第12章

Asallparties，Mabelexcepted，seemedsatisfiedwiththecoursethediscussionhadtaken，nooneappearedtothinkitnecessarytopursuethesubject。SupperwasnosoonerendedthantheSergeantdismissedhisguests，andthenheldalongandconfidentialdialoguewithhisdaughter。

Hewaslittleaddictedtogivingwaytothegentleremo-

tions，butthenoveltyofhispresentsituationawakenedfeelingsthathewasunusedtoexperience。Thesoldierorthesailor，solongasheactsundertheimmediatesuper-

visionofasuperior，thinkslittleoftherisksheruns，butthemomenthefeelstheresponsibilityofcommand，allthehazardsofhisundertakingbegintoassociatethemselvesinhismind：withthechancesofsuccessorfailure。Whilehedwellslessonhisownpersonaldanger，perhaps，thanwhenthatistheprincipalconsideration，hehasmorelivelygeneralperceptionsofalltherisks，andsubmitsmoretotheinfluenceofthefeelingswhichdoubtcreates。SuchwasnowthecasewithSergeantDunham，who，insteadoflookingforwardtovictoryascertain，accordingtohisusualhabits，begantofeelthepossibilitythathemightbepartingwithhischildforever。

NeverbeforehadMabelstruckhimassobeautifulassheappearedthatnight。Possiblysheneverhaddisplayedsomanyengagingqualitiestoherfather。forconcernonhisaccounthadbeguntobeactiveinherbreast。andthenhersympathiesmetwithunusualencouragementthroughthosewhichhadbeenstirredupinthesternerbosomoftheveteran。Shehadneverbeenentirelyathereasewithherparent，thegreatsuperiorityofhereducationcreatingasortofchasm，whichhadbeenwidenedbythemilitaryseverityofmannerhehadacquiredbydealingsolongwithbeingswhocouldonlybekeptinsubjectionbyanunremitteddiscipline。Onthepresentoccasion，however，theconversationbetweenthefatheranddaughterbecamemoreconfidentialthanusual，untilMabelrejoicedtofiudthatitwasgraduallybecomingendearing，astateoffeel-

ingthatthewarm-heartedgirlhadsilentlypinedforinvaineversinceherarrival。

Thenmotherwasaboutmyheight？Mabelsaid，assheheldoneofherfather’shandsinbothherown，lookingupintohisfacewithhumideyes。Ihadthoughthertaller。

Thatisthewaywithmostchildrenwhogetahabitofthinkingoftheirparentswithrespect，untiltheyfancythemlargerandmorecommandingthantheyactuallyare。

Yourmother，Mabel，wasasnearyourheightasonewomancouldbetoanother。

Andhereyes，father？

Hereyeswerelikethine，child，too。blueandsoft，andinvitinglike，thoughhardlysolaughing。

Minewillneverlaughagain，dearestfather，ifyoudonottakecareofyourselfinthisexpedition。

Thankyou，Mabel——hem——thankyou，child。butI

mustdomyduty。IwishIhadseenyoucomfortablymarriedbeforeweleftOswego。mymindwouldbeeasier。

Married！——towhom，father？

YouknowthemanIwishyoutolove。Youmaymeetwithmanygayer，andmanydressedinfinerclother。butwithnonewithsotrueaheartandjustamind。

Nonefather？

Iknowofnone。intheseparticularsPathfinderhasfewequalsatleast。

ButIneednotmarryatall。Youaresingle，andI

canremaintotakecareofyou。

Godblessyou，Mabel！Iknowyouwould，andIdonotsaythatthefeelingisnotright，forIsupposeitis。

andyetIbelievethereisanotherthatismoreso。

Whatcanbemorerightthantohonorone’sparents？

Itisjustasrighttohonorone’shusband，mydearchild。

ButIhavenohusband，father。

Thentakeoneassoonaspossible，thatyoumayhaveahusbandtohonor。Icannotliveforever，Mabel，butmustdropoffinthecourseofnatureerelong，ifIamnotcarriedoffinthecourseofwar。Youareyoung，andmayyetlivelong。anditisproperthatyoushouldhaveamaleprotector，whocanseeyousafethroughlife，andtakecareofyouinage，asyounowwishtotakecareofme。

Anddoyouthink，father，saidMabel，playingwithhissinewyfingerswithherownlittlehands，andlookingdownatthem，asiftheyweresubjectsofintenseinterest，thoughherlipscurledinaslightsmileasthewordscamefromthem，——anddoyouthink，father，thatPathfinderisjustthemantodothis？Ishenot，withintenortwelveyears，asoldasyourself？

Whatofthat？Hislifehasbeenoneofmoderationandexercise，andyearsarelesstobecounted，girl，thanconstitution。Doyouknowanothermorelikelytobeyourprotector？

Mabeldidnot。atleastanotherwhohadexpressedadesiretothateffect，whatevermighthavebeenherhopesandherwishes。

Nay，father，wearenottalkingofanotber，butofthePathfinder，sheansweredevasively。Ifhewereyounger，Ithinkitwouldbemorenaturalformetothinkofhimforahusband。

’Tisallintheconstitution，Itellyou，child。Pathfinderisayoungermanthanhalfoursubalterns。

Heiscertainlyyoungerthanone，sir——LieutenantMuir。

Mabel’slaughwasjoyousandlight-hearted，asifjustthenshefeltnocare。

Thatheis——youngenoughtobehisgrandson。heisyoungerinyears，too。Godforbid，Mabel，thatyoushouldeverbecomeanofficer’slady，atleastuntilyouareanofficer’sdaughter！

Therewillbelittlefearofthat，father，ifImarryPathfinder，returnedthegirl，lookinguparchlyintheSergeant’sfaceagain。

Notbytheking’scommission，perhaps，thoughthemanisevennowthefriendandcompanionofgenerals。

IthinkIcoulddiehappy，Mabel，ifyouwerehiswife。

Father！

’Tisasadthingtogointobattlewiththeweightofanunprotecteddaughterlaidupontheheart。

Iwouldgivetheworldtolightenyoursofitsload，mydearsir。

Itmightbedone，saidtheSergeant，lookingfondlyathischild。thoughIcouldnotwishtoputaburthenonyoursinordertodoso。

Thevoicewasdeepandtremulous，andneverbeforehadMabelwitnessedsuchashowofaffectioninherparent。

Thehabitualsternnessofthemanlentaninteresttohisemotionswhichtheymightotherwisehavewanted，andthedaughter’sheartyearnedtorelievethefather’smind。

Father，speakplainly！shecried，almostconvulsively。

Nay，Mabel，itmightnotberight。yourwishesandminemaybeverydifferent。

Ihavenowishes——knownothingofwhatyoumean。

Wouldyouspeakofmyfuturemarriage？

IfIcouldseeyoupromisedtoPathfinder——knowthatyouwerepledgedtobecomehiswife，letmyownfatebewhatitmight，IthinkIcoulddiehappy。ButIwillasknopledgeofyou，mychild。Iwillnotforceyoutodowhatyoumightrepent。Kissme，Mabel，andgotoyourbed。

HadSergeantDunhamexactedofMabelthepledgethathereallysomuchdesired，hewouldhaveencounteredaresistancethathemighthavefounditdifficulttoover-

come。but，bylettingnaturehaveitscourse，heenlistedapowerfulallyonhisside，andthewarm-hearted，generous-

mindedMabelwasreadytoconcedetoheraffectionsmuchmorethanshewouldeverhaveyieldedtomenace。Atthattouchingmomentshethoughtonlyofherparent，whowasabouttoquither，perhapsforever。andallofthatardentloveforhim，whichhadpossiblybeenasmuchfedbytheimaginationasbyanythingelse，butwhichhadreceivedalittlecheckbytherestrainedintercourseofthelastfortnight，nowreturnedwithaforcethatwasincreasedbypureandintensefeeling。Herfatherseemedallinalltoher，andtorenderhimhappytherewasnopropersac-

rificewhichshewasnotreadytomake。Onepainful，rapid，almostwildgleamofthoughtshotacrossthebrainofthegirl，andherresolutionwavered。butendeavoringtotracethefoundationofthepleasinghopeonwhichitwasbased，shefoundnothingpositivetosupportit。Trainedlikeawomantosubduehermostardentfeelings，herthoughtsrevertedtoherfather，andtotheblessingsthatawaitedthechildwhoyieldedtoaparent’swishes。

Father，shesaidquietly，almostwithaholycalm，Godblessesthedutifuldaughter。

Hewill，Mabel。wehavetheGoodBookforthat。

Iwillmarrywhomeveryoudesire。

Nay，nay，Mabel，youmayhaveachoiceofyourown——

Ihavenochoice。thatis，nonehaveaskedmetohaveachoice，butPathfinderandMr。Muir。andbetween_them_，neitherofuswouldhesitate。No，father。Iwillmarrywhomeveryoumaychoose。

Thouknowestmychoice，belovedchild。noneothercanmaketheeashappyasthenoble-heartedguide。

Well，then，ifhewishit，ifheaskmeagain——for，father，youwouldnothavemeoffermyself，orthatanyoneshoulddothatofficeforme，andthebloodstoleacrossthepallidcheeksofMabelasshespoke，forhighandgen-

erousresolutionshaddrivenbackthestreamoflifetoherheart。noonemustspeaktohimofit。butifheseekmeagain，and，knowingallthatatruegirloughttotellthemanshemarries，hethenwishestomakemehiswife，Iwillbehis。

Blessyou，myMabel！Godinheavenblessyou，andre-

wardyouasapiousdaughterdeservestoberewarded！

Yes，father，putyourmindatpeace。goonthisexpe-

ditionwithalightheart，andtrustinGod。Formeyouwillhavenownocare。Inthespring——Imusthavealit-

tletime，father——butinthespringIwillmarryPathfinder，ifthatnoble-heartedhuntershallthendesireit。

Mabel，helovesyouasIlovedyourmother。Ihaveseenhimweeplikeachildwhenspeakingofhisfeelingstowardsyou。

Yes，Ibelieveit。I’veseenenoughtosatisfymethathethinksbetterofmethanIdeserve。andcertainlythemanisnotlivingforwhomIhavemorerespectthanforPathfinder。notevenforyou，dearfather。

Thatisasitshouldbe，child，andtheunionwillbeblessed。MayInottellPathfinderthis？

Iwouldratheryouwouldnot，father。Letitcomeofitself，comenaturally。ThesmilethatilluminatedMabel’shandsomefacewasangelic，asevenherparentthought，thoughonebetterpractisedindetectingthepassingemo-

tions，astheybetraythemselvesinthecountenance，mighthavetracedsomethingwildandunnaturalinit。No，no，_we_mustletthingstaketheircourse。father，youhavemysolemnpromise。

Thatwilldo，thatwilldo，Mabel，nowkissme。Godblessandprotectyou，girl！youareagooddaughter。

Mabelthrewherselfintoherfather’sarms——itwasthefirsttimeinherlife——andsobbedonhisbosomlikeanin-

fant。Thesternsoldier’sheartwasmelted，andthetearsofthetwomingled。butSergeantDunhamsoonstarted，asifashamedofhimself，and，gentlyforcinghisdaughterfromhim，hebadehergood-night，andsoughthispallet。Mabelwentsobbingtotherudecornerthathadbeenpreparedforherreception。andinafewminutesthehutwasun-

disturbedbyanysound，savetheheavybreathingoftheveteran。

CHAPTERXX。

Wandering，Ifoundonmyruinouswalk，Bythedialstone，agedandgreen，Oneroseofthewilderness，leftonitsstalk，Tomarkwhereagardenhadbeen。

CAMPBELL。

ItwasnotonlybroaddaylightwhenMabelawoke，butthesunhadactuallybeenupsometime。Hersleephadbeeutranquil，forsherestedonanapprovingconscience，andfatiguecontributedtorenderitsweet。andnosoundofthosewhohadbeensoearlyinmotionhadinterferedwithherrest。Springingtoherfeetandrapidlydressingherself，thegirlwassoonbreathingthefragranceofthemorningintheopenair。Forthefirsttimeshewassen-

siblystruckwiththesingularbeauties，aswellaswiththeprofoundretirement，ofherpresentsituation。Thedayprovedtobeoneofthoseoftheautumnalglory，socom-

montoaclimatethatismoreabusedthanappreciated，anditsinfluencewaseverywayinspiritingandgenial。

Mabelwasbenefittedbythiscircumstance。for，asshefancied，herheartwasheavyonaccountofthedangerstowhichafather，whomshenowbegantoloveaswomenlovewhenconfidenceiscreated，wasexposed。

Buttheislandseemedabsolutelydeserted。Theprevi-

ousnight，thebustleofthearrivalhadgiventhespotanappearanceoflifewhichwasnowentirelygone。andourheroinehadturnedhereyesnearlyaroundoneveryobjectinsight，beforeshecaughtaviewofasinglehumanbeingtoremovethesenseofuttersolitude。Then，indeed，shebeheldallwhowereleftbehind，collectedinagrouparoundafirewhichmightbesaidtobelongtothecamp。

Thepersonofheruncle，towhomshewassomuchaccus-

tomed，reassuredMabel。andsheexaminedtheremainderwithacuriositynaturaltohersituation。BesidesCapandtheQuartermaster，thereweretheCorporal，thethreesol-

diers，andthewomanwhowascooking。Thehutsweresilentandempty。andthelowbuttower-likesummitoftheblockhouseroseabovethebushes，bywhichitwashalfconcealed，inpicturesquebeauty。Thesunwasjustcast-

ingitsbrightnessintotheopenplacesoftheglade，andthevaultoverherheadwasimpendinginthesoftsub-

limityofthebluevoid。Notacloudwasvisible，andshesecretlyfanciedthecircumstancemightbetakenasahar-

bingerofpeaceandsecurity。

Perceivingthatalltheotherswereoccupiedwiththatgreatconcernofhumannature，abreakfast，Mabelwalked，unobserved，towardsanendoftheislandwhereshewascompletelyshutoutofviewbythetreesandbushes。Hereshegotastandontheveryedgeofthewater，byforcingasidethelowbranches，andstoodwatchingthebarelyperceptibleflowandre-flowoftheminiaturewaveswhichlavedtheshore。asortofphysicalechototheagitationthatprevailedonthelakefiftymilesaboveher。Theglimpsesofnaturalscenerythatofferedwereverysoftandpleasing。andourheroine，whohadaquickeyeforallthatwaslovelyinnature，wasnotslowinselectingthemoststrikingbitsoflandscape。Shegazedthroughthedifferentvistasformedbytheopeningsbetweentheislands，andthoughtshehadneverlookedonaughtmorelovely。

Whilethusoccupied，Mabelwassuddenlyalarmedbyfancyingthatshecaughtaglimpseofahumanformamongthebushesthatlinedtheshoreoftheislandwhichlaydirectlybeforeher。Thedistanceacrossthewaterwasnotahundredyards。and，thoughshemightbemistaken，andherfancywaswanderingwhentheformpassedbe-

forehersight，stillshedidnotthinkshecouldbedeceived。

Awarethathersexwouldbenoprotectionagainstariflebullet，shouldanIroquoisgetaviewofher，thegirlin-

stinctivelydrewback，takingcaretoconcealpersonasmuchaspossiblebytheleaves，whileshekeptherownlookrivetedontheoppositeshore，vainlywaitingforsometimeintheexpectationofthestranger。Shewasabouttoquitherpostinthebushesandhastentoheruncle，inordertoacquainthimofhersuspicions，whenshesawthebranchofanalderthrustbeyondthefringeofbushesontheotherisland，andwavedtowardshersignificantly，andasshefanciedintokenofamity。Thiswasabreathlessandatryingmomenttooneasinexperiencedinfrontierwarfareasourheroineandyetshefeltthegreatnecessitythatexistedforpreservingherrecollection，andofactingwithsteadinessanddiscretion。

ItwasoneofthepeculiaritiesoftheexposuretowhichthosewhodweltonthefrontiersofAmericawereliable，tobringoutthemoralqualitiesofthewomentoadegreewhichtheymustthemselves，underothercircumstances，havebelievedtheywereincapableofmanifesting。andMabelwellknewthatthebordererslovedtodwellintheirlegendsonthepresenceofmind，fortitude，andspiritthattheirwivesandsistershaddisplayedundercircumstancesthemosttrying。Heremulationhadbeenawakenedbywhatshehadheardonsuchsubjects。anditatoncestruckherthatnowwasthemomentforhertoshowthatshewastrulySergeantDunham’schild。Themotionofthebranchwassuchasshebelievedindicatedamity。and，afteramoment’shesitation，shebrokeoffatwig，fastenedittoastickand，thrustingitthroughanopening，waveditinreturn，imitatingascloselyaspossiblethemanneroftheother。

Thisdumbshowlastedtwoorthreeminutesonbothsides，whenMabelperceivedthatthebushesoppositewerecautiouslypushidaside，andahumanfaceappearedatanopening。AglancesufficedtoletMabelseethatitwasthecountenanceofared-skin，aswellasthatofawoman。A

secondandabetterlooksatisfiedherthatitwasthefaceoftheDew-of-June，thewifeofArrowhead。Duringthetimeshehadtravelledincompanywiththiswoman，Mabelhadbeenwonbythegentlenessofmanner，themeeksimplicity，andthemingledaweandaffectionwithwhichsheregardedherhusband。OnceortwiceinthecourseofthejourneyshefanciedtheTuscarorahadmani-

festedtowardsherselfanunpleasantdegreeofattention。

andonthoseoccoasionsithadstruckherthathiswifeexhibitedsorrowandmortification。AsMabel，however，hadmorethancompensatedforanypainshemightinthiswayunintentionallyhavecausedhercompanion，byherownkindnessofmannerandattentions，thewomanhadshownmuchattachmenttoher，andtheyhadparted，withadeepconvictiononthemindofourheroinethatintheDew-of-Juneshehadlostafriend。

Itisuselesstoattempttoanalyzeallthewaysbywhichthehumanheartisledintoconfidence。Suchafeeling，however，hadtheyoungTuscarorawomanawakenedinthebreastofourheroine。andthelatter，undertheim-

pressionthatthisextraordinaryvisitwasintendedforherowngood，felteverydispositiontohaveaclosercommu-

nication。Shenolongerhesitatedaboutshowingherselfclearofthebushes，andwasnotsorrytoseetheDew-of-

Juneimitateherconfidence，bysteppingfearlesslyoutofherowncover。Thetwogirls，fortheTuscarora，thoughmarried，wasevenyoungerthanMabel，nowopenlyex-

changedsignsoffriendship，andthelatterbeckonedtoherfriendtoapproach，thoughsheknewnotthemannerherselfinwhichthisobjectcouldbeeffected。ButtheDew-of-Junewasnotslowinlettingitbeseenthatitwasinherpower。for，disappearinginamoment，shesoonshowedherselfagainintheendofabarkcanoe，thebowsofwhichshehaddrawntotheedgeofthebushes，andofwhichthebodystilllayinasortofcoveredcreek。Mabelwasabouttoinvitehertocross，whenherownnamewascalledaloudinthestentorianvoiceofheruncle。MakingahurriedgesturefortheTuscaroragirltoconcealherself，Mabelsprangfromthebushesandtrippedupthegladetowardsthesound，andperceivedthatthewholepartyhadjustseatedthemselvesatbreakfast。Caphavingbarelyputhisappetiteundersufficientrestrainttosummonhertojointhem。ThatthiswasthemostfavorableinstantfortheinterviewflashedonthemindofMabel。and，excusingherselfonthepleaofnotbeingpreparedforthemeal，sheboundedbacktothethicket，andsoonrenewedhercommunicationswiththeyoungIndianwoman。

Dew-of-Junewasquickofcomprehension。andwithhalfadozennoiselessstrokesofthepaddles，hercanoewasconcealedinthebushesofStationIsland。Inanotherminute，Mabelheldherhand，andwasleadingherthroughthegrovetowardsherownhut。Fortunatelythelatterwassoplacedastobecompletelyhidfromthesightofthoseatthefire，andtheybothentereditunseen。Hastilyexplainingtoherguest，inthebestmannershecould，thenecessityofquittingherforashorttime，Mabel，firstplac-

ingtheDew-of-Juneinherownroom，withafullcertaintythatshewouldnotquitituntiltoldtodoso，wenttothefireandtookherseatamongtherest，withallthecom-

posureitwasinherpowertocommand。

Latecome，lateserved，Mabel，saidheruncle，be-

tweenmouthfulsofbroiledsalmon。forthoughthecook-

erymightbeveryunsophisticatedonthatremotefrontier，theviandsweregenerallydelicious，——latecome，lateserved。itisagoodrule，andkeepslaggardsuptotheirwork。

Iamnolaggard，uncle。forIhavebeenstirringnearlyanhour，andexploringourisland。

It’slittleyou’llmakeo’that，MistressMabel，putinMuir。that’slittlebynature。Lundie——oritmightbebettertostylehimMajorDuncaninthispresence(thiswassaidinconsiderationofthecorporalandthecommonmen，thoughtheyweretakingtheirmealalittleapart)——

hasnotaddedanempiretohisMajesty’sdominionsingettingpossessionofthisisland，whichislikelytoequalthatofthecelebratedSanchoinrevenuesandprofits——

Sancho，ofwhom，doubtless，MasterCap，you’lloftenhavebeenreadinginyourleisurehours，moreespeciallyincalmsandmomentsofinactivity。

Iknowthespotyoumean，Quartermaster。Sancho’sIsland——coralrock，ofnewformation，andasbadaland-

fall，inadarknightandblowingweather，asasinnercouldwishtokeepclearof。It’safamousplaceforcocoa-

nutsandbitterwater，thatSancho’sIsland。

It’sno’veryfamousfordinners，returnedMuir，re-

pressingthesmilewhichwasstrugglingtohislipsoutofrespecttoMabel。nordoIthinkthere’llbemuchtochoosebetweenitsrevenueandthatofthisspot。Inmyjudgment，MasterCap，thisisaveryunmilitaryposition，andIlooktosomecalamitybefallingit，soonerorlater。

Itistobehopednotuntilourturnofdutyisover，

observedMabel。IhavenowishtostudytheFrenchlanguage。

Wemightthinkourselveshappy，diditnotprovetobetheIroquois。IhavereasonedwithMajorDuncanontheoccupationofthisposition，but’awilfu’manmaunha’hisway。’Myfirstobjectinaccompanyingthispartywastoendeavortomakemyselfacceptableandusefultoyourbeautifulniece，MasterCap。andthesecondwastotakesuchanaccountofthestoresthatbelongtomypar-

ticulardepartmentasshallleavenoquestionopentocon-

troversy，concerningthemannerofexpenditure，whentheyshallhavedisappearedbymeansoftheenemy。

Doyoulookuponmattersassoserious？demandedCap，actuallysuspendinghismasticationofabitofveni-

son——forhepassedalternatelyfromfishtofleshandbackagain——intheinteresthetookintheanswer。Isthedangerpressing？

I’llno’sayjustthat。andI’llno’sayjustthecontrary。

Thereisalwaysdangerinwar，andthereismoreofitattheadvancedpoststhanatthemainencampment。Itought，therefore，tooccasionnosurprisewerewetobevisitedbytheFrenchatanymoment。

Andwhatthedevilistobedoneinthatcase？Sixmenandtwowomenwouldmakebutapoorjobindefend-

ingsuchaplaceasthis，shouldtheenemyinvadeus。as，nodoubt，Frenchman-like，theywouldtakeverygoodcaretocomestrong-handed。

Thatwemaydependon——someveryformidableforceattheverylowest。Amilitarydispositionmightbemadeindefenceoftheisland，outofallquestion，andaccord-

ingtotheartofwar，thoughwewouldprobablyfailintheforcenecessarytocarryoutthedesigninanyverycreditablemanner。Inthefirstplace，adetachmentshouldbesentofftotheshore，withorderstoannoytheenemyinlanding。astrongpartyoughtinstantlytobethrownintotheblockhouse，asthecitadel，foronthatallthedif-

ferentdetachmentswouldnaturallyfallbackforsupport，astheFrenchadvanced。andanentrenchedcampmightbelaidoutaroundthestronghold，asitwouldbeveryun-

militaryindeedtoletthefoegetnearenoughtothefootofthewallstominethem。Chevaux-de-frisewouldkeepthecavalryincheck。andasfortheartillery，redoubtsshouldbethrownupundercoverofyonwoods。Strongskirmishingparties，moreover，wouldbeexceedinglyser-

viceableinretardingthemarchoftheenemy。andthesedifferenthuts，ifproperlypiquetedandditched，wouldbeconvertedintoveryeligiblepositionsforthatobject。

Whe-e-e-w-，Quartermaster！Andwhothed——listofindallthementocarryoutsuchaplan？

Theking，outofallquestion，MasterCap。Itishisquarrel，andit’sjustheshouldbeartheburtheno’it。

Andweareonlysix！Thisisfinetalking，withavengeance。Youcouldbesentdowntotheshoretoop-

posethelanding，Mabelmightskirmishwithhertongueatleast，thesoldier’swifemightactchevaux-de-frisetoentanglethecavalry，thecorporalshouldcommandtheentrenchedcamp，histhreemencouldoccupythefivehuts，andIwouldtaketheblockhouse。Whe-e-e-w！

youdescribewell，Lieutenant。andshouldhavebeenalimnerinsteadofasoldier。

Na，I’vebeenveryliteralanduprightinmyexpositionofmatters。ThatthereisnogreaterforceheretocarryouttheplanisafaultofhisMajesty’sministers，andnoneofmine。

Butshouldourenemyreallyappear，askedMabel，withmoreinterestthanshemighthaveshown，hadshenotrememberedtheguestinthehut，whatcourseoughtwetopursue？

Myadvicewouldbetoattempttoachievethat，prettyMabel，whichrenderedXenophonsojustlycelebrated。

Ithinkyoumeanaretreat，thoughIhalfguessatyourallusion。

You’veimaginedmymeaningfromthepossessionofastrongnativesense，younglady。IamawarethatyourworthyfatherhaspointedouttotheCorporalcertainmodesandmethodsbywhichhefanciesthisislandcouldbeheld，incasetheFrenchshoulddiscoveritsposition。

buttheexcellentSergeant，thoughyourfather，andasgoodamaninhisdutiesaseverwieldedaspontoon，isnotthegreatLordStair，oreventheDukeofMarlborough。I’llnotdenytheSergeant’smeritsinhisparticularsphere。

thoughIcannotexaggeratequalities，howeverexcellent，intothoseofmenwhomaybeinsometriflingdegreehissuperiors。SergeantDunhamhastakencounselofhisheart，insteadofhishead，inresolvingtoissuesuchorders。

but，ifthefortfall，theblamewilllieonhimthatorderedittobeoccupied，andnotonhimwhosedutyitwastodefendit。Whatevermaybethedeterminationofthelatter，shouldtheFrenchandtheiralliesland，agoodcommanderneverneglectsthepreparationsnecessarytoeffectaretreat。andIwouldadviseMasterCap，whoistheadmiralofournavy，tohaveaboatinreadinesstoevacuatetheisland，ifneedcomestoneed。Thelargestboatthatwehaveleftcarriesaveryamplesail。andbyhaulingitroundhere，andmooringitunderthosebushes，therewillbeaconvenientplaceforahurriedembarka-

tion。andthenyou’llperceive，prettyMabel，thatitisscarcelyfiftyyardsbeforeweshallbeinachannelbetweentwootherislands，andhidfromthesightofthosewhomayhappentobeonthis。

Allthatyousayisverytrue，Mr。Muir。butmaynottheFrenchcomefromthatquarterthemselves？Ifitissogoodforaretreat，itisequallygoodforanadvance。

They’llno’havethesensetodosodiscreetathing，

returnedMuir，lookingfurtivelyandalittleuneasilyaroundhim。they’llno’havesufficientdiscretion。YourFrenchareahead-over-heelsnation，andusuallycomeforwardinarandomway。sowemaylookforthem，iftheycomeatall，ontheothersideoftheisland。

Thediscoursenowbecameexceedinglydesultory，touch-

ingprincipally，however，ontheprobabilitiesofaninva-

sion，andthebestmeansofmeetingit。

TomostofthisMabelpaidbutlittleattention。thoughshefeltsomesurprisethatLieutenantMuir，anofficerwhosecharacterforcouragestoodwell，shouldopenlyrecommendanabandonmentofwhatappearedtohertobedoublyaduty，herfather’scharacterbeingconnectedwiththedefenceoftheisland。Hermind，however，wassomuchoccupiedwithherguest，that，seizingthefirstfavorablemoment，sheleftthetable，andwassooninherownhutagain。Carefullyfasteningthedoor，andseeingthatthesimplecurtainwasdrawnbeforethesinglelittlewindow，MabelnextledtheDew-of-June，orJune，asshewasfamiliarlytermedbythosewhospoketoherinEng-

lish，intotheouterroom，makingsignsofaffectionandconfidence。

Iamgladtoseeyou，June，saidMabel，withoneofhersweetestsmiles，andinherownwinningvoice，——verygladtoseeyou。Whathasbroughtyouhither，andhowdidyoudiscovertheisland？

Speakslow，saidJune，returningsmileforsmile，andpressingthelittlehandsheheldwithoneofherownthatwasscarcelylarger，thoughithadbeenhardenedbylabor。

moreslow——tooquick。

Mabelrepeatedherquestions，endeavoringtorepresstheimpetuosityofherfeelings。andshesucceededinspeak-

ingsodistinctlyastobeunderstood。

June，friend，returnedtheIndianwoman。

Ibelieveyou，June——frommysoulIbelieveyou。whathasthistodowithyourvisit？

Friendcometoseefriend，answeredJune，againsmilingopenlyintheother’sface。

Thereissomeotherreason，June，elsewouldyouneverrunthisrisk，andalone。Youarealone，June？

Junewidyou，nooneelse。Junecomealone，paddlecanoe。

Ihopeso，Ithinkso——nay，Iknowso。Youwouldnotbetreacherouswithme，June？

Whattreacherous？

Youwouldnotbetrayme，wouldnotgivemetotheFrench，totheIroquois，toArrowhead？

Juneshookherheadearnestly。

Youwouldnotsellmyscalp？

HereJunepassedherarmfondlyaroundtheslenderwaistofMabelandpressedhertoherheartwithatender-

nessandaffectionthatbroughttearsintotheeyesofourheroine。Itwasdoneinthefondcaressingmannerofawoman，anditwasscarcelypossiblethatitshouldnotob-

taincreditforsinceritywithayoungandingenuousper-

sonofthesamesex。Mabelreturnedthepressure，andthenheldtheotheroffatthelengthofherarm，lookedhersteadilyintheface，andcontinuedherinquiries。

IfJunehassomethingtotellherfriend，letherspeakplainly，shesaid。Myearsareopen。

June’fraidArrowheadkillher。

ButArrowheadwillneverknowit。Mabel’sbloodmountedtohertemplesasshesaidthis。forshefeltthatshewasurgingawifetobetreacheroustoherhusband。

Thatis，Mabelwillnottellhim。

HeburytomahawkinJune’shead。

Thatmustneverbe，dearJune。Iwouldratheryoushouldsaynomorethanrunthisrisk。

Blockhousegoodplacetosleep，goodplacetostay。

DoyoumeanthatImaysavemylifebykeepingintheblockhouse，June？Surely，surely，Arrowheadwillnothurtyoufortellingmethat。Hecannotwishmeanygreatharm，forIneverinjuredhim。

Arrowheadwishnoharmtohandsomepale-face，re-

turnedJune，avertingherface。and，thoughshealwaysspokeihthesoft，gentlevoiceofanIndiangirl，nowper-

mittingitsnotestofallsolowastocausethemtosoundmelancholyandtimid。Arrowheadlovepale-facegirl。

Mabelblushed，sheknewnotwhy，andforamomentherquestionswererepressedbyafeelingofinherentdeli-

cacy。Butitwasnecessarytoknowmore，forherappre-

hensionshadbeenkeenlyawakened，andsheresumedherinquiries。

Arrowheadcanhavenoreasontoloveortohate_me_，

shesaid。Ishenearyou？

Husbandalwaysnearwife，here，saidJune，layingherhandonherheart。

Excellentcreature！Buttellme，June，oughtItokeepintheblockhouseto-day——thismorning——now？

Blockhouseverygood。goodforwomen。Blockhousegotnoscalp。

IfearIunderstandyouonlytoowell，June。Doyouwishtoseemyfather？

Nohere。goneaway。

Youcannotknowthat，June。youseetheislandisfullofhissoldiers。

Nofull。goneaway，——hereJuneheldupfourofherfingers，——somanyred-coats。

AndPathfinder？wouldyounotliketoseethePath-

finder？HecantalktoyouintheIroquoistongue。

Tonguegonewidhim，saidJune，laughing。keeptongueinhismout’。

Therewassomethingsosweetandcontagiousinthein-

fantinelaughofanIndiangirl，thatMabelcouldnotre-

frainfromjoininginit，muchasherfearswerearousedbyallthathadpassed。

Youappeartoknow，ortothinkyouknow，allaboutus，June。ButifPathfinderbegone，Eau-doucecanspeakFrenchtoo。YouknowEau-douce。shallIrunandbringhimtotalkwithyou？

Eau-doucegonetoo，allbutheart。thatthere。AsJunesaidthis，shelaughedagain。lookedindifferentdi-

rections，asifunwillingtoconfusetheother，andlaidherhandonMabel’sbosom。

OurheroinehadoftenheardofthewonderfulsagacityoftheIndians，andofthesurprisingmannerinwhichtheynotedallthings，whiletheyappearedtoregardnone。

butshewasscarcelypreparedforthedirectionthedis-

coursehadsosingularlytaken。Willingtochangeit，andatthesametimetrulyanxioustolearnhowgreatthedangerthatimpendedoverthemmightreallybe，sherosefromthecamp-stoolonwhichshehadbeenseated。and，byassuminganattitudeoflessaffectionateconfidence，shehopedtohearmoreofthatshereallydesiredtolearn，andtoavoidallusionstothatwhichshefoundsoembar-

rassing。

Youknowhowmuchorhowlittleyououghttotellme，June，shesaid。andIhopeyoulovemewellenoughtogivemetheinformationIoughttohear。Mydearuncle，too，isontheisland，andyouare，oroughttobe，hisfriendaswellasmine。andbothofuswillrememberyourconductwhenwegetbacktoOswego。

Maybe，nevergetback。whoknow？Thiswassaiddoubtingly，orasonewholaysdownanuncertainpropo-

sition，andnotwithataunt，oradesiretoalarm。

NooneknowswhatwillhappenbutGod。OurlivesareinHishands。Still，IthinkyouaretobeHisinstru-

mentinsavingus。

ThispassedJune’scomprehension，andsheonlylookedherignorance。foritwasevidentshewishedtobeofuse。

Blockhouseverygood，sherepeated，assoonashercountenanceceasedtoexpressuncertainty，layingstrongemphasisonthelasttwowords。

Well，Iunderstandthis，June，andwillsleepinitto-

night。OfcourseIamtotellmyunclewhatyouhavesaid？

TheDew-of-Junestarted，andshediscoveredaverymanifestuneasinessattheinterrogatory。

No，no，no，no！sheanswered，withavolubilityandvehemencethatwasimitatedfromtheFrenchoftheCan-

adas。nogoodtotellSaltwater。Hemuchtalkandlongtongue。Thinkswoodsallwater，understandnot’ing。

TellArrowhead，andJunedie。

Youdomydearuncleinjustice，forhewouldbeaslittlelikelytobetrayyouasanyone。

Nounderstand。Saltwatergottongue，butnoeyes，noears，nonose——not’ingbuttongue，tongue，tongue！

AlthoughMabeldidnotexactlycoincideinthisopinion，shesawthatCaphadnottheconfidenceoftheyoungIn-

dianwoman，andthatitwasidletoexpectshewouldcon-

senttohisbeingadmittedtotheirinterview。

Youappeartothinkyouknowoursituationprettywell，June，Mabelcontinued。haveyoubeenontheislandbeforethisvisit？

Justcome。

Howthendoyouknowthatwhatyousayistrue？

myfather，thePathfinder，andEau-doucemayallbeherewithinsoundofmyvoice，ifIchoosetocallthem。

Allgone，saidJunepositively，smilinggood-humoredlyatthesametime。

Nay，thisismorethanyoucansaycertainly，nothav-

ingbeenovertheislandtoexamineit。

Gotgoodeyes。seeboatwithmengoaway——seeshipwithEau-douce。

Thenyouhavebeensometimewatchingus：Ithink，however，youhavenotcountedthemthatremain。

Junelaughed，heldupherfourfingersagain，andthenpointedtohertwothumbs。passingafingeroverthefirst，sherepeatedthewordsred-coats。andtouchingthelast，sheadded，Saltwater，Quartermaster。Allthiswasbeingveryaccurate，andMabelbegantoentertainseriousdoubtsastotheproprietyofherpermittinghervisitortodepartwithoutherbecomingmoreexplicit。Stillitwassorepugnanttoherfeelingstoabusetheconfidencethisgentleandaffectionatecreaturehadevidentlyreposedinher，thatMabelhadnosooneradmittedthethoughtofsummoningheruncle，thansherejecteditasunworthyofherselfandunjusttoherfriend。Toaidthisgoodreso-

lution，too，therewasthecertaintythatJunewouldrevealnothing，buttakerefugeinastubbornsilence，ifanyat-

temptweremadetocoerceher。

Youthink，then，June，Mabelcontinued，assoonasthesethoughtshadpassedthroughhermind，thatIhadbetterliveintheblockhouse？

Goodplaceforwoman。Blockhousegotnoscalp。

Logst’ick。

Youspeakconfidently，June。asifyouhadbeeninit，andhadmeasureditswalls。

Junelaughed。andshelookedknowing，thoughshesaidnothing。

Doesanyonebutyourselfknowhowtofindthisisland？haveanyoftheIroquoisseenit？

Junelookedsad，andshecasthereyeswarilyabouther，asifdistrustingalistener。

Tuscarora，everywhere——Oswego，here，Frontenac，Mo-

hawk——everywhere。IfheseeJune，killher。

Butwethoughtthatnooneknewofthisisland，andthatwehadnoreasontofearourencmieswhileonit。

Mucheye，Iroquois。

Eyeswillnotalwaysdo，June，Thisspotishidfromordinarysight，andfewofevenourownpeopleknowhowtofindit。

Onemancantell。someYengeesetalkFrench。

Mabelfeltachillatherheart。AllthesuspicionsagainstJasper，whichshehadhithertodisdainedentertaining，crowdedinabodyonherthoughts。andthesensationthattheybroughtwassosickening，thatforaninstantsheim-

aginedshewasabouttofaint。Arousingherself，andre-

memberingherpromisetoherfather，shearoseandwalkedupanddownthehutforaminute，fancyingthatJasper’sdelinquencieswerenaughttoher，thoughherinmostheartyearnedwiththedesiretothinkhiminnocent。

Iunderstandyourmeaning，June，shethensaid。

youwishmetoknowthatsomeonehastreacherousytoldyourpeoplewhereandhowtofindtheisland？

Junelaughed，forinhereyesartificeinwarwasoftenerameritthanacrime。butshewastootruetohertribeherselftosaymorethantheoccasionrequired。HerobjectwastosaveMabel，andMabelonly。andshesawnosuffi-

cientreasonfortravellingoutoftherecord，asthelawyersexpressit，inordertodoanythingelse。

Pale-faceknownow，sheadded。Blockhousegoodforgirl，nomatterformenandwarriors。

Butitismuchmatterwithme，June。foroneofthosemenismyuncle，whomIlove，andtheothersaremycountrymenandfriends。Imusttellthemwhathaspassed。

ThenJunebekill，returnedtheyoungIndianquietly，thoughsheevidentlyspokewithconcern。

No。theyshallnotknowthatyouhavebeenhere。

Still，theymustbeontheirguard，andwecanallgointotheblockhouse。

Arrowheadknow，seeeverything，andJunebekill。

Junecometotellyoungpale-facefriend，nottotellmen。

Everywarriorwatchhisownscalp。Junewoman，andtellwoman。notellmen。

Mabelwasgreatlydistressedatthisdeclarationofherwildfriend，foritwasnowevidenttheyoungcreatureunderstoodthathercommunicationwastogonofurther。

Shewasignoranthowfarthesepeopleconsiderthepointofhonorinterestedinherkeepingthesecret。andmostofallwassheunabletosayhowfaranyindiscretionofherownmightactuallycommitJuneandendangerherlife。

Alltheseconsiderationsflashedonhermind，andreflectiononlyrenderedtheirinfluencemorepainful。June，too，manifestlyviewedthemattergravely。forshebegantogatherupthedifferentlittlearticlesshehaddroppedintakingMabel’shand，andwaspreparingtodepart。Toattemptdetainingherwasoutofthequestion。andtopartfromher，afterallshehadhazardedtoserveher，wasre-

pugnanttoallthejustandkindfeelingsofourheroine’snature。

June，saidsheeagerly，foldingherarmsroundthegentlebutuneducatedbeing，wearefriends。Frommeyouhavenothingtofear，fornooneshallknowofyourvisit。Ifyoucouldgivemesomesignaljustbeforethedangercomes，somesignbywhichtoknowwhentogointotheblockhouse，howtotakecareofmyself。

Junepaused，forshehadbeeninearnestinherintentiontodepart。andthenshesaidquietly，BringJunepigeon。

Apigeon！WhereshallIfindapigeontobringyou？

Nexthut。bringoldone。Junegotocanoe。

IthinkIunderstandyou，June。buthadInotbetterleadyoubacktothebushes，lestyoumeetsomeofthemen？

Gooutfirst。countmen，one，two，t’ree，four，five，six-

hereJuneheldupherfingers，andlaughed——alloutoftheway——good。allbutone，callhimoneside。Thensing，andfetchpigeon。

Mabelsmiledatthereadinessandingenuityofthegirl，andpreparedtoexecuteherrequests。Atthedoor，how-

ever，shestopped，andlookedbackentreatinglyattheIn-

dianwoman。Istherenohopeofyourtellingmemore，June？shesaid。

Knowallnow，blockhousegood，pigeontell，Arrow-

headkill。

Thelastwordssufficed。forMabelcouldnoturgefurthercommunications，whenhercompanionherselftoldherthatthepenaltyofherrevelationsmightbedeathbythehandofherhusband。Throwingopenthedoor，shemadeasignofadieutoJune，andwentoutofthehut。MabelresortedtothesimpleexpedientoftheyoungIndiangirltoascer-

tainthesituationofthedifferentindividualsontheisland。

Insteadoflookingaboutherwiththeintentionofrecog-

nizingfacesanddresses，shemerelycountedthem。andfoundthatthreestillremainedatthefire，whiletwohadgonetotheboat，oneofwhomwasMr。Muir。Thesixthmanwasheruncle。andhewascoollyarrangingsomefish-

ing-tackleatnogreatdistancefromthefire。Thewomanwasjustenteringherownhut。andthisaccountedforthewholeparty。Mabelnow，affectingtohavedroppedsome-

thing，returnednearlytothehutshehadleft，warblinganair，stoopedasiftopickupsomeobjectfromtheground，andhurriedtowardsthehutJunehadmentioned。Thiswasadilapidatedstructure，andithadbeenconvertedbythesoldiersofthelastdetachmentintoasortofstore-

housefortheirlivestock。Amongotherthings，itcon-

tainedafewdozenpigeons，whichwereregalingonapileofwheatthathadbeenbroughtofffromoneofthefarmsplunderedontheCanadashore。Mabelhadnotmuchdifficultyincatchingoneofthesepigeons，althoughtheyflutteredandflewaboutthehutwithanoiselikethatofdrums。and，concealingitinherdress，shestolebacktowardsherownhutwiththeprize。Itwasempty。and，withoutdoingmorethancastaglanceinatthedoor，theeagergirlhurrieddowntotheshore。Shehadnodiffi-

cultyinescapingobservation，forthetreesandbushesmadeacompletecovertoherperson。AtthecanoeshefoundJune，whotookthepigeon，placeditinabasketofherownmanufacturing，and，repeatingthewords，blockhousegood，sheglidedoutofthebushesandacrossthenarrowpassage，asnoiselesslyasshehadcome。Mabelwaitedsometimetocatchasignalofleave-takingoramityafterherfriendhadlanded，butnonewasgiven。Theadjacentislands，withoutexception，wereasquietasifnoonehadeverdisturbedthesublimereposeofnature，andnowherecouldanysignorsymptombediscovered，asMabelthenthought，thatmightdenotetheproximityofthesortofdangerofwhichJunehadgivennotice。

Onreturning，however，fromtheshore，Mabelwasstruckwithalittlecircumstance，that，inanordinarysituation，wouldhaveattractednoattention，butwhich，nowthathersuspicionshadbeenaroused，didnotpassbeforeheruneasyeyeunnoticed。Asmallpieceofredbunting，suchasisusedintheensignsofships，wasflutteringatthelowerbranchofasmalltree，fastenedinawaytopermitittoblowout，ortodrooplikeavessel’spennant。

NowthatMabel’sfearswereawakened，Juneherselfcouldnothavemanifestedgreaterquicknessinanalyzingfactsthatshebelievedmightaffectthesafetyoftheparty。

Shesawataglancethatthisbitofclothcouldbeob-

servedfromanadjacentisland。thatitlaysonearthelinebetweenherownhutandthecanoeastoleavenodoubtthatJunehadpassednearit，ifnotdirectlyunderit。andthatitmightbeasignaltocommunicatesomeimportantfactconnectedwiththemodeofattacktothosewhowereprobablylyinginambushnearthem。Tearingthelittlestripofbuntingfromthetree，Mabelhastenedon，scarcelyknowingwhatherdutynextrequiredofher。Junemightbefalsetoher，buthermanner，herlooks，heraffection，andherdispositionasMabelhadknownitinthejourney，forbadetheidea。ThencametheallusiontoArrowhead’sadmirationofthepale-facebeauties，somedimrecollectionsofthelooksoftheTuscarora，andapainfulconsciousnessthatfewwivescouldviewwithkindnessonewhohades-

trangedahusband’saffections。Noneoftheseimagesweredistinctandclear，buttheyrathergleamedoverthemindofourheroinethanrestedinit，andtheyquickenedherpulses，astheydidherstep，withoutbringingwiththemthepromptandcleardecisionsthatusuallyfollowedherreflec-

tions。Shehadhurriedonwardstowardsthehutoccupiedbythesoldier’swife，intendingtoremoveatoncetotheblockhousewiththewoman，thoughshecouldpersuadenoothertofollow，whenherimpatientwalkwasinterruptedbythevoiceofMuir。

Whithersofast，prettyMabel？hecried。andwhysogiventosolitude？TheworthySergeantwillderidemybreeding，ifhehearthathisdaughterpassesthemorn-

ingsaloneandunattendedto，thoughhewellknowsitismyardentwishtobeherslaveandcompanionfromthebeginningoftheyeartoitsend。

Surely，Mr。Muir，youmusthavesomeauthorityhere？

Mabelsuddenlyarrestedherstepstosay。Oneofyourrankwouldbelistenedto，atleast，byacorporal？

Idon’tknowthat，Idon’tknowthat，interruptedMuir，withanimpatienceandappearanceofalarmthatmighthaveexcitedMabel’sattentionatanothermoment。

Commandiscommand。discipline，discipline。andau-

thority，authority。Yourgoodfatherwouldbesoregrieveddidhefindmeinterferingtosullyorcarryoffthelaurelsheisabouttowin。andIcannotcommandtheCorporalwithoutequallycommandingtheSergeant。Thewisestwaywillbeformetoremainintheobscurityofaprivateindividualinthisenterprise。anditissothatallparties，fromLundiedown，understandthetransaction。

ThisIknow，anditmaybewell，norwouldIgivemydearfatheranycauseofcomplaint。butyoumayinfluencetheCorporaltohisowngood。

I’llno’saythat，returnedMuirinhisslyScotchway。

itwouldbefarsafertopromisetoinfluencehimtohisinjury。Mankind，prettyMabel，havetheirpeculiarities。

andtoinfluenceafellow-beingtohisowngoodisoneofthemostdifficulttasksofhumannature，whiletheoppo-

siteisjusttheeasiest。You’llno’forgetthis，mydear，butbearitinmindforyouredificationandgovernment。

Butwhatisthatyou’retwistingroundyourslenderfingerasyoumaybesaidtotwisthearts？

Itisnothingbutabitofcloth——asortofflag——atriflethatishardlyworthourattentionatthisgravemoment。

If——

Atrifle！It’sno’sotriflingasyemayimagine，Mis-

tressMabel，takingthebitofbuntingfromher，andstretchingitatfulllengthwithbothhisarmsextended，whilehisfacegrewgraveandhiseyewatchful。Ye’llno’

ha’beenfindingthis，MabelDunham，inthebreakfast？

Mabelsimplyacquaintedhimwiththespotwhereandthemannerinwhichshehadfoundthebitofcloth。

Whileshewasspeaking，theeyeoftheQuartermasterwasnotquietforamoment，glancingfromtheragtothefaceofourheroine，thenbackagaintotherag。Thathissus-

picionswereawakenedwaseasytobeseen，norwashelonginlettingitbeknownwhatdirectiontheyhadtaken。

Wearenotinapartoftheworldwhereourensignsandgaudsoughttobespreadabroadtothewind，MabelDunham！hesaid，withanominousshakeofthehead。

Ithoughtasmuchmyself，Mr。Muir，andbroughtawaythelittleflaglestitmightbethemeansofbetrayingourpresenceheretotheenemy，eventhoughnothingisin-

tendedbyitsdisplay。Oughtnotmyuncletobemadeacquaintedwiththecircumstance？

Ino’seethenecessityforthat，prettyMabel。for，asyoujustlysay，itisacircumstance，andcircumstancessometimesworrytheworthymariner。Butthisflag，ifflagitcanbecalled，belongstoaseaman’scraft。Youmayperceivethatitismadeofwhatiscalledbunting，andthatisadescriptionofclothusedonlybyvesselsforsuchpur-

poses，_our_colorsbeingofsilk，asyoumayunderstand，orpaintedcanvas。It’ssurprisinglyliketheflyofthe_Scud’s_

ensign。AndnowIrecollectmetohaveobservedthatapiecehadbeencutfromthatveryflag。

Mabelfeltherheartsink，butshehadsufficientself-

commandnottoattemptananswer。

Itmustbelookedto，Muircontinued，and，afterall，IthinkitmaybewelltoholdashortconsultationwithMasterCap，thanwhomamoreloyalsubjectdoesnotex-

istintheBritishempire。

Ihavethoughtthewarningsoserious，Mabelrejoined，thatIamabouttoremovetotheblockhouse，andtotakethewomanwithme。

Idonotseetheprudenceofthat，Mabel。Theblock-

housewillbethefirstspotassailedshouldtherereallybeanattack。andit’sno’wellprovidedforasiege，thatmustbeallowed。IfImightadviseinsodelicateacontin-

gency，Iwouldrecommendyourtakingrefugeintheboat，which，asyoumaynowperceive，ismostfavorablyplacedtoretreatbythatchannelopposite，whereallinitwouldbehidbytheislandsinoneortwominutes。Waterleavesnotrail，asPathfinderwellexpressesit。andthereappearstobesomanydifferentpassagesinthatquarterthatescapewouldbemorethanprobable。I’vealwaysbeenofopin-

ionthatLundiehazardedtoomuchinoccupyingapostsofaradvancedandsomuchexposedasthis。

It’stoolatetoregretitnow，Mr。Muir，andwehaveonlytoconsultourownsecurity。

Andtheking’shonor，prettyMabel。Yes，hisMajesty’sarmsandhisgloriousnamearenottobeoverlookedonanyoccasion。

ThenIthinkitmightbebetterifweallturnedoureyestowardstheplacethathasbeenbuilttomaintaintheminsteadoftheboat，saidMabel，smiling。andso，Mr。Muir，Iamfortheblockhouse，intendingtoawaittherethereturnofmyfatherandhisparty。Hewouldbesadlygrievedatfindingwehadfledwhenhegotbacksuc-

cessfulhimself，andfilledwiththeconfidenceofourhavingbeenasfaithfultoourdutiesashehasbeentohisown。

Nay，nay，forheaven’ssake，donotmisunderstandme，Mabel！Muirinterrupted，withsomealarmofmanner。

Iamfarfromintimatingthatanybutyoufemalesoughttotakerefugeintheboat。Thedutyofusmenissuffi-

cientlyplain，nodoubt，andmyresolutionhasbeenformedfromthefirsttostandorfallbytheblockhouse。

Anddidyouimagine，Mr。Muir，thattwofemalescouldrowthatheavyboatinawaytoescapethebarkcanoeofanIndian？

Ah，myprettyMabel，loveisseldomlogical，anditsfearsandmisgivingsareapttowarpthefaculties。Ionlysawyoursweetpersoninthepossessionofthemeansofsafety，andoverlookedthewantofabilitytousethem。

butyou’llnotbesocruel，lovelycreature，astoimputetomeasafaultmyintenseanxietyonyourownaccount。

Mabelhadheardenough：hermindwastoomuchoc-

cupiedwithwhathadpassedthatmorning，andwithherfears，towishtolingerlongertolistentolovespeeches，whichinhermostjoyousandbuoyantmomentsshewouldhavefoundunpleasant。Shetookahastyleaveofhercompanion，andwasabouttotripawaytowardsthehiltoftheotherwoman，whenMuirarrestedthemovementbylayingahandonherarm。

Oneword，Mabel，saidhe，beforeyouleaveme。Thislittleflagmay，oritmaynot，haveaparticularmeaning。

ifithas，nowthatweareawareofitsbeingshown，mayitnotbebettertoputitbackagain，whilewewatchvigilantlyforsomeanswerthatmaybetraytheconspiracy。andifitmeannothing，why，nothingwillfollow。

Thismaybeallright，Mr。Muir，though，ifthewholeisaccidental，theflagmightbetheoccasionofthefort’sbeingdiscovered。

Mabelstayedtoutternomore。butshewassoonoutofsight，runningintothehuttowardswhichshehadbeenfirstproceeding。TheQuartermasterremainedontheveryspotandinthepreciseattitudeinwhichshehadlefthimforquiteaminute，firstlookingattheboundingfigureofthegirlandthenatthebitofbunting，whichhestillheldbe-

forehiminawaytodenoteindecision。Hisirresolutionlastedbutforthisminute，however。forhewassoonbe-

neaththetree，wherehefastenedthemimicflagtoabranchagain，though，fromhisignoranceoftheprecisespotfromwhichithadbeentakenbyMabel，heleftitflutteringfromapartoftheoakwhereitwasstillmoreexposedthanbeforetotheeyesofanypassengerontheriver，thoughlessinviewfromtheislanditself。

CHAPTERXXI。

Eachonehashadhissuppingmess，Thecheeseisputintothepress，Thepansandbowls，cleanscaldedall，Rearedupagainstthemilk-housewall。

COTTON。

ItseemedstrangetoMabelDunham，asshepassedalongonherwaytofindherfemalecompanion，thatothersshouldbesocomposed，whilesheherselffeltasifthere-

sponsibilitiesoflifeanddeathrestedonhershoulders。ItistruethatdistrustofJune’smotivesmingledwithherforebodings。butwhenshecametorecalltheaffectionateandnaturalmanneroftheyoungIndiangirl，andalltheevidencesofgoodfaithandsincerityshehadseeninherconductduringthefamiliarintercourseoftheirjourney，sherejectedtheideawiththeunwillingnessofagenerousdispositiontobelieveillofothers。Shesaw，however，thatshecouldnotputhercompanionsproperlyontheirguardwithoutlettingthemintothesecretofherconferencewithJune。andshefoundherselfcompelledtoactcautiouslyandwithaforethoughttowhichshewasunaccustomed，moreespeciallyinamatterofsomuchmoment。

Thesoldier’swifewastoldtotransportthenecessariesintotheblockhouse，andadmonishednottobefarfromitatanytimeduringtheday。Mabeldidnotexplainherreasons。Shemerelystatedthatshehaddetectedsomesignsinwalkingabouttheisland，whichinducedhertoapprehendthattheenemyhadmoreknowledgeofitspo-

sitionthanhadbeenpreviouslybelieved，andthattheytwoatleast，woulddowelltobeinreadinesstoseekarefugeattheshortestnotice。Itwasnotdifficulttoarousetheapprehensionofthisperson，who，thoughastout-

heartedScotchwoman，wasreadyenoughtolistentoany-

thingthatconfirmedherdreadofIndiancruelties。AssoonasMabelbelievedthathercompanionwassufficientlyfrightenedtomakeherwary，shethrewoutsomehintstouchingtheinexpediencyoflettingthesoldiersknowtheextentoftheirownfears。Thiswasdonewithaviewtopreventdiscussionsandinquiriesthatmightembarrassourheroine：shedeterminingtorenderheruncle，theCor-

poral，andhismenmorecautious，byadoptingadifferentcourse。Unfortunately，theBritisharmycouldnothavefurnishedaworsepersonfortheparticulardutythathewasnowrequiredtodischargethanCorporalM’Nab，theindividualwhohadbeenleftincommandduringtheab-

senceofSergeantDunham。Ontheonehand，hewasres-

olute，prompt，familiarwithallthedetailsofasoldier’slife，andusedtowar。ontheother，hewassuperciliousasregardstheprovincials，opinionatedoneverysubjectcon-

nectedwiththenarrowlimitsofhisprofessionalpractice，muchdisposedtofancytheBritishempirethecentreofallthatisexcellentintheworld，andScotlandthefocusof，atleast，allmoralexcellenceinthatempire。Inshort，hewasanepitome，thoughonascalesuitedtohisrank，ofthoseveryqualitieswhichweresopeculiartotheserv-

antsoftheCrownthatweresentintothecolonies，astheseservantsestimatedthemselvesincomparisonwiththena-

tivesofthecountry。or，inotherwords，heconsideredtheAmericanasananimalinferiortotheparentstock，andviewedallhisnotionsofmilitaryservice，inparticular，asundigestedandabsurd。Amoreimpracticablesubject，therefore，couldnotwellhaveofferedforthepurposeofMabel，andyetshefeltobligedtolosenotimeinputtingherplaninexecution。