived from
+England, and one of the party who now traversed the
+rampart to the right; "but confound me if I would not
+rather be a barber's apprentice in London, upon nothing,
+and find myself, than continue a life of this kind much
+longer. It positively quite knocks me up; for what with
+early risings, and watchings (I had almost added prayings),
+I am but the shadow of my former self."
+
+"Hist, Valletort, hist! speak lower," said Captain
+Blessington, the senior officer present, "or our search
+must be in vain. Poor fellow!" he pursued, laughing low
+and good humouredly at the picture of miseries thus
+solemnly enumerated by his subaltern;--"how much, in
+truth, are you to be pitied, who have so recently basked
+in all the sunshine of enjoyment at home. For our parts,
+we have lived so long amid these savage scenes, that we
+have almost forgotten what luxury, or even comfort, means.
+Doubt not, my friend, that in time you will, like us, be
+reconciled to the change."
+
+"Confound me for an idiot, then, if I give myself time,"
+replied Sir Everard affectedly. "It was only five minutes
+before that cursed alarm bell was sounded in my ears,
+that I had made up my mind fully to resign or exchange
+the instant I could do so with credit to myself; and, I
+am sure, to be called out of a warm bed at this unseasonable
+hour offers little inducement for me to change my opinion."
+
+"Resign or exchange with credit to yourself!" sullenly
+observed a stout tall officer of about fifty, whose spleen
+might well be accounted for in his rank of "Ensign" Delme.
+"Methinks there can be little credit in exchanging or
+resigning, when one's companions are left behind, and in
+a post of danger."
+
+"By Jasus, and ye may say that with your own pritty
+mouth," remarked another veteran, who answered to the
+name of Lieutenant Murphy; "for it isn't now, while we
+are surrounded and bediviled by the savages, that any
+man of the ---- rigimint should be after talking of bating
+a retrate."
+
+"I scarcely understand you, gentlemen," warmly and quickly
+retorted Sir Everard, who, with all his dandyism and
+effeminacy of manner, was of a high and resolute spirit.
+"Do either of you fancy that I want courage to face a
+positive danger, because I may not happen to have any
+particular vulgar predilection for early rising?"
+
+"Nonsense, Valletort, nonsense," interrupted, in accents
+of almost feminine sweetness, his friend Lieutenant
+Charles de Haldimar, the youngest son of the Governor:
+"Murphy is an eternal echo of the opinions of those who
+look forward to promotion; and as for Delme--do you not
+see the drift of his observation? Should you retire, as
+you have threatened, of course another lieutenant will
+be appointed in your stead; but, should you chance to
+lose your scalp during the struggle with the savages,
+the step goes in the regiment, and he, being the senior
+ensign, obtains promotion in consequence."
+
+"Ah!" observed Captain Blessington, "this is indeed the
+greatest curse attached to the profession of a soldier.
+Even among those who most esteem, and are drawn towards
+each other as well by fellowship in pleasure as
+companionship in danger, this vile and debasing principle
+--this insatiable desire for personal advancement--is
+certain to intrude itself; since we feel that over the
+mangled bodies of our dearest friends and companions, we
+can alone hope to attain preferment and distinction."
+
+A moment or two of silence ensued, in the course of which
+each individual appeared to be bringing home to his own
+heart the application of the remark just uttered; and
+which, however they might seek to disguise the truth from
+themselves, was too forcible to find contradiction from
+the secret monitor within. And yet of those assembled
+there was not one, perhaps, who would not, in the hour
+of glory and of danger, have generously interposed his
+own frame between that of his companion and the steel or
+bullet of an enemy. Such are the contradictory elements
+which compose a soldier's life.
+
+This conversation, interrupted only by occasional
+questioning of the sentinels whom they passed in their
+circuit, was carried on in an audible whisper, which the
+close approximation of the parties to each other, and
+the profound stillness of the night, enabled them to hear
+with distinctness.
+
+"Nay, nay, De Haldimar," at length observed Sir Everard,
+in reply to the observation of his friend, "do not imagine
+I intend to gratify Mr. Delme by any such exhibition as
+that of a scalpless head; but, if such be his hope, I
+trust that the hour which sees my love-locks dangling at
+the top of an Indian pole may also let daylight into his
+own carcass from a rifle bullet or a tomahawk."
+
+"And yit, Captin, it sames to me," observed Lieutenant
+Murphy, in allusion to the remark of Blessington rather
+than in reply to the last speaker,--"it sames to me, I
+say, that promotion in ony way is all fair and honourable
+in times of hardship like thase; and though we may drop
+a tare over our suparior when the luck of war, in the
+shape of a tommyhawk, knocks him over, still there can
+be no rason why we shouldn't stip into his shoes the viry
+nixt instant; and it's that, we all know, that we fight
+for. And the divil a bitter chance any man of us all has
+of promotion thin yoursilf, Captin: for it'll be mighty
+strange if our fat Major doesn't git riddlid like a
+cullinder through and through with the bullits from the
+Ingians' rifles before we have quite done with this
+business, and thin you will have the rigimintal majority,
+Captin; and it may be that one Liftinint Murphy, who is
+now the sanior of his rank, may come in for the vacant
+captincy."
+
+"And Delme for the lieutenancy," said Charles de Haldimar
+significantly. "Well, Murphy, I am happy to find that
+you, at least, have hit on another than Sir Everard
+Valletort: one, in fact, who will render the promotion
+more general than it would otherwise have been. Seriously,
+I should be sorry if any thing happened to our worthy
+Major, who, with all his bustling and grotesque manner,
+is as good an officer and as brave a soldier as any his
+Majesty's army in Canada can boast. For my part, I say,
+perish all promotion for ever, if it is only to be obtained
+over the dead bodies of those with whom I have lived so
+long and shared so many dangers!"
+
+"Nobly uttered, Charles," said Captain Blessington: "the
+sentiment is, indeed, one well worthy of our present
+position; and God knows we are few enough in number
+already, without looking forward to each other's death
+as a means of our own more immediate personal advancement.
+With you, therefore, I repeat, perish all my hopes of
+promotion, if it is only to be obtained over the corpses
+of my companions! And let those who are most sanguine in
+their expectations beware lest they prove the first to
+be cut off, and that even before they have yet enjoyed
+the advantages of the promotion they so eagerly covet."
+
+This observation, uttered without acrimony, had yet enough
+of delicate reproach in it to satisfy Lieutenant Murphy
+that the speaker was far from approving the expression
+of such selfish anticipations at a moment like the present,
+when danger, in its most mysterious guise, lurked around,
+and threatened the safety of all most dear to them.
+
+The conversation now dropped, and the party pursued their
+course in silence. They had just passed the last sentinel
+posted in their line of circuit, and were within a few
+yards of the immediate rear of the fortress, when a sharp
+"Hist!" and sudden halt of their leader, Captain
+Blessington, threw them all into an attitude of the most
+profound attention.
+
+"Did you hear?" he asked in a subdued whisper, after a
+few seconds of silence, in which he had vainly sought to
+catch a repetition of the sound.
+
+"Assuredly," he pursued, finding that no one answered,
+"I distinctly heard a human groan."
+
+"Where?--in what direction?" asked Sir Everard and De
+Haldimar in the same breath.
+
+"Immediately opposite to us on the common. But see, here
+are the remainder of the party stationary, and listening
+also."
+
+They now stole gently forward a few paces, and were soon
+at the side of their companions, all of whom were straining
+their necks and bending their heads in the attitude of
+men listening attentively.
+
+"Have you heard any thing, Erskine?" asked Captain
+Blessington in the same low whisper, and addressing the
+officer who led the opposite party.
+
+"Not a sound ourselves, but here is Sir Everard's black
+servant, Sambo, who has just riveted our attention, by
+declaring that he distinctly heard a groan towards the
+skirt of the common."
+
+"He is right," hastily rejoined Blessington; "I heard it
+also."
+
+Again a death-like silence ensued, during which the eyes
+of the party were strained eagerly in the direction of
+the common. The night was clear and starry, yet the dark
+shadow of the broad belt of forest threw all that part
+of the waste which came within its immediate range into
+impenetrable obscurity.
+
+"Do you see any thing?" whispered Valletort to his friend,
+who stood next him: "look--look!" and he pointed with
+his finger.
+
+"Nothing," returned De Haldimar, after an anxious gaze
+of a minute, "but that dilapidated old bomb-proof."
+
+"See you not something dark, and slightly moving immediately
+in a line with the left angle of the bomb-proof?"
+
+De Haldimar looked again.--"I do begin to fancy I see
+something," he replied; "but so confusedly and indistinctly,
+that I know not whether it be not merely an illusion of
+my imagination. Perhaps it is a stray Indian dog devouring
+the carcass of the wolf you shot yesterday."
+
+"Be it dog or devil, here is for a trial of his
+vulnerability.--Sambo, quick, my rifle."
+
+The young negro handed to his master one of those long
+heavy rifles, which the Indians usually make choice of
+for killing the buffalo, elk, and other animals whose
+wildness renders them difficult of approach. He then,
+unbidden, and as if tutored to the task, placed himself
+in a stiff upright position in front of his master, with
+every nerve and muscle braced to the most inflexible
+steadiness. The young officer next threw the rifle on
+the right shoulder of the boy for a rest, and prepared
+to take his aim on the object that had first attracted
+his attention.
+
+"Make haste, massa,--him go directly,--Sambo see him
+get up."
+
+All was breathless attention among the group of officers;
+and when the sharp ticking sound produced by the cocking
+of the rifle of their companion fell on their ears, they
+bent their gaze upon the point towards which the murderous
+weapon was levelled with the most aching and intense
+interest.
+
+"Quick, quick, massa,--him quite up," again whispered
+the boy.
+
+The words had scarcely passed his lips, when the crack
+of the rifle, followed by a bright blaze of light, sounded
+throughout the stillness of the night with exciting
+sharpness. For an instant all was hushed; but scarcely
+had the distant woods ceased to reverberate the
+spirit-stirring echoes, when the anxious group of officers
+were surprised and startled by a sudden flash, the report
+of a second rifle from the common, and the whizzing of
+a bullet past their ears. This was instantly succeeded
+by a fierce, wild, and prolonged cry, expressive at once
+of triumph and revenge. It was that peculiar cry which
+an Indian utters when the reeking scalp has been wrested
+from his murdered victim.
+
+"Missed him, as I am a sinner," exclaimed Sir Everard,
+springing to his feet, and knocking the butt of his rifle
+on the ground with a movement of impatience. "Sambo, you
+young scoundrel, it was all your fault,--you moved your
+shoulder as I pulled the trigger. Thank Heaven, however,
+the aim of the Indian appears to have been no better,
+although the sharp whistling of his ball proves his piece
+to have been well levelled for a random shot."
+
+"His aim has been too true," faintly pronounced the voice
+of one somewhat in the rear of his companions. "The ball
+of the villain has found a lodgment in my breast. God
+bless ye all, my boys; may your fates be more lucky than
+mine!" While he yet spoke, Lieutenant Murphy sank into
+the arms of Blessington and De Haldimar, who had flown
+to him at the first intimation of his wound, and was in
+the next instant a corpse.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+"To your companies, gentlemen, to your companies on the
+instant. There is treason in the fort, and we had need
+of all our diligence and caution. Captain de Haldimar is
+missing, and the gate has been found unlocked. Quick,
+gentlemen, quick; even now the savages may be around us,
+though unseen."
+
+"Captain de Haldimar missing!--the gate unlocked!"
+exclaimed a number of voices. "Impossible!--surely we
+are not betrayed by our own men."
+
+"The sentinel has been relieved, and is now in irons,"
+resumed the communicator of this startling piece of
+intelligence. It was the adjutant of the regiment.
+
+"Away, gentlemen, to your posts immediately," said Captain
+Blessington, who, aided by De Haldimar, hastened to
+deposit the stiffening body of the unfortunate Murphy,
+which they still supported, upon the rampart. Then
+addressing the adjutant, "Mr. Lawson, let a couple of
+files be sent immediately to remove the body of their
+officer."
+
+"That shot which I heard from the common, as I approached,
+was not fired at random, then, I find," observed the
+adjutant, as they all now hastily descended to join their
+men.--"Who has fallen?"
+
+"Murphy, of the grenadiers," was the reply of one near
+him.
+
+"Poor fellow! our work commences badly," resumed Mr.
+Lawson: "Murphy killed, and Captain de Haldimar missing.
+We had few officers enough to spare before, and their
+loss will be severely felt; I greatly fear, too, these
+casualties may have a tendency to discourage the men."
+
+"Nothing more easy than to supply their place, by promoting
+some of our oldest sergeants," observed Ensign Delme,
+who, as well as the ill-fated Murphy, had risen from the
+ranks. "If they behave themselves well, the King will
+confirm their appointments."
+
+"But my poor brother, what of him, Lawson? what have you
+learnt connected with his disappearance?" asked Charles
+de Haldimar with deep emotion.
+
+"Nothing satisfactory, I am sorry to say," returned the
+adjutant; "in fact, the whole affair is a mystery which
+no one can unravel; even at this moment the sentinel,
+Frank Halloway, who is strongly suspected of being privy
+to his disappearance, is undergoing a private examination
+by your father the governor."
+
+"Frank Halloway!" repeated the youth with a start of
+astonishment; "surely Halloway could never prove a
+traitor,--and especially to my brother, whose life he
+once saved at the peril of his own."
+
+The officers had now gained the parade, when the "Fall
+in, gentlemen, fall in," quickly pronounced by Major
+Blackwater, prevented all further questioning on the part
+of the younger De Haldimar.
+
+The scene, though circumscribed in limit, was picturesque
+in effect, and might have been happily illustrated by
+the pencil of the painter. The immediate area of the
+parade was filled with armed men, distributed into three
+divisions, and forming, with their respective ranks facing
+outwards, as many sides of a hollow square, the mode of
+defence invariably adopted by the Governor in all cases
+of sudden alarm. The vacant space, which communicated
+with the powder magazine, was left open to the movements
+of three three-pounders, which were to support each face
+in the event of its being broken by numbers. Close to
+these, and within the square, stood the number of gunners
+necessary to the duty of the field-pieces, each of which
+was commanded by a bombardier. At the foot of the ramparts,
+outside the square, and immediately opposite to their
+several embrasures, were stationed the gunners required
+for the batteries, under a non-commissioned officer also,
+and the whole under the direction of a superior officer
+of that arm, who now walked to and fro, conversing in a
+low voice with Major Blackwater. One gunner at each of
+these divisions of the artillery held in his hand a
+blazing torch, reflecting with picturesque yet gloomy
+effect the bright bayonets and equipment of the soldiers,
+and the anxious countenances of the women and invalids,
+who, bending eagerly through the windows of the surrounding
+barracks, appeared to await the issue of these preparations
+with an anxiety increased by the very consciousness of
+having no other parts than those of spectators to play
+in the scene that was momentarily expected.
+
+In a few minutes from the falling in of the officers with
+their respective companies, the clank of irons was heard
+in the direction of the guard-room, and several forms
+were seen slowly advancing into the area already occupied
+as we have described. This party was preceded by the
+Adjutant Lawson, who, advancing towards Major Blackwater,
+communicated a message, that was followed by the command
+of the latter officer for the three divisions to face
+inwards. The officer of artillery also gave the word to
+his men to form lines of single files immediately in the
+rear of their respective guns, leaving space enough for
+the entrance of the approaching party, which consisted
+of half a dozen files of the guard, under a non-commissioned
+officer, and one whose manacled limbs, rather than his
+unaccoutred uniform, attested him to be not merely a
+prisoner, but a prisoner confined for some serious and
+flagrant offence.
+
+This party now advanced through the vacant quarter of
+the square, and took their stations immediately in the
+centre. Here the countenances of each, and particularly
+that of the prisoner, who was, if we may so term it, the
+centre of that centre, were thrown into strong relief by
+the bright glare of the torches as they were occasionally
+waved in air, to disencumber them of their dross, so that
+the features of the prisoner stood revealed to those
+around as plainly as if it had been noonday. Not a sound,
+not a murmur, escaped from the ranks: but, though the
+etiquette and strict laws of military discipline chained
+all speech, the workings of the inward mind remained
+unchecked; and as they recognised in the prisoner Frank
+Halloway, one of the bravest and boldest in the field,
+and, as all had hitherto imagined, one of the most devoted
+to his duty, an irrepressible thrill of amazement and
+dismay crept throughout the frames, and for a moment
+blanched the cheeks of those especially who belonged to
+the same company. On being summoned from their fruitless
+search after the stranger, to fall in without delay, it
+had been whispered among the men that treason had crept
+into the fort, and a traitor, partly detected in his
+crime, had been arrested and thrown into irons; but the
+idea of Frank Halloway being that traitor was the last
+that could have entered into their thoughts, and yet they
+now beheld him covered with every mark of ignominy, and
+about to answer his high offence, in all human probability,
+with his life.
+
+With the officers the reputation of Halloway for courage
+and fidelity stood no less high; but, while they secretly
+lamented the circumstance of his defalcation, they could
+not disguise from themselves the almost certainty of his
+guilt, for each, as he now gazed upon the prisoner,
+recollected the confusion and hesitation of manner he
+had evinced when questioned by them preparatory to their
+ascending to the ramparts.
+
+Once more the suspense of the moment was interrupted by
+the entrance of other forms into the area. They were
+those of the Adjutant, followed by a drummer, bearing
+his instrument, and the Governor's orderly, charged with
+pens, ink, paper, and a book which, from its peculiar
+form and colour, every one present knew to be a copy of
+the Articles of War. A variety of contending emotions
+passed through the breasts of many, as they witnessed
+the silent progress of these preparations, rendered
+painfully interesting by the peculiarity of their position,
+and the wildness of the hour at which they thus found
+themselves assembled together. The prisoner himself was
+unmoved: he stood proud, calm, and fearless amid the
+guard, of whom he had so recently formed one; and though
+his countenance was pale, as much, perhaps, from a sense
+of the ignominious character in which he appeared as from
+more private considerations, still there was nothing to
+denote either the abjectness of fear or the consciousness
+of merited disgrace. Once or twice a low sobbing, that
+proceeded at intervals from one of the barrack windows,
+caught his ear, and he turned his glance in that direction
+with a restless anxiety, which he exerted himself in the
+instant afterwards to repress; but this was the only mark
+of emotion he betrayed.
+
+The above dispositions having been hastily made, the
+adjutant and his assistants once more retired. After the
+lapse of a minute, a tall martial-looking man, habited
+in a blue military frock, and of handsome, though stern,
+haughty, and inflexible features, entered the area. He
+was followed by Major Blackwater, the captain of artillery,
+and Adjutant Lawson.
+
+"Are the garrison all present, Mr. Lawson? are the officers
+all present? "
+
+"All except those of the guard, sir," replied the Adjutant,
+touching his hat with a submission that was scrupulously
+exacted on all occasions of duty by his superior.
+
+The Governor passed his hand for a moment over his brows.
+It seemed to those around him as if the mention of that
+guard had called up recollections which gave him pain;
+and it might be so, for his eldest son, Captain Frederick
+de Haldimar, had commanded the guard. Whither he had
+disappeared, or in what manner, no one knew.
+
+"Are the artillery all present, Captain Wentworth?" again
+demanded the Governor, after a moment of silence, and in
+his wonted firm authoritative voice.
+
+"All present, sir," rejoined the officer, following the
+example of the Adjutant, and saluting his chief.
+
+"Then let a drum-head court-martial be assembled
+immediately, Mr. Lawson, and without reference to the
+roster let the senior officers be selected."
+
+The Adjutant went round to the respective divisions, and
+in a low voice warned Captain Blessington, and the four
+senior subalterns, for that duty. One by one the officers,
+as they were severally called upon, left their places in
+the square, and sheathing their swords, stepped into that
+part of the area appointed as their temporary court. They
+were now all assembled, and Captain Blessington, the
+senior of his rank in the garrison, was preparing to
+administer the customary oaths, when the prisoner Halloway
+advanced a pace or two in front of his escort, and removing
+his cap, in a clear, firm, but respectful voice, thus
+addressed the Governor:--
+
+"Colonel de Haldimar, that I am no traitor, as I have
+already told you, the Almighty God, before whom I swore
+allegiance to his Majesty, can bear me witness. Appearances,
+I own, are against me; but, so far from being a traitor,
+I would have shed my last drop of blood in defence of
+the garrison and your family.--Colonel de Haldimar," he
+pursued, after a momentary pause, in which he seemed to
+be struggling to subdue the emotion which rose, despite
+of himself, to his throat, "I repeat, I am no traitor,
+and I scorn the imputation--but here is my best answer
+to the charge. This wound, (and he unbuttoned his jacket,
+opened his shirt, and disclosed a deep scar upon his
+white chest,) this wound I received in defence of my
+captain's life at Quebec. Had I not loved him, I should
+not so have exposed myself, neither but for that should
+I now stand in the situation of shame and danger, in
+which my comrades behold me."
+
+Every heart was touched by this appeal--this bold and
+manly appeal to the consideration of the Governor. The
+officers, especially, who were fully conversant with the
+general merit of Halloway, were deeply affected, and
+Charles de Haldimar--the young, the generous, the feeling
+Charles de Haldimar,--even shed tears.
+
+"What mean you, prisoner?" interrogated the Governor,
+after a short pause, during which he appeared to be
+weighing and deducing inferences from the expressions
+just uttered. "What mean you, by stating, but for that
+(alluding to your regard for Captain de Haldimar) you
+would not now be in this situation of shame and danger?"
+
+The prisoner hesitated a moment; and then rejoined, but
+in a tone that had less of firmness in it than
+before,--"Colonel de Haldimar, I am not at liberty to
+state my meaning; for, though a private soldier, I respect
+my word, and have pledged myself to secrecy."
+
+"You respect your word, and have pledged yourself to
+secrecy! What mean you, man, by this rhodomontade? To
+whom can you have pledged yourself, and for what, unless
+it be to some secret enemy without the walls? Gentlemen,
+proceed to your duty: it is evident that the man is a
+traitor, even from his own admission.--On my life," he
+pursued, more hurriedly, and speaking in an under tone,
+as if to himself, "the fellow has been bribed by, and is
+connected with--." The name escaped not his lips; for,
+aware of the emotion he was betraying, he suddenly checked
+himself, and assumed his wonted stern and authoritative
+bearing.
+
+Once more the prisoner addressed the Governor in the same
+clear firm voice in which he had opened his appeal.
+
+"Colonel de Haldimar, I have no connection with any living
+soul without the fort; and again I repeat, I am no traitor,
+but a true and loyal British soldier, as my services in
+this war, and my comrades, can well attest. Still, I seek
+not to shun that death which I have braved a dozen times
+at least in the ---- regiment. All that I ask is, that
+I may not be tried--that I may not have the shame of
+hearing sentence pronounced against me YET; but if nothing
+should occur before eight o'clock to vindicate my character
+from this disgrace, I will offer up no further prayer
+for mercy. In the name of that life, therefore, which I
+once preserved to Captain de Haldimar, at the price of
+my own blood, I entreat a respite from trial until then."
+
+"In the name of God and all his angels, let mercy reach
+your soul, and grant his prayer!"
+
+Every ear was startled--every heart touched by the
+plaintive, melancholy, silver tones of the voice that
+faintly pronounced the last appeal, and all recognised
+it for that of the young, interesting, and attached wife
+of the prisoner. Again the latter turned his gaze towards
+the window whence the sounds proceeded, and by the glare
+of the torches a tear was distinctly seen by many coursing
+down his manly cheek. The weakness was momentary. In the
+next instant he closed his shirt and coat, and resuming
+his cap, stepped back once more amid his guard, where he
+remained stationary, with the air of one who, having
+nothing further to hope, has resolved to endure the worst
+that can happen with resignation and fortitude.
+
+After the lapse of a few moments, again devoted to much
+apparent deep thought and conjecture, the Governor once
+more, and rather hurriedly, resumed,--
+
+"In the event, prisoner, of this delay in your trial
+being granted, will you pledge yourself to disclose the
+secret to which you have alluded? Recollect, there is
+nothing but that which can save your memory from being
+consigned to infamy for ever; for who, among your comrades,
+will believe the idle denial of your treachery, when
+there is the most direct proof against you? If your secret
+die with you, moreover, every honest man will consider
+it as having been one so infamous and injurious to your
+character, that you were ashamed to reveal it."
+
+These suggestions of the Colonel were not without their
+effect; for, in the sudden swelling of the prisoner's
+chest, as allusion was made to the disgrace that would
+attach to his memory, there was evidence of a high and
+generous spirit, to whom obloquy was far more hateful
+than even death itself.
+
+"I do promise," he at length replied, stepping forward,
+and uncovering himself as before,--"if no one appear to
+justify my conduct at the hour I have named, a full
+disclosure of all I know touching this affair shall be
+made. And may God, of his infinite mercy, grant, for
+Captain de Haldimar's sake, as well as mine, I may not
+then be wholly deserted!"
+
+There was something so peculiarly solemn and impressive
+in the manner in which the unhappy man now expressed
+himself, that a feeling of the utmost awe crept into the
+bosoms of the surrounding throng; and more than one
+veteran of the grenadiers, the company to which Halloway
+belonged, was heard to relieve his chest of the long
+pent-up sigh that struggled for release.
+
+"Enough, prisoner," rejoined the Governor; "on this
+condition do I grant your request; but recollect,--your
+disclosure ensures no hope of pardon, unless, indeed,
+you have the fullest proof to offer in your defence. Do
+you perfectly understand me? "
+
+"I do," replied the soldier firmly; and again he placed
+his cap on his head, and retired a step or two back among
+the guard.
+
+"Mr. Lawson, let the prisoner be removed, and conducted
+to one of the private cells. Who is the subaltern of
+the guard?"
+
+"Ensign Fortescue," was the answer.
+
+"Then let Ensign Fortescue keep the key of the cell
+himself. Tell him, moreover, I shall hold him individually
+responsible for his charge."
+
+Once more the prisoner was marched out of the area; and,
+as the clanking sound of his chains became gradually
+fainter in the distance, the same voice that had before
+interrupted the proceedings, pronounced a "God be praised!--
+God be praised!" with such melody of sorrow in its
+intonations that no one could listen to it unmoved. Both
+officers and men were more or less affected, and all
+hoped--they scarcely knew why or what--but all hoped
+something favourable would occur to save the life of the
+brave and unhappy Frank Halloway.
+
+Of the first interruption by the wife of the prisoner
+the Governor had taken no notice; but on this repetition
+of the expression of her feelings he briefly summoned,
+in the absence of the Adjutant, the sergeant-major of
+the regiment to his side.
+
+"Sergeant-major Bletson, I desire that, in future, on
+all occasions of this kind, the women of the regiment
+may be kept out of the way. Look to it, sir!"
+
+The sergeant-major, who had stood erect as his own halbert,
+which he held before him in a saluting position, during
+this brief admonition of his colonel, acknowledged, by
+a certain air of deferential respect and dropping of the
+eyes, unaccompanied by speech of any kind, that he felt
+the reproof, and would, in future, take care to avoid
+all similar cause for complaint. He then stalked stiffly
+away, and resumed, in a few hasty strides, his position
+in rear of the troops.
+
+"Hard-hearted man!" pursued the same voice: "if my prayers
+of gratitude to Heaven give offence, may the hour never
+come when my lips shall pronounce their bitterest curse
+upon your severity!"
+
+There was something so painfully wild--so solemnly
+prophetic--in these sounds of sorrow as they fell faintly
+upon the ear, and especially under the extraordinary
+circumstances of the night, that they might have been
+taken for the warnings of some supernatural agency. During
+their utterance, not even the breathing of human life
+was to be heard in the ranks. In the next instant, however,
+Sergeant-major Bletson was seen repairing, with long and
+hasty strides, to the barrack whence the voice proceeded,
+and the interruption was heard no more.
+
+Meanwhile the officers, who had been summoned from the
+ranks for the purpose of forming the court-martial, still
+lingered in the centre of the square, apparently waiting
+for the order of their superior, before they should resume
+their respective stations. As the quick and comprehensive
+glance of Colonel de Haldimar now embraced the group, he
+at once became sensible of the absence of one of the
+seniors, all of whom he had desired should be selected
+for the court-martial.
+
+"Mr. Lawson," he remarked, somewhat sternly, as the
+Adjutant now returned from delivering over his prisoner
+to Ensign Fortescue, "I thought I understood from your
+report the officers were all present!"
+
+"I believe, sir, my report will be found perfectly
+correct," returned the Adjutant, in a tone which, without
+being disrespectful, marked his offended sense of the
+implication.
+
+"And Lieutenant Murphy--"
+
+"Is here, sir," said the Adjutant, pointing to a couple
+of files of the guard, who were bearing a heavy burden,
+and following into the square. "Lieutenant Murphy," he
+pursued, "has been shot on the ramparts; and I have, as
+directed by Captain Blessington, caused the body to be
+brought here, that I may receive your orders respecting
+the interment." As he spoke, he removed a long military
+grey cloak, which completely enshrouded the corpse, and
+disclosed, by the light of the still brightly flaming
+torches of the gunners, the features of the unfortunate
+Murphy.
+
+"How did he meet his death?" enquired the governor;
+without, however, manifesting the slightest surprise, or
+appearing at all moved at the discovery.
+
+"By a rifle shot fired from the common, near the old bomb
+proof," observed Captain Blessington, as the adjutant
+looked to him for the particular explanation he could
+not render himself.
+
+"Ah! this reminds me," pursued the austere
+commandant,--"there was a shot fired also from the
+ramparts. By whom, and at what?"
+
+"By me, sir," said Lieutenant Valletort, coming forward
+from the ranks, "and at what I conceived to be an Indian,
+lurking as a spy upon the common."
+
+"Then, Lieutenant Sir Everard Valletort, no repetition
+of these firings, if you please; and let it be borne in
+mind by all, that although, from the peculiar nature of
+the service in which we are engaged, I so far depart from
+the established regulations of the army as to permit my
+officers to arm themselves with rifles, they are to be
+used only as occasion may require in the hour of conflict,
+and not for the purpose of throwing a whole garrison into
+alarm by trials of skill and dexterity upon shadows at
+this unseasonable hour."
+
+"I was not aware, sir," returned Sir Everard proudly,
+and secretly galled at being thus addressed before the
+men, "it could be deemed a military crime to destroy an
+enemy at whatever hour he might present himself, and
+especially on such an occasion as the present. As for my
+firing at a shadow, those who heard the yell that followed
+the second shot, can determine that it came from no
+shadow, but from a fierce and vindictive enemy. The cry
+denoted even something more than the ordinary defiance
+of an Indian: it seemed to express a fiendish sentiment
+of personal triumph and revenge."
+
+The governor started involuntarily. "Do you imagine, Sir
+Everard Valletort, the aim of your rifle was true--that
+you hit him?"
+
+This question was asked so hurriedly, and in a tone so
+different from that in which he had hitherto spoken, that
+the officers around simultaneously raised their eyes to
+those of their colonel with an expression of undissembled
+surprise. He observed it, and instantly resumed his
+habitual sternness of look and manner.
+
+"I rather fear not, sir," replied Sir Everard, who had
+principally remarked the emotion; "but may I hope (and
+this was said with emphasis), in the evident disappointment
+you experience at my want of success, my offence may be
+overlooked?"
+
+The governor fixed his penetrating eyes on the speaker,
+as if he would have read his inmost mind; and then calmly,
+and even impressively, observed,--
+
+"Sir Everard Valletort, I do overlook the offence, and
+hope you may as easily forgive yourself. It were well,
+however, that your indiscretion, which can only find its
+excuse in your being so young an officer, had not been
+altogether without some good result. Had you killed or
+disabled the--the savage, there might have been a decent
+palliative offered; but what must be your feelings, sir,
+when you reflect, the death of yon officer," and he
+pointed to the corpse of the unhappy Murphy, "is, in a
+great degree, attributable to yourself? Had you not
+provoked the anger of the savage, and given a direction
+to his aim by the impotent and wanton discharge of your
+own rifle, this accident would never have happened."
+
+This severe reproving of an officer, who had acted from
+the most praiseworthy of motives, and who could not
+possibly have anticipated the unfortunate catastrophe
+that had occurred, was considered especially harsh and
+unkind by every one present; and a low and almost inaudible
+murmur passed through the company to which Sir Everard
+was attached. For a minute or two that officer also
+appeared deeply pained, not more from the reproof itself
+than from the new light in which the observation of his
+chief had taught him to view, for the first time, the
+causes that had led to the fall of Murphy. Finding,
+however, that the governor had no further remark to
+address to him, he once more returned to his station in
+the ranks.
+
+"Mr. Lawson," resumed the commandant, turning to the
+adjutant, "let this victim be carried to the spot on
+which he fell, and there interred. I know no better grave
+for a soldier than beneath the sod that has been moistened
+with his blood. Recollect," he continued, as the adjutant
+once more led the party out of the area,--"no firing,
+Mr. Lawson. The duty must be silently performed, and
+without the risk of provoking a forest of arrows, or a
+shower of bullets from the savages. Major Blackwater,"
+he pursued, as soon as the corpse had been removed, "let
+the men pile their arms even as they now stand, and remain
+ready to fall in at a minute's notice. Should any thing
+extraordinary happen before the morning, you will, of
+course, apprise me." He then strode out of the area with
+the same haughty and measured step that had characterised
+his entrance.
+
+"Our colonel does not appear to be in one of his most
+amiable moods to-night," observed Captain Blessington,
+as the officers, after having disposed of their respective
+companies, now proceeded along the ramparts to assist at
+the last funeral offices of their unhappy associate.
+"He was disposed to be severe, and must have put you, in
+some measure, out of conceit with your favourite rifle,
+Valletort."
+
+"True," rejoined the Baronet, who had already rallied
+from the momentary depression of his spirits, "he hit me
+devilish hard, I confess, and was disposed to display
+more of the commanding officer than quite suits my ideas
+of the service. His words were as caustic as his looks;
+and could both have pierced me to the quick, there was
+no inclination on his part wanting. By my soul I could.
+...but I forgive him. He is the father of my friend:
+and for that reason will I chew the cud of my mortification,
+nor suffer, if possible, a sense of his unkindness to
+rankle at my heart. At all events, Blessington, my mind
+is made up, and resign or exchange I certainly shall the
+instant I can find a decent loop-hole to creep out of."
+
+Sir Everard fancied the ear of his captain was alone
+listening to these expressions of his feeling, or in all
+probability he would not have uttered them. As he concluded
+the last sentence, however, he felt his arm gently grasped
+by one who walked a pace or two silently in their rear.
+He turned, and recognised Charles de Haldimar.
+
+"I am sure, Valletort, you will believe how much pained
+I have been at the severity of my father; but, indeed,
+there was nothing personally offensive intended. Blessington
+can tell you as well as myself it is his manner altogether.
+Nay, that although he is the first in seniority after
+Blackwater, the governor treats him with the same distance
+and hauteur he would use towards the youngest ensign in
+the service. Such are the effects of his long military
+habits, and his ideas of the absolutism of command. Am
+I not right, Blessington?"
+
+"Quite right, Charles. Sir Everard may satisfy himself
+his is no solitary instance of the stern severity of your
+father. Still, I confess, notwithstanding the rigidity
+of manner which he seems, on all occasions, to think so
+indispensable to the maintenance of authority in a
+commanding officer, I never knew him so inclined to find
+fault as he is to-night."
+
+"Perhaps," observed Valletort, good humouredly, "his
+conscience is rather restless; and he is willing to get
+rid of it and his spleen together. I would wager my rifle
+against the worthless scalp of the rascal I fired at
+to-night, that this same stranger, whose asserted appearance
+has called us from our comfortable beds, is but the
+creation of his disturbed dreams. Indeed, how is it
+possible any thing formed of flesh and blood could have
+escaped us with the vigilant watch that has been kept on
+the ramparts? The old gentleman certainly had that illusion
+strongly impressed on his mind when he so sapiently spoke
+of my firing at a shadow."
+
+"But the gate," interrupted Charles de Haldimar, with
+something of mild reproach in his tones,--"you forget,
+Valletort, the gate was found unlocked, and that my
+brother is missing. HE, at least, was flesh and blood,
+as you say, and yet he has disappeared. What more probable,
+therefore, than that this stranger is at once the cause
+and the agent of his abduction?"
+
+"Impossible, Charles," observed Captain Blessington;
+"Frederick was in the midst of his guard. How, therefore,
+could he be conveyed away without the alarm being given?
+Numbers only could have succeeded in so desperate an
+enterprise; and yet there is no evidence, or even suspicion,
+of more than one individual having been here."
+
+"It is a singular affair altogether," returned Sir Everard,
+musingly. "Of two things, however, I am satisfied. The
+first is, that the stranger, whoever he may be, and if
+he really has been here, is no Indian; the second, that
+he is personally known to the governor, who has been, or
+I mistake much, more alarmed at his individual presence
+than if Ponteac and his whole band had suddenly broken
+in upon us. Did you remark his emotion, when I dwelt on
+the peculiar character of personal triumph and revenge
+which the cry of the lurking villain outside seemed to
+express? and did you notice the eagerness with which he
+enquired if I thought I had hit him? Depend upon it,
+there is more in all this than is dreamt of in our
+philosophy."
+
+"And it was your undisguised perception of that emotion,"
+remarked Captain Blessington, "that drew down his severity
+upon your own head. It was, however, too palpable not to
+be noticed by all; and I dare say conjecture is as busily
+and as vaguely at work among our companions as it is with
+us. The clue to the mystery, in a great degree, now dwells
+with Frank Halloway; and to him we must look for its
+elucidation. His disclosure will be one, I apprehend,
+full of ignominy to himself, but of the highest interest
+and importance to us all. And yet I know not how to
+believe the man the traitor he appears."
+
+"Did you remark that last harrowing exclamation of his
+wife?" observed Charles de Haldimar, in a tone of
+unspeakable melancholy. "How fearfully prophetic it
+sounded in my ears. I know not how it is," he pursued,
+"but I wish I had not heard those sounds; for since that
+moment I have had a sad strange presentiment of evil at
+my heart. Heaven grant my poor brother may make his
+appearance, as I still trust he will, at the hour Halloway
+seems to expect, for if not, the latter most assuredly
+dies. I know my father well; and, if convicted by a court
+martial, no human power can alter the destiny that awaits
+Frank Halloway."
+
+"Rally, my dear Charles, rally," said Sir Everard,
+affecting a confidence he did not feel himself; "indulge
+not in these idle and superstitious fancies. I pity
+Halloway from my soul, and feel the deepest interest in
+his pretty and unhappy wife; but that is no reason why
+one should attach importance to the incoherent expressions
+wrung from her in the agony of grief."
+
+"It is kind of you, Valletort, to endeavour to cheer my
+spirits, when, if the truth were confessed, you acknowledge
+the influence of the same feelings. I thank you for the
+attempt, but time alone can show how far I shall have
+reason, or otherwise, to lament the occurrences of this
+night."
+
+They had now reached that part of the ramparts whence
+the shot from Sir Everard's rifle had been fired. Several
+men were occupied in digging a grave in the precise spot
+on which the unfortunate Murphy had stood when he received
+his death-wound; and into this, when completed, the body,
+enshrouded in the cloak already alluded to, was deposited
+by his companions.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+While the adjutant was yet reading, in a low and solemn
+voice, the service for the dead, a fierce and distant
+yell, as if from a legion of devils, burst suddenly from
+the forest, and brought the hands of the startled officers
+instinctively to their swords. This appalling cry lasted,
+without interruption, for many minutes, and was then as
+abruptly checked as it had been unexpectedly delivered.
+A considerable pause succeeded, and then again it rose
+with even more startling vehemence than before. By one
+unaccustomed to those devilish sounds, no distinction
+could have been made in the two several yells that had
+been thus savagely pealed forth; but those to whom practice
+and long experience in the warlike habits and customs of
+the Indians had rendered their shouts familiar, at once
+divined, or fancied they divined, the cause. The first
+was, to their conception, a yell expressive at once of
+vengeance and disappointment in pursuit,--perhaps of some
+prisoner who had escaped from their toils; the second,
+of triumph and success,--in all probability, indicative
+of the recapture of that prisoner. For many minutes
+afterwards the officers continued to listen, with the
+most aching attention, for a repetition of the cry, or
+even fainter sounds, that might denote either a nearer
+approach to the fort, or the final departure of the
+Indians. After the second yell, however, the woods, in
+the heart of which it appeared to have been uttered, were
+buried in as profound a silence as if they had never yet
+echoed back the voice of man; and all at length became
+satisfied that the Indians, having accomplished some
+particular purpose, had retired once more to their distant
+encampments for the night. Captain Erskine was the first
+who broke the almost breathless silence that prevailed
+among themselves.
+
+"On my life De Haldimar is a prisoner with the Indians.
+He has been attempting his escape,--has been
+detected,--followed, and again fallen into their hands.
+I know their infernal yells but too well. The last
+expressed their savage joy at the capture of a prisoner;
+and there is no one of us missing but De Haldimar."
+
+"Not a doubt of it," said Captain Blessington; "the cry
+was certainly what you describe it, and Heaven only knows
+what will be the fate of our poor friend."
+
+No other officer spoke, for all were oppressed by the
+weight of their own feelings, and sought rather to give
+indulgence to speculation in secret, than to share their
+impressions with their companions. Charles de Haldimar
+stood a little in the rear, leaning his head upon his
+hand against the box of the sentry, (who was silently,
+though anxiously, pacing his walk,) and in an attitude
+expressive of the deepest dejection and sorrow.
+
+"I suppose I must finish Lawson's work, although I am
+but a poor hand at this sort of thing," resumed Captain
+Erskine, taking up the prayer book the adjutant had, in
+hastening on the first alarm to get the men under arms,
+carelessly thrown on the grave of the now unconscious
+Murphy.
+
+He then commenced the service at the point where Mr.
+Lawson had so abruptly broken off, and went through the
+remainder of the prayers. A very few minutes sufficed
+for the performance of this solemn duty, which was effected
+by the faint dim light of the at length dawning day, and
+the men in attendance proceeded to fill up the grave of
+their officer.
+
+Gradually the mists, that had fallen during the latter
+hours of the night, began to ascend from the common, and
+disperse themselves in air, conveying the appearance of
+a rolling sheet of vapour retiring Back upon itself, and
+disclosing objects in succession, until the eye could
+embrace all that came within its extent of vision. As
+the officers yet lingered near the rude grave of their
+companion, watching with abstracted air the languid and
+almost mechanical action of their jaded men, as they
+emptied shovel after shovel of the damp earth over the
+body of its new tenant, they were suddenly startled by
+an expression of exultation from Sir Everard Valletort.
+
+"By Jupiter, I have pinked him," he exclaimed triumphantly.
+"I knew my rifle could not err; and as for my sight, I
+have carried away too many prizes in target-shooting to
+have been deceived in that. How delighted the old governor
+will be, Charles, to hear this. No more lecturing, I am
+sure, for the next six months at least;" and the young
+officer rubbed his hands together, at the success of his
+shot, with as much satisfaction and unconcern for the
+future, as if he had been in his own native England; in
+the midst of a prize-ring.
+
+Roused by the observation of his friend, De Haldimar
+quitted his position near the sentry box, and advanced
+to the outer edge of the rampart. To him, as to his
+companions, the outline of the old bomb proof was now
+distinctly visible, but it was sometime before they could
+discover, in the direction in which Valletort pointed,
+a dark speck upon the common; and this so indistinctly,
+they could scarcely distinguish it with the naked eye.
+
+"Your sight is quite equal to your aim, Sir Everard,"
+remarked Lieutenant Johnstone, one of Erskine's subalterns,
+"and both are decidedly superior to mine; yet I used to
+be thought a good rifleman too, and have credit for an
+eye no less keen than that of an Indian. You have the
+advantage of me, however; for I honestly admit I never
+could have picked off yon fellow in the dark as you have
+done."
+
+As the dawn increased, the dark shadow of a human form,
+stretched at its length upon the ground, became perceptible;
+and the officers, with one unanimous voice, bore loud
+testimony to the skill and dexterity of him who had,
+under such extreme disadvantages, accomplished the death
+of their skulking enemy.
+
+"Bravo, Valletort," said Charles de Haldimar, recovering
+his spirits, as much from the idea, now occurring to him,
+that this might indeed be the stranger whose appearance
+had so greatly disturbed his father, as from the
+gratification he felt in the praises bestowed on his
+friend. "Bravo, my dear fellow;" then approaching, and
+in a half whisper, "when next I write to Clara, I shall
+request her, with my cousin's assistance, to prepare a
+chaplet of bays, wherewith I shall myself crown you as
+their proxy. But what is the matter now, Valletort? Why
+stand you there gazing upon the common, as if the victim
+of your murderous aim was rising from his bloody couch,
+to reproach you with his death? Tell me, shall I write
+to Clara for the prize, or will you receive it from her
+own hands?"
+
+"Bid her rather pour her curses on my head; and to those,
+De Haldimar, add your own," exclaimed Sir Everard, at
+length raising himself from the statue-like position he
+had assumed. "Almighty God," he pursued, in the same tone
+of deep agony, "what have I done? Where, where shall I
+hide myself?"
+
+As he spoke he turned away from his companions, and
+covering his eyes with his hand, with quick and unequal
+steps, even like those of a drunken man, walked, or rather
+ran, along the rampart, as if fearful of being overtaken.
+
+The whole group of officers, and Charles de Haldimar in
+particular, were struck with dismay at the language and
+action of Sir Everard; and for a moment they fancied that
+fatigue, and watching, and excitement, had partially
+affected his brain. But when, after the lapse of a minute
+or two, they again looked out upon the common, the secret
+of his agitation was too faithfully and too painfully
+explained.
+
+What had at first the dusky and dingy hue of a half-naked
+Indian, was now perceived, by the bright beams of light
+just gathering in the east, to be the gay and striking
+uniform of a British officer. Doubt as to who that officer
+was there could be none, for the white sword-belt suspended
+over the right shoulder, and thrown into strong relief
+by the field of scarlet on which it reposed, denoted the
+wearer of this distinguishing badge of duty to be one of
+the guard.
+
+To comprehend effectually the feelings of the officers,
+it would be necessary that one should have been not merely
+a soldier, but a soldier under the same circumstances.
+Surrounded on every hand by a fierce and cruel
+enemy--prepared at every moment to witness scenes of
+barbarity and bloodshed in their most appalling
+shapes--isolated from all society beyond the gates of
+their own fortress, and by consequence reposing on and
+regarding each other as vital links in the chain of their
+wild and adventurous existence,--it can easily be understood
+with what sincere and unaffected grief they lamented the
+sudden cutting off even of those who least assimilated
+in spirit and character with themselves. Such, in a great
+degree, had been the case in the instance of the officer
+over whose grave they were now met to render the last
+offices of companionship, if not of friendship. Indeed
+Murphy--a rude, vulgar, and illiterate, though brave
+Irishman--having risen from the ranks, the coarseness of
+which he had never been able to shake off, was little
+calculated, either by habits or education, to awaken
+feelings, except of the most ordinary description, in
+his favour; and he and Ensign Delme were the only exceptions
+to those disinterested and tacit friendships that had
+grown up out of circumstances in common among the majority.
+If, therefore, they could regret the loss of such a
+companion as Murphy, how deep and heartfelt must have
+been the sorrow they experienced when they beheld the
+brave, generous, manly, amiable, and highly-talented
+Frederick de Haldimar--the pride of the garrison, and
+the idol of his family--lying extended, a cold, senseless
+corpse, slain by the hand of the bosom friend of his own
+brother!--Notwithstanding the stern severity and distance
+of the governor, whom few circumstances, however critical
+or exciting, could surprise into relaxation of his habitual
+stateliness, it would have been difficult to name two
+young men more universally liked and esteemed by their
+brother officers than were the De Haldimars--the first
+for the qualities already named--the second, for those
+retiring, mild, winning manners, and gentle affections,
+added to extreme and almost feminine beauty of countenance
+for which he was remarkable. Alas, what a gloomy picture
+was now exhibited to the minds of all!--Frederick de
+Haldimar a corpse, and slain by the hand of Sir Everard
+Valletort! What but disunion could follow this melancholy
+catastrophe? and how could Charles de Haldimar, even if
+his bland nature should survive the shock, ever bear to
+look again upon the man who had, however innocently or
+unintentionally, deprived him of a brother whom he adored?
+
+These were the impressions that passed through the minds
+of the compassionating officers, as they directed their
+glance alternately from the common to the pale and
+marble-like features of the younger De Haldimar, who,
+with parted lips and stupid gaze, continued to fix his
+eyes upon the inanimate form of his ill-fated brother,
+as if the very faculty of life itself had been for a
+period suspended. At length, however, while his companions
+watched in silence the mining workings of that grief
+which they feared to interrupt by ill-timed observations,
+even of condolence, the death-like hue, which had hitherto
+suffused the usually blooming cheek of the young officer,
+was succeeded by a flush of the deepest dye, while his
+eyes, swollen by the tide of blood now rushing violently
+to his face, appeared to be bursting from their sockets.
+The shock was more than his delicate frame, exhausted as
+it was by watching and fatigue, could bear. He tottered,
+reeled, pressed his hand upon his head, and before any
+one could render him assistance, fell senseless on the
+ramparts.
+
+During the interval between Sir Everard Valletort's
+exclamation, and the fall of Charles de Haldimar, the
+men employed at the grave had performed their duty, and
+were gazing with mingled astonishment and concern, both
+on the body of their murdered officer, and on the dumb
+scene acting around them. Two of these were now despatched
+for a litter, with which they speedily re-appeared. On
+this Charles de Haldimar, already delirious with the
+fever of intense excitement, was carefully placed, and,
+followed by Captain Blessington and Lieutenant Johnstone,
+borne to his apartment in the small range of buildings
+constituting the officers' barracks. Captain Erskine
+undertook the disagreeable office of communicating these
+distressing events to the governor; and the remainder of
+the officers once more hastened to join or linger near
+their respective companies, in readiness for the order
+which it was expected would be given to despatch a numerous
+party of the garrison to secure the body of Captain de
+Haldimar.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that
+peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the
+early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led
+his company across the drawbridge that communicated with
+the fort. It was the first time it had been lowered since
+the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as
+the dull and rusty chains performed their service with
+a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest
+were given of melancholy boding. Although the distance
+to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred
+was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the
+alert, would not suffer them to effect their object
+unmolested. It was perhaps singular, and certainly
+contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence
+and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities
+which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity
+in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the
+chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction
+of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed
+to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel
+de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his
+children. The feelings of the father, therefore, in a
+great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander;
+and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities
+which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian
+barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest
+prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to
+lead out his company for the purpose of securing the
+body. Every means were, however, taken to cover the
+advance, and ensure the retreat of the detachment. The
+remainder of the troops were distributed along the rear of
+the ramparts, with instructions to lie flat on their
+faces until summoned by their officers from that position;
+which was to be done only in the event of close pursuit
+from the savages. Artillerymen were also stationed at
+the several guns that flanked the rear of the fort, and
+necessarily commanded both the common and the outskirt
+of the forest, with orders to fire with grape-shot at a
+given signal. Captain Erskine's instructions were,
+moreover, if attacked, to retreat back under the guns of
+the fort slowly and in good order, and without turning
+his back upon the enemy.
+
+Thus confident of support, the party, after traversing
+the drawbridge with fixed bayonets, inclined to the right,
+and following the winding of the ditch by which it was
+surrounded, made the semi-circuit of the rampart until
+they gained the immediate centre of the rear, and in a
+direct line with the bomb-proof. Here their mode of
+advance was altered, to guard more effectually against
+the enemy with whom they might possibly have to contend.
+The front and rear ranks of the company, consisting in
+all of ninety men, were so placed as to leave space in
+the event of attack, of a portion of each wheeling inwards
+so as to present in an instant three equal faces of a
+square. As the rear was sufficiently covered by the
+cannon of the fort to defeat any attempt to turn their
+flanks, the manoeuvre was one that enabled them to present
+a fuller front in whatever other quarter they might be
+attacked; and had this additional advantage, that in the
+advance by single files a narrower front was given to
+the aim of the Indians, who, unless they fired in an
+oblique direction, could only, of necessity, bring down
+two men (the leading files) at a time.
+
+In this order, and anxiously overlooked by their comrades,
+whose eyes alone peered from above the surface of the
+rampart on which they lay prostrate, the detachment
+crossed the common; one rank headed by Captain Erskine,
+the other by Lieutenant Johnstone. They had now approached
+within a few yards of the unfortunate victim, when Captain
+Erskine commanded a halt of his party; and two files were
+detached from the rear of each rank, to place the body
+on a litter with which they had provided themselves. He
+and Johnstone also moved in the same direction in advance
+of the men, prepared to render assistance if required.
+The corpse lay on its face, and in no way despoiled of
+any of its glittering habiliments; a circumstance that
+too well confirmed the fact of De Haldimar's death having
+been accomplished by the ball from Sir Everard Valletort's
+rifle. It appeared, however, the ill-fated officer had
+struggled much in the agonies of death; for the left leg
+was drawn Up into an unnatural state of contraction, and
+the right hand, closely compressed, grasped a quantity
+of grass and soil, which had evidently been torn up in
+a paroxysm of suffering and despair.
+
+The men placed the litter at the side of the body, which
+they now proceeded to raise. As they were in the act of
+depositing it on this temporary bier, the plumed hat fell
+from the head, and disclosed, to the astonishment of all,
+the scalpless crown completely saturated in its own
+clotted blood and oozing brains.
+
+An exclamation of horror and disgust escaped at the same
+moment from the lips of the two officers, and the men
+started back from their charge as if a basilisk had
+suddenly appeared before them. Captain Erskine pursued:--
+"What the devil is the meaning of all this, Johnstone?"
+
+"What, indeed!" rejoined his lieutenant, with a shrug of
+the shoulders, that was intended to express his inability
+to form any opinion on the subject
+
+"Unless it should prove," continued Erskine, "as I
+sincerely trust it may, that poor Valletort is not, after
+all, the murderer of his friend. It must be so. De
+Haldimar has been slain by the same Indian who killed
+Murphy.--Do you recollect his scalp cry? He was in the
+act of despoiling his victim of this trophy of success,
+when Sir Everard fired. Examine the body well, Mitchell,
+and discover where the wound lies."
+
+The old soldier to whom this order was addressed now
+prepared, with the assistance of his comrades, to turn
+the body upon its back, when suddenly the air was rent
+with terrific yells, that seemed to be uttered in their
+very ears, and in the next instant more than a hundred
+dark and hideous savages sprang simultaneously to their
+feet within the bomb-proof, while every tree along the
+skirt of the forest gave back the towering form of a
+warrior. Each of these, in addition to his rifle, was
+armed with all those destructive implements of warfare
+which render the Indians of America so formidable and so
+terrible an enemy.
+
+"Stand to your arms, men," shouted Captain Erskine,
+recovering from his first and unavoidable, though but
+momentary, surprise. "First and fourth sections, on your
+right and left backwards wheel:--Quick, men, within the
+square, for your lives." As he spoke, he and Lieutenant
+Johnstone sprang hastily back, and in time to obtain
+admittance within the troops, who had rapidly executed
+the manoeuvre commanded. Not so with Mitchell and his
+companions. On the first alarm they had quitted the body
+of the mutilated officer, and flown to secure their arms,
+but even while in the act of stooping to take them up,
+they had been grappled by a powerful and vindictive foe;
+and the first thing they beheld on regaining their upright
+position was a dusky Indian at the side, and a gleaming
+tomahawk flashing rapidly round the head of each.
+
+"Fire not, on your lives," exclaimed Captain Erskine
+hastily, as he saw several of the men in front levelling,
+in the excitement of the moment, their muskets at the
+threatening savages. "Prepare for attack," he pursued;
+and in the next instant each man dropped on his right
+knee, and a barrier of bristling bayonets seemed to rise
+from the very bowels of the earth. Attracted by the
+novelty of the sight, the bold and daring warriors,
+although still retaining their firm grasp of the unhappy
+soldiers, were for a moment diverted from their bloody
+purpose, and temporarily suspended the quick and rotatory
+motion of their weapons. Captain Erskine took advantage
+of this pause to seize the halbert of one of his sergeants,
+to the extreme point of which he hastily attached a white
+pocket handkerchief, that was loosely thrust into the
+breast of his uniform; this he waved on high three several
+times, and then relinquishing the halbert, dropped also
+on his knee within the square.
+
+"The dog of a Saganaw asks for mercy," said a voice from
+within the bomb-proof, and speaking in the dialect of
+the Ottawas. "His pale flag bespeaks the quailing of his
+heart, and his attitude denotes the timidity of the hind.
+His warriors are like himself, and even now upon their
+knees they call upon their Manitou to preserve them from
+the vengeance of the red-skins. But mercy is not for dogs
+like these. Now is the time to make our tomahawks warm
+in their blood; and every head that we count shall be a
+scalp upon our war poles."
+
+As he ceased, one universal and portentous yell burst
+from the fiend-like band; and again the weapons of death
+were fiercely brandished around the heads of the stupified
+soldiers who had fallen into their power.
+
+"What can they be about?" anxiously exclaimed Captain
+Erskine, in the midst of this deafening clamour, to his
+subaltern.--"Quiet, man; damn you, quiet, or I'll cut
+you down," he pursued, addressing one of his soldiers,
+whose impatience caused him to bring his musket half up
+to the shoulder. And again he turned his head in the
+direction of the fort:--"Thank God, here it comes at
+last,--I feared my signal had not been noticed."
+
+While he yet spoke, the loud roaring of a cannon from
+the ramparts was heard, and a shower of grape-shot passed
+over the heads of the detachment, and was seen tearing
+up the earth around the bomb-proof, and scattering
+fragments of stone and wood into the air. The men
+simultaneously and unbidden gave three cheers.
+
+In an instant the scene was changed. As if moved by some
+mechanical impulse, the fierce band that lined the
+bomb-proof sank below the surface, and were no longer
+visible, while the warriors in the forest again sought
+shelter behind the trees. The captured soldiers were also
+liberated without injury, so sudden and startling had
+been the terror produced in the savages by the lightning
+flash that announced its heavy messengers of destruction.
+Discharge after discharge succeeded without intermission;
+but the guns had been levelled so high, to prevent injury
+to their own men, they had little other effect than to
+keep the Indians from the attack. The rush of bullets
+through the close forest, and the crashing of trees and
+branches as they fell with startling force upon each
+other, were, with the peals of artillery, the only noises
+now to be heard; for not a yell, not a word was uttered
+by the Indians after the first discharge; and but for
+the certainty that existed in every mind, it might have
+been supposed the whole of them had retired.
+
+"Now is your time," cried Captain Erskine; "bring in the
+litter to the rear, and stoop as much as possible to
+avoid the shot."
+
+The poor half-strangled fellows, however, instead of
+obeying the order of their captain, looked round in every
+direction for the enemy by whom they had been so rudely
+handled, and who had glided from them almost as
+imperceptibly and swiftly as they had first approached.
+It seemed as if they apprehended that any attempt to
+remove the body would be visited by those fierce devils
+with the same appalling and ferocious threatenings.
+
+"Why stand ye there, ye dolts," continued their captain,
+"looking around as if ye were bewitched? Bring the litter
+in to the rear.--Mitchell, you old fool, are you grown
+a coward in your age? Are you not ashamed to set such an
+example to your comrades?"
+
+The doubt thus implied of the courage of his men, who,
+in fact, were merely stupified with the scene they had
+gone through, had, as Captain Erskine expected, the
+desired effect. They now bent themselves to the litter,
+on which they had previously deposited their muskets,
+and with a self-possession that contrasted singularly
+with their recent air of wild astonishment, bore it to
+the rear at the risk of being cut in two at every moment
+by the fire from the fort.
+
+One fierce yell, instinctively proffered by several of
+the lurking band in the forest, marked their disappointment
+and rage at the escape of their victims; but all attempt
+at uncovering themselves, so as to be enabled to fire,
+was prevented by the additional showers of grape which
+that yell immediately brought upon them.
+
+The position in which Captain Erskine now found himself
+was highly critical. Before him, and on either flank,
+was a multitude of savages, who only awaited the cessation
+of the fire from the fort to commence their fierce and
+impetuous attack. That that fire could not long be
+sustained was evident, since ammunition could ill be
+spared for the present inefficient purpose, where supplies
+of all kinds were so difficult to be obtained; and, if
+he should attempt a retreat, the upright position of his
+men exposed them to the risk of being swept away by the
+ponderous metal, that already fanned their cheeks with
+the air it so rapidly divided. Suddenly, however, the
+fire from the batteries was discontinued, and this he
+knew to be a signal for himself. He gave an order in a
+low voice, and the detachment quitted their recumbent
+and defensive position, still remaining formed in square.
+At the same instant, a gun flashed from the fort; but
+not as before was heard the rushing sound of the destructive
+shot crushing the trees in its resistless course. The
+Indians took courage at this circumstance, for they deemed
+the bullets of their enemies were expended; and that they
+were merely discharging their powder to keep up the
+apprehension originally produced. Again they showed
+themselves, like so many demons, from behind their lurking
+places; and yells and shouts of the most terrific and
+threatening character once more rent the air, and echoed
+through the woods. Their cries of anticipated triumph
+were, however, but of short duration. Presently, a
+hissing noise was heard in the air; and close to the
+bomb-proof, and at the very skirt of the forest, they
+beheld a huge globe of iron fall perpendicularly to the
+earth, to the outer part of which was attached what they
+supposed to be a reed, that spat forth innumerable sparks
+of fire, without however, seeming to threaten the slightest
+injury. Attracted by the novel sight, a dozen warriors
+sprang to the spot, and fastened their gaze upon it with
+all the childish wonder and curiosity of men in a savage
+state. One, more eager and restless than his fellows,
+stooped over it to feel with his hand of what it was
+composed. At that moment it burst, and limbs, and head,
+and entrails, were seen flying in the air, with the
+fragments of the shell, and prostrate and struggling
+forms lay writhing on every hand in the last, fierce
+agonies of death.
+
+A yell of despair and a shout of triumph burst at the
+same moment from the adverse parties. Taking advantage
+of the terror produced, by this catastrophe, in the
+savages, Captain Erskine caused the men bearing the corpse
+to retreat, with all possible expedition, under the
+ramparts of the fort. He waited until they got nearly
+half way, and then threw forward the wheeling sections,
+that had covered this movement, once more into single
+file, in which order he commenced his retreat. Step by
+step, and almost imperceptibly, the men paced backwards,
+ready, at a moment's notice, to reform the square. Partly
+recovered from the terror and surprise produced by the
+bursting of the shell, the Indians were quick in perceiving
+this movement: filled with rage at having been so long
+baulked of their aim, they threw themselves once more
+impetuously from their cover; and, with stimulating yells,
+at length opened their fire. Several of Captain Erskine's
+men were wounded by this discharge; when, again, and
+furiously the cannon opened from the fort. It was then
+that the superiority of the artillery was made manifest.
+Both right and left of the retreating files the ponderous
+shot flew heavily past, carrying death and terror to the
+Indians; while not a man of those who intervened was
+scathed or touched in its progress. The warriors in the
+forest were once more compelled to shelter themselves
+behind the trees; but in the bomb-proof, where they were
+more secure, they were also more bold. From this a
+galling fire, mingled with the most hideous yells, was
+now kept up; and the detachment, in their slow retreat,
+suffered considerably. Several men had been killed; and,
+about twenty, including Lieutenant Johnstone, wounded,
+when again, one of those murderous globes fell, hissing
+in the very centre of the bomb-proof. In an instant, the
+Indian fire was discontinued; and their dark and pliant
+forms were seen hurrying with almost incredible rapidity
+over the dilapidated walls, and flying into the very
+heart of the forest, so that when the shell exploded, a
+few seconds afterwards, not a warrior was to be seen.
+From this moment the attack was not renewed, and Captain
+Erskine made good his retreat without farther molestation.
+
+"Well, old buffers!" exclaimed one of the leading files,
+as the detachment, preceded by its dead and wounded, now
+moved along the moat in the direction of the draw-bridge,
+"how did you like the grip of them black savages?--I say,
+Mitchell, old Nick will scarcely know the face of you,
+it's so much altered by fright.--Did you see," turning
+to the man in his rear, "how harum-scarum he looked, when
+the captain called out to him to come off?"
+
+"Hold your clapper, you spooney, and be damned to you!"
+exclaimed the angry veteran.--"Had the Ingian fastened
+his paw upon your ugly neck as he did upon mine, all the
+pitiful life your mother ever put into you would have
+been spirited away from very fear; so you needn't brag."
+
+"Sure, and if any of ye had a grain of spunk, ye would
+have fired, and freed a fellow from the clutch of them
+hell thieves," muttered another of the men at the litter.
+"All the time, the devil had me by the throat, swinging
+his tommyhawk about my head, I saw ye dancing up and down
+in the heavens, instead of being on your marrow bones on
+the common."
+
+"And didn't I want to do it?" rejoined the first speaker.
+"Ask Tom Winkler here, if the captain didn't swear he'd
+cut the soul out of my body if I even offered so much as
+to touch the trigger of my musket."
+
+"Faith, and lucky he did," replied his covering man (for
+the ranks had again joined), "since but for that, there
+wouldn't be at this moment so much as a hair of the scalp
+of one of you left."
+
+"And how so, Mr. Wiseacre?" rejoined his comrade.
+
+"How so! Because the first shot that we fired would have
+set the devils upon them in right earnest--and then their
+top-knots wouldn't have been worth a brass farthing.
+They would have been scalped before they could say Jack
+Robinson."
+
+"It was a hell of a risk," resumed another of the litter
+men, "to give four men a chance of having their skull
+pieces cracked open like so many egg-shells, and all to
+get possession of a dead officer."
+
+"And sure, you beast," remarked a different voice in a
+tone of anger, "the dead body of the brave captain was
+worth a dozen such rotten carcasses with all the life in
+them. What matter would it be if ye had all been scalped?"
+Then with a significant half glance to the rear, which
+was brought up by their commander, on whose arm leaned
+the slightly wounded Johnstone, "Take care the captain
+doesn't hear ye prating after that fashion, Will Burford."
+
+"By Jasus," said a good-humoured, quaint looking Irishman,
+who had been fixing his eyes on the litter during this
+pithy and characteristic colloquy; "it sames to me, my
+boys, that ye have caught the wrong cow by the horns,
+and that all your pains has been for nothing at all, at
+all. By the holy pope, ye are all wrong; it's like bringing
+salt butter to Cork, or coals to your Newcastle, as ye
+call it. Who the divil ever heard of the officer wearing
+ammunition shoes?"
+
+The men all turned their gaze on that part of the vestment
+of the corpse to which their attention had been directed
+by this remark, when it was at once perceived, although
+it had hitherto escaped the observation even of the
+officers, that, not only the shoes were those usually
+worn by the soldiers, and termed ammunition or store
+shoes, but also, the trowsers were of the description of
+coarse grey, peculiar to that class.
+
+"By the piper that played before Moses, and ye're right,
+Dick Doherty," exclaimed another Irishman; "sure, and it
+isn't the officer at all! Just look at the great black
+fist of him too, and never call me Phil Shehan, if it
+ever was made for the handling of an officer's spit."
+
+"Well said, Shehan," observed the man who had so warmly
+reproved Will Burford, and who had formerly been servant
+to De Haldimar; "the captain's hand is as white and as
+soft as my cross-belt, or, what's saying a great deal
+more, as Miss Clara's herself, heaven bless her sweet
+countenance! and Lieutenant Valletort's nigger's couldn't
+well be much blacker nor this."
+
+"What a set of hignoramuses ye must be," grunted old
+Mitchell, "not to see that the captain's hand is only
+covered with dirt; and as for the ammunition shoes and
+trowsers, why you know our officers wear any thing since
+we have been cooped up in this here fort."
+
+"Yes, by the holy poker," (and here we must beg to refer
+the reader to the soldier's vocabulary for any terms that
+may be, in the course of this dialogue, incomprehensible
+to him or her,)--"Yes, by the holy poker, off duty, if
+they like it," returned Phil Shehan; "but it isn't even
+the colonel's own born son that dare to do so while
+officer of the guard."
+
+"Ye are right, comrade," said Burford; "there would soon
+be hell and tommy to pay if he did."
+
+At this point of their conversation, one of the leading
+men at the litter, in turning to look at its subject,
+stumbled over the root of a stump that lay in his way,
+and fell violently forward. The sudden action destroyed
+the equilibrium of the corpse, which rolled off its
+temporary bier upon the earth, and disclosed, for the
+first time, a face begrimmed with masses of clotted blood,
+which had streamed forth from the scalped brain during
+the night.
+
+"It's the divil himself," said Phil Shehan, making the
+sign of the cross, half in jest, half in earnest: "for
+it isn't the captin at all, and who but the divil could
+have managed to clap on his rigimintals?"
+
+"No, it's an Ingian," remarked Dick Burford, sagaciously;
+"it's an Ingian that has killed the captain, and dressed
+himself in his clothes. I thought he smelt strong, when
+I helped to pick him up."
+
+"And that's the reason why the bloody heathens wouldn't
+let us carry him off," said another of the litter men.
+"I thought they wouldn't ha' made such a rout about the
+officer, when they had his scalp already in their
+pouch-belts."
+
+"What a set of prating fools ye are," interrupted the
+leading sergeant; "who ever saw an Ingian with light
+hair? and sure this hair in the neck is that of a
+Christian."
+
+At that moment Captain Erskine, attracted by the sudden
+halt produced by the falling of the body, came quickly
+up to the front.
+
+"What is the meaning of all this, Cassidy?" he sternly
+demanded of the sergeant; "why is this halt without my
+orders, and how comes the body here?"
+
+"Carter stumbled against a root, sir, and the body rolled
+over upon the ground."
+
+"And was the body to roll back again?" angrily rejoined
+his captain.--"What mean ye, fellows, by standing there;
+quick, replace it upon the litter, and mind this does
+not occur again."
+
+"They say, sir," said the sergeant, respectfully, as the
+men proceeded to their duty, "that it is not Captain de
+Haldimar after all, but an Ingian."
+
+"Not Captain de Haldimar! are ye all mad? and have the
+Indians, in reality, turned your brains with fear?"
+
+What, however, was his own surprise, and that of Lieutenant
+Johnstone, when, on a closer examination of the corpse,
+which the men had now placed with its face uppermost,
+they discovered the bewildering fact that it was not,
+indeed, Captain de Haldimar who lay before them, but a
+stranger, dressed in the uniform of that officer.
+
+There was no time to solve, or even to dwell on the
+singular mystery; for the Indians, though now retired,
+might be expected to rally and renew the attack. Once
+more, therefore, the detachment moved forward; the officers
+dropping as before to the rear, to watch any movements
+of the enemy should he re-appear. Nothing, however,
+occurred to interrupt their march; and in a few minutes
+the heavy clanking sound of the chains of the drawbridge,
+as it was again raised by its strong pullies, and the
+dull creaking sound of the rusty bolts and locks that
+secured the ponderous gate, announced the detachment was
+once more safely within the fort.
+
+While the wounded men were being conveyed to the hospital,
+a group, comprising almost all the officers of the
+garrison, hastened to meet Captain Erskine and Lieutenant
+Johnstone. Congratulations on the escape of the one,
+and compliments, rather than condolences, on the accident
+of the other, which the arm en echarpe denoted to be
+slight, were hastily and warmly proffered. These
+felicitations were the genuine ebullitions of the hearts
+of men who really felt a pride, unmixed with jealousy,
+in the conduct of their fellows; and so cool and excellent
+had been the manner in which Captain Erskine had
+accomplished his object, that it had claimed the undivided
+admiration of all who had been spectators of the affair,
+and had, with the aid of their telescopes, been enabled
+to follow the minutest movements of the detachment.
+
+"By heaven!" he at length replied, his chest swelling
+with gratified pride at the warm and generous approval
+of his companions, "this more than repays me for every
+risk. Yet, to be sincere, the credit is not mine, but
+Wentworth's. But for you, my dear fellow," grasping and
+shaking the hand of that officer, "we should have rendered
+but a Flemish account of ourselves. How beautifully those
+guns covered our retreat! and the first mortar that sent
+the howling devils flying in air like so many
+Will-o'the-wisps, who placed that, Wentworth?"
+
+"I did," replied the officer, with a quickness that
+denoted a natural feeling of exultation; "but Bombardier
+Kitson's was the most effective. It was his shell that
+drove the Indians finally out of the bomb-proof, and left
+the coast clear for your retreat."
+
+"Then Kitson, and his gunners also, merit our best thanks,"
+pursued Captain Erskine, whose spirits, now that his
+detachment was in safety, were more than usually exhilarated
+by the exciting events of the last hour; "and what will
+be more acceptable, perhaps, they shall each have a glass
+of my best old Jamaica before they sleep,--and such stuff
+is not to be met with every day in this wilderness of a
+country. But, confound my stupid head! where are Charles
+de Haldimar and Sir Everard Valletort?"
+
+"Poor Charles is in a high fever, and confined to his
+bed," remarked Captain Blessington, who now came up adding
+his congratulations in a low tone, that marked the
+despondency of his heart; "and Sir Everard I have just
+left on the rampart with the company, looking, as he well
+may, the very image of despair."
+
+"Run to them, Sumners, my dear boy," said Erskine, hastily
+addressing himself to a young ensign who stood near him;
+"run quickly, and relieve them of their error. Say it is
+not De Haldimar who has been killed, therefore they need
+not make themselves any longer uneasy on that score."
+
+The officers gave a start of surprise. Sumners, however,
+hastened to acquit himself of the pleasing task assigned
+him, without waiting to hear the explanation of the
+singular declaration.
+
+"Not De Haldimar!" eagerly and anxiously exclaimed Captain
+Blessington; "who then have you brought to us in his
+uniform, which I clearly distinguished from the rampart
+as you passed? Surely you would not tamper with us at
+such a moment, Erskine?"
+
+"Who it is, I know not more than Adam," rejoined the
+other; "unless, indeed, it be the devil himself. All I
+do know, is, it is not our friend De Haldimar; although,
+as you observe, he most certainly wears his uniform.
+But you shall see and judge for yourselves, gentlemen.
+Sergeant Cassidy," he enquired of that individual, who
+now came to ask if the detachment was to be dismissed,
+"where have you placed the litter?"
+
+"Under the piazza of the guard-room, Sir," answered the
+sergeant.
+
+These words had scarcely been uttered, when a general
+and hasty movement of the officers, anxious to satisfy
+themselves by personal observation it was not indeed De
+Haldimar who had fallen, took place in the direction
+alluded to, and in the next moment they were at the side
+of the litter.
+
+A blanket had been thrown upon the corpse to conceal the
+loathsome disfigurement of the face, over which masses
+of thick coagulated blood were laid in patches and streaks,
+that set all recognition at defiance. The formation of
+the head alone, which was round and short, denoted it to
+be not De Haldimar's. Not a feature was left undefiled;
+and even the eyes were so covered, it was impossible to
+say whether their lids were closed or open. More than
+one officer's cheek paled with the sickness that rose to
+his heart as he gazed on the hideous spectacle; yet, as
+the curiosity of all was strongly excited to know who
+the murdered man really was who had been so unaccountably
+inducted in the uniform of their lost companion, they
+were resolved to satisfy themselves without further delay.
+A basin of warm water and a sponge were procured from
+the guard-room of Ensign Fortescue, who now joined them,
+and with these Captain Blessington proceeded to remove
+the disguise.
+
+In the course of this lavation, it was discovered the
+extraordinary flow of blood and brains had been produced
+by the infliction of a deep wound on the back of the
+head, by the sharp and ponderous tomahawk of an Indian.
+It was the only blow that had been given; and the
+circumstance of the deceased having been found lying on
+his face, accounted for the quantity of gore, that,
+trickling downwards, had so completely disguised every
+feature. As the coat of thick encrusted matter gave way
+beneath the frequent application of the moistening sponge,
+the pallid hue of the countenance denoted the murdered
+man to be a white. All doubt, however, was soon at an
+end. The ammunition shoes, the grey trowsers, the coarse
+linen, and the stiff leathern stock encircling the neck,
+attested the sufferer to be a soldier of the garrison;
+but it was not until the face had been completely denuded
+of its unsightly covering, and every feature fully exposed,
+that that soldier was at length recognised to be Harry
+Donellan, the trusty and attached servant of Captain de
+Haldimar.
+
+While yet the officers stood apart, gazing at the corpse,
+and forming a variety of conjectures, as vague as they
+were unsatisfactory, in regard to their new mystery, Sir
+Everard Valletort, pale and breathless with the speed he
+had used, suddenly appeared among them.
+
+"God of heaven! can it be true--and is it really not De
+Haldimar whom I have shot?" wildly asked the agitated
+young man. "Who is this, Erskine?" he continued, glancing
+at the litter. "Explain, for pity's sake, and quickly."
+
+"Compose yourself, my dear Valletort," replied the officer
+addressed. "You see this is not De Haldimar, but his
+servant Donellan. Neither has the latter met his death
+from your rifle; there is no mark of a bullet about him.
+It was an Indian tomahawk that did his business; and I
+will stake my head against a hickory nut the blow came
+from the same rascal at whom you fired, and who gave back
+the shot and the scalp halloo."
+
+This opinion was unanimously expressed by the remainder
+of the officers. Sir Everard was almost as much overpowered
+by his joy, as he had previously been overwhelmed by his
+despair, and he grasped and shook the hand of Captain
+Erskine, who had thus been the means of relieving his
+conscience, with an energy of gratitude and feeling that
+almost drew tears from the eyes of that blunt but gallant
+officer.
+
+"Thank God, thank God!" he fervently exclaimed: "I have
+not then even the death of poor Donellan to answer for;"
+and hastening from the guard-room, he pursued his course
+hurriedly and delightedly to the barrack-room of his
+friend.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+The hour fixed for the trial of the prisoner Halloway
+had now arrived, and the officers composing the court
+were all met in the mess-room of the garrison, surrounding
+a long table covered with green cloth, over which were
+distributed pens, ink, and paper for taking minutes of
+the evidence, and such notes of the proceedings as the
+several members might deem necessary in the course of
+the trial. Captain Blessington presided; and next him,
+on either hand, were the first in seniority, the two
+junior occupying the lowest places. The demeanour of the
+several officers, serious and befitting the duty they
+were met to perform, was rendered more especially solemn
+from the presence of the governor, who sat a little to
+the right of the president, and without the circle,
+remained covered, and with his arms folded across his
+chest. At a signal given by the president to the orderly
+in waiting, that individual disappeared from the room,
+and soon afterwards Frank Halloway, strongly ironed, as
+on the preceding night, was ushered in by several files
+of the guard, under Ensign Fortescue himself.
+
+The prisoner having been stationed a few paces on the
+left of the president, that officer stood up to administer
+the customary oath. His example was followed by the rest
+of the court, who now rose, and extending each his right
+hand upon the prayer book, repeated, after the president,
+the form of words prescribed by military law. They then,
+after successively touching the sacred volume with their
+lips, once more resumed their seats at the table.
+
+The prosecutor was the Adjutant Lawson, who now handed
+over to the president a paper, from which the latter
+officer read, in a clear and distinct voice, the following
+charges, viz.--
+
+"1st. For having on the night of the --th September 1763,
+while on duty at the gate of the Fortress of Detroit,
+either admitted a stranger into the garrison himself, or
+suffered him to obtain admission, without giving the
+alarm, or using the means necessary to ensure his
+apprehension, such conduct being treasonable, and in
+breach of the articles of war.
+
+"2d. For having been accessary to the abduction of Captain
+Frederick de Haldimar and private Harry Donellan, the
+disappearance of whom from the garrison can only be
+attributed to a secret understanding existing between
+the prisoner and the enemy without the walls, such conduct
+being treasonable, and in breach of the articles of war."
+
+"Private Frank Halloway," continued Captain Blessington,
+after having perused these two short but important charges,
+"you have heard what has been preferred against you; what
+say you, therefore? Are you guilty, or not guilty?"
+
+"Not guilty," firmly and somewhat exultingly replied the
+prisoner, laying his hand at the same time on his swelling
+heart.
+
+"Stay, sir," sternly observed the governor, addressing
+the president; "you have not read ALL the charges."
+
+Captain Blessington took up the paper from the table, on
+which he had carelessly thrown it, after reading the
+accusations above detailed, and perceived, for the first
+time, that a portion had been doubled back. His eye now
+glanced over a third charge, which had previously escaped
+his attention.
+
+"Prisoner," he pursued, after the lapse of a minute,
+"there is a third charge against you, viz. for having,
+on the night of the --th Sept. 1763, suffered Captain
+De Haldimar to unclose the gate of the fortress, and,
+accompanied by his servant, private Harry Donellan, to
+pass your post without the sanction of the governor, such
+conduct being in direct violation of a standing order of
+the garrison, and punishable with death."
+
+The prisoner started. "What!" he exclaimed, his cheek
+paling for the first time with momentary apprehension;
+"is this voluntary confession of my own to be turned into
+a charge that threatens my life? Colonel de Haldimar, is
+the explanation which I gave you only this very hour,
+and in private, to be made the public instrument of my
+condemnation? Am I to die because I had not firmness to
+resist the prayer of my captain and of your son, Colonel
+de Haldimar?"
+
+The president looked towards the governor, but a significant
+motion of the head was the only reply; he proceeded,--
+
+"Prisoner Halloway, what plead you to this charge? Guilty,
+or not guilty?"
+
+"I see plainly," said Halloway, after the pause of a
+minute, during which he appeared to be summoning all his
+energies to his aid; "I see plainly that it is useless
+to strive against my fate. Captain de Haldimar is not
+here, and I must die. Still I shall not have the disgrace
+of dying as a traitor, though I own I have violated the
+orders of the garrison."
+
+"Prisoner," interrupted Captain Blessington, "whatever
+you may have to urge, you had better reserve for your
+defence. Meanwhile, what answer do you make to the last
+charge preferred?--Are you guilty, or not guilty?"
+
+"Guilty," said Halloway, in a tone of mingled pride and
+sorrow, "guilty of having listened to the earnest prayer
+of my captain, and suffered him, in violation of my
+orders, to pass my post. Of the other charges I am
+innocent."
+
+The court listened with the most profound attention and
+interest to the words of the prisoner, and they glanced
+at each other in a manner that marked their sense of the
+truth they attached to his declaration.
+
+"Halloway, prisoner," resumed Captain Blessington, mildly,
+yet impressively; "recollect the severe penalty which
+the third charge, no less than the others, entails, and
+recall your admission. Be advised by me," he pursued,
+observing his hesitation. "Withdraw your plea, then, and
+substitute that of not guilty to the whole."
+
+"Captain Blessington," returned the prisoner with deep
+emotion, "I feel all the kindness of your motive; and if
+any thing can console me in my present situation, it is
+the circumstance of having presiding at my trial an
+officer so universally beloved by the whole corps. Still,"
+and again his voice acquired its wonted firmness, and
+his cheek glowed with honest pride, "still, I say, I
+scorn to retract my words. Of the two first charges I am
+as innocent as the babe unborn. To the last I plead
+guilty; and vain would it be to say otherwise, since the
+gate was found open while I was on duty, and I know the
+penalty attached to the disobedience of orders."
+
+After some further but ineffectual remonstrance on the
+part of the president, the pleas of the prisoner were
+recorded, and the examination commenced. Governor de
+Haldimar was the first witness.
+
+That officer, having been sworn, stated, that on the
+preceding night he had been intruded upon in his apartment
+by a stranger, who could have obtained admission only
+through the gate of the fortress, by which also he must
+have made good his escape. That it was evident the prisoner
+had been in correspondence with their enemies; since, on
+proceeding to examine the gate it had been found unlocked,
+while the confusion manifested by him on being accused,
+satisfied all who were present of the enormity of his
+guilt. Search had been made every where for the keys,
+but without success.
+
+The second charge was supported by presumptive evidence
+alone; for although the governor swore to the disappearance
+of his son, and the murder of his servant, and dwelt
+emphatically on the fact of their having been forcibly
+carried off with the connivance of the prisoner, still
+there was no other proof of this, than the deductions
+drawn from the circumstances already detailed. To meet
+this difficulty, however, the third charge had been
+framed.
+
+In proof of this the governor stated, that the prisoner,
+on being interrogated by him immediately subsequent to
+his being relieved from his post, had evinced such
+confusion and hesitation, as to leave no doubt whatever
+of his guilt; that, influenced by the half promise of
+communication, which the court had heard as well as
+himself, he had suffered the trial of the prisoner to be
+delayed until the present hour, strongly hoping he might
+then be induced to reveal the share he had borne in these
+unworthy and treasonable practices; that, with a view to
+obtain this disclosure, so essential to the safety of
+the garrison, he had, conjointly with Major Blackwater,
+visited the cell of the prisoner, to whom he related the
+fact of the murder of Donellan, in the disguise of his
+master's uniform, conjuring him, at the same time, if he
+regarded his own life, and the safety of those who were
+most dear to him, to give a clue to the solution of this
+mysterious circumstance, and disclose the nature and
+extent of his connection with the enemy without; that
+the prisoner however resolutely denied, as before, the
+guilt imputed to him, but having had time to concoct a
+plausible story, stated, (doubtless with a view to shield
+himself from the severe punishment he well knew to be
+attached to his offence,) that Captain de Haldimar himself
+had removed the keys from the guard-room, opened the gate
+of the fortress, and accompanied by his servant, dressed
+in a coloured coat, had sallied forth upon the common.
+"And this," emphatically pursued the governor, "the prisoner
+admits he permitted, although well aware that, by an
+order of long standing for the security of the garrison,
+such a fragrant dereliction of his duty subjected him to
+the punishment of death."
+
+Major Blackwater was the next witness examined. His
+testimony went to prove the fact of the gate having been
+found open, and the confusion manifested by the prisoner.
+It also substantiated that part of the governor's evidence
+on the third charge, which related to the confession
+recently made by Halloway, on which that charge had been
+framed.
+
+The sergeant of the guard, and the governor's orderly
+having severally corroborated the first portions of Major
+Blackwater's evidence, the examination on the part of
+the prosecution terminated; when the president called on
+the prisoner Halloway for his defence. The latter, in a
+clear, firm, and collected tone, and in terms that
+surprised his auditory, thus addressed the Court:--
+
+"Mr. President, and gentlemen,--Although, standing before
+you in the capacity of a private soldier, and, oh! bitter
+and humiliating reflection, in that most wretched and
+disgraceful of all situations, a suspected traitor, I am
+not indeed what I seem to be. It is not for me here to
+enter into the history of my past life; neither will I
+tarnish the hitherto unsullied reputation of my family
+by disclosing my true name. Suffice it to observe, I am
+a gentleman by birth; and although, of late years, I have
+known all the hardships and privations attendant on my
+fallen fortunes, I was once used to bask in the luxuries
+of affluence, and to look upon those who now preside in
+judgment over me as my equals. A marriage of affection,--a
+marriage with one who had nothing but her own virtues
+and her own beauty to recommend her, drew upon me the
+displeasure of my family, and the little I possessed,
+independently of the pleasure of my relations, was soon
+dissipated. My proud soul scorned all thought of
+supplication to those who had originally spurned my wife
+from their presence; and yet my heart bled for the
+privations of her who, alike respectable in family, was,
+both from sex and the natural delicacy, of her frame, so
+far less constituted to bear up against the frowns of
+adversity than myself. Our extremity had now become
+great,--too great for human endurance; when, through the
+medium of the public prints, I became acquainted with
+the glorious action that had been fought in this country
+by the army under General Wolfe. A new light burst suddenly
+upon my mind, and visions of after prosperity constantly
+presented themselves to my view. The field of honour was
+open before me, and there was a probability I might, by
+good conduct, so far merit the approbation of my superiors,
+as to obtain, in course of time, that rank among themselves
+to which by birth and education I was so justly entitled
+to aspire. Without waiting to consult my Ellen, whose
+opposition I feared to encounter until opposition would
+be fruitless, I hastened to Lieutenant Walgrave, the
+recruiting officer of the regiment,--tendered my
+services,--was accepted and approved,--received the bounty
+money,--and became definitively a soldier, under the
+assumed name of Frank Halloway.
+
+"It would be tedious and impertinent, gentlemen," resumed
+the prisoner, after a short pause, "to dwell on the
+humiliations of spirit to which both my wife and myself
+were subjected at our first introduction to our new
+associates, who, although invariably kind to us, were,
+nevertheless, ill suited, both by education and habit,
+to awaken any thing like congeniality of feeling or
+similarity of pursuit. Still we endeavoured, as much as
+possible, to lessen the distance that existed between
+us; and from the first moment of our joining the regiment,
+determined to adopt the phraseology and manners of those
+with whom an adverse destiny had so singularly connected
+us. In this we succeeded; for no one, up to the present
+moment, has imagined either my wife or myself to be other
+than the simple and unpretending Frank and Ellen Halloway.
+
+"On joining the regiment in this country," pursued the
+prisoner, after another pause, marked by much emotion,
+"I had the good fortune to be appointed to the grenadier
+company. Gentlemen, you all know the amiable qualities
+of Captain de Haldimar. But although, unlike yourselves,
+I have learnt to admire that officer only at a distance,
+my devotion to his interests has been proportioned to
+the kindness with which I have ever been treated by him;
+and may I not add, after this avowal of my former condition,
+my most fervent desire has all along been to seize the
+first favourable opportunity of performing some action
+that would eventually elevate me to a position in which
+I might, without blushing for the absence of the ennobling
+qualities of birth and condition, avow myself his friend,
+and solicit that distinction from my equal which was
+partially extended to me by my superior? The opportunity
+I sought was not long wanting. At the memorable affair
+with the French general, Levi, at Quebec, in which our
+regiment bore so conspicuous a part, I had the good
+fortune to save the life of my captain. A band of Indians,
+as you all, gentlemen, must recollect, had approached
+our right flank unperceived, and while busily engaged
+with the French in front, we were compelled to divide
+our fire between them and our new and fierce assailants.
+The leader of that band was a French officer, who seemed
+particularly to direct his attempts against the life of
+Captain de Haldimar. He was a man of powerful proportions
+and gigantic stature--"
+
+"Hold!" said the governor, starting suddenly from the
+seat in which he had listened with evident impatience to
+this long outline of the prisoner's history. "Gentlemen,"
+addressing the court, "that is the very stranger who was
+in my apartment last night,--the being with whom the
+prisoner is evidently in treacherous correspondence, and
+all this absurd tale is but a blind to deceive your
+judgment, and mitigate his own punishment. Who is there
+to prove the man he has just described was the same who
+aimed at Captain de Haldimar's life at Quebec?"
+
+A flush of deep indignation overspread the features of
+the prisoner, whose high spirit, now he had avowed his
+true origin, could ill brook the affront thus put upon
+his veracity.
+
+"Colonel de Haldimar!" he proudly replied, while his
+chains clanked with the energy and force with which he
+drew up his person into an attitude of striking dignity;
+"for once I sink the private soldier, and address you in
+the character of the gentleman and your equal. I have
+a soul, Sir, notwithstanding my fallen fortunes, as keenly
+alive to honour as your own; and not even to save my
+wretched life, would I be guilty of the baseness you now
+attribute to me. You have asked," he pursued, in a more
+solemn tone, "what proof I have to show this individual
+to be the same who attempted the life of Captain de
+Haldimar. To Captain de Haldimar himself, should Providence
+have spared his days, I shall leave the melancholy task
+of bearing witness to all I here advance, when I shall
+be no more. Nay, Sir," and his look partook at once of
+mingled scorn and despondency, "well do I know the fate
+that awaits me; for in these proceedings--in that third
+charge--I plainly read my death-warrant. But what, save
+my poor and wretched wife, have I to regret? Colonel de
+Haldimar," he continued, with a vehemence meant to check
+the growing weakness which the thought of his unfortunate
+companion called up to his heart, "I saved the life of
+your son, even by your own admission, no matter whose
+the arm that threatened his existence; and in every other
+action in which I have been engaged, honourable mention
+has ever been made of my conduct. Now, Sir, I ask what
+has been my reward? So far from attending to the repeated
+recommendations of my captain for promotion, even in a
+subordinate rank, have you once deemed it necessary to
+acknowledge my services by even a recognition of them in
+any way whatever?"
+
+"Mr. President, Captain Blessington," interrupted the
+governor, haughtily, "are we met here to listen to such
+language from a private soldier? You will do well, Sir,
+to exercise your prerogative, and stay such impertinent
+matter, which can have no reference whatever to the
+defence of the prisoner."
+
+"Prisoner," resumed the president, who, as well as the
+other members of the court, had listened with the most
+profound and absorbing interest to the singular disclosure
+of him whom they still only knew as Frank Halloway, "this
+language cannot be permitted; you must confine yourself
+to your defence."
+
+"Pardon me, gentlemen," returned Halloway, in his usual
+firm but respectful tone of voice; "pardon me, if, standing
+on the brink of the grave as I do, I have so far forgotten
+the rules of military discipline as to sink for a moment
+the soldier in the gentleman; but to be taxed with an
+unworthy fabrication, and to be treated with contumely
+when avowing the secret of my condition, was more than
+human pride and human feeling could tolerate."
+
+"Confine yourself, prisoner, to your defence," again
+remarked Captain Blessington, perceiving the restlessness
+with which the governor listened to these bold and
+additional observations of Halloway.
+
+Again the governor interposed:--"What possible connexion
+can there be between this man's life, and the crime with
+which he stands charged? Captain Blessington, this is
+trifling with the court, who are assembled to try the
+prisoner for his treason, and not to waste their time in
+listening to a history utterly foreign to the subject."
+
+"The history of my past life--Colonel de Haldimar,"
+proudly returned the prisoner, "although tedious and
+uninteresting to you, is of the utmost importance to
+myself; for on that do I ground the most essential part
+of my defence. There is nothing but circumstantial evidence
+against me on the two first charges; and as those alone
+can reflect dishonour on my memory, it is for the wisdom
+of this court to determine whether that evidence is to
+be credited in opposition to the solemn declaration of
+him, who, in admitting one charge, equally affecting his
+life with the others, repudiates as foul those only which
+would attaint his honour. Gentlemen," he pursued, addressing
+the court, "it is for you to determine whether my defence
+is to be continued or not; yet, whatever be my fate, I
+would fain remove all injurious impression from the minds
+of my judges; and this can only be done by a simple detail
+of circumstances, which may, by the unprejudiced, be as
+simply believed."
+
+Here the prisoner paused: when, after some low and earnest
+conversation among the members of the court, two or three
+slips of written paper were passed to the President. He
+glanced his eye hurriedly over them, and then directed
+Halloway to proceed with his defence.
+
+"I have stated," pursued the interesting soldier, "that
+the officer who led the band of Indians was a man of
+gigantic stature, and of apparently great strength. My
+attention was particularly directed to him from this
+circumstance, and as I was on the extreme flank of the
+grenadiers, and close to Captain de Haldimar, had every
+opportunity of observing his movements principally pointed
+at that officer. He first discharged a carbine, the ball
+of which killed a man of the company at his (Captain de
+Haldimar's) side; and then, with evident rage at having
+been defeated in his aim, he took a pistol from his belt,
+and advancing with rapid strides to within a few paces
+of his intended victim, presented it in the most deliberate
+manner. At that moment, gentlemen, (and it was but the
+work of a moment,) a thousand confused and almost
+inexplicable feelings rose to my heart. The occasion I
+had long sought was at length within my reach; but even
+the personal considerations, which had hitherto influenced
+my mind, were sunk in the anxious desire I entertained
+to preserve the life of an officer so universally beloved,
+and so every way worthy of the sacrifice. While yet the
+pistol remained levelled, I sprang before Captain de
+Haldimar, received the ball in my breast, and had just
+strength sufficient to fire my musket at this formidable
+enemy when I sank senseless to the earth.
+
+"It will not be difficult for you, gentlemen, who have
+feeling minds, to understand the pleasurable pride with
+which, on being conveyed to Captain de Haldimar's own
+apartments in Quebec, I found myself almost overwhelmed
+by the touching marks of gratitude showered on me by his
+amiable relatives. Miss Clara de Haldimar, in particular,
+like a ministering angel, visited my couch of suffering
+at almost every hour, and always provided with some little
+delicacy, suitable to my condition, of which I had long
+since tutored myself to forget even the use. But what
+principally afforded me pleasure, was to remark the
+consolations which she tendered to my poor drooping Ellen,
+who, already more than half subdued by the melancholy
+change in our condition in life, frequently spent hours
+together in silent grief at the side of my couch, and
+watching every change in my countenance with all the
+intense anxiety of one who feels the last stay on earth
+is about to be severed for ever. Ah! how I then longed
+to disclose to this kind and compassionating being the
+true position of her on whom she lavished her attention,
+and to make her known, not as the inferior honored by
+her notice, but as the equal alike worthy of her friendship
+and deserving of her esteem; but the wide, wide barrier
+that divided the wife of the private soldier from the
+daughter and sister of the commissioned officer sealed
+my lips, and our true condition continued unrevealed.
+
+"Gentlemen," resumed Halloway, after a short pause, "if
+I dwell on these circumstances, it is with a view to show
+how vile are the charges preferred against me. Is it
+likely, with all the incentives to good conduct I have
+named, I should have proved a traitor to my country? And,
+even if so, what to gain, I would ask; and by what means
+was a correspondence with the enemy to be maintained by
+one in my humble station? As for the second charge, how
+infamous, how injurious is it to my reputation, how
+unworthy to be entertained! From the moment of my recovery
+from that severe wound, every mark of favour that could
+be bestowed on persons in our situation had been extended
+to my wife and myself, by the family of Colonel de
+Haldimar; and my captain, knowing me merely as the simple
+and low born Frank Halloway, although still the preserver
+of his life, has been unceasing in his exertions to obtain
+such promotion as he thought my conduct generally,
+independently of my devotedness to his person, might
+claim. How these applications were met, gentlemen, I have
+already stated; but notwithstanding Colonel de Haldimar
+has never deemed me worthy of the promotion solicited,
+that circumstance could in no way weaken my regard and
+attachment for him who had so often demanded it. How
+then, in the name of heaven, can a charge so improbable,
+so extravagant, as that of having been instrumental in
+the abduction of Captain de Haldimar, be entertained?
+and who is there among you, gentlemen, who will for one
+moment believe I could harbour a thought so absurd as
+that of lending myself to the destruction of one for whom
+I once cheerfully offered up the sacrifice of my blood?
+And now," pursued the prisoner, after another short pause,
+"I come to the third charge,--that charge which most
+affects my life, but impugns neither my honour nor my
+fidelity. That God, before whom I know I shall shortly
+appear, can attest the sincerity of my statement, and
+before him do I now solemnly declare what I am about to
+relate is true.
+
+"Soon after the commencement of my watch last night, I
+heard a voice distinctly on the outside of the rampart,
+near my post, calling in a low and subdued tone on the
+name of Captain de Haldimar. The accents, hastily and
+anxiously uttered, were apparently those of a female.
+For a moment I continued irresolute how to act, and
+hesitated whether or not I should alarm the garrison;
+but, at length, presuming it was some young female of
+the village with whom my captain was acquainted, it
+occurred to me the most prudent course would be to apprize
+that officer himself. While I yet hesitated whether to
+leave my post for a moment for the purpose, a man crossed
+the parade a few yards in my front; it was Captain de
+Haldimar's servant, Donellan, then in the act of carrying
+some things from his master's apartment to the guard-room.
+I called to him, to say the sentinel at the gate wished
+to see the captain of the guard immediately. In the course
+of a few minutes he came up to my post, when I told him
+what I had heard. At that moment, the voice again repeated
+his name, when he abruptly left me and turned to the left
+of the gate, evidently on his way to the rampart. Soon
+afterwards I heard Captain de Haldimar immediately above
+me, sharply calling out 'Hist, hist!' as if the person
+on the outside, despairing of success, was in the act of
+retreating. A moment or two of silence succeeded, when
+a low conversation ensued between the parties. The distance
+was so great I could only distinguish inarticulate sounds;
+yet it seemed to me as if they spoke not in English, but
+in the language of the Ottawa Indians, a tongue with
+which, as you are well aware, gentlemen, Captain de
+Haldimar is familiar. This had continued about ten minutes,
+when I again heard footsteps hastily descending the
+rampart, and moving in the direction of the guard-house.
+Soon afterwards Captain de Haldimar re-appeared at my
+post, accompanied by his servant Donellan; the former
+had the keys of the gate in his hand, and he told me that
+he must pass to the skirt of the forest on some business
+of the last importance to the safety of the garrison.
+
+"At first I peremptorily refused, stating the severe
+penalty attached to the infringement of an order, the
+observation of which had so especially been insisted upon
+by the governor, whose permission, however, I ventured
+respectfully to urge might, without difficulty, be
+obtained, if the business was really of the importance
+he described it. Captain de Haldimar, however, declared
+he well knew the governor would not accord that permission,
+unless he was positively acquainted with the nature and
+extent of the danger to be apprehended; and of these, he
+said, he was not himself sufficiently aware. All argument
+of this nature proving ineffectual, he attempted to
+enforce his authority, not only in his capacity of officer
+of the guard, but also as my captain, ordering me, on
+pain of confinement, not to interfere with or attempt to
+impede his departure. This, however, produced no better
+result; for I knew that, in this instance, I was amenable
+to the order of the governor alone, and I again firmly
+refused to violate my duty.
+
+"Finding himself thwarted in his attempt to enforce my
+obedience, Captain de Haldimar, who seemed much agitated
+and annoyed by what he termed my obstinacy, now descended
+to entreaty; and in the name of that life which I had
+preserved to him, and of that deep gratitude which he
+had ever since borne to me, conjured me not to prevent
+his departure. 'Halloway,' he urged, 'your life, my
+life, my father's life,--the life of my sister Clara
+perhaps, who nursed you in illness, and who has ever
+treated your wife with attention and kindness,--all these
+depend upon your compliance with my request. 'Hear me,'
+he pursued, following up the impression which he clearly
+perceived he had produced in me by this singular and
+touching language: 'I promise to be back within the hour;
+there is no danger attending my departure, and here will
+I be before you are relieved from your post; no one can
+know I have been absent, and your secret will remain with
+Donellan and myself. Do you think,' he concluded, 'I
+would encourage a soldier of my regiment to disobey a
+standing order of the garrison, unless there was some
+very extraordinary reason for my so doing? But there is
+no time to be lost in parley. Halloway! I entreat you
+to offer no further opposition to my departure. I pledge
+myself to be back before you are relieved.'"
+
+"Gentlemen," impressively continued the prisoner, after
+a pause, during which each member of the court seemed to
+breathe for the first time, so deeply had the attention
+of all been riveted by the latter part of this singular
+declaration, "how, under these circumstances, could I be
+expected to act? Assured by Captain de Haldimar, in the
+most solemn manner, that the existence of those most dear
+to his heart hung on my compliance with his request, how
+could I refuse to him, whose life I had saved, and whose
+character I so much esteemed, a boon so earnestly, nay,
+so imploringly solicited? I acceded to his prayer,
+intimating, at the same time, if he returned not before
+another sentinel should relieve me, the discovery of my
+breach of duty must be made, and my punishment inevitable.
+His last words, however, were to assure me he should
+return at the hour he had named, and when I closed the
+gate upon him it was under the firm impression his absence
+would only prove of the temporary nature he had
+stated.--Gentlemen," abruptly concluded Halloway, "I have
+nothing further to add; if I have failed in my duty as
+a soldier, I have, at least, fulfilled that of a man;
+and although the violation of the first entail upon me
+the punishment of death, the motives which impelled me
+to that violation will not, I trust, be utterly lost
+sight of by those by whom my punishment is to be awarded."
+
+The candid, fearless, and manly tone in which Halloway
+had delivered this long and singular statement, however
+little the governor appeared to be affected by it,
+evidently made a deep impression on the court, who had
+listened with undiverted attention to the close. Some
+conversation again ensued, in a low tone, among several
+members, when two slips of written paper were passed up,
+as before, to the president. These elicited the following
+interrogatories:--
+
+"You have stated, prisoner, that Captain de Haldimar left
+the fort accompanied by his servant Donellan. How were
+they respectively dressed?"
+
+"Captain de Haldimar in his uniform; Donellan, as far as
+I could observe, in his regimental clothing also, with
+this difference, that he wore his servant's round glazed
+hat and his grey great coat."
+
+"How then do you account for the extraordinary circumstance
+of Donellan having been found murdered in his master's
+clothes? Was any allusion made to a change of dress before
+they left the fort?"
+
+"Not the slightest," returned the prisoner; "nor can I
+in any way account for this mysterious fact. When they
+quitted the garrison, each wore the dress I have described."
+
+"In what manner did Captain de Haldimar and Donellan
+effect their passage across the ditch?" continued the
+president, after glancing at the second slip of paper.
+"The draw-bridge was evidently not lowered, and there
+were no other means at hand to enable him to effect his
+object with promptitude. How do you explain this, prisoner?"
+
+When this question was put, the whole body of officers,
+and the governor especially, turned their eyes
+simultaneously on Halloway, for on his hesitation or
+promptness in replying seemed to attach much of the credit
+they were disposed to accord his statement. Halloway
+observed it, and coloured. His reply, however, was free,
+unfaltering, and unstudied.
+
+"A rope with which Donellan had provided himself, was
+secured to one of the iron hooks that support the pullies
+immediately above the gate. With this they swung themselves
+in succession to the opposite bank."
+
+The members of the court looked at each other, apparently
+glad that an answer so confirmatory of the truth of the
+prisoner's statement, had been thus readily given.
+
+"Were they to have returned in the same manner?" pursued
+the president, framing his interrogatory from the contents
+of another slip of paper, which, at the suggestion of
+the governor, had been passed to him by the prosecutor,
+Mr. Lawson.
+
+"They were," firmly replied the prisoner. "At least I
+presumed they were, for, I believe in the hurry of Captain
+de Haldimar's departure, he never once made any direct
+allusion to the manner of his return; nor did it occur
+to me until this moment how they were to regain possession
+of the rope, without assistance from within."
+
+"Of course," observed Colonel de Haldimar, addressing
+the president, "the rope still remains. Mr. Lawson,
+examine the gate, and report accordingly."
+
+The adjutant hastened to acquit himself of this laconic
+order, and soon afterwards returned, stating not only
+that there was no rope, but that the hook alluded to had
+disappeared altogether.
+
+For a moment the cheek of the prisoner paled; but it was
+evidently less from any fear connected with his individual
+existence, than from the shame he felt at having been
+detected in a supposed falsehood. He however speedily
+recovered his self-possession, and exhibited the same
+character of unconcern by which his general bearing
+throughout the trial had been distinguished.
+
+On this announcement of the adjutant, the governor betrayed
+a movement of impatience, that was meant to convey his
+utter disbelief of the whole of the prisoner's statement,
+and his look seemed to express to the court it should
+also arrive, and without hesitation, at the same conclusion.
+Even all authoritative as he was, however, he felt that
+military etiquette and strict discipline prevented his
+interfering further in this advanced state of the
+proceedings.
+
+"Prisoner," again remarked Captain Blessington, "your
+statement in regard to the means employed by Captain de
+Haldimar in effecting his departure, is, you must admit,
+unsupported by appearances. How happens it the rope is
+no longer where you say it was placed? No one could have
+removed it but yourself. Have you done so? and if so,
+can you produce it, or say where it is to be found?"
+
+"Captain Blessington," replied Halloway, proudly, yet
+respectfully, "I have already invoked that great Being,
+before whose tribunal I am so shortly to appear, in
+testimony of the truth of my assertion; and again, in
+his presence, do I repeat, every word I have uttered is
+true. I did not remove the rope, neither do I know what
+is become of it. I admit its disappearance is extraordinary,
+but a moment's reflection must satisfy the court I would
+not have devised a tale, the falsehood of which could at
+once have been detected on an examination such as that
+which has just been instituted. When Mr. Lawson left this
+room just now, I fully expected he would have found the
+rope lying as it had been left. What has become of it,
+I repeat, I know not; but in the manner I have stated
+did Captain de Haldimar and Donellan cross the ditch. I
+have nothing further to add," he concluded once more,
+drawing up his fine tall person, the native elegance of
+which could not be wholly disguised even in the dress of
+a private soldier; "nothing further to disclose. Yet do
+I repel with scorn the injurious insinuation against my
+fidelity, suggested in these doubts. I am prepared to
+meet my death as best may become a soldier, and, let me
+add, as best may become a proud and well born gentleman;
+but humanity and common justice should at least be accorded
+to my memory. I am an unfortunate man, but no traitor."
+
+The members were visibly impressed by the last sentences
+of the prisoner. No further question however was asked,
+and he was again removed by the escort, who had been
+wondering spectators of the scene, to the cell he had so
+recently occupied. The room was then cleared of the
+witnesses and strangers, the latter comprising nearly
+the whole of the officers off duty, when the court
+proceeded to deliberate on the evidence, and pass sentence
+on the accused.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Although the young and sensitive De Haldimar had found
+physical relief in the summary means resorted to by the
+surgeon, the moral wound at his heart not only remained
+unsoothed, but was rendered more acutely painful by the
+wretched reflections, which, now that he had full leisure
+to review the past, and anticipate the future in all the
+gloom attached to both, so violently assailed him. From
+the moment when his brother's strange and mysterious
+disappearance had been communicated by the adjutant in
+the manner we have already seen, his spirits had been
+deeply and fearfully depressed. Still he had every reason
+to expect, from the well-known character of Halloway,
+the strong hope expressed by the latter might be realised;
+and that, at the hour appointed for trial, his brother
+would be present to explain the cause of his mysterious
+absence, justify the conduct of his subordinate, and
+exonerate him from the treachery with which he now stood
+charged. Yet, powerful as this hope was, it was unavoidably
+qualified by dispiriting doubt; for a nature affectionate
+and bland, as that of Charles de Haldimar, could not but
+harbour distrust, while a shadow of uncertainty, in regard
+to the fate of a brother so tenderly loved, remained. He
+had forced himself to believe as much as possible what
+he wished, and the effort had, to a certain extent
+succeeded; but there had been something so solemn and so
+impressive in the scene that had passed when the prisoner
+was first brought up for trial, something so fearfully
+prophetic in the wild language of his unhappy wife, he
+had found it impossible to resist the influence of the
+almost superstitious awe they had awakened in his heart.
+
+What the feelings of the young officer were subsequently,
+when in the person of the murdered man on the common,
+the victim of Sir Everard Valletort's aim, he recognised
+that brother, whose disappearance had occasioned him so
+much inquietude, we shall not attempt to describe: their
+nature is best shown in the effect they produced--the
+almost overwhelming agony of body and mind, which had
+borne him, like a stricken plant, unresisting to the
+earth. But now that, in the calm and solitude of his
+chamber, he had leisure to review the fearful events
+conspiring to produce this extremity, his anguish of
+spirit was even deeper than when the first rude shock of
+conviction had flashed upon his understanding. A tide of
+suffering, that overpowered, without rendering him sensible
+of its positive and abstract character, had, in the first
+instance, oppressed his faculties, and obscured his
+perception; but now, slow, sure, stinging, and gradually
+succeeding each other, came every bitter thought and
+reflection of which that tide was composed; and the
+generous heart of Charles de Haldimar was a prey to
+feelings that would have wrung the soul, and wounded the
+sensibilities of one far less gentle and susceptible than
+himself.
+
+Between Sir Everard Valletort and Charles de Haldimar,
+who, it has already been remarked, were lieutenants in
+Captain Blessington's company, a sentiment of friendship
+had been suffered to spring up almost from the moment of
+Sir Everard's joining. The young men were nearly of the
+same age; and although the one was all gentleness, the
+other all spirit and vivacity, not a shade of disunion
+had at any period intervened to interrupt the almost
+brotherly attachment subsisting between them, and each
+felt the disposition of the other was the one most
+assimilated to his own. In fact, Sir Everard was far from
+being the ephemeral character he was often willing to
+appear. Under a semblance of affectation, and much assumed
+levity of manner, never, however, personally offensive,
+he concealed a brave, generous, warm, and manly heart,
+and talents becoming the rank he held in society, such
+as would not have reflected discredit on one numbering
+twice his years. He had entered the army, as most young
+men of rank usually did at that period, rather for the
+agremens it held forth, than with any serious view to
+advancement in it as a profession. Still he entertained
+the praiseworthy desire of being something more than what
+is, among military men, emphatically termed a feather-bed
+soldier; and, contrary to the wishes of his fashionable
+mother, who would have preferred seeing him exhibit his
+uniform in the drawing-rooms of London, had purchased
+the step into his present corps from a cavalry regiment
+at home. Not that we mean, however, to assert he was not
+a feather-bed soldier in its more literal sense: no man
+that ever glittered in gold and scarlet was fonder of a
+feather-bed than the young baronet; and, in fact, his
+own observations, recorded in the early part of this
+volume, sufficiently prove his predilection for an
+indulgence which, we take it, in no way impugned his
+character as a soldier. Sir Everard would have fought
+twenty battles in the course of the month, if necessary,
+and yet not complained of the fatigue or severity of his
+service, provided only he had been suffered to press his
+downy couch to what is termed a decent hour in the day.
+But he had an innate and, perhaps, it may be, an instinctive
+horror of drills and early rising; a pastime in which
+the martinets and disciplinarians of the last century
+were very much given to indulge. He frequently upheld an
+opinion that must have been little less than treason in
+the eyes of a commander so strict as Colonel de Haldimar,
+that an officer who rose at eight, with all his faculties
+refreshed and invigorated, might evince as much of the
+true bearing of the soldier in the field, as he who,
+having quitted his couch at dawn, naturally felt the
+necessity of repose at a moment when activity and exertion
+were most required.
+
+We need scarcely state, Sir Everard's theories on this
+important subject were seldom reduced to practice; for,
+even long before the Indians had broken out into open
+acts of hostility, when such precautions were rendered
+indispensable, Colonel de Haldimar had never suffered
+either officer or man to linger on his pillow after the
+first faint dawn had appeared. This was a system to which
+Sir Everard could never reconcile himself. He had quitted
+England with a view to active service abroad, it is true,
+but he had never taken "active service" in its present
+literal sense, and, as he frequently declared to his
+companions, he preferred giving an Indian warrior a chance
+for his scalp any hour after breakfast, to rising at
+daybreak, when, from very stupefaction, he seldom knew
+whether he stood on his head or his heels. "If the men
+must be drilled," he urged, "with a view to their health
+and discipline, why not place them under the direction
+of the adjutant or the officer of the day, whoever he
+might chance to be, and not unnecessarily disturb a body
+of gentlemen from their comfortable slumbers at that
+unconscionable hour?" Poor Sir Everard! this was the
+only grievance of which he complained, and he complained
+bitterly. Scarcely a morning passed without his inveighing
+loudly against the barbarity of such a custom; threatening
+at the same time, amid the laughter of his companions,
+to quit the service in disgust at what he called so
+ungentlemanly and gothic a habit. All he waited for, he
+protested, was to have an opportunity of bearing away
+the spoils of some Indian chief, that, on his return to
+England, he might afford his lady mother an opportunity
+of judging with her own eyes of the sort of enemy he had
+relinquished the comforts of home to contend against,
+and exhibiting to her very dear friends the barbarous
+proofs of the prowess of her son. Though these observations
+were usually made half in jest half in earnest, there
+was no reason to doubt the young and lively baronet was,
+in truth, heartily tired of a service which seemed to
+offer nothing but privations and annoyances, unmixed with
+even the chances of obtaining those trophies to which he
+alluded; and, but for two motives, there is every
+probability he would have seriously availed himself of
+the earliest opportunity of retiring. The first of these
+was his growing friendship for the amiable and gentle
+Charles de Haldimar; the second the secret, and scarcely
+to himself acknowledged, interest which had been created
+in his heart for his sister Clara; whom he only knew from
+the glowing descriptions of his friend, and the strong
+resemblance she was said to bear to him by the other
+officers.
+
+Clara de Haldimar was the constant theme of her younger
+brother's praise. Her image was ever uppermost in his
+thoughts--her name ever hovering on his lips; and when
+alone with his friend Valletort, it was his delight to
+dwell on the worth and accomplishments of his amiable
+and beloved sister. Then, indeed, would his usually calm
+blue eye sparkle with the animation of his subject, while
+his colouring cheek marked all the warmth and sincerity
+with which he bore attestation to her gentleness and her
+goodness. The heart of Charles de Haldimar, soldier as
+he was, was pure, generous, and unsophisticated as that
+of the sister whom he so constantly eulogized; and, while
+listening to his eloquent praises, Sir Everard learnt to
+feel an interest in a being whom all had declared to be
+the counterpart of her brother, as well in personal
+attraction as in singleness of nature. With all his
+affected levity, and notwithstanding his early initiation
+into fashionable life--that matter-of-fact life which
+strikes at the existence of our earlier and dearer
+illusions--there was a dash of romance in the character
+of the young baronet which tended much to increase the
+pleasure he always took in the warm descriptions of his
+friend. The very circumstance of her being personally
+unknown to him, was, with Sir Everard, an additional
+motive for interest in Miss de Haldimar.
+
+Imagination and mystery generally work their way together;
+and as there was a shade of mystery attached to Sir
+Everard's very ignorance of the person of one whom he
+admired and esteemed from report alone, imagination was
+not slow to improve the opportunity, and to endow the
+object with characteristics, which perhaps a more intimate
+knowledge of the party might have led him to qualify. In
+this manner, in early youth, are the silken and willing
+fetters of the generous and the enthusiastic forged. We
+invest some object, whose praises, whispered secretly in
+the ear, have glided imperceptibly to the heart, with
+all the attributes supplied by our own vivid and readily
+according imaginations; and so accustomed do we become
+to linger on the picture, we adore the semblance with an
+ardour which the original often fails to excite. When,
+however, the high standard of our fancy's fair creation
+is attained, we worship as something sacred that which
+was to our hearts a source of pure and absorbing interest,
+hallowed by the very secresy in which such interest was
+indulged. Even where it fails, so unwilling are we to
+lose sight of the illusion to which our thoughts have
+fondly clung, so loth to destroy the identity of the
+semblance with its original, that we throw a veil over
+that reason which is then so little in unison with our
+wishes, and forgive much in consideration of the very
+mystery which first gave a direction to our interest,
+and subsequently chained our preference. How is it to
+be lamented, that illusions so dear, and images so
+fanciful, should find their level with time; or that
+intercourse with the world, which should be the means
+rather of promoting than marring human happiness, should
+leave on the heart so little vestige of those impressions
+which characterize the fervency of youth; and which,
+dispassionately considered, constitute the only true
+felicity of riper life! It is then that man, in all the
+vigour and capacity of his intellectual nature, feels
+the sentiment of love upon him in all its ennobling force.
+It is then that his impetuous feelings, untinged by the
+romance which imposes its check upon the more youthful,
+like the wild flow of the mighty torrent, seeks a channel
+wherein they may empty themselves; and were he to follow
+the guidance of those feelings, of which in that riper
+life he seems ashamed as of a weakness unworthy his sex,
+in the warm and glowing bosom of Nature's divinity--
+WOMAN--would he pour forth the swollen tide of his
+affection; and acknowledge, in the fullness of his expanding
+heart, the vast bounty of Providence, who had bestowed
+on him so invaluable--so unspeakably invaluable, a
+blessing.--But no; in the pursuit of ambition, in the
+acquisition of wealth, in the thirst after power, and
+the craving after distinction, nay, nineteen times out
+of twenty, in the most frivolous occupations, the most
+unsatisfactory amusements, do the great mass of the
+maturer man sink those feelings; divested of which, we
+become mere plodders on the earth, mere creatures of
+materialism: nor is it until after age and infirmity have
+overtaken them, they look back with regret to that real
+and substantial, but unenjoyed happiness, which the
+occupied heart and the soul's communion alone can bestow.
+Then indeed, when too late, are they ready to acknowledge
+the futility of those pursuits, the inadequacy of those
+mere ephemeral pleasures, to which in the full meridian
+of their manhood they sacrificed, as a thing unworthy of
+their dignity, the mysterious charm of woman's influence
+and woman's beauty.
+
+We do not mean to say Clara de Haldimar would have fallen
+short of the high estimate formed of her worth by the
+friend of her brother; neither is it to be understood,
+Sir Everard suffered this fair vision of his fancy to
+lead him into the wild and labyrinthian paths of boyish
+romance; but certain it is, the floating illusions,
+conjured up by his imagination, exercised a mysterious
+influence over his heart, that hourly acquired a deeper
+and less equivocal character. It might have been curiosity
+in the first instance, or that mere repose of the fancy
+upon an object of its own creation, which was natural to
+a young man placed like himself for the moment out of
+the pale of all female society. It has been remarked,
+and justly, there is nothing so dangerous to the peace
+of the human heart as solitude. It is in solitude, our
+thoughts, taking their colouring from our feelings, invest
+themselves with the power of multiplying ideal beauty,
+until we become in a measure tenants of a world of our
+own creation, from which we never descend, without loathing
+and disgust, into the dull and matter-of-fact routine of
+actual existence. Hence the misery of the imaginative
+man!--hence his little sympathy with the mass, who, tame
+and soulless, look upon life and the things of life, not
+through the refining medium of ideality, but through the
+grossly magnifying optics of mere sense and materialism.
+
+But, though we could, and perhaps may, at some future
+period, write volumes on this subject, we return for the
+present from a digression into which we have been insensibly
+led by the temporary excitement of our own feelings.
+
+Whatever were the impressions of the young baronet, and
+however he might have been inclined to suffer the fair
+image of the gentle Clara, such as he was perhaps wont
+to paint it, to exercise its spell upon his fancy, certain
+it is, he never expressed to her brother more than that
+esteem and interest which it was but natural he should
+accord to the sister of his friend. Neither had Charles
+de Haldimar, even amid all his warmth of commendation,
+ever made the slightest allusion to his sister, that
+could be construed into a desire she should awaken any
+unusual or extraordinary sentiment of preference. Much
+and fervently as he desired such an event, there was an
+innate sense of decorum, and it may be secret pride, that
+caused him to abstain from any observation having the
+remotest tendency to compromise the spotless delicacy of
+his adored sister; and such he would have considered any
+expression of his own hopes and wishes, where no declaration
+of preference had been previously made. There was another
+motive for this reserve on the part of the young officer.
+The baronet was an only child, and would, on attaining
+his majority, of which he wanted only a few months, become
+the possessor of a large fortune. His sister Clara, on
+the contrary, had little beyond her own fair fame and
+the beauty transmitted to her by the mother she had lost.
+Colonel de Haldimar was a younger son, and had made his
+way through life with his sword, and an unblemished
+reputation alone,--advantages he had shared with his
+children, for the two eldest of whom his interest and
+long services had procured commissions in his own regiment.
+
+But even while Charles de Haldimar abstained from all
+expression of his hopes, he had fully made up his mind
+that Sir Everard and his sister were so formed for each
+other, it was next to an impossibility they could meet
+without loving. In one of his letters to the latter, he
+had alluded to his friend in terms of so high and earnest
+panegyric, that Clara had acknowledged, in reply, she
+was prepared to find in the young baronet one whom she
+should regard with partiality, if it were only on account
+of the friendship subsisting between him and her brother.
+This admission, however, was communicated in confidence,
+and the young officer had religiously preserved his
+sister's secret.
+
+These and fifty other recollections now crowded on the
+mind of the sufferer, only to render the intensity of
+his anguish more complete; among the bitterest of which
+was the certainty that the mysterious events of the past
+night had raised up an insuperable barrier to this union;
+for how could Clara de Haldimar become the wife of him
+whose hands were, however innocently, stained with the
+life-blood of her brother! To dwell on this, and the loss
+of that brother, was little short of madness, and yet De
+Haldimar could think of nothing else; nor for a period
+could the loud booming of the cannon from the ramparts,
+every report of which shook his chamber to its very
+foundations, call off his attention from a subject which,
+while it pained, engrossed every faculty and absorbed
+every thought. At length, towards the close, he called
+faintly to the old and faithful soldier, who, at the foot
+of the bed, stood watching every change of his master's
+countenance, to know the cause of the cannonade. On being
+informed the batteries in the rear were covering the
+retreat of Captain Erskine, who, in his attempt to obtain
+the body, had been surprised by the Indians, a new
+direction was temporarily given to his thoughts, and he
+now manifested the utmost impatience to know the result.
+
+In a few minutes Morrison, who, in defiance of the
+surgeon's strict order not on any account to quit the
+room, had flown to obtain some intelligence which he
+trusted might remove the anxiety of his suffering master,
+again made his appearance, stating the corpse was already
+secured, and close under the guns of the fort, beneath
+which the detachment, though hotly assailed from the
+forest, were also fast retreating.
+
+"And is it really my brother, Morrison? Are you quite
+certain that it is Captain de Haldimar?" asked the young
+officer, in the eager accents of one who, with the fullest
+conviction on his mind, yet grasps at the faintest shadow
+of a consoling doubt. "Tell me that it is not my brother,
+and half of what I possess in the world shall be yours."
+
+The old soldier brushed a tear from his eye. "God bless
+you, Mr. de Haldimar, I would give half my grey hairs to
+be able to do so; but it is, indeed, too truly the captain
+who has been killed. I saw the very wings of his regimentals
+as he lay on his face on the litter."
+
+Charles de Haldimar groaned aloud. "Oh God! oh God! would
+I had never lived to see this day." Then springing suddenly
+up in his bed.--"Morrison, where are my clothes? I insist
+on seeing my slaughtered brother myself."
+
+"Good Heaven, sir, consider," said the old man approaching
+the bed, and attempting to replace the covering which
+had been spurned to its very foot,--"consider you are in
+a burning fever, and the slightest cold may kill you
+altogether. The doctor's orders are, you were on no
+account to get up."
+
+The effort made by the unfortunate youth was momentary.
+Faint from the blood he had lost, and giddy from the
+excitement of his feelings, he sank back exhausted on
+his pillow, and wept like a child.
+
+Old Morrison shed tears also; for his heart bled for the
+sufferings of one whom he had nursed and played with even
+in early infancy, and whom, although his master, he regarded
+with the affection he would have borne to his own child. As
+he had justly observed, he would have willingly given half
+his remaining years to be able to remove the source of the
+sorrow which so deeply oppressed him.
+
+When this violent paroxysm had somewhat subsided, De
+Haldimar became more composed; but his was rather that
+composure which grows out of the apathy produced by
+overwhelming grief, than the result of any relief afforded
+to his suffering heart by the tears he had shed. He had
+continued some time in this faint and apparently tranquil
+state, when confused sounds in the barrack-yard, followed
+by the raising of the heavy drawbridge, announced the
+return of the detachment. Again he started up in his bed
+and demanded his clothes, declaring his intention to go
+out and receive the corpse of his murdered brother. All
+opposition on the part of the faithful Morrison was now
+likely to prove fruitless, when suddenly the door opened,
+and an officer burst hurriedly into the room.
+
+"Courage! courage! my dear De Haldimar; I am the bearer
+of good news. Your brother is not the person who has been
+slain."
+
+Again De Haldimar sank back upon his pillow, overcome by
+a variety of conflicting emotions. A moment afterwards,
+and he exclaimed reproachfully, yet almost gasping with
+the eagerness of his manner,--
+
+"For God's sake, Sumners--in the name of common humanity,
+do not trifle with my feelings. If you would seek to
+lull me with false hopes, you are wrong. I am prepared
+to hear and bear the worst at present; but to be undeceived
+again would break my heart."
+
+"I swear to you by every thing I have been taught to
+revere as sacred," solemnly returned Ensign Sumners,
+deeply touched by the affliction he witnessed, "what I
+state is strictly true. Captain Erskine himself sent me
+to tell you."
+
+"What, is he only wounded then?" and a glow of mingled
+hope and satisfaction was visible even through the flush
+of previous excitement on the cheek of the sufferer.
+"Quick, Morrison, give me my clothes.--Where is my brother,
+Sumners?" and again he raised up his debilitated frame
+with the intention of quitting his couch.
+
+"De Haldimar, my dear De Haldimar, compose yourself, and
+listen to me. Your brother is still missing, and we are
+as much in the dark about his fate as ever. All that is
+certain is, we have no positive knowledge of his death;
+but surely that is a thousand times preferable to the
+horrid apprehensions under which we have all hitherto
+laboured."
+
+"What mean you, Sumners? or am I so bewildered by my
+sufferings as not to comprehend you clearly?--Nay, nay,
+forgive me; but I am almost heart-broken at this loss,
+and scarcely know what I say. But what is it you mean?
+I saw my unhappy brother lying on the common with my own
+eyes. Poor Valletort, himself--" here a rush of bitter
+recollections flashed on the memory of the young man,
+and the tears coursed each other rapidly down his cheek.
+His emotion lasted for a few moments, and he pursued,--"Poor
+Valletort himself saw him, for he was nearly as much
+overwhelmed with affliction as I was; and even Morrison
+beheld him also, not ten minutes since, under the very
+walls of the fort; nay, distinguished the wings of his
+uniform: and yet you would persuade me my brother, instead
+of being brought in a corpse, is still missing and alive.
+This is little better than trifling with my wretchedness,
+Sumners," and again he sank back exhausted on his pillow.
+
+"I can easily forgive your doubts, De Haldimar," returned
+the sympathizing Sumners, taking the hand of his companion,
+and pressing it gently in his own; "for, in truth, there
+is a great deal of mystery attached to the whole affair.
+I have not seen the body myself; but I distinctly heard
+Captain Erskine state it certainly was not your brother,
+and he requested me to apprise both Sir Everard Valletort
+and yourself of the fact."
+
+"Who is the murdered man, then? and how comes he to be
+clad in the uniform of one of our officers? Pshaw! it is
+too absurd to be credited. Erskine is mistaken--he must
+be mistaken--it can be no other than my poor brother
+Frederick. Sumners, I am sick, faint, with this cruel
+uncertainty: go, my dear fellow, at once, and examine
+the body; then return to me, and satisfy my doubts, if
+possible."
+
+"Most willingly, if you desire it," returned Sumners,
+moving towards the door; "but believe me, De Haldimar,
+you may make your mind tranquil on the subject;--Erskine
+spoke with certainty."
+
+"Have you seen Valletort?" asked De Haldimar, while an
+involuntary shudder pervaded his fame.
+
+"I have. He flew on the instant to make further enquiries;
+and was in the act of going to examine the body of the
+murdered man when I came here.--But here he is himself,
+and his countenance is the harbinger of any thing but a
+denial of my intelligence."
+
+"Oh, Charles, what a weight of misery has been removed
+from my heart!" exclaimed that officer, now rushing to
+the bedside of his friend, and seizing his extended
+hand,--"Your brother, let us hope, still lives."
+
+"Almighty God, I thank thee!" fervently ejaculated De
+Haldimar; and then, overcome with joy, surprise, and
+gratitude, he again sank back upon his pillow, sobbing
+and weeping violently.
+
+Sumners had, with delicate tact, retired the moment Sir
+Everard made his appearance; for he, as well as the whole
+body of officers, was aware of the close friendship that
+subsisted between the young men, and he felt, at such a
+moment, the presence of a third person must be a sort of
+violation of the sacredness of their interview.
+
+For some minutes the young baronet stood watching in
+silence, and with his friend's hand closely clasped in
+his own, the course of those tears which seemed to afford
+so much relief to the overcharged heart of the sufferer.
+At length they passed gradually away; and a smile,
+expressive of the altered state of his feelings, for the
+first time animated the flushed but handsome features of
+the younger De Haldimar.
+
+We shall not attempt to paint all that passed between
+the friends during the first interesting moments of an
+interview which neither had expected to enjoy again, or
+the delight and satisfaction with which they congratulated
+themselves on the futility of those fears, which, if
+realised, must have embittered every future moment of
+their lives with the most harrowing recollections. Sir
+Everard, particularly, felt, and was not slow to express,
+his joy on this occasion; for, as he gazed upon the
+countenance of his friend, he was more than ever inclined
+to confess an interest in the sister he was said so much
+to resemble.
+
+With that facility with which in youth the generous and
+susceptible are prone to exchange their tears for smiles,
+as some powerful motive for the reaction may prompt, the
+invalid had already, and for the moment, lost sight of
+the painful past in the pleasurable present, so that his
+actual excitement was strongly in contrast with the
+melancholy he had so recently exhibited. Never had Charles
+de Haldimar appeared so eminently handsome; and yet his
+beauty resembled that of a frail and delicate woman,
+rather than that of one called to the manly and arduous
+profession of a soldier. It was that delicate and Medor-like
+beauty which might have won the heart and fascinated the
+sense of a second Angelica. The light brown hair flowing
+in thick and natural waves over a high white forehead;
+the rich bloom of the transparent and downy cheek; the
+large, blue, long, dark-lashed eye, in which a shade of
+languor harmonised with the soft but animated expression
+of the whole countenance,--the dimpled mouth,--the small,
+clear, and even teeth,--all these now characterised
+Charles de Haldimar; and if to these we add a voice rich,
+full, and melodious, and a smile sweet and fascinating,
+we shall be at no loss to account for the readiness with
+which Sir Everard suffered his imagination to draw on
+the brother for those attributes he ascribed to the
+sister.
+
+It was while this impression was strong upon his fancy,
+he took occasion to remark, in reply to an observation
+of De Haldimar's, alluding to the despair with which his
+sister would have been seized, had she known one brother
+had fallen by the hand of the friend of the other.
+
+"The grief of my own heart, Charles, on this occasion,
+would have been little inferior to her own. The truth
+is, my feelings during the last three hours have let me
+into a secret, of the existence of which I was, in a
+great degree, ignorant until then: I scarcely know how
+to express myself, for the communication is so truly
+absurd and romantic you will not credit it." He paused,
+hesitated, and then, as if determined to anticipate the
+ridicule he seemed to feel would be attached to his
+confession, with a forced half laugh pursued: "The fact
+is, Charles, I have been so much used to listen to your
+warm and eloquent praises of your sister, I have absolutely,
+I will not say fallen in love with (that would be going
+too far), but conceived so strong an interest in her,
+that my most ardent desire would be to find favour in
+her eyes. What say you, my friend? are you inclined to
+forward my suit; and if so, is there any chance for me,
+think you, with herself?"
+
+The breast of Charles de Haldimar, who had listened with
+deep and increasing attention to this avowal, swelled
+high with pleasurable excitement, and raising himself up
+in his bed with one hand, while he grasped one of Sir
+Everard's with the other, he exclaimed with a transport
+of affection too forcible to be controlled,--
+
+"Oh, Valletort, Valletort! this is, indeed, all that
+was wanting to complete my happiness. My sister Clara
+I adore with all the affection of my nature; I love her
+better than my own life, which is wrapped up in hers.
+She is an angel in disposition,--all that is dear, tender,
+and affectionate,--all that is gentle and lovely in woman;
+one whose welfare is dearer far to me than my own, and
+without whose presence I could not live. Valletort, that
+prize,--that treasure, that dearer half of myself, is
+yours,--yours for ever. I have long wished you should
+love, each other, and I felt, when you met, you would.
+If I have hitherto forborne from expressing this fondest
+wish of my heart, it has been from delicacy--from a
+natural fear of compromising the purity of my adored
+Clara. Now, however, you have confessed yourself interested,
+by a description that falls far short of the true peril
+of that dear girl, I can no longer disguise my gratification
+and delight. Valletort," he concluded, impressively,
+"there is no other man on earth to whom I would say so
+much; but you were formed for each other, and you will,
+you must, be the husband of my sister."
+
+If the youthful and affectionate De Haldimar was happy,
+Sir Everard was no less so; for already, with the enthusiasm
+of a young man of twenty, he painted to himself the entire
+fruition of those dreams of happiness that had so long
+been familiarised to his imagination. One doubt alone
+crossed his mind.
+
+"But if your sister should have decided differently,
+Charles," he at length remarked, as he gently quitted
+the embrace of his friend: "who knows if her heart may
+not already throb for another; and even if not, it is
+possible she may judge me far less flatteringly than you
+do."
+
+"Valletort, your fears are groundless. Having admitted
+thus far, I will even go farther, and add, you have been
+the subject of one of my letters to Clara, who, in her
+turn, 'confesses a strong interest in one of whom she
+has heard so much.' She writes playfully, of course, but
+it is quite evident to me she is prepared to like you."
+
+"Indeed! But, Charles, liking is many degrees removed
+you know from loving; besides, I understand there are
+two or three handsome and accomplished fellows among the
+garrison of Michilimackinac, and your sister's visit to
+her cousin may not have been paid altogether with impunity."
+
+"Think not thus meanly of Clara's understanding, Valletort.
+There must be something more than mere beauty and
+accomplishment to fix the heart of my sister. The dark
+eyed and elegant Baynton, and the musical and sonnetteering
+Middleton, to whom you, doubtless, allude, are very
+excellent fellows in their way; but handsome and
+accomplished as they are, they are not exactly the men
+to please Clara de Haldimar."
+
+"But, my dear Charles, you forget also any little merit
+of my own is doubly enhanced in your eyes, by the sincerity
+of the friendship subsisting between us; your sister may
+think very differently."
+
+"Psha, Valletort! these difficulties are all of your own
+creation," returned his friend, impatiently; "I know the
+heart of Clara is disengaged. What would you more?"
+
+"Enough, De Haldimar; I will no longer doubt my own
+prospects. If she but approve me, my whole life shall be
+devoted to the happiness of your sister."
+
+A single knock was now heard at the door of the apartment;
+it was opened, and a sergeant appeared at the entrance.
+
+"The company are under arms for punishment parade,
+Lieutenant Valletort," said the man, touching his cap.
+
+In an instant, the visionary prospects of the young men
+gave place to the stern realities connected with that
+announcement of punishment. The treason of Halloway,--the
+absence of Frederick de Haldimar,--the dangers by which
+they were beset,--and the little present probability of
+a re-union with those who were most dear to them,--all
+these recollections now flashed across their minds with
+the rapidity of thought; and the conversation that had
+so recently passed between them seemed to leave no other
+impression than what is produced from some visionary
+speculation of the moment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+As the bells of the fort tolled the tenth hour of morning,
+the groups of dispersed soldiery, warned by the rolling
+of the assembly drum, once more fell into their respective
+ranks in the order described in the opening of this
+volume, Soon afterwards the prisoner Halloway was
+reconducted into the square by a strong escort, who took
+their stations as before in the immediate centre, where
+the former stood principally conspicuous to the observation
+of his comrades. His countenance was paler, and had less,
+perhaps, of the indifference he had previously manifested;
+but to supply this there was a certain subdued air of
+calm dignity, and a composure that sprang, doubtless,
+from the consciousness of the new character in which he
+now appeared before his superiors. Colonel de Haldimar
+almost immediately followed, and with him were the
+principal staff of the garrison, all of whom, with the
+exception of the sick and wounded and their attendants,
+were present to a man. The former took from the hands of
+the governor, Lawson, a large packet, consisting of
+several sheets of folded paper closely written upon.
+These were the proceedings of the court martial.
+
+After enumerating the several charges, and detailing the
+evidence of the witnesses examined, the adjutant came at
+length to the finding and sentence of the court, which
+were as follows:--
+
+"The court having duly considered the evidence adduced
+against the prisoner private Frank Halloway, together
+with what he has urged in his defence, are of opinion,--"
+
+"That with regard to the first charge, it is not proved."
+
+"That with regard to the second charge, it is not proved."
+
+"That with regard to the third charge, even by his own
+voluntary confession, the prisoner is guilty."
+
+"The court having found the prisoner private Frank Halloway
+guilty of the third charge preferred against him, which
+is hi direct violation of a standing order of the garrison,
+entailing capital punishment, do hereby sentence him,
+the said prisoner, private Frank Halloway, to be shot to
+death at such time and place as the officer commanding
+may deem fit to appoint."
+
+Although the utmost order pervaded the ranks, every breath
+had been suspended, every ear stretched during the reading
+of the sentence; and now that it came arrayed in terror
+and in blood, every glance was turned in pity on its
+unhappy victim. But Halloway heard it with the ears of
+one who has made up his mind to suffer; and the faint
+half smile that played upon his lip spoke more in scorn
+than in sorrow. Colonel de Haldimar pursued:--
+
+"The court having found it imperatively incumbent on them
+to award the punishment of death to the prisoner, private
+Frank Halloway, at the same time gladly avail themselves
+of their privilege by strongly recommending him to mercy.
+The court cannot, in justice to the character of the
+prisoner, refrain from expressing their unanimous
+conviction, that notwithstanding the mysterious
+circumstances which have led to his confinement and trial,
+he is entirely innocent of the treachery ascribed to him.
+The court have founded this conviction on the excellent
+character, both on duty and in the field, hitherto borne
+by the prisoner,--his well-known attachment to the officer
+with whose abduction be stands charged,--and the manly,
+open, and (as the court are satisfied) correct history
+given of his former life. It is, moreover, the impression
+of the court, that, as stated by the prisoner, his guilt
+on the third charge has been the result only of his
+attachment for Captain de Haldimar. And for this, and
+the reasons above assigned, do they strongly recommend
+the prisoner to mercy."
+
+   (Signed)
+
+   NOEL BLESSINGTON,
+      Captain and President.
+
+   Sentence approved and confirmed.
+
+   CHARLES DE HALDIMAR,
+      Colonel Commandant.
+
+While these concluding remarks of the court were being
+read, the prisoner manifested the deepest emotion. If a
+smile of scorn had previously played upon his lip, it
+was because he fancied the court, before whom he had
+sought to vindicate his fame, had judged him with a
+severity not inferior to his colonel's; but now that, in
+the presence of his companions, he heard the flattering
+attestation of his services, coupled even as it was with
+the sentence that condemned him to die, tears of gratitude
+and pleasure rose despite of himself to his eyes; and it
+required all his self-command to enable him to abstain
+from giving expression to his feelings towards those who
+had so generously interpreted the motives of his dereliction
+from duty. But when the melancholy and startling fact of
+the approval and confirmation of the sentence met his
+ear, without the slightest allusion to that mercy which
+had been so urgently recommended, he again overcame his
+weakness, and exhibited his wonted air of calm and
+unconcern.
+
+"Let the prisoner be removed, Mr. Lawson," ordered the
+governor, whose stern and somewhat dissatisfied expression
+of countenance was the only comment on the recommendation
+for mercy.
+
+The order was promptly executed. Once more Halloway left
+the square, and was reconducted to the cell he had occupied
+since the preceding night.
+
+"Major Blackwater," pursued the governor, "let a detachment
+consisting of one half the garrison be got in readiness
+to leave the fort within the hour. Captain Wentworth,
+three pieces of field artillery will be required. Let
+them be got ready also." He then retired from the area
+with the forbidding dignity and stately haughtiness of
+manner that was habitual to him; while the officers, who
+had just received his commands, prepared to fulfil the
+respective duties assigned them.
+
+Since the first alarm of the garrison no opportunity had
+hitherto been afforded the officers to snatch the slightest
+refreshment. Advantage was now taken of the short interval
+allowed by the governor, and they all repaired to the
+mess-room, where their breakfast had long since been
+provided.
+
+"Well, Blessington," remarked Captain Erskine, as he
+filled his plate for the third time from a large haunch
+of smoke-dried venison, for which his recent skirmish
+with the Indians had given him an unusual relish, "so it
+appears your recommendation of poor Halloway to mercy is
+little likely to be attended to. Did you remark how
+displeased the colonel looked as he bungled through it?
+One might almost be tempted to think he had an interest
+in the man's death, so determined does he appear to carry
+his point."
+
+Although several of his companions, perhaps, felt and
+thought the same, still there was no one who would have
+ventured to avow his real sentiments in so unqualified
+a manner. Indeed such an observation proceeding from
+the lips of any other officer would have excited the
+utmost surprise; but Captain Erskine, a brave, bold,
+frank, and somewhat thoughtless soldier, was one of those
+beings who are privileged to say any thing. His opinions
+were usually expressed without ceremony; and his speech
+was not the most circumspect NOW, as since his return to
+the fort he had swallowed, fasting, two or three glasses
+of a favourite spirit, which, without intoxicating, had
+greatly excited him.
+
+"I remarked enough," said Captain Blessington, who sat
+leaning his head on one hand, while with the other he
+occasionally, and almost mechanically, raised a cup filled
+with a liquid of a pale blood colour to his lips,--"quite
+enough to make me regret from my very soul I should have
+been his principal judge. Poor Halloway, I pity him much;
+for, on my honour, I believe him to be the gentleman he
+represents himself."
+
+"A finer fellow does not live," remarked the last remaining
+officer of the grenadiers. "But surely Colonel de Haldimar
+cannot mean to carry the sentence into effect. The
+recommendation of a court, couched in such terms as these,
+ought alone to have some weight with him."
+
+"It is quite clear, from the fact of his having been
+remanded to his cell, the execution of the poor fellow
+will be deferred at least," observed one of Captain
+Erskine's subalterns." If the governor had intended he
+should suffer immediately, he would have had him shot
+the moment after his sentence was read. But what is the
+meaning and object of this new sortie? and whither are
+we now going? Do you know, Captain Erskine, our company
+is again ordered for this duty?"
+
+"Know it, Leslie! of course I do; and for that reason am
+I paying my court to the more substantial part of the
+breakfast. Come, Blessington, my dear fellow, you have
+quite lost your appetite, and we may have sharp work
+before we get back. Follow my example: throw that nasty
+blood-thickening sassafras away, and lay a foundation
+from this venison. None sweeter is to be found in the
+forests of America. A few slices of that, and then a
+glass each of my best Jamaica, and we shall have strength
+to go through the expedition, if its object be the capture
+of the bold Ponteac himself."
+
+"I presume the object is rather to seek for Captain de
+Haldimar," said Lieutenant Boyce, the officer of grenadiers;
+"but in that case why not send out his own company?"
+
+"Because the Colonel prefers trusting to cooler heads
+and more experienced arms," good-humouredly observed
+Captain Erskine. "Blessington is our senior, and his
+men are all old stagers. My lads, too, have had their
+mettle up already this morning, and there is nothing like
+that to prepare men for a dash of enterprise. It is with
+them as with blood horses, the more you put them on their
+speed the less anxious are they to quit the course.
+Well, Johnstone, my brave Scot, ready for another skirmish?"
+he asked, as that officer now entered to satisfy the
+cravings of an appetite little inferior to that of his
+captain.
+
+"With 'Nunquam non paratus' for my motto," gaily returned
+the young man, "it were odd, indeed, if a mere scratch
+like this should prevent me from establishing my claim
+to it by following wherever my gallant captain leads."
+
+"Most courteously spoken, and little in the spirit of a
+man yet smarting under the infliction of a rifle wound,
+it must be confessed," remarked Lieutenant Leslie. "But,
+Johnstone, you should bear in mind a too close adherence
+to that motto has been, in some degree, fatal to your
+family."
+
+"No reflections, Leslie, if you please," returned his
+brother subaltern, slightly reddening. "If the head of
+our family was unfortunate enough to be considered a
+traitor to England, he was not so, at least, to Scotland;
+and Scotland was the land of his birth. But let his
+political errors be forgotten. Though the winged spur no
+longer adorn the booted heel of an Earl of Annandale,
+the time may not be far distant when some liberal and
+popular monarch of England shall restore a title forfeited
+neither through cowardice nor dishonour, but from an
+erroneous sense of duty."
+
+"That is to say," muttered Ensign Delme, looking round
+for approval as he spoke, "that our present king is
+neither liberal nor popular. Well, Mr. Johnstone, were
+such an observation to reach the ears of Colonel de
+Haldimar you would stand a very fair chance of being
+brought to a court martial."
+
+"That is to say nothing of the kind, sir," somewhat
+fiercely retorted the young Scot; "but any thing I do
+say you are at liberty to repeat to Colonel de Haldimar,
+or whom you will. I cannot understand, Leslie, why you
+should have made any allusion to the misfortunes of my
+family at this particular moment, and in this public
+manner. I trust it was not with a view to offend me;"
+and he fixed his large black eyes upon his brother
+subaltern, as if he would have read every thought of his
+mind.
+
+"Upon my honour, Johnstone, I meant nothing of the kind,"
+frankly returned Leslie. "I merely meant to hint that
+as you had had your share of service this morning, you
+might, at least, have suffered me to borrow your spurs,
+while you reposed for the present on your laurels."
+
+"There are my gay and gallant Scots," exclaimed Captain
+Erskine, as he swallowed off a glass of the old Jamaica
+which lay before him, and with which he usually neutralised
+the acidities of a meat breakfast, "Settled like gentlemen
+and lads of spirit as ye are," he pursued, as the young
+men cordially shook each other's hand across the table.
+"What an enviable command is mine, to have a company of
+brave fellows who would face the devil himself were it
+necessary; and two hot and impatient subs., who are ready
+to cut each other's throat for the pleasure of accompanying
+me against a set of savages that are little better than
+so many devils. Come, Johnstone, you know the Colonel
+allows us but one sub. at a time, in consequence of our
+scarcity of officers, therefore it is but fair Leslie
+should have his turn. It will not be long, I dare say,
+before we shall have another brush with the rascals."
+
+"In my opinion," observed Captain Blessington, who had
+been a silent and thoughtful witness of what was passing
+around him, "neither Leslie nor Johnstone would evince
+so much anxiety, were they aware of the true-nature of
+the duty for which our companies have been ordered. Depend
+upon it, it is no search after Captain de Haldimar in
+which we are about to be engaged; for much as the colonel
+loves his son, he would on no account compromise the
+safety of the garrison, by sending a party into the
+forest, where poor De Haldimar, if alive, is at all likely
+to be found."
+
+"Faith you are right, Blessington; the governor is not
+one to run these sort of risks on every occasion. My
+chief surprise, indeed, is, that he suffered me to venture
+even upon the common; but if we are not designed for some
+hostile expedition, why leave the fort at all?"
+
+"The question will need no answer, if Halloway be found
+to accompany us."
+
+"Psha! why should Halloway be taken out for the purpose?
+If he be shot at all, he will be shot on the ramparts,
+in the presence of, and as an example to, the whole
+garrison. Still, on reflection, I cannot but think it
+impossible the sentence should be carried into full
+effect, after the strong, nay, the almost unprecedented
+recommendation to mercy recorded on the face of the
+proceedings."
+
+Captain Blessington shook his head despondingly. "What
+think you, Erskine, of the policy of making an example,
+which may be witnessed by the enemy as well as the
+garrison? It is evident, from his demeanour throughout,
+nothing will convince the colonel that Halloway is not
+a traitor, and he may think it advisable to strike terror
+in the minds of the savages, by an execution which will
+have the effect of showing the treason of the soldier to
+have been discovered."
+
+In this opinion many of the officers now concurred; and
+as the fate of the unfortunate Halloway began to assume
+a character of almost certainty, even the spirit of the
+gallant Erskine, the least subdued by the recent distressing
+events, was overclouded; and all sank, as if by one
+consent, into silent communion with their thoughts, as
+they almost mechanically completed the meal, at which
+habit rather than appetite still continued them. Before
+any of them had yet risen from the table, a loud and
+piercing scream met their ears from without; and so quick
+and universal was the movement it produced, that its echo
+had scarcely yet died away in distance, when the whole
+of the breakfast party had issued from the room, and were
+already spectators of the cause.
+
+The barracks of the officers, consisting of a range of
+low buildings, occupied the two contiguous sides of a
+square, and in the front of these ran a narrow and covered
+piazza, somewhat similar to those attached to the
+guardhouses in England, which description of building
+the barracks themselves most resembled. On the other
+two faces of the square stood several block-houses, a
+style of structure which, from their adaptation to purposes
+of defence as well as of accommodation, were every where
+at that period in use in America, and are even now
+continued along the more exposed parts of the frontier.
+These, capable of containing each a company of men, were,
+as their name implies, formed of huge masses of
+roughly-shapen timber, fitted into each other at the
+extremities by rude incisions from the axe, and filled
+in with smaller wedges of wood. The upper part of these
+block-houses projected on every side several feet beyond
+the ground floor, and over the whole was a sheathing of
+planks, which, as well as those covering the barracks of
+the officers, were painted of a brick-red colour. Unlike
+the latter, they rose considerably above the surface of
+the ramparts; and, in addition to the small window to be
+seen on each side of each story of the block-house, were
+numerous smaller square holes, perforated for the discharge
+of musketry. Between both these barracks and the ramparts
+there was just space sufficient to admit of the passage
+of artillery of a heavy calibre; and at each of the four
+angles, composing the lines of the fort, was an opening
+of several feet in extent, not only to afford the gunners
+room to work their batteries, but to enable them to reach
+their posts with greater expedition in the event of any
+sudden emergency. On the right, on entering the fort
+over the drawbridge, were the block-houses of the men;
+and immediately in front, and on the left, the barracks
+of the officers, terminated at the outer extremity by
+the guard-house, and at the inner by the quarters of the
+commanding officer.
+
+As the officers now issued from the mess-room nearly
+opposite to the gate, they observed, at that part of the
+barracks which ran at right angles with it, and immediately
+in front of the apartment of the younger De Haldimar,
+whence he had apparently just issued, the governor,
+struggling, though gently, to disengage himself from a
+female, who, with disordered hair and dress, lay almost
+prostrate upon the piazza, and clasping his booted leg
+with an energy evidently borrowed from the most rooted
+despair. The quick eye of the haughty man had already
+rested on the group of officers drawn by the scream of
+the supplicant. Numbers, too, of the men, attracted by
+the same cause, were collected in front of their respective
+block-houses, and looking from the windows of the rooms
+in which they were also breakfasting, preparatory to the
+expedition. Vexed and irritated beyond measure, at being
+thus made a conspicuous object of observation to his
+inferiors, the unbending governor made a violent and
+successful effort to disengage his leg; and then, without
+uttering a word, or otherwise noticing the unhappy being
+who lay extended at his feet, he stalked across the parade
+to his apartments at the opposite angle, without appearing
+to manifest the slightest consciousness of the scene that
+had awakened such universal attention.
+
+Several of the officers, among whom was Captain Blessington,
+now hastened to the assistance of the female, whom all
+had recognised, from the first, to be the interesting
+and unhappy wife of Halloway. Many of the comrades of
+the latter, who had been pained and pitying spectators
+of the scene, also advanced for the same purpose; but,
+on perceiving their object anticipated by their superiors,
+they withdrew to the blocks-houses, whence they had
+issued. Never was grief more forcibly depicted, than in
+the whole appearance of this unfortunate woman; never
+did anguish assume a character more fitted to touch the
+soul, or to command respect. Her long fair hair, that
+had hitherto been hid under the coarse mob-cap, usually
+worn by the wives of the soldiers, was now divested of
+all fastening, and lay shadowing a white and polished
+bosom, which, in her violent struggles to detain the
+governor, had burst from its rude but modest confinement,
+and was now displayed in all the dazzling delicacy of
+youth and sex. If the officers gazed for a moment with
+excited look upon charms that had long been strangers to
+their sight, and of an order they had little deemed to
+find in Ellen Halloway, it was but the involuntary tribute
+rendered by nature unto beauty. The depth and sacredness
+of that sorrow, which had left the wretched woman
+unconscious of her exposure, in the instant afterwards
+imposed a check upon admiration, which each felt to be
+a violation of the first principles of human delicacy,
+and the feeling was repressed almost in the moment that
+gave it birth.
+
+They were immediately in front of the room occupied by
+Charles de Haldimar, in the piazza of which were a few
+old chairs, on which the officers were in the habit of
+throwing themselves during the heat of the day. On one
+of these Captain Blessington, assisted by the officer of
+grenadiers, now seated the suffering and sobbing wife of
+Halloway. His first care was to repair the disorder of
+her dress; and never was the same office performed by
+man with greater delicacy, or absence of levity by those
+who witnessed it. This was the first moment of her
+consciousness. The inviolability of modesty for a moment
+rose paramount even to the desolation of her heart, and
+putting rudely aside the hand that reposed unavoidably
+upon her person, the poor woman started from her seat,
+and looked wildly about her, as if endeavouring to identify
+those by whom she was surrounded. But when she observed
+the pitying gaze of the officers fixed upon her, in
+earnestness and commiseration, and heard the benevolent
+accents of the ever kind Blessington exhorting her to
+composure, her weeping became more violent, and her sobs
+more convulsive. Captain Blessington threw an arm round
+her waist to prevent her from falling; and then motioning
+to two or three women of the company to which her husband
+was attached, who stood at a little distance, in front
+of one of the block-houses, prepared to deliver her over
+to their charge.
+
+"No, no, not yet!" burst at length from the lips of the
+agonised woman, as she shrank from the rude but
+well-intentioned touch of the sympathising assistants,
+who had promptly answered the signal; then, as if obeying
+some new direction of her feelings, some new impulse of
+her grief, she liberated herself from the slight grasp
+of Captain Blessington, turned suddenly round, and, before
+any one could anticipate the movement, entered an opening
+on the piazza, raised the latch of a door situated at
+its extremity, and was, in the next instant, in the
+apartment of the younger De Haldimar.
+
+The scene that met the eyes of the officers, who now
+followed close after her, was one well calculated to make
+an impression on the hearts even of the most insensible.
+In the despair and recklessness of her extreme sorrow,
+the young wife of Halloway had already thrown herself
+upon her knees at the bedside of the sick officer; and,
+with her hands upraised and firmly clasped together, was
+now supplicating him in tones, contrasting singularly in
+their gentleness with the depth of the sorrow that had
+rendered her thus regardless of appearances, and insensible
+to observation.
+
+"Oh, Mr. de Haldimar!" she implored, "in the name of God
+and of our blessed Saviour, if you would save me from
+madness, intercede for my unhappy husband, and preserve
+him from the horrid fate that awaits him. You are too
+good, too gentle, too amiable, to reject the prayer of
+a heart-broken woman. Moreover, Mr. de Haldimar," she
+proceeded, with deeper energy, while she caught and
+pressed, between her own white and bloodless hands, one
+nearly as delicate that lay extended near her, "consider
+all my dear but unfortunate husband has done for your
+family. Think of the blood he once spilt in the defence
+of your brother's life; that brother, through whom alone,
+oh God! he is now condemned to die. Call to mind the days
+and nights of anguish I passed near his couch of suffering,
+when yet writhing beneath the wound aimed at the life of
+Captain de Haldimar. Almighty Providence!" she pursued,
+in the same impassioned yet plaintive voice, "why is not
+Miss Clara here to plead the cause of the innocent, and
+to touch the stubborn heart of her merciless father? She
+would, indeed, move heaven and earth to save the life of
+him to whom she so often vowed eternal gratitude and
+acknowledgment. Ah, she little dreams of his danger now;
+or, if prayer and intercession could avail, my husband
+should yet live, and this terrible struggle at my heart
+would be no more."
+
+Overcome by her emotion, the unfortunate woman suffered
+her aching head to droop upon the edge of the bed, and
+her sobbing became so painfully violent, that all who
+heard her expected, at every moment, some fatal termination
+to her immoderate grief. Charles de Haldimar was little
+less affected; and his sorrow was the more bitter, as he
+had just proved the utter inefficacy of any thing in the
+shape of appeal to his inflexible father.
+
+"Mrs. Halloway, my dear Mrs. Halloway, compose yourself,"
+said Captain Blessington, now approaching, and endeavouring
+to raise her gently from the floor, on which she still
+knelt, while her hands even more firmly grasped that of
+De Haldimar. "You are ill, very ill, and the consequences
+of this dreadful excitement may be fatal. Be advised by
+me, and retire. I have desired my room to be prepared
+for you, and Sergeant Wilmot's wife shall remain with
+you as long as you may require it."
+
+"No, no, no!" she again exclaimed with energy; "what care
+I for my own wretched life--my beloved and unhappy husband
+is to die. Oh God! to die without guilt--to be cut off
+in his youth--to be shot as a traitor--and that simply
+for obeying the wishes of the officer whom he loved!--the
+son of the man who now spurns all supplication from his
+presence. It is inhuman--it is unjust--and Heaven will
+punish the hard-hearted man who murders him--yes, murders
+him! for such a punishment for such an offence is nothing
+less than murder." Again she wept bitterly, and as Captain
+Blessington still essayed to soothe and raise her:--"No,
+no! I will not leave this spot," she continued; "I will
+not quit the side of Mr. de Haldimar, until he pledges
+himself to intercede for my poor husband. It is his duty
+to save the life of him who saved his brother's life;
+and God and human justice are with my appeal. Oh, tell
+me, then, Mr. de Haldimar,--if you would save my wretched
+heart from breaking,--tell me you will intercede for,
+and obtain the pardon of, my husband!"
+
+As she concluded this last sentence in passionate appeal,
+she had risen from her knees; and, conscious only of the
+importance of the boon solicited, now threw herself upon
+the breast of the highly pained and agitated young officer.
+Her long and beautiful hair fell floating over his face,
+and mingled with his own, while her arms were wildly
+clasped around him, in all the energy of frantic and
+hopeless adjuration.
+
+"Almighty God!" exclaimed the agitated young man, as he
+made a feeble and fruitless effort to raise the form of
+the unhappy woman; "what shall I say to impart comfort
+to this suffering being? Oh, Mrs. Halloway," he pursued,
+"I would willingly give all I possess in this world to
+be the means of saving your unfortunate husband,--and as
+much for his own sake as for yours would I do this; but,
+alas! I have not the power. Do not think I speak without
+conviction. My father has just been with me, and I have
+pleaded the cause of your husband with an earnestness I
+should scarcely have used had my own life been at stake.
+But all my entreaties have been in vain. He is obstinate
+in the belief my brother's strange absence, and Donellan's
+death, are attributable only to the treason of Halloway.
+Still there is a hope. A detachment is to leave the fort
+within the hour, and Halloway is to accompany them. It
+may be, my father intends this measure only with a view
+to terrify him into a confession of guilt; and that he
+deems it politic to make him undergo all the fearful
+preliminaries without carrying the sentence itself into
+effect."
+
+The unfortunate woman said no more. When she raised her
+heaving chest from that of the young officer, her eyes,
+though red and shrunk to half their usual size with
+weeping, were tearless; but on her countenance there was
+an expression of wild woe, infinitely more distressing
+to behold, in consequence of the almost unnatural check
+so suddenly imposed upon her feelings. She tottered,
+rather than walked, through the group of officers, who
+gave way on either hand to let her pass; and rejecting
+all assistance from the women who had followed into the
+room, and who now, in obedience to another signal from
+Captain Blessington, hastened to her support, finally
+gained the door, and quitted the apartment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+The sun was high in the meridian, as the second detachment,
+commanded by Colonel de Haldimar in person, issued from
+the fort of Detroit. It was that soft and hazy season,
+peculiar to the bland and beautiful autumns of Canada,
+when the golden light of Heaven seems as if transmitted
+through a veil of tissue, and all of animate and inanimate
+nature, expanding and fructifying beneath its fostering
+influence, breathes the most delicious languor and
+voluptuous repose. It was one of those still, calm, warm,
+and genial days, which in those regions come under the
+vulgar designation of the Indian summer; a season that
+is ever hailed by the Canadian with a satisfaction
+proportioned to the extreme sultriness of the summer,
+and the equally oppressive rigour of the winter, by which
+it is immediately preceded and followed. It is then that
+Nature, who seems from the creation to have bestowed all
+of grandeur and sublimity on the stupendous Americas,
+looks gladly and complacently on her work; and, staying
+the course of parching suns and desolating frosts, loves
+to luxuriate for a period in the broad and teeming bosom
+of her gigantic offspring. It is then that the
+forest-leaves, alike free from the influence of the
+howling hurricane of summer, and the paralysing and
+unfathomable snows of winter, cleave, tame and stirless
+in their varying tints, to the parent branch; while the
+broad rivers and majestic lakes exhibit a surface resembling
+rather the incrustation of the polished mirror than the
+resistless, viewless particles of which the golden element
+is composed. It is then that, casting its satisfied
+glance across those magnificent rivers, the eye beholds,
+as if reflected from a mirror (so similar in production
+and appearance are the contiguous shores), both the
+fertility of cultivated and the rudeness of uncultivated
+nature, that every where surround and diversify the view.
+The tall and sloping banks, covered with verdure to the
+very sands, that unite with the waters lying motionless
+at their base; the continuous chain of neat farm-houses
+(we speak principally of Detroit and its opposite shores);
+the luxuriant and bending orchards, teeming with fruits
+of every kind and of every colour; the ripe and yellow
+corn vying in hue with the soft atmosphere, which reflects
+and gives full effect to its abundance and its
+richness,--these, with the intervening waters unruffled,
+save by the lazy skiff, or the light bark canoe urged
+with the rapidity of thought along its surface by the
+slight and elegantly ornamented paddle of the Indian; or
+by the sudden leaping of the large salmon, the unwieldly
+sturgeon, the bearded cat-fish, or the delicately flavoured
+maskinonge, and fifty other tenants of their bosom;--all
+these contribute to form the foreground of a picture
+bounded in perspective by no less interesting, though
+perhaps ruder marks of the magnificence of that great
+architect--Nature, on which the eye never lingers without
+calm; while feelings, at once voluptuous and tender,
+creep insensibly over the heart, and raise the mind in
+adoration to the one great and sole Cause by which the
+stupendous whole has been produced.
+
+Such a day as that we have just described was the ----
+of September, 1763, when the chief portion of the English
+garrison of Detroit issued forth from the fortifications
+in which they had so long been cooped up, and in the
+presumed execution of a duty undeniably the most trying
+and painful that ever fell to the lot of soldier to
+perform. The heavy dull movement of the guns, as they
+traversed the drawbridge resembled in that confined
+atmosphere the rumbling of low and distant thunder; and
+as they shook the rude and hollow sounding planks, over
+which they were slowly dragged, called up to every heart
+the sad recollection of the service for which they had
+been required. Even the tramp of the men, as they moved
+heavily and measuredly across the yielding bridge, seemed
+to wear the character of the reluctance with which they
+proceeded on so hateful a duty; and more than one
+individual, as he momentarily turned his eye upon the
+ramparts, where many of his comrades were grouped together
+watching the departure of the detachment, testified by
+the significant and mournful movement of his head how
+much he envied their exemption from the task.
+
+The direct military road runs in a straight line from
+the fort to the banks of the Detroit, and the eastern
+extremity of the town. Here it is intersected by the
+highway running parallel with the river, and branching
+off at right angles on either hand; the right, leading
+in the direction of the more populous states; the left,
+through the town, and thence towards the more remote and
+western parts, where European influence has yet been but
+partially extended. The only difference between its
+present and former character is, that what is now a
+flourishing commercial town was then a mere village;
+while the adjacent country, at present teeming with every
+mark of vegetation, bore no other evidence of fertility
+than what was afforded by a few scattered farm-houses,
+many of which skirted various parts of the forest. Along
+this road the detachment now wended its slow and solemn
+course, and with a mournful pageantry of preparation that
+gave fearful earnest of the tragedy expected to be enacted.
+
+In front, and dragged by the hands of the gunners, moved
+two of the three three-pounders, that had been ordered
+for the duty. Behind these came Captain Blessington's
+company, and in their rear, the prisoner Halloway, divested
+of his uniform, and clad in a white cotton jacket, and
+cap of the same material. Six rank and file of the
+grenadiers followed, under the command of a corporal,
+and behind these again, came eight men of the same company;
+four of whom bore on their shoulders a coffin, covered
+with a coarse black pall that had perhaps already assisted
+at fifty interments; while the other four carried, in
+addition to their own, the muskets of their burdened
+comrades. After these, marched a solitary drummer-boy;
+whose tall bear-skin cap attested him to be of the
+grenadiers also, while his muffled instrument marked the
+duty for which he had been selected. Like his comrades,
+none of whom exhibited their scarlet uniforms, he wore
+the collar of his great coat closely buttoned beneath
+his chin, which was only partially visible above the
+stiff leathern stock that encircled his neck. Although
+his features were half buried in his huge cap and the
+high collar of his coat, there was an air of delicacy
+about his person that seemed to render him unsuited to
+such an office; and more than once was Captain Erskine,
+who followed immediately behind him at the head of his
+company, compelled to call sharply to the urchin,
+threatening him with a week's drill unless he mended his
+feeble and unequal pace, and kept from under the feet of
+his men. The remaining gun brought up the rear of the
+detachment, who marched with fixed bayonets and two balls
+in each musket; the whole presenting a front of sections,
+that completely filled up the road along which they
+passed. Colonel de Haldimar, Captain Wentworth, and the
+Adjutant Lawson followed in the extreme rear.
+
+An event so singular as that of the appearance of the
+English without their fort, beset as they were by a host
+of fierce and dangerous enemies, was not likely to pass
+unnoticed by a single individual in the little village
+of Detroit. We have already observed, that most of the
+colonist settlers had been cruelly massacred at the very
+onset of hostilities. Not so, however, with the Canadians,
+who, from their anterior relations with the natives, and
+the mutual and tacit good understanding that subsisted
+between both parties, were suffered to continue in quiet
+and unmolested possession of their homes, where they
+preserved an avowed neutrality, never otherwise infringed
+than by the assistance secretly and occasionally rendered
+to the English troops, whose gold they were glad to
+receive in exchange for the necessaries of life.
+
+Every dwelling of the infant town had commenced giving
+up its tenants, from the moment when the head of the
+detachment was seen traversing the drawbridge; so that,
+by the time it reached the highway, and took its direction
+to the left, the whole population of Detroit were already
+assembled in groups, and giving expression to their
+several conjectures, with a vivacity of language and
+energy of gesticulation that would not have disgraced
+the parent land itself. As the troops drew nearer, however,
+they all sank at once into a silence, as much the result
+of certain unacknowledged and undefined fears, as of the
+respect the English had ever been accustomed to exact.
+The men removed their short dingy clay pipes from their
+mouths with one hand, and uncovered themselves with the
+other, while the women made their hasty reverence with
+the air of people who seek to propitiate by an act of
+civility; even the very children scraped and bowed, as
+if they feared the omission might be fatal to them, and,
+clinging to the hands and dress of their parents, looked
+up occasionally to their countenances to discover whether
+the apprehensions of their own fluttering and timid hearts
+were likely to be realised. Still there was sufficient
+of curiosity with all to render them attentive spectators
+of the passing troop. Hitherto, it had been imagined,
+the object of the English was an attack on the encampments
+of their enemies; but when the gaze of each adult inhabitant
+fell on the unaccoutred form of the lone soldier, who,
+calm though pale, now moved among his comrades in the
+ignominious garb of death, they could no longer doubt
+its true destination.
+
+The aged made the sign of the cross, and mumbled over a
+short prayer for the repose of his soul, while the more
+youthful indulged in half-breathed ejaculations of pity
+and concern that so fine and interesting a man should be
+doomed to so dreadful a fate.
+
+At the farther extremity of the town, and at a bend in
+the road, which branched off more immediately towards
+the river, stood a small public house, whose creaking
+sign bore three ill executed fleurs-de-lis, apologetic
+emblems of the arms of France. The building itself was
+little more than a rude log hut, along the front of which
+ran a plank, supported by two stumps of trees, and serving
+as a temporary accommodation both for the traveller and
+the inmate. On this bench three persons, apparently
+attracted by the beauty of the day and the mildness of
+the autumnal sun, were now seated, two of whom were
+leisurely puffing their pipes, while the third, a female,
+was employed in carding wool, a quantity of which lay in
+a basket at her feet, while she warbled, in a low tone,
+one of the simple airs of her native land. The elder of
+the two men, whose age might be about fifty, offered
+nothing particularly remarkable in his appearance: he
+was dressed in one of those thick coats made of the common
+white blanket, which, even to this day, are so generally
+worn by the Canadians, while his hair, cut square upon
+the forehead, and tied into a club of nearly a foot long,
+fell into the cape, or hood, attached to it: his face
+was ruddy and shining as that of any rival Boniface among
+the race of the hereditary enemies of his forefathers;
+and his thick short neck, and round fat person, attested
+he was no more an enemy to the good things of this world
+than themselves, while he was as little oppressed by its
+cares: his nether garments were of a coarse blue homespun,
+and his feet were protected by that rudest of all rude
+coverings, the Canadian shoe-pack. This was composed of
+a single piece of stiff brown leather, curved and puckered
+round the sides and front, where it was met by a tongue
+of softer material, which helped to confine it in that
+position, and to form the shoe. A bandana handkerchief
+fell from his neck upon his chest; the covering of which
+was so imperfectly drawn, as to disclose a quantitity of
+long, coarse, black, and grisly hair.
+
+His companion was habited in a still more extraordinary
+manner. His lower limbs were cased, up to the mid-thigh,
+in leathern leggings, the seam of which was on the outside,
+leaving a margin, or border, of about an inch wide, which
+had been slit into innumerable small fringes, giving them
+an air of elegance and lightness: a garter of leather,
+curiously wrought, with the stained quills of the porcupine,
+encircled each leg, immediately under the knee, where it
+was tied in a bow, and then suffered to hang pendant half
+way down the limb; to the fringes of the leggings,
+moreover, were attached numerous dark-coloured horny
+substances, emitting, as they rattled against each other,
+at the slightest movement of the wearer, a tinkling sound,
+resembling that produced by a number of small thin delicate
+brass bells; these were the tender hoofs of the wild
+deer, dried, scraped, and otherwise prepared for this
+ornamental purpose. Upon his large feet he wore mocassins,
+made of the same pliant material with his leggings, and
+differing in shape from the foot-gear of his companion
+in this particular only, that they had no tongue introduced
+into the front: they were puckered together by a strong
+sinew of the deer, until they met along the instep in a
+seam concealed by the same ornamental quill-work that
+decorated the garters: a sort of flap, fringed like the
+leggings, was folded back from the ankle, upon the sides
+of the foot, and the whole was confined by a strong though
+neat leathern thong, made of smoked deer-skin also, which,
+after passing once or twice under the foot, was then
+tightly drawn several times round the ankle, where it
+was finally secured. Two strips of leather, about an inch
+and a half in width, attached to the outer side of each
+legging, were made fast at their opposite extremities to
+a strong girdle, encircling the loins, and supporting a
+piece of coarse blue cloth, which, after passing completely
+under the body, fell in short flaps both before and
+behind. The remainder of the dress consisted of a cotton
+shirt, figured and sprigged on a dark ground, that fell
+unconfined over the person; a close deer-skin hunting-coat,
+fringed also at its edges; and a coarse common felt hat,
+in the string of which (for there was no band) were
+twisted a number of variegated feathers, furnished by
+the most beautiful and rare of the American autumnal
+birds. Outside this hunting-coat, and across the right
+shoulder, was flung an ornamented belt, to which were
+appended, on the left side, and in a line with the elbow,
+a shot-pouch, made of the untanned hide of some wild
+animal, and a flask for powder, formed of the horn of
+the buffalo; on which, highly polished for this purpose,
+were inscribed, with singular accuracy of proportion, a
+variety of figures, both of men, and birds, and beasts,
+and fishes; two or three small horn measures for powder,
+and a long thin wire, intended to serve as a pricker for
+the rifle that reclined against the outside of the hut,
+were also attached to this belt by strips of deer-skin
+of about six inches in length. Into another broad leathern
+belt, that confined the hunting coat, was thrust a
+tomahawk, the glittering head of which was uppermost,
+and unsheathed: while at the opposite side, and half
+supporting the powder-horn, the huge handle of a knife,
+whose blade was buried in a strong leathern sheath, was
+distinctly visible.
+
+The form and face of this individual were in perfect
+keeping with the style of his costume, and the formidable
+character of his equipment. His stature was considerably
+beyond that of the ordinary race of men, and his athletic
+and muscular limbs united the extremes of strength and
+activity in a singular degree. His features, marked and
+prominent, wore a cast of habitual thought, strangely
+tinctured with ferocity; and the general expression of
+his otherwise not unhandsome countenance was repellent
+and disdainful. At the first glance he might have been
+taken for one of the swarthy natives of the soil; but
+though time and constant exposure to scorching suns had
+given to his complexion a dusky hue, still there were
+wanting the quick, black, penetrating eye; the high
+cheek-bone; the straight, coarse, shining, black hair;
+the small bony hand and foot; and the placidly proud and
+serious air, by which the former is distinguished. His
+own eye was of a deep bluish grey; his hair short, dark,
+and wavy; his hands large and muscular; and so far from
+exhibiting any of the self-command of the Indian, the
+constant play of his features betrayed each passing
+thought with the same rapidity with which it was conceived.
+But if any doubt could have existed in the mind of him
+who beheld this strangely accoutred figure, it would have
+been instantly dispelled by a glance at his lower limbs.
+We have already stated the upper part of his leggings
+terminated about mid-thigh; from this to the hip, that
+portion of the limb was completely bare, and disclosed,
+at each movement of the garment that was suffered to fall
+loosely over it, not the swarthy and copper-coloured
+flesh of the Indian, but the pale though sun-burnt skin
+of one of a more temperate clime. His age might be about
+forty-five.
+
+At the moment when the English detachment approached the
+bend in the road, these two individuals were conversing
+earnestly together, pausing only to puff at intervals
+thick and wreathing volumes of smoke from their pipes,
+which were filled with a mixture of tobacco and odoriferous
+herbs. Presently, however, sounds that appeared familiar
+to his ear arrested the attention of the wildly accoutred
+being we have last described. It was the heavy roll of
+the artillery carriages already advancing along the road,
+and somewhat in the rear of the hut. To dash his pipe to
+the ground, seize and cock and raise his rifle to his
+shoulder, and throw himself forward in the eager attitude
+of one waiting until the object of his aim should appear
+in sight, was but the work of a moment. Startled by the
+suddenness of the action, his male companion moved a few
+paces also from his. seat, to discover the cause of this
+singular movement. The female, on the contrary, stirred
+not, but ceasing for a moment the occupation in which
+she had been engaged, fixed her dark and brilliant eyes
+upon the tall and picturesque form of the rifleman, whose
+active and athletic limbs, thrown into powerful relief
+by the distention of each nerve and muscle, appeared to
+engross her whole admiration and interest, without any
+reference to the cause that had produced this abrupt and
+hostile change in his movements. It was evident that,
+unlike the other inhabitants of the town, this group had
+been taken by surprise, and were utterly unprepared to
+expect any thing in the shape of interruption.
+
+For upwards of a minute, during which the march of the
+men became audible even to the ears of the female, the
+formidable warrior, for such his garb denoted him to be,
+continued motionless in the attitude he had at first
+assumed--his right cheek reposing on the ornamented stock
+of his rifle, and his quick and steady eye fixed in one
+undeviating line with the sight near the breech, and that
+which surmounted the extreme end of the deadly weapon.
+No sooner, however, had the head of the advancing column
+come within sight, than the trigger was pulled, and the
+small and ragged bullet sped hissing from the grooved
+and delicate barrel. A triumphant cry was next pealed
+from the lips of the warrior,--a cry produced by the
+quickly repeated application and removal of one hand to
+and from the mouth, while the other suffered the butt
+end of the now harmless weapon to fall loosely upon the
+earth. He then slowly and deliberately withdrew within
+the cover of the hut.
+
+This daring action, which had been viewed by the leading
+troops with astonishment not unmingled with alarm,
+occasioned a temporary confusion in the ranks, for all
+believed they had fallen into an ambuscade of the Indians.
+A halt was instantly commanded by Captain Blessington,
+in order to give time to the governor to come up from
+the rear, while he proceeded with one of the leading
+sections to reconnoitre the front of the hut. To his
+infinite surprise, however, he found neither enemy, nor
+evidence that an enemy had been there. The only individuals
+visible were the Canadian already alluded to, and the
+dark-eyed female. Both were seated on the bench;--the
+one smoking his pipe with a well assumed appearance of
+unconcern--the other carding her wool, but with a hand
+that by a close observer might be seen to tremble in its
+office, and a cheek that was paler considerably than at
+the moment when we first placed her before the imagination
+of the reader. Both, however, started with unaffected
+surprise on seeing Captain Blessington and his little
+force turn the corner of the house from the main road;
+and certain looks of recognition passed between all
+parties, that proved them to be no strangers to each
+other.
+
+"Ah, monsieur," said the Canadian, in a mingled dialect,
+neither French nor English, but partaking in some degree
+of the idiom of both, while he attempted an ease and
+freedom of manner that was too miserably affected to pass
+current with the mild but observant officer whom he
+addressed, "how much surprise I am, and glad to see you.
+It is a long times since you came out of de fort. I hope
+de governeur and de officir be all very well. I was
+tinking to go to-day to see if you want any ting. I have
+got some nice rum of the Jamaique for Capitaine Erskine.
+Will you please to try some?" While speaking, the voluble
+host of the Fleur de lis had risen from his seat, laid
+aside his pipe, and now stood with his hands thrust into
+the pockets of his blanket coat
+
+"It is, indeed, a long time since we have been here,
+master Francois," somewhat sarcastically and drily replied
+Captain Blessington; "and you have not visited us quite
+so often latterly yourself, though well aware we were in
+want of fresh provisions. I give you all due credit,
+however, for your intention of coming to-day, but you
+see we have anticipated you. Still this is not the point.
+Where is the Indian who fired at us just now? and how is
+it we find you leagued with our enemies?"
+
+"What, sir, is it you say?" asked the Canadian, holding
+up his hands with feigned astonishment "Me league myself
+with de savage. Upon my honour I did not see nobody fire,
+or I should tell you. I love de English too well to do
+dem harms."
+
+"Come, come, Francois, no nonsense. If I cannot make you
+confess, there is one not far from me who will. You know
+Colonel de Haldimar too well to imagine he will be trifled
+with in this manner: if he detects you in a falsehood,
+he will certainly cause you to be hanged up at the first
+tree. Take my advice, therefore, and say where you have
+secreted this Indian; and recollect, if we fall into an
+ambuscade, your life will be forfeited at the first shot
+we hear fired."
+
+At this moment the governor, followed by his adjutant,
+came rapidly up to the spot. Captain Blessington
+communicated the ill success of his queries, when the
+former cast on the terrified Canadian one of those severe
+and searching looks which he so well knew how to assume.
+
+"Where is the rascal who fired at us, sirrah? tell me
+instantly, or you have not five minutes to live."
+
+The heart of mine host of the Fleur de lis quailed within
+him at this formidable threat; and the usually ruddy hue
+of his countenance had now given place to an ashy paleness.
+Still, as he had positively denied all knowledge of the
+matter on which he was questioned, he appeared to feel
+his safety lay in adhering to his original statement.
+Again, therefore, he assured the governor, on his honour
+(laying his hand upon his heart as he spoke), that what
+he had already stated was the fact.
+
+"Your honour--you pitiful trading scoundrel--how dare
+you talk to me of your honour? Come, sir, confess at once
+where you have secreted this fellow, or prepare to die."
+
+"If I may be so bold, your Honour," said one of Captain
+Blessington's men, "the Frenchman lies. When the Ingian
+fired among us, this fellow was peeping under his shoulder
+and watching us also. If I had not seen him too often at
+the fort to be mistaken in his person, I should have
+known him, at all events, by his blanket coat and red
+handkerchief."
+
+This blunt statement of the soldier, confirmed as it was
+the instant afterwards by one of his comrades, was damning
+proof against the Canadian, even if the fact of the rifle
+being discharged from the front of the hut had not already
+satisfied all parties of the falsehood of his assertion.
+
+"Come forward, a couple of files, and seize this villain,"
+resumed the governor with his wonted sternness of manner.
+"Mr. Lawson, see if his hut does not afford a rope strong
+enough to hang the traitor from one of his own apple
+trees."
+
+Both parties proceeded at the same moment to execute the
+two distinct orders of their chief. The Canadian was
+now firmly secured in the grasp of the two men who had
+given evidence against him, when, seeing all the horror
+of the summary and dreadful fate that awaited him, he
+confessed the individual who had fired had been sitting
+with him the instant previously, but that he knew no more
+of him than of any other savage occasionally calling at
+the Fleur de lis. He added, that on discharging the rifle
+he had bounded across the palings of the orchard, and
+fled in the direction of the forest. He denied, on
+interrogation, all knowledge or belief of an enemy waiting
+in ambush; stating, moreover, even the individual in
+question had not been aware of the sortie of the detachment
+until apprised of their near approach by the heavy sound
+of the gun-carriages.
+
+"Here are undeniable proofs of the man's villany, sir,"
+said the adjutant, returning from the hut and exhibiting
+objects of new and fearful interest to the governor.
+"This hat and rope I found secreted in one of the bed-rooms
+of the auberge. The first is evidently Donellan's; and
+from the hook attached to the latter, I apprehend it to
+be the same stated to have been used by Captain de Haldimar
+in crossing the ditch."
+
+The governor took the hat and rope from the hands of his
+subordinate, examined them attentively, and after a few
+moments of deep musing, during which his countenance
+underwent several rapid though scarcely perceptible
+changes, turned suddenly and eagerly to the soldier who
+had first convicted the Canadian in his falsehood, and
+demanded if he had seen enough of the man who had fired
+to be able to give even a general description of his
+person.
+
+"Why yes, your Honour, I think I can; for the fellow
+stood long enough after firing his piece, for a painter
+to have taken him off from head to foot. He was a taller
+and larger man by far than our biggest grenadier, and
+that is poor Harry Donellan, as your Honour knows. But
+as for his dress, though I could see it all, I scarcely
+can tell how to describe it. All I know is, he was covered
+with smoked deer-skin, in some such fashion as the great
+chief Ponteac, only, instead of having his head bare and
+shaved, he wore a strange outlandish sort of a hat,
+covered over with wild birds' feathers in front."
+
+"Enough," interrupted the governor, motioning the man to
+silence; then, in an undertone to himself,--"By Heaven,
+the very same." A shade of disappointment, not unmingled
+with suppressed alarm, passed rapidly across his brow;
+it was but momentary. "Captain Blessington," he ordered
+quickly and impatiently, "search the hut and grounds for
+this lurking Indian, who is, no doubt, secreted in the
+neighbourhood. Quick, quick, sir; there is no time to be
+lost." Then in an angry and intimidating tone to the
+Canadian, who had already dropped on his knees, supplicating
+mercy, and vociferating his innocence in the same breath,
+--"So, you infernal scoundrel, this is the manner in
+which you have repaid our confidence. Where is my son,
+sir? or have you already murdered him, as you did his
+servant? Tell me, you villain, what have you to say to
+these proofs of your treachery? But stay, I shall take
+another and fitter opportunity to question you. Mr.
+Lawson, secure this traitor properly, and let him be
+conveyed to the centre of the detachment."
+
+The mandate was promptly obeyed; and, in despite of his
+own unceasing prayers and protestations of innocence,
+and the tears and entreaties of his dark-eyed daughter
+Babette, who had thrown herself on her knees at his side,
+the stout arms of mine host of the Fleur de lis were soon
+firmly secured behind his back with the strong rope that
+had been found under such suspicious circumstances in
+his possession. Before he was marched off, however, two
+of the men who had been sent in pursuit, returned from
+the orchard, stating that further search was now fruitless.
+They had penetrated through a small thicket at the
+extremity of the grounds, and had distinctly seen a man
+answering the description given by their comrades, in
+full flight towards the forest skirting the heights in
+front.
+
+The governor was evidently far from being satisfied with
+the result of a search too late instituted to leave even
+a prospect of success. "Where are the Indians principally
+encamped, sirrah?" he sternly demanded of his captive;
+"answer me truly, or I will carry off this wench as well,
+and if a single hair of a man of mine be even singed by
+a shot from a skulking enemy, you may expect to see her
+bayoneted before your eyes."
+
+"Ah, my God! Monsieur le Gouverneur," exclaimed the
+affrighted aubergiste, "as I am an honest man, I shall
+tell de truth, but spare my child. They are all in de
+forest, and half a mile from de little river dat runs
+between dis and de Pork Island."
+
+"Hog Island, I suppose you mean."
+
+"Yes sir, de Hog Island is de one I means."
+
+"Conduct him to the centre, and let him be confronted
+with the prisoner," directed the governor, addressing
+his adjutant; "Captain Blessington, your men may resume
+their stations in the ranks."
+
+The order was obeyed; and notwithstanding the tears and
+supplications of the now highly excited Babette, who
+flung herself upon his neck, and was only removed by
+force, the terrified Canadian was borne off from his
+premises by the troops.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+While this scene was enacting in front of the Fleur de
+lis, one of a far more touching and painful nature was
+passing in the very heart of the detachment itself. At
+the moment when the halt was ordered by Captain Blessington,
+a rumour ran through the ranks that they had reached the
+spot destined for the execution of their ill-fated comrade.
+Those only in the immediate front were aware of the true
+cause; but although the report of the rifle had been
+distinctly heard by all, it had been attributed by those
+in the rear to the accidental discharge of one of their
+own muskets. A low murmur, expressive of the opinion
+generally entertained, passed gradually from rear to
+front, until it at length reached the ears of the delicate
+drummer boy who marched behind the coffin. His face was
+still buried in the collar of his coat; and what was left
+uncovered of his features by the cap, was in some degree
+hidden by the forward drooping of his head upon his chest.
+Hitherto he had moved almost mechanically along, tottering
+and embarrassing himself at every step under the cumbrous
+drum that was suspended from a belt round his neck over
+the left thigh; but now there was a certain indescribable
+drawing up of the frame, and tension of the whole person,
+denoting a concentration of all the moral and physical
+energies,--a sudden working up, as it were, of the
+intellectual and corporeal being to some determined and
+momentous purpose.
+
+At the first halt of the detachment, the weary supporters
+of the coffin had deposited their rude and sombre burden
+upon the earth, preparatory to its being resumed by those
+appointed to relieve them. The dull sound emitted by the
+hollow fabric, as it touched the ground, caught the ear
+of him for whom it was destined, and he turned to gaze
+upon the sad and lonely tenement so shortly to become
+his final resting place. There was an air of calm composure
+and dignified sorrow upon his brow, that infused respect
+into the hearts of all who beheld him; and even the men
+selected to do the duty of executioners sought to evade
+his glance, as his steady eye wandered from right to left
+of the fatal rank. His attention, however, was principally
+directed towards the coffin, which lay before him; on
+this he gazed fixedly for upwards of a minute. He then
+turned his eyes in the direction of the fort, shuddered,
+heaved a profound sigh, and looking up to heaven with
+the apparent fervour that became his situation, seemed
+to pray for a moment or two inwardly and devoutly. The
+thick and almost suffocating breathing of one immediately
+beyond the coffin, was now distinctly heard by all.
+Halloway started from his attitude of devotion, gazed
+earnestly on the form whence it proceeded, and then wildly
+extending his arms, suffered a smile of satisfaction to
+illumine his pale features. All eyes were now turned upon
+the drummer boy, who, evidently labouring under convulsive
+excitement of feeling, suddenly dashed his cap and
+instrument to the earth, and flew as fast as his tottering
+and uncertain steps would admit across the coffin, and
+into the arms extended to receive him.
+
+"My Ellen! oh, my own devoted, but too unhappy Ellen!"
+passionately exclaimed the soldier, as he clasped the
+slight and agitated form of his disguised wife to his
+throbbing heart. "This, this, indeed, is joy even in
+death. I thought I could have died more happily without
+you, but nature tugs powerfully at my heart; and to see
+you once more, to feel you once more HERE" (and he pressed
+her wildly to his chest) "is indeed a bliss that robs my
+approaching fate of half its terror."
+
+"Oh Reginald! my dearly beloved Reginald! my murdered
+husband!" shrieked the unhappy woman; "your Ellen will
+not survive you. Her heart is already broken, though she
+cannot weep; but the same grave shall contain us both.
+Reginald, do you believe me? I swear it; the same grave
+shall contain us both."
+
+Exhausted with the fatigue and excitement she had undergone,
+the faithful and affectionate creature now lay, without
+sense or motion, in the arms of her wretched husband.
+Halloway bore her, unopposed, a pace or two in advance,
+and deposited her unconscious form on the fatal coffin.
+
+No language of ours can render justice to the trying
+character of the scene. All who witnessed it were painfully
+affected, and over the bronzed cheek of many a veteran
+coursed a tear, that, like that of Sterne's recording
+angel, might have blotted out a catalogue of sins. Although
+each was prepared to expect a reprimand from the governor,
+for suffering the prisoner to quit his station in the
+ranks, humanity and nature pleaded too powerfully in his
+behalf, and neither officer nor man attempted to interfere,
+unless with a view to render assistance. Captain Erskine,
+in particular, was deeply pained, and would have given
+any thing to recall the harsh language he had used towards
+the supposed idle and inattentive drummer boy. Taking
+from a pocket in his uniform a small flask of brandy,
+which he had provided against casualties, the
+compassionating officer slightly raised the head of the
+pale and unconscious woman with one hand, while with the
+other he introduced a few drops between her parted lips.
+Halloway knelt at the opposite side of the coffin; one
+hand searching, but in vain, the suspended pulse of his
+inanimate wife; the other, unbuttoning the breast of the
+drum-boy's jacket, which, with every other part of the
+equipment, she wore beneath the loose great coat so
+effectually accomplishing her disguise.
+
+Such was the position of the chief actors in this truly
+distressing drama, at the moment when Colonel de Haldimar
+came up with his new prisoner, to mark what effect would
+be produced on Halloway by his unexpected appearance.
+His own surprise and disappointment may be easily conceived,
+when, in the form of the recumbent being who seemed to
+engross universal attention, he recognised, by the fair
+and streaming hair, and half exposed bosom, the unfortunate
+being whom, only two hours previously, he had spurned
+from his feet in the costume of her own sex, and reduced,
+by the violence of her grief, to almost infantine debility.
+Question succeeded question to those around, but without
+eliciting any clue to the means by which this mysterious
+disguise had been effected. No one had been aware, until
+the truth was so singularly and suddenly revealed, the
+supposed drummer was any other than one of the lads
+attached to the grenadiers; and as for the other facts,
+they spoke too plainly to the comprehension of the governor
+to need explanation. Once more, however, the detachment
+was called to order. Halloway struck his hand violently
+upon his brow, kissed the wan lips of his still unconscious
+wife, breathing, as he did so, a half murmured hope she
+might indeed be the corpse she appeared. He then raised
+himself from the earth with a light and elastic vet firm
+movement, and resumed the place he had previously occupied,
+where, to his surprise, he beheld a second victim bound,
+and, apparently, devoted to the same death. When the eyes
+of the two unhappy men met, the governor closely watched
+the expression of the countenance of each; but although
+the Canadian started on beholding the soldier, it might
+be merely because he saw the latter arrayed in the garb
+of death, and followed by the most unequivocal
+demonstrations of a doom to which he himself was, in all
+probability, devoted. As for Halloway, his look betrayed
+neither consciousness nor recognition; and though too
+proud to express complaint or to give vent to the feelings
+of his heart, his whole soul appeared to be absorbed in
+the unhappy partner of his luckless destiny. Presently
+he saw her borne, and in the same state of insensibility,
+in the arms of Captain Erskine and Lieutenant Leslie,
+towards the hut of his fellow prisoner, and he heard the
+former officer enjoin the weeping girl, Babette, to whose
+charge they delivered her over, to pay every attention
+to her her situation might require. The detachment then
+proceeded.
+
+The narrow but deep and rapid river alluded to by the
+Canadian, as running midway between the town and Hog
+Island, derived its source far within the forest, and
+formed the bed of one of those wild, dark, and thickly
+wooded ravines so common in America. As it neared the
+Detroit, however, the abruptness of its banks was so
+considerably lessened, as to render the approach to it
+on the town side over an almost imperceptible slope.
+Within a few yards of its mouth, as we have already
+observed in our introductory chapter, a rude but strong
+wooden bridge, over which lay the high road, had been
+constructed by the French; and from the centre of this,
+all the circuit of intermediate clearing, even to the
+very skirt of the forest, was distinctly commanded by
+the naked eye. To the right, on approaching it from the
+town, lay the adjacent shores of Canada, washed by the
+broad waters of the Detroit, on which it was thrown into
+strong relief, and which, at the distance of about a mile
+in front, was seen to diverge into two distinct channels,
+pursuing each a separate course, until they again met at
+the western extremity of Hog Island. On the left, and in
+the front, rose a succession of slightly undulating hills,
+which, at a distance of little more than half a mile,
+terminated in an elevation considerably above the immediate
+level of the Detroit side of the ravine. That, again,
+was crowned with thick and overhanging forest, taking
+its circular sweep, as we have elsewhere shown, around
+the fort. The intermediate ground was studded over with
+rude stumps of trees, and bore, in various directions,
+distinct proofs of the spoliation wrought among the infant
+possessions of the murdered English settlers. The view
+to the rear was less open; the town being partially hidden
+by the fruit-laden orchards that lined the intervening
+high road, and hung principally on its left. This was
+not the case with the fort. Between these orchards and
+the distant forest lay a line of open country, fully
+commanded by its cannon, even to the ravine we have
+described, and in a sweep that embraced every thing from
+the bridge itself to the forest, in which all traces of
+its source was lost.
+
+When the detachment had arrived within twenty yards of
+the bridge, they were made to file off to the left, until
+the last gun had come up. They were then fronted; the
+rear section of Captain Erskine's company resting on the
+road, and the left flank, covered by the two first guns
+pointed obliquely, both in front and rear, to guard
+against surprise, in the event of any of the Indians
+stealing round to the cover of the orchards. The route
+by which they had approached this spot was upwards of
+two miles in extent; but, as they now filed off into the
+open ground, the leading sections observed, in a direct
+line over the cleared country, and at the distance of
+little more than three quarters of a mile, the dark
+ramparts of the fortress that contained their comrades,
+and could even distinguish the uniforms of the officers
+and men drawn up in line along the works, where they were
+evidently assembled to witness the execution of the
+sentence on Halloway.
+
+Such a sight as that of the English so far from their
+fort, was not likely to escape the notice of the Indians.
+Their encampment, as the Canadian had truly stated, lay
+within the forest, and beyond the elevated ground already
+alluded to; and to have crossed the ravine, or ventured
+out of reach of the cannon of the fort, would have been
+to have sealed the destruction of the detachment. But
+the officer to whom their security was entrusted, although
+he had his own particular views for venturing thus far,
+knew also at what point to stop; and such was the confidence
+of his men in his skill and prudence, they would have
+fearlessly followed wherever he might have chosen to
+lead. Still, even amid all the solemnity of preparation
+attendant on the duty they were out to perform, there
+was a natural and secret apprehensiveness about each,
+that caused him to cast his eyes frequently and fixedly
+on that part of the forest which was known to afford
+cover to their merciless foes. At times they fancied they
+beheld the dark and flitting forms of men gliding from
+tree to tree along the skirt of the wood; but when they
+gazed again, nothing of the kind was to be seen, and the
+illusion was at once ascribed to the heavy state of the
+atmosphere, and the action of their own precautionary
+instincts.
+
+Meanwhile the solemn tragedy of death was preparing in
+mournful silence. On the centre of the bridge, and visible
+to those even within the fort, was placed the coffin of
+Halloway, and at twelve paces in front were drawn up the
+six rank and file on whom had devolved, by lot, the cruel
+duty of the day. With calm and fearless eye the prisoner
+surveyed the preparations for his approaching end; and
+whatever might be the inward workings of his mind, there
+was not among the assembled soldiery one individual whose
+countenance betrayed so little of sorrow and emotion as
+his own. With a firm step, when summoned, he moved towards
+the fatal coffin, dashing his cap to the earth as he
+advanced, and baring his chest with the characteristic
+contempt of death of the soldier. When he had reached
+the centre of the bridge, he turned facing his comrades,
+and knelt upon the coffin. Captain Blessington, who,
+permitted by the governor, had followed him with a sad
+heart and heavy step, now drew a Prayer-book from his
+pocket, and read from it in a low voice. He then closed
+the volume, listened to something the prisoner earnestly
+communicated to him, received a small packet which he
+drew from the bosom of his shirt, shook him long and
+cordially by the hand, and then hastily resumed his post
+at the head of the detachment.
+
+The principal inhabitants of the village, led by curiosity,
+had followed at a distance to witness the execution of
+the condemned soldier: and above the heads of the line,
+and crowning the slope, were collected groups of both
+sexes and of all ages, that gave a still more imposing
+character to the scene. Every eye was now turned upon
+the firing party, who only awaited the signal to execute
+their melancholy office, when suddenly, in the direction
+of the forest, and upon the extreme height, there burst
+the tremendous and deafening yells of upwards of a thousand
+savages. For an instant Halloway was forgotten in the
+instinctive sense of individual danger, and all gazed
+eagerly to ascertain the movements of their enemy.
+Presently a man, naked to the waist, his body and face
+besmeared with streaks of black and red paint, and his
+whole attitude expressing despair and horror, was seen
+flying down the height with a rapidity proportioned to
+the extreme peril in which he stood. At about fifty paces
+in his rear followed a dozen bounding, screaming Indians,
+armed with uplifted tomahawks, whose anxiety in pursuit
+lent them a speed that even surpassed the efforts of
+flight itself. It was evident the object of the pursued
+was to reach the detachment, that of the pursuers to
+prevent him. The struggle was maintained for a few moments
+with equality, but in the end the latter were triumphant,
+and at each step the distance that separated them became
+less. At the first alarm, the detachment, with the
+exception of the firing party, who still occupied their
+ground, had been thrown into square, and, with a gun
+planted in each angle, awaited the attack momentarily
+expected. But although the heights were now alive with
+the dusky forms of naked warriors, who, from the skirt
+of the forest, watched the exertions of their fellows,
+the pursuit of the wretched fugitive was confined to
+these alone. Foremost of the latter, and distinguished
+by his violent exertions and fiendish cries, was the tall
+and wildly attired warrior of the Fleur de lis. At every
+bound he took he increased the space that divided him
+from his companions, and lessened that which kept him
+from his panting and nearly exhausted victim. Already
+were they descending the nearest of the undulating hills,
+and both now became conspicuous objects to all around;
+but principally the pursuer, whose gigantic frame and
+extraordinary speed riveted every eye, even while the
+interest of all was excited for the wretched fugitive
+alone.
+
+At that moment Halloway, who had been gazing on the scene
+with an astonishment little inferior to that of his
+comrades, sprang suddenly to his feet upon the coffin,
+and waving his hand in the direction of the pursuing
+enemy, shouted aloud in a voice of mingled joy and
+triumph,--
+
+"Ha! Almighty God, I thank thee! Here, here comes one
+who alone has the power to snatch me from my impending
+doom."
+
+"By Heaven, the traitor confesses, and presumes to triumph
+in his guilt," exclaimed the voice of one, who, while
+closely attending to every movement of the Indians, was
+also vigilantly watching the effect likely to be produced
+on the prisoner by this unexpected interruption. "Corporal,
+do your duty."
+
+"Stay, stay--one moment stay!" implored Halloway with
+uplifted hands.
+
+"Do your duty, sir," fiercely repeated the governor.
+
+"Oh stop--for God's sake, stop! Another moment and he
+will be here, and I--"
+
+He said no more--a dozen bullets penetrated his body--one
+passed directly through his heart. He leaped several feet
+in the air, and then fell heavily, a lifeless bleeding
+corpse, across the coffin.
+
+Meanwhile the pursuit of the fugitive was continued,
+but by the warrior of the Fleur de lis alone. Aware of
+their inefficiency to keep pace with this singular being,
+his companions had relinquished the chace, and now stood
+resting on the brow of the hill where the wretched Halloway
+had first recognised his supposed deliverer, watching
+eagerly, though within musket shot of the detachment,
+the result of a race on which so much apparently depended.
+Neither party, however, attempted to interfere with the
+other, for all eyes were now turned on the flying man
+and his pursuer with an interest that denoted the
+extraordinary efforts of the one to evade and the other
+to attain the accomplishment of his object. Although the
+exertions of the former had been stupendous, such was
+the eagerness and determination of the latter, that at
+each step he gained perceptibly on his victim. The
+immediate course taken was in a direct line for the
+ravine, which it evidently was the object of the fugitive
+to clear at its nearest point. Already had he approached
+within a few paces of its brink, and every eye was fastened
+on the point where it was expected the doubtful leap
+would be taken, when suddenly, as if despairing to
+accomplish it at a bound, he turned to the left, and
+winding along its bank, renewed his efforts in the
+direction of the bridge. This movement occasioned a change
+in the position of the parties which was favourable to
+the pursued. Hitherto they had been so immediately on a
+line with each other, it was impossible for the detachment
+to bring a musket to bear upon the warrior, without
+endangering him whose life they were anxious to preserve.
+For a moment or two his body was fairly exposed, and a
+dozen muskets were discharged at intervals from the
+square, but all without success. Recovering his lost
+ground, he soon brought the pursued again in a line
+between himself and the detachment, edging rapidly nearer
+to him as he advanced, and uttering terrific yells, that
+were echoed back from his companions on the brow of the
+hill. It was evident, however, his object was the recapture,
+not the destruction, of the flying man, for more than
+once did he brandish his menacing tomahawk in rapid sweeps
+around his head, as if preparing to dart it, and as often
+did he check the movement. The scene at each succeeding
+moment became more critical and intensely interesting.
+The strength of the pursued was now nearly exhausted,
+while that of his formidable enemy seemed to suffer no
+diminution. Leap after leap he took with fearful
+superiority, sideling as he advanced. Already had he
+closed upon his victim, while with a springing effort a
+large and bony hand was extended to secure his shoulder
+in his grasp. The effort was fatal to him; for in reaching
+too far he lost his balance, and fell heavily upon the
+sward. A shout of exultation burst from the English
+troops, and numerous voices now encouraged the pursued
+to renew his exertions. The advice was not lost; and
+although only a few seconds had elapsed between the fall
+and recovery of his pursuer, the wretched fugitive had
+already greatly increased the distance that separated
+them. A cry of savage rage and disappointment burst from
+the lips of the gigantic warrior; and concentrating all
+his remaining strength and speed into one final effort,
+he bounded and leapt like a deer of the forest whence he
+came. The opportunity for recapture, however, had been
+lost in his fall, for already the pursued was within a
+few feet of the high road, and on the point of turning
+the extremity of the bridge. One only resource was now
+left: the warrior suddenly checked himself in his course,
+and remained stationary; then raising and dropping his
+glittering weapon several times in a balancing position,
+he waited until the pursued had gained the highest point
+of the open bridge. At that moment the glittering steel,
+aimed with singular accuracy and precision, ran whistling
+through the air, and with such velocity of movement as
+to be almost invisible to the eyes of those who attempted
+to follow it in its threatening course. All expected to
+see it enter into the brain against which it had been
+directed; but the fugitive had marked the movement in
+time to save himself by stooping low to the earth, while
+the weapon, passing over him, entered with a deadly and
+crashing sound into the brain of the weltering corpse.
+This danger passed, he sprang once more to his feet, nor
+paused again in his flight, until, faint and exhausted,
+he sank without motion under the very bayonets of the
+firing party.
+
+A new direction was now given to the interest of the
+assembled and distinct crowds that had witnessed these
+startling incidents. Scarcely had the wretched man gained
+the protection of the soldiery, when a shriek divided
+the air, so wild, so piercing, and so unearthly, that
+even the warrior of the Fleur de lis seemed to lose sight
+of his victim, in the harrowing interest produced by that
+dreadful scream. All turned their eyes for a moment in
+the quarter whence it proceeded; when presently, from
+behind the groups of Canadians crowning the slope, was
+seen flying, with the rapidity of thought, one who
+resembled rather a spectre than a being of earth;--it
+was the wife of Halloway. Her long fair hair was wild
+and streaming--her feet, and legs, and arms were naked--and
+one solitary and scanty garment displayed rather than
+concealed the symmetry of her delicate person. She flew
+to the fatal bridge, threw herself on the body of her
+bleeding husband, and imprinting her warm kisses on his
+bloody lips, for a moment or two presented the image of
+one whose reason has fled for ever. Suddenly she started
+from the earth; her face, her hands, and her garment so
+saturated with the blood of her husband, that a feeling
+of horror crept throughout the veins of all who beheld
+her. She stood upon the coffin, and across the
+corpse--raised her eyes and hands imploringly to Heaven--and
+then, in accents wilder even than her words, uttered an
+imprecation that sounded like the prophetic warning of
+some unholy spirit.
+
+"Inhuman murderer!" she exclaimed, in tones that almost
+paralysed the ears on which it fell, "if there be a God
+of justice and of truth, he will avenge this devilish
+deed. Yes, Colonel de Haldimar, a prophetic voice whispers
+to my soul, that even as I have seen perish before my
+eyes all I loved on earth, without mercy and without
+hope, so even shall you witness the destruction of your
+accursed race. Here--here--here," and she pointed
+downwards, with singular energy of action, to the corpse
+of her husband, "here shall their blood flow till every
+vestige of his own is washed away; and oh, if there be
+spared one branch of thy detested family, may it only be
+that they may be reserved for some death too horrible to
+be conceived!"
+
+Overcome by the frantic energy with which she had uttered
+these appalling words, she sank backwards, and fell,
+uttering another shriek, into the arms of the warrior of
+the Fleur de lis.
+
+"Hear you this, Colonel de Haldimar?" shouted the latter
+in a fierce and powerful voice, and in the purest English
+accent; "hear you the curse and prophecy of this
+heart-broken woman? You have slain her husband, but she
+has found another. Ay, she shall be my bride, if only
+for her detestation of yourself. When next you see us
+here," he thundered, "tremble for your race. Ha, ha, ha!
+no doubt this is another victim of your cold and calculating
+guile; but it shall be the last. By Heaven, my very
+heart leaps upward in anticipation of thy coming hour.
+Woman, thy hatred to this man has made me love thee; yes,
+thou shall be my bride, and with my plans of vengeance
+will I woo thee. By this kiss I swear it."
+
+As he spoke, he bent his face over that of the pale and
+inanimate woman, and pressed his lips to hers, yet red
+and moist with blood spots from the wounds of her husband.
+Then wresting, with a violent effort, his reeking tomahawk
+from the cranched brain of the unfortunate soldier, and
+before any one could recover sufficiently from the effect
+of the scene altogether to think even of interfering, he
+bore off his prize in triumph, and fled, with nearly the
+same expedition he had previously manifested, in the
+direction of the forest.
+
+
+
+
+END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
+
+
+
+
+
+
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+End of the Project Gutenberg Etext of Wacousta (Volume I), by John Richardson
+
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