THE CRYPTOGRAM. 

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 Entered according to act of Congress in the years 1897, 1898 and 1899 By STREET & SMITH, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 

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 CONTENTS

 I. THE SAVING OF GRAY MOOSE. 5 II. THE HOTEL IN BONAVENTURE STREET 11 III. FLORA HATHERTON. 17 IV. MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS. 22 V. THE ALARM IN THE NIGHT. 28 VI. PREPARATIONS FOR FLIGHT. 31 VII. THE SKIPPER OF THE SPEEDWELL. 36 VIII. CLOSE TO PORT. 42 IX. AT THE MERCY OF THE SEA. 45 X. THE DAWN OF DAY. 51 XI. A COPY OF "THE TIMES. " 54 XII. A WARNING IN WOODCRAFT. 60 XIII. THE AMBUSCADE. 64 XIV. AN INDIAN'S GRATITUDE. 68 XV. FORT ROYAL. 72 XVI. A RESOLVE THAT FAILED. 76 XVII. A STRANGE WARNING. 80 XVIII. A STOLEN INTERVIEW. 86 XIX. ANOTHER VISITOR. 90 XX. THE LOST LOCKET. 93 XXI. THE BEGINNING OF THE END. 99 XXII. HOT WORK. 103 XXIII. THE SECOND RUSH. 108 XXIV. A BLACK NIGHT. 114 XXV. A RAY OF HOPE. 118 XXVI. AS TWILIGHT FELL. 123 XXVII. THE SIEGE OF THE HOUSE. 126 XXVIII. THE END OF HOPE. 131 XXIX. THE SECRET OF THE FACTOR'S DESK. 136 XXX. A STRANGE DISCOVERY. 141 XXXI. A CRY IN THE NIGHT. 146 XXXII. THE TRAVELER FROM ALASKA. 150 XXXIII. A CONVIVIAL MORNING. 156 XXXIV. ON THE WAY. 161 XXXV. RETRIBUTION. 165 XXXVI. A PAINFUL MYSTERY. 170 XXXVII. REST AND HAPPINESS. 174 XXXVIII. GOOD NEWS. 177 XXXIX. A MESSAGE. 182 XL. A STARTLING CHANGE. 186 XLI. BACK FROM THE DEAD. 191 XLII. TRUNK 409. 196 XLIII. A DRAMATIC INTERRUPTION. 200 XLIV. THE RIGHTFUL CLAIMANT. 205 XLV. FORGING THE LINKS. 209 XLVI. THE ALARM. 215 XLVII. CONCLUSION. 218

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 THE CRYPTOGRAM. 

 CHAPTER I. 

 THE SAVING OF GRAY MOOSE. 

I have long had in mind to set down the story of my early life, and now, as I draw pen and paper to me for the commencement of the task, I feelthe inspiration of those who wrote straight from the heart. It isunlikely that this narrative will ever appear in print, but if it doesthe reader may rely on its truthfulness and accuracy from beginning toend, strange and incredulous though parts of it may seem. 

Thirty years ago! It is a long time, but the magic power of memorylaughs at wider gulfs. Every incident comes back to me with thevividness and clearness of yesterday. I hear the echo of voices thathave been silent these many years. Dead faces, some smiling and somelooking fierce-haired, take dim shape in the corners of the room. 

Beyond the open window, where birds are twittering in the overhangingivy, an English landscape of meadow and woodland, hills and hamlets, rolls far in the sunshine of a June morning. It is the year 1846, in thereign of her gracious majesty, Queen Victoria. I close my eyes, and I amback in another world. I see the Great Lone Land--its rivers and lakes, its plains and peaks, its boundless leagues of wilderness stretchingfrom sea to sea. I sniff the fragrant odors of snow-clad birch and pine, of marsh pools glimmering in the dying glow of a summer sun. I hear thesplash of paddles and the glide of sledge-runners, the patter of flyingmoose and deer, and the scream of the hungry panther. I feel the weird, fascinating spell of the solitude and silence. 

The Great Lone Land! Truly, to those who have known it, a name toconjure with! As it was then so it remains to-day, that vast, mysterious, romantic realm of the Canadas. The territory of the HudsonBay Company, chartered remotely and by royal warrant when Charles II wasking; the home of the Red Indian and the voyageur, the half-breedtrapper and hunter, the gentlemen adventurers of England, Scotland andFrance; a land of death by Indian treachery and grizzlies, starvationand freezing, snowslides and rapids; a mighty wilderness, with canoesand sledges for the vehicles of travel and commerce, and forest trailsjoining the scattered trading posts. 

There I, Denzil Carew, was born. There was my home from the cradle tomanhood, and there my story lies. In that wild country I was nurturedand bred, schooled in the lore of the woods, taught to shoot and swim, to bear fatigue and to navigate dangerous waters. Nor did I grow up inignorance of finer arts, for my father, Bertrand Carew, was anEnglishman and a gentleman, and he took pains to give me the benefit ofhis own education and culture. Who his people were, or what had broughthim out to the Canadas, were things he never told me. 

My mother was the daughter of a company factor in charge of Fort Beaver. I do not remember her, for she died when I was a year old. At thefactor's death my father succeeded to the post, and ten years later hewas killed by a treacherous Indian. Fort Beaver was then abandoned, anew post having been recently built, seventy miles farther north. Thiswas Fort Royal, on the Churchill River, one hundred miles south ofHudson's Bay, and I went there as assistant factor--I had already wornthe company's uniform for three years. 

At that time I was twenty years old--very tall, and built in proportion, with light hair and eyes, and a mustache in which I took some pride. Iknew as much of the wilderness and the fur trade as any voyageur, and Ihad been twice to Quebec and other towns of Lower Canada. 

I liked the life at Fort Royal, and I liked the factor, Griffith Hawke. We got on well together, and I performed my duties to his satisfaction. Thus five years passed way, and the closing of that uneventful periodbrings me to the opening proper of my story--to the mission that sent mefive hundred miles down country in the dead of winter to Fort Garry, where the town of Winnipeg now stands, and thence more than a thousandmiles eastward to Quebec. Concerning the purpose of the journey I shallspeak later, but it was not a thing to my taste or experience. 

Distinctly I recall that frosty morning of March in the year 1815. Thepicture of life and color, breaking on a scene of wintry grandeur andsolitude, rises before my eyes. I see the frozen, snow-covered waste ofthe Lake of the Woods, the surrounding evergreen forests and toweringhills, the low leaden sky overhead. Along the edge of thescrubby-timbered shore, five husky dogs come at a trot, harnessed insingle file to a sledge. The dogs are short-legged and very hairy, withlong snouts, sharp-pointed ears, and the tails of wolves; the sledge isa simple toboggan made of two pieces of birch nine feet in length, theirends turned high in front. Buckskin thongs hold the load in place, andat either side of this vehicle of the woods a brightly-clad figure onsnowshoes glides swiftly. 

Of the two men, one was myself, and the other was my half-breed servantBaptiste. I wore the winter uniform of the Hudson Bay Company--a furredleather coat lined with flannel, a belt of scarlet worsted, breeches ofsmoked buckskin, moccasins of moose-hide, and blue cloth leggings. A furcap was on my head, and a strip of Scotch plaid about my neck. Baptistewas dressed like all the company's voyageurs and hunters, in a bluecapote, red flannel shirt, beaded corduroy trousers and fringedleggings, and a cap decked out with feathers. We each carried a musketand a hunting knife, a powder horn, and a bullet pouch. 

Fort Garry, where we had stopped for a few days after a fortnight'ssteady travel from the Churchill River, was a week's journey behind us, and we were likely to be another month in the wilderness before weshould reach Quebec. But we liked the wild life better than the turmoilof towns, Baptiste and I, and we were in no haste to have done with it. The strange thing that was taking me to Quebec would not be ripe foraccomplishment until the coming of the tardy June spring of the Canadas, which was as yet eight or nine weeks off. 

The weather was bitterly cold that March day, and we kept the dogs atsuch a pace that by noon we had covered a matter of twenty miles. Then, as we were speeding along the frozen river that leads from the Lake ofthe Woods to Lake Superior, we heard the report of a musket, followed bythe cry of a human voice and the growl of a beast. Baptiste and Istopped and at a word the dogs stood still and barked with upliftedsnouts. The sound had come from close by on our left, but now we heardonly a faint and receding patter on the snow crust. 

"_Nom de Dieu_, there are two running!" cried Baptiste. "It is a chase. "

"And the dogs smell a bear, " I replied. "I am off to the rescue, Baptiste. Do you wait here with the sledge, and if I shout for help, come quickly. "

With that I turned and made into the forest, unslinging my musket as Iran. Fifty yards through scrub and timber brought me to a spot that borethe imprint of big claws and moccasined feet. Here were a few drops ofblood on the snow, and the parts of a broken gun lying near. I had noneed to follow the trail, for as I pushed on with great strides thenoise of a struggle guided me straight. 

It was but a short distance further. Breaking from the trees into arugged hollow, I came upon a thrilling scene. An Indian had soughtrefuge in a shallow crevice between two tall bowlders, and he was insore peril of his life from a monstrous grizzly that was striving totear him out. The bear--I had never seen a larger one--was dealing blowafter blow with his heavy paws, and the redskin was making the best useof his knife that his cramped position would allow. The clamor of beastand man made a blood-curdling din. 

I mastered the situation at a glance and vowed to save the Indian. I wasas likely to hit him as the bear from where I stood, so I circledquickly around to one side. But the grizzly both heard and smelled me, and I had scarcely lifted my musket when he turned with a snarl of rage, and came at me. I aimed and fired. Bang!

It is difficult to kill a grizzly with a single shot, and as the smokedrifted aside I saw the brute advancing on hind legs. His eyes were likeballs of fire, his open jaws dripped foam, and he roared horribly withpain and anger. Blood was trickling from a wound close to the heart, made by my bullet, and there was another bleeding hole in his neck. 

I had no chance to reload, and there was barely time to flee. But mytemper was up, and it drove me to a reckless determination. I stood myground for an instant, while the grizzly shambled on, pawing viciouslyat the air. Then I drew my long-bladed knife, darted out of the way, andas swiftly turned and struck under the sheltered fore feet. It was afoolish trick, and my agility barely saved me from a crushing blow. Asit was, I had to leave the knife sticking deep in the wound. But thethrust had gone straight to the heart, and I gave a yell of delight asthe great beast came down with a crash. He lay quite still after abrief struggle that churned the snow crust to powder. 

The bear was dead, and my first step was to withdraw the knife and wipeit clean. Then, having shouted to Baptiste, I approached the crevicejust as the Indian crawled out. Too weak to rise, he propped himselfagainst a rock. He was bleeding profusely from a dozen wounds. His shirtof buffalo skin, his breech-clout, his fringed leggings of antelope, allhad been ripped to tatters by the grizzly's claws; his featheredscalp-lock was half torn from his head, and one shoulder was mangled. 

I was full of pity at first, but my heart hardened when I recognized thesavage. He was Gray Moose, a Sioux of much influence, and he and hispeople were said to be carrying on underhand dealings with the NorthwestCompany, which was the great and dangerous rival of the Hudson BayCompany. We were known to each other, having met before on severaloccasions. Whether the above rumor was true or not, I was aware to acertainty that he held the Hudson Bay men in no favor; and I halfregretted that I had saved his life. 

"How came you in such straits?" I asked coldly. 

He explained in a few words, and in fairly good English. The grizzly hadcome upon him unawares, and in his haste to fire he had inflicted only aslight wound. Then he fled, and took shelter in the rock cranny as alast resort. 

"The red man is grateful to Pantherfoot, " he concluded, addressing me bya name which my skill at tracking game had won for me among the Indians. "Gray Moose will not forget. Now let white man go his way. "

But it was not in my nature to leave the poor wretch wounded andhelpless, and I told him so. On questioning him, I learned that avillage of his people was within a few miles, and I decided to take himthere. By this time Baptiste had arrived with the team, and afterdressing the Sioux's injuries as well as I could, I fixed himcomfortably on the sledge, the half-breed and I shouldering thedisplaced part of the load. 

On the way my servant had picked up the broken musket, and when GrayMoose saw that the weapon was beyond mending--the grizzly had shatteredit by a terrific blow--such a look of misery came into his eyes assoftened my heart at once. I knew the value an Indian set on hisshooting-piece, and I gave him an extra gun which I chanced to have onthe sledge. 

Baptiste upbraided me for my folly, and, indeed, I repented the act thenext moment; but the savage's gratitude was so sincere that I could notbring myself to take back the gift. 

An hour's tramp--the direction was quite out of our way--brought us tothe Sioux village. We left Gray Moose with his friends, and pushed on, refusing an invitation to spend the night. I attached no significance tothe affair at the time, nor did I give it much thought afterward, butthe future was destined to prove that my trivial dead of kindness wasnot wasted, and that even a bad Indian will remember a benefactor. 

I need make no further mention of our journey through the wilderness toQuebec, where we arrived safely in a little less than four weeks. But atthis point, for the better understanding of my narrative, I must setdown a brief statement of the ugly and threatening situation in theCanadas at the period of which I write. Long before--during many years, in fact--the Hudson Bay Company had vainly tried to obtain from theEnglish Parliament a confirmation of the charter granted them by CharlesII. But Parliament refused to decide the matter in one way or the other, and on the strength of this a number of French and Scotch merchants ofUpper Canada formed themselves into the Northwest Trading Company in1783. They established posts here and there, and in 1804 they erectedone on the very shore of Hudson's Bay. 

Within the next few years their forts grew to outnumber those of theolder company, being scattered about in Prince Rupert's Land, and evenacross the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia. Then, in 1812, theHudson Bay Company made a bold move. Lord Selkirk, a prominent officialof the company in London, sent out a large colony of Scotchmen who hadbeen evicted from their homes in Sutherlandshire. He hoped thus to buildup a stronghold and seat of government that would brook no rivalry. Thecolonists came and settled at Fort Garry, at the forks of the Red River;but matters grew worse instead of better. Each company claimed to be inthe right, and was resolved to drive the other out of existence. Duringthe next few years the men of the Northwest Company and of the HudsonBay Company came to blows more than once, and finally, in October of1814, the Northwest Company were ordered to remove from the territorywithin six months--a mandate which they treated with contempt andderision. 

It was early in the following year, the reader will recall, thatBaptiste and I left Fort Churchill for Lower Canada, and from what wehad seen at and about Fort Garry when we stopped there, we weresatisfied that serious trouble was brewing, and that it would break outwhen navigation opened in the spring. We knew that the Northwest Companywere plotting to secure the aid of the Indians, and we were also awarethat the feeling throughout Lower Canada--even among the governmentofficials--was strongly in favor of the Hudson Bay Company's enemies. 

Such being the situation, I was naturally anxious to get back to my postas soon as possible; for though I was not so hot-headed as to wish forwar, I was ready to fight for the supremacy of the company I served, andwhich my father had served before me. But I foresaw with distaste that Ishould probably be detained in Quebec until the summer months--since Iwas to await the arrival of a certain ship from England--and I enteredthat town with but a poor zest for my task. 

 CHAPTER II. 

 THE HOTEL IN BONAVENTURE STREET. 

It was nine o'clock on a Monday evening in the fourth week of June, andI was sitting, as was my nightly custom, in the cozy coffee room of themodest hostelry where I had taken lodgings when I first came to Quebec. This was the Hotel Silver Lily, kept by Monsieur Jules Ragoul andmadame, his wife. It was a quiet little place in Bonaventure Street, which was one of the oldest and narrowest thoroughfares of the lowertown. 

I was alone in the room, save for an elderly man who was sound asleep ina big chair on the far side of the table, remote from the candlelight. He had been there when I entered, and I could not recall having seen himbefore about the hotel; but of this I was not certain, since his facewas in shadow and half-covered by his hat. In the adjoining bar, tojudge from the clinking of glasses and bottles and the hum ofconversation, Madame Ragoul was busy with a few customers. The eveningwas warm, and as I sat by the open window sucking at my long pipe, Icould hear on the one side the occasional challenge of the sentries highup on the ramparts of the citadel. From the other direction came theboisterous voices of boatmen and sailors down by the quays of the St. Lawrence. 

Two long months had passed since my arrival in Quebec. I was heartilytired of its noisy, brawling life, hungry for the solitude of my nativewilderness. At first I had found much to see and enjoy, but the noveltysoon wore off. I had but few acquaintances in the town, and none of themwere to my fancy. I preferred the seclusion of the hotel, and thecompany of the honest little Frenchman and his wife. Not so withBaptiste. He had fallen in with a loose set of his own kind, andfrequented the low taverns by the riverside. That very evening I hadbrought him home helplessly drunk, and seen him safely abed. 

But before I go on, if you please, a word or two concerning the businessthat brought me to Quebec. I have spoken of Griffith Hawke, the factorof Fort Royal. He was a man of fifty-odd years, simple-hearted, absorbedin his duties, and with not a spark of romance or sentiment in hisbeing. Would you believe that such a one could think of marriage? Yet itwas even so! A wife he suddenly resolved to have, and he sent for one tothe head office in London, as was a common custom in those days. Many awoman was sent out by the company to cheer the lonely lot of theiremployees. 

To be brief, a correspondence was carried on for two years between FortRoyal and London--that meant but a couple of letters on either side--andthe result of it was that I was now in Quebec to meet the bride ofGriffith Hawke and escort her to her distant home. 

She was due in the early summer, being a passenger on the ship GoodHope. I was to put her in care of Madame Ragoul, and we were both tosail for Hudson's Bay at the first opportunity in one of the company'svessels. The factor had not been able to leave his post for so long atime, and he had sent me on this errand with evident reluctance. Hewould meet us at Fort York, where there was a priest to perform themarriage ceremony. 

As I said before, the task was not to my liking. Love was a word withoutmeaning to me. I knew nothing of women, and had reached the age oftwenty-five without giving a thought to the other sex. I was completelyignorant of the purport of the letters that had passed between GriffithHawke and the head office, and as I never questioned him aboutparticulars, he never vouchsafed me any. I naturally expected to meet amiddle-aged dame who would make a suitable partner for the prosaicfactor, and would adapt herself to the crude life and customs of thelonely trading post. 

A mission of adventure and deadly peril would have been more to mytaste, but this strange enterprise was put upon me in the capacity of acompany's servant, and I was resolved to carry out my instructions tothe best of my ability. I was pondering the matter as I sat in the hotelthat June night, and reflecting, with some relief, that I should not bemuch longer detained in Quebec, for the Good Hope was expected in portat any day or hour. 

Having finished my third pipe, I knocked the ashes out gently so as notto disturb my still sleeping companion. I rose to my feet, stifling ayawn, and just then a man entered the room from the bar, closing thedoor behind him. While he stood hesitating, I took in his appearance bya brief glance. He was tall, slim and wiry, with tawny yellow hair wornlong, and thick, drooping mustache. His eyes were of a cold steel-blue, and his face, though very handsome, had something sinister and fierceabout it. From his attire I judged him at once to be a polished man ofthe world, who had seen other lands than the Canadas. He wore alace-trimmed coat of buff, breeches of the same material, top boots oftanned buckskin, and abroad felt hat of a claret color. For the rest, asword dangled at his side, and a brace of pistols peeped from his belt. He looked about fifty, and by his flushed countenance I saw that he wasmore or less under the influence of liquor. 

I noticed all this even before the man drew closer. Then seeing meclearly in the light shed from the candles, he gave a sudden start. Thecolor left his cheeks, and he stared at me with an unmistakableexpression of bewildered surprise, of something like sharp fear andguilt. I never doubted that he mistook me for another person. 

"Have we met before, sir?" I asked courteously. 

The stranger laughed, and his agitation was gone. 

"Pardon my rudeness, " he replied. "I had a spasm of pain, to which I amsubject at times, but it has passed off. " He pointed to my blue capotewith brass buttons--the summer uniform of the company. "You are a HudsonBay man, " he added, "and I am another. That is a bond of friendshipbetween us; is it not so?"

His manner was so captivating that I forgot my first unfavorableimpression cf him; moreover, I felt flattered by the condescension of sofine a gentleman. I was easily induced to state my name and the positionI held at Fort Royal. 

"We shall meet again, " he cried, "for I shall be in those parts ere thesummer is over. "

"Are you indeed in the company's service?" I asked. "You do not wear--"

"The uniform?" he interrupted, with a touch of hauteur. "No; my dutiesare not the same as yours. But I will be as frank as you have been--"He handed me a folded paper. "Read that, " he said in a confidentialtone, leaning over me and exhaling the fumes of wine. 

I opened the document, and scanned it briefly. The writing showed, beyond a doubt, that my new acquaintance was in the secret service ofthe Hudson Bay Company, and that he stood high in favor of the governorhimself. I was glad that he had revealed as much to me--a thing he wouldnot have done but for his potations; for it had dawned on me a momentbefore that I had been indiscreet to unbosom myself so freely to astranger, who, for aught I knew to the contrary, might be a spy or anagent of the Northwest Company. I handed the paper back to him, and hebuttoned it tightly under his coat. 

"Is that credential enough for you?" he asked. 

"I am more than satisfied, " I replied. 

"Then permit me to introduce myself. I am Captain Myles Rudstone, atyour service--ex-officer of Canadian Volunteers, formerly of London andParis, and now serving under the same banner as yourself. In short, I ama man of the world. "

"I judged as much, sir, " said I. 

"Your perception does you credit, " he exclaimed. 

"I see that you are a gentleman. And now let us drink together tocelebrate our first meeting. "

"With all my heart!" I replied cordially. 

I expected that he would ring the bell for madame, but instead of thathe strode around the table to the sleeping stranger in the chair, andclapped him heavily on the shoulder. The man was roused instantly, andas he sprang to his feet I saw that he was tall and middle aged. Hisface was shrewd and intelligent, clean-shaven, and slightly wrinkled. Hewore a white neck-cloth, antiquated coat and breeches of rusty black, and gray stockings with silver buckles at the knee; a cluster of sealsdangled from his watch chain, and his fingers were long and white. 

"What the devil do you mean by striking me, sir?" he demanded angrily. 

"I merely gave you a tap, " Captain Rudstone replied coolly. "I wish youto join this gentleman and myself in a drink. "

"I have no desire to drink. "

"But I say you shall!"

"And I say I shall not. I am a man of peace, but by Heavens, sir, I willswallow no affront tamely. "

"I believe you are a spy--an emissary of the Northwest Company, " criedthe captain; and I knew by his manner that he had really suspected thestranger from the first. 

"Then you lie, sir!" declared the man in black. "Here is my card. "

He tossed a slip of pasteboard on the table, and picking it up, I readthe following:

 "CHRISTOPHER BURLEY. "For Parchmont and Tolliver, Solicitors, "Lincoln's Inn, London. "

I handed the card to Captain Rudstone, and he glanced at itdisdainfully. 

"A law clerk, " he sneered. "But come, I will overlook your menialposition. I am not too proud to clink glasses with you. "

"The boot is on the other leg, sir, " cried the man of law. "I pick mycompany, and I refuse to drink with a swashbuckler and a roysterer. "

"You shall drink with me, " roared the captain, drawing his blade, "or Iwill teach you civil manners with the point of this!"

I judged that it was time to interfere. 

"Captain Rudstone, you are behaving unseemly, " said I. "There is nocause for a quarrel. You will think better of it in the morning. I begyou to drop the matter. Let us retire to the next room and have ourfriendly drink. "

I thought he would have run me through for my interference, so blacklydid he glare at me; but the next instant he sheathed his sword andlaughed. 

"You are right, " he said. "I have had a drop too much for the first timefor months. I offer my apologies to the offended law. Come, Mr. Carew, Iwill take another cup to your good health. "

As he spoke he approached the door, and as I followed him the law clerkstopped me by a touch on the shoulder. 

"My thanks to you, young gentleman, " he said. "I like your face, and Iput no blame on you for what has occurred. A word with you, if I may. Isee that you are in the service of the Hudson Bay Company. "

"Yes, " I assented. 

"And do you know the Canadas?"

"As well as you know London, " I replied. 

His face brightened at that. 

"I came over a month ago on important business, " he went on, "and I havebeen lately in Montreal and Ottawa. Did you ever, in the course of yourwanderings, hear of a certain Osmund Maiden? He landed in Quebec fromEngland in the year 1787. "

"I never heard the name, sir, " I answered, after a moment's thought. 

As I spoke I looked toward the door, and encountered the gaze ofCaptain Rudstone, who was standing in a listening attitude with hishand on the latch. I scarcely knew him. His cheeks were colorless, hislips were half-parted, and a sort of frozen horror was stamped on hisfeatures. Had he been seized by another spasm of pain, I wondered, orwas there a deeper cause for his agitation?

"So you can give me no information?" said Christopher Burley, in a toneof disappointment. 

"I know nothing of the man you seek, " I answered. 

Just then the door was flung open, and Jules Ragoul burst excitedly intothe room. 

"_Bonne nouvelles!_" he cried. "News, Monsieur Carew! Good news! TheGood Hope is in the river, and she will land her passengers earlyto-morrow!"

All else was forgotten, and I eagerly questioned the little Frenchman. When I was done with him I looked about for Captain Rudstone and the lawclerk. Both had vanished, and I saw them no more that night. 

 CHAPTER III. 

 FLORA HATHERTON. 

The next morning, at the hour of seven, I might have been found on thelanding-quay by the river. The Good Hope, I was informed, still lay ashort distance below the town, where for some reason she had anchoredduring the night. It was unlikely that I should be kept waiting long, yet I was in no haste to play the unaccustomed role of gallant. Toconceal my nervousness I tried to affect an air of jaunty composure. Irepeated over and over the words of greeting that I had chosen for theoccasion. 

It was as fine a day as ever dawned on Quebec. A crisp, cool air blewfrom the St. Lawrence, ruffling the water into little tips of foam. Froma blue and cloudless sky the rising sun shone on the scattered shipping, on the green hills and islands, on the rugged and historical heights ofthe town. Many others besides myself were on the quay, doubtless drawnhither for the same purpose--priests, soldiers, soberly-clad citizens, several coureurs-de-bois, and a redskin or two. I had a distant view ofChristopher Burley, and closer at hand I saw Captain Myles Rudstone inconversation with a group of men. By-and-by he discovered me, andstrolling forward he gave me a pleasant word of greeting. 

"It is quite an event, the arrival of a ship from England, " said I. 

"An event of importance, " the captain replied. "But for the early hourthe quay would be crowded. "

His manner was reserved and dignified, and I liked him better in thismood. Yet I observed that his face wore a puzzled and uneasy expressionas he glanced at me, and that he seemed disinclined to look me straightin the eyes. He ignored the events of the previous night, neither makingany reference to them nor offering the slightest apology. He chattedindifferently for a moment or two, and then asked abruptly:

"You are waiting for the Good Hope, Mr. Carew?"

I nodded assent. 

"Expecting a friend, perhaps?" he went on, carelessly; and I detected amasked note of curiosity in his voice. It put me on my guard. 

"Not exactly a friend, " I replied evasively. "I am to meet a person whomI have never seen. "

"A strange coincidence, indeed!" said the captain, with a laugh. "Thatis precisely my situation. " He bent his head a little closer. "I am onduty this morning, " he added. "Secret work for the company, youunderstand. "

If he hoped by this confidence to draw my own in return he wasdisappointed, though there was in truth no reason why I should not speakfreely; but it pleased me to be as mysterious as himself, so I answeredhim by nodding my head wisely. Our eyes met, and he hastily turned andlooked out on the river. 

"The ship is coming!" he exclaimed; and with that he bowed curtly andstrode away. He was soon lost to view in the crowd. 

I gave him no further thought at the time. For a few moments I was allin a flutter, and half-minded to take to my heels like a foolish boy. But for very shame I presently plucked up courage and sought a point ofvantage at the edge of the quay. 

Now the people were cheering loudly, and joyous hails floated shorewardover the water. Nobly the Good Hope came in, her bulwarks and poop-deckcrowded with figures, the breeze bellying her canvas and fluttering theflag of England at the masthead. I was fairly carried away by the novelexcitement, and I only came to my sober senses when the vessel was atlast moored alongside the quay and the gangway rattled down almost at myfeet. 

I stuck to my place in spite of pressure and crowding. The first to comeashore were all men--English merchants, returning Canadians, a couple ofuniformed officers, Frenchmen decked out in lace and fine clothing, anda motley sprinkling of others. They passed on, some being met andembraced by waiting friends; and next came an elderly, sour-lookingdame, who regarded me with ill-favor. I followed her a few paces beyondthe crowd, never doubting that I was right. Then I stepped boldly up toher and doffed my cap. 

"Do I address Miss Hatherton?" I began. 

"No!" she snapped. "Wretch, how dare you?"

I fell back in confusion, with a titter of mocking laughter ringing inmy ears. I longed to hide my face, and I vowed that I would make no morerash ventures. I was about to stride away when a hand touched me on theshoulder, and a sweet voice asked:

"Pardon me, sir, but did I hear you inquire for Miss Hatherton?"

I turned round quickly, and what I saw brought my heart to my mouth andthe hot blood to my cheeks and temples. Before me stood a young girl ofno more than nineteen, slight and graceful of figure, with eyes of apurple hue, a complexion like a ripe peach, and little curls of brownhair straying from under her dainty bonnet. By her fine clothing and herclear-cut features I knew that her station in life was of the best. I, who had given no second thought to a woman in all my life, felt a thrillof admiration. I stared at this fair creature as though she had been agoddess, for I had never seen anything so lovely before. For a moment Iwas speechless, and the girl repeated the question with some spirit, accompanying it by a tap of the little foot. 

"I--I did ask for Miss Hatherton, " I stammered, "but surely you arenot--"

"I am Flora Hatherton, " she interrupted; and as she spoke she made asudden and strange sign that puzzled me. "Who sent you to meet me, sir?"she added impatiently. 

Again I was at a loss for words. A great pity and resentment swelled upin my heart. I still hoped that there might be a mistake somewhere. Ishrank from picturing this young and beautiful girl as the wife of oldGriffith Hawke, sharing with him the uncouth and half-barbarous life ofa wilderness trading post. It was too cruel for belief!

"Who sent you, stupid?" she repeated. 

"Are you truly Miss Hatherton?" I asked. 

"Of course I am!"

"Then I am at your service, " said I, "and I am here to meet you inbehalf of the factor of Fort Royal. "

Her eyes dropped and her face saddened. 

"Oh, " she exclaimed, "I thought you might be--"

But before she could finish the sentence a tall figure was thrustimpetuously between us, and I looked up to recognize Captain Rudstone. He paid no heed to my presence, but made a swift sign to the girl. Sheanswered it as quickly, and then said, with a smile:

"You are Captain Rudstone?"

"The same, mademoiselle, " he replied, with a courteous bow. 

They moved a few paces to one side, and began to talk in low tones. Ihung back in confusion and anger, feeling bitterly the slight that hadbeen put upon me, and quite at a loss to know what the affair meant. Ioverheard the words "Lord Selkirk" and "dispatches, " and then I saw thegirl draw the end of a sealed packet of papers from her bosom; but shethrust them out of sight again at a sharp command from Captain Rudstone. The latter looked round just then, and I could have sworn that hesneered contemptuously when he met my glance. My temper was ruffled bythe neglect and the sneer, and I stepped forward. 

"Will Miss Hatherton permit me to escort her to the lodgings where sheis expected?" I asked the girl. 

"My claim to this young lady's attention is prior to yours, sir, " brokein Captain Rudstone. 

"I deny that, sir!" I cried hotly. "Will you be so kind as to state yourclaim?"

"My word is enough. Be careful lest you provoke me further, Mr. Carew. "

"I beseech you not to quarrel on my account, sirs, " exclaimed MissHatherton. "You are both right. " The captain scowled at me. 

"Which of us is to have precedence, mademoiselle?" he asked curtly. 

But before the girl could answer an abrupt and unexpected interruptionfell upon us. 

 CHAPTER IV. 

 MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS. 

From a distance a man had been watching us steadily--I had observed himbefore--and now he came quickly and with an air of bravado to where westood. He was about my own age, but a little shorter and slighter, clean-shaven, with dark eyes and thick, black hair. Though handsome in away, the stamp of an evil and unscrupulous nature was on his bronzedfeatures. His dress was that of a gentleman. 

"Can I be of any service to you, Miss Hatherton?" the fellow began, darting an impertinent glance at the captain and myself. 

The girl shrank from him with aversion in her eyes. 

"I need no assistance, " she replied. "And I thought we had spoken thelast word on the ship, Mr. Mackenzie. "

"I was no party to that agreement, you will remember, " the man answered, looking at her with fierce admiration. "I have been searching for you, and when I caught sight of you but a moment ago, I judged that thesegentlemen were paying you unwelcome attentions. Certainly they were onthe point of an altercation. "

I looked to Captain Rudstone to take the matter up, but to my amazementhe bowed and walked away, whispering at my ear as he passed me:

"Be prudent. I will join you at the Silver Lily. "

To put his desertion down to cowardice was the only construction open. 

I held my ground, wondering what strange thing would happen next. Thedark man eyed me insolently for a moment, evidently expecting and hopingthat I would follow my companion. Then he bent closer to Miss Hatherton. 

"Why will you persist in this folly?" he asked. "You are alone in astrange land--in a strange town. I urge you to accept the shelter of mysister's house. It is but a short distance from here. "

"And I refuse!" the girl cried indignantly. "I wish no further speechwith you, Mr. Mackenzie. I am not friendless, as you think. I am goingwith this gentleman. "

"It's a devilish bad choice!" the man exclaimed angrily. 

"What do you mean by that?" I cried, ruffling up. 

"Miss Hatherton, I beg you to listen to me, " he went on, ignoring mydemand. "It is for your own good--"

"Not another word, sir, " she interrupted, edging nervously toward me asshe spoke. 

"You shall hear me!" he insisted; and with that he caught her brutallyby one arm. 

The girl struggled in his grasp and gazed at me with such mute andearnest pleading, with such fear and distress in her lovely eyes, that Imust have been more than human to resist taking her part. I was in a hotrage, as it was, and I did not hesitate an instant. I shot out with myright arm--a straight, hard blow from the shoulder that took the ruffianbetween the eyes. He reeled and fell like a log. 

The deed was no sooner done than I regretted--for Miss Hatherton'ssake--that I had gone to such extremities. But I made the best of it byquickly leading the girl away, and she clung tightly to my arm as wehurried through the curious group of people on the quay. To my relief, no one stopped us, and indeed the incident had attracted littleattention. Looking back, I saw that Mr. Mackenzie was on his feet, thecenter of a small crowd who were bent on preventing him from followingus. 

It was not long before we were off the quay, and in the shelter of thequiet streets of the town. By a few words Miss Hatherton gave me tounderstand that she was aware of the arrangements made for her, and thatthe trunk was to be sent to the Silver Lily. Then she looked into myface with a sad and grateful smile that set my heart to fluttering. 

"I am glad to have found such a friend and protector, " she said. "Youhave done me a great service, and one that I will not forget, Mr. Carew--I think that is your name. But I fear you have not seen the lastof Mr. Mackenzie. "

"He will be wise to let the affair drop, " I replied. "I count it anhonor and a pleasure, Miss Hatherton, that I had the opportunity ofhelping you. If the man seeks satisfaction, he shall have it. "

She glanced at me with some surprise, and with a tinge of amusement, Ifancied. 

"Are you a Canadian?" she asked. 

"A native-born child of My Lady of the Snows, " said I. 

"And you have never been in England?"

"No nearer than Quebec, " I answered. 

"I should not have believed it, " she replied. Then, after a pause: "Imet Cuthbert Mackenzie on board the Good Hope. He sailed with me fromLondon, and from the first I disliked him. He constantly forced hisattentions upon me, though he saw that they were hateful to me; and whenI refused to have anything to do with him, he even went so far as tothreaten. I hope I have seen the last of him. "

"He shall not annoy you again, " said I. 

She was silent for a moment. 

"Shall we find Captain Rudstone at the hotel?" she asked. 

"I believe so, " I answered, hiding my annoyance at the question. "Hemade an abrupt departure, Miss Hatherton. "

"Perhaps he had good reasons, " she replied; and with that the matterdropped. 

The rest of the distance was all too short for me. It was a novel thingthat I, who had scarce spoken ten words to a woman before in my life, should be playing the gallant to as pretty a girl as could be found inQuebec. But she had put me quite at my ease, and mightily proud I feltwhen I gave her into the care of Madame Ragoul, though the thought thatshe was the promised bride of old Griffith Hawke seemed to bring a lumpto my throat. I bade her good-by for the present in the upper hall ofthe house, and going downstairs, I sauntered into the room behind thebar. There sat Captain Rudstone, a glass of wine before him. 

"You have just come?" said I. 

"But a moment ago, " he answered coldly, and with a sour look. "What isthe meaning of this strange affair, Mr. Carew?"

"I had to knock the impertinent rascal down, " I replied. 

"I do not refer to that, " said he, with a grim smile. "I witnessed thewhole trouble. "

"From a distance?" I ventured. 

His eyes flashed. 

"Have a care, " he muttered. "I am not in a trifling mood. Tell me, whattook you to the quay this morning to meet Miss Hatherton?"

"I might ask you the same question, " I replied. 

"Will you answer me, sir?"

"There is no reason why I should not, " said I. "Miss Hatherton was sentover to become the wife of the factor of Fort Royal. I met her inaccordance with my instructions, and we are to take the first ship thatsails for Hudson's Bay. "

Captain Rudstone's hard expression softened; he looked astonished andrelieved. 

"I am glad the matter is cleared up, " he said. "It is plainly a case ofkilling two birds with one stone. I will be equally frank, Mr. Carew. Iwas directed by the governor of the company to await the arrival of theGood Hope, and to receive from Miss Hatherton a packet of importantdispatches secretly intrusted to her in London by Lord Selkirk. "

It was my turn to be amazed. I saw that each of us had suspected theother without cause. 

"I also sail on the first ship for the Bay, " the captain went on. "I amcharged with the duty of delivering Lord Selkirk's letters ofinstructions to the northern forts. This is a serious matter, Mr. Carew. There is trouble brewing, and it may break out at any time. So the headoffice is zealously preparing for it. By the bye, do you know who thisMr. Mackenzie is?"

I shook my head. 

"He is an official and a spy of the Northwest Company, " said CaptainRudstone, "and he has been in London working for the interests of hispeople. I was aware of this when he approached us on the quay, and Ihurried away so that he might be the less suspicious as to my dealingswith the young lady. "

"I did you an injustice, " said I. What I had just heard caused me muchuneasiness, and I foresaw possible unpleasant complications. 

"It was a natural mistake, " replied Captain Rudstone. "I overlook it. But speaking of Mackenzie--the letters would be of the utmostvalue to him if he could get hold of them. I don't believe he suspectedthe girl during the voyage, or he would have robbed her; but I am afraidhe saw her withdraw the packet from her bosom. I made her put it back atonce. "

"He was standing near us on the quay for some time, " said I, "does heknow who you are?"

"It is quite likely! Hang it all, Mr. Carew, I don't like the look ofthings! I'm going to do a little spying about the town on my ownaccount; but, first it is important that I should see Miss Hatherton. "

I did not relish the idea of disturbing the girl so soon after herarrival, and I was about to say as much. But just then appeared MadameRagoul with a request that my companion would accord an interview toMiss Hatherton. He departed with alacrity, and I took it with an illgrace that I should be left out of the matter. I waited for a long time, seeking consolation in the thought that I alone would be the girl'sprotector in future, and at length Captain Rudstone returned. 

"I have the dispatches, " he announced, tapping his breast. 

"You were an hour about it, " said I petulantly. 

"Oh, ho!" he laughed; "so the wind blows from that quarter! But I am nolady's man, Mr. Carew. And Miss Hatherton is not for either of us, rarebeauty though she is--ay, and a girl of pluck and spirit. She is boundby a sacred promise--a promise to the dead--to marry that old fossil, Griffith Hawke. I knew him seven years ago. A fine husband indeed forsuch a maid!"

The captain's foolish insinuation angered me, and I felt myself blushingfuriously, but I said nothing. 

"It is a sad story, " he went on. "I persuaded the girl to give me herconfidence. It seems that her father, a gentleman of good family, was afriend of Lord Selkirk. Some months ago he lost every shilling he had inthe world through unwise speculation, and the shock killed him. On hisdeathbed he sent for Selkirk, and begged him to care for his daughter, who would be left quite alone in the world. The old rascal persuaded thefather that the girl could not do better than go out to the Canadas andmarry the factor of Fort Royal--he had received Hawke's application fora wife at about this time. The result was that Flora yielded andconsented--I daresay there was no way out of it--and Selkirk tookadvantage of the opportunity to send these important letters with her;he knew she was the last person that would be suspected of having them. This much may be put in Selkirk's favor: he visited Canada some yearsago, and took a fancy to Hawke. "

"The factor is a gentleman born, " said I, "but he is past fifty. Andthink of the life! It is a sad pity for the girl. "

"She knows what is before her, " replied the captain, "and she seems tobe resigned. To tell the truth, though, I half-believe there issomething at the back of it all--that some deeper cause drove her outhere. Nothing to her discredit, I mean. "

"What makes you think so?" I asked. 

"A chance remark that she let fall, " he answered. 

I would have questioned Captain Rudstone more closely, but just then hedrained his glass and rose with an air of sudden determination. 

"I have work to do, " he said gravely, as he put on his hat. "I must keeptrack of Cuthbert Mackenzie. Miss Hatherton knew nothing of his realcharacter, and I am satisfied that he knew as little of her while theywere at sea. But what he may have learned since landing is a differentmatter. I will come back here this evening, and meanwhile I would adviseyou to remain in the hotel. There is a ship sailing for the Bay in aweek as you probably know, and I shall be heartily glad when we are atsea. Cuthbert Mackenzie is a serpent that stings in the dark. "

He bade me good morning and was gone. 

 CHAPTER V. 

 THE ALARM IN THE NIGHT. 

It was about eleven o'clock of the forenoon when Captain Rudstonedeparted. I smoked a quiet pipe, and then sought out Baptiste; he had alittle box of a room over the hotel kitchen. I found the rascal buthalf-sobered, so heavily had he liquored on the previous night, and Iangrily bade him stay in bed for the rest of the day. Miss Hatherton didnot come down to dinner, and I had for company in the coffee room Mr. Christopher Burley; there were no other guests in the house at the time. 

Neither of us was in a talkative mood, and very brief speech passedbetween us. But shortly after the meal I met him again at the bar, wherehe was paying his account. He looked ready for a journey, having his haton and a portmanteau in his hand. 

"You are leaving, sir?" I asked politely. 

"I return to Montreal to-day, " he replied, "and later I go West. You, Ibelieve, are bound shortly for the North?"

I nodded assent. 

"We may meet in the future, " he went on; "and meanwhile I trust you willremember that name--Osmund Maiden. "

"I will bear it in mind, " I promised, "and I wish you every success inyour errand. "

With that we parted, the law clerk thanking me warmly and giving me hishand. That I should ever see him again, or run across the man of whom hewas in search, were things so utterly improbable that I gave them nosecond thought. But I was to learn in later days how small a place theworld really was. 

I spent the afternoon in the hotel, for I was satisfied that CaptainRudstone's caution against venturing in the streets was not to bedespised. He had gone up several degrees in my estimation since thelittle cloud of mutual suspicion had cleared away. I did not doubt thathe was as zealous for the interests of the company as myself, and, moreover, I felt that he would prove a trusty friend should Mr. CuthbertMackenzie try to give me any trouble. That the captain was to sail onthe same ship to the Bay was a matter less to my liking, though I hardlyknew why. He was of a type that a youngster like myself usually looks upto, and he had flattered me by giving me his full confidence: but henever seemed quite at ease in my presence, or inclined to stare mestraight in the eyes, which I could not account for. 

The time passed listlessly. I chatted for awhile with Monsieur Ragoul, and watched the customers who came in to drink. I could not put MissHatherton out of my mind. As often as I remembered that she was to sharethe long sea voyage with me, the joy of it was marred by the picture ofold Griffith Hawke waiting at Fort York for his bride. I was angry atmyself for taking the thing so much to heart--uneasy because a womancould thus interest me. 

I had hoped to see her that afternoon, but she did not make herappearance until the late supper-time. We sat down to table together, and it gave me a strange thrill to see her sitting opposite. She lookedmore lovely than ever without her bonnet, and in a black gown relievedby some touches of creamy lace. I fear I stared at her stupidly, and wasdull of conversation; but she chatted freely of the wonderful things tobe seen in London, and I was sorry when the meal was over. MissHatherton then offered me a dainty hand and bade me good-night, sayingthat she had not been able to sleep all day, and intended to retireearly. 

I finished my bottle of wine, and went upstairs to my room on the thirdand top floor of the hotel--a meager little hole where I, used to ablanket and fir boughs, had always felt cramped and stifled. But now Iwished to be alone, and for some hours I sat there without a light, smoking and thinking. A distant clock had just pealed eleven when Iheard the unbolting of a door downstairs--the house had been closed forthe night. A little later, after the stir and sound of voices had diedaway, light footsteps fell on my ear, and there was a rap at the door. Ihurriedly lit a candle. 

"Come in!" I cried, thinking I knew what it meant. 

Captain Rudstone entered, closing the door softly behind him. With a nodhe threw himself into a chair, helped himself to a pipeful of mytobacco, and looked inscrutably at me through a cloud of smoke. 

"So you are still up?" he began. "I expected to find you in bed. Haveyou been away from the hotel?"

"Not outside of the door, " I replied. 

"I have left my old lodging, " he went on, "and Monsieur Ragoul has givenme a room next to yours. "

"I rejoice to hear it, " I said politely. "And have you learned anythingto-day?"

"Mr. Mackenzie will demand satisfaction for that blow, " the captainanswered coolly. 

"He shall have it, " said I. 

"He is a skilled swordsman and a deadly shot, Mr. Carew. "

"I will meet him with either weapon, " I declared hotly. 

"There must be no fighting, if it can be avoided, " replied the captain. 

"That is a matter which rests with me, " said I. "But how do you know allthis?"

"I put a man on the track, " was the reply. "He overheard Mackenzietalking with two boon companions who are as deep in the plotting of theNorthwest Company as himself. Unfortunately, he learned no more than Ihave told you, and he lost the trail at an early hour this evening inthe upper town. "

"I shall depend on you to see me through the affair, " said I. 

"I fear there is mischief brewing in another quarter, " the captainreplied. "To be frank, Mr. Carew, you and I, and Miss Hatherton are in adecidedly unpleasant situation. Or, to leave the girl out of it, you andI must decide a very delicate question. Shall we stand by our honor, orshall we choose the best interests of the company we serve?"

"Make your meaning plainer, " said I. "As yet I am in the dark. "

"The point is this, " the captain answered gravely. "If we wait for thecompany's ship, which sails in a week, serious things may happen--not tospeak of the duel. I happen to know that a trading-vessel leaves theriver to-morrow morning for the Bay. The captain is a friend of mine, and he will give the three of us a passage. "

"This is the last proposition I should have looked for from you, CaptainRudstone, " I replied indignantly. "Would you have me slink away like athief in the night, giving Cuthbert Mackenzie the pleasure of brandingme far and wide as a coward? It is not to be thought of, sir. "

The captain shrugged his shoulders, and meditatively blew a cloud ofsmoke ceilingward. 

"I admire your spirit, " he said, "but not your discretion. Am I tounderstand, then, Mr. Carew, that you choose honor before duty?"

I looked at him speechlessly. He had a cutting way of putting things, and it dawned on me that there was indeed two sides to the question. Butbefore I could find words to reply, the silence of the June night wasbroken by a shrill scream directly below us. It was followed by a cryfor help, and I was sure I recognized Miss Hatherton's voice. 

With one impulse Captain Rudstone and I drew our pistols and sprang toour feet. In a trice we were out in the hall, and plunging recklesslydown the stairs. We heard distant calls of alarm from the lower part ofthe house, and a woman's voice, ringing loudly and close at hand, guidedus to Miss Hatherton's room. Captain Rudstone burst the door from itsfastenings by a single effort, and I followed him over the threshold. The moon was shining through an open window, and by its pale light thegirl darted toward us, her snowy night dress trailing behind her, andher disheveled hair flowing about her shoulders. 

"Save me!" she cried hysterically. "Save me from Cuthbert Mackenzie!"

 CHAPTER VI. 

 PREPARATIONS FOR FLIGHT. 

When I heard Mackenzie's name pronounced by those fair lips and realizedthat the scoundrel had dared to force his way to Miss Hatherton'sbedchamber, I was put in such a rage as I had never known before. I didnot wait for further information, but, brushing past the girl, I leapedthrough the open window. There was a narrow balcony beyond it--as Iknew--which ran along the side of the house, and looked down on a pavedcourtyard overshadowed by an adjoining building. 

Being familiar with the hotel, I was at no loss to account for the meansby which the villain had entered and fled. I dashed at once to the endof the balcony, which was within easy reach of the limbs of a tree thatgrew up from the court. As I peered down from the shadows, I heard arustling noise, and the next instant I saw a man at the base of thetree; it must have taken him all this time to descend the trunk. I wassure that I recognized Mackenzie, and as he made off I took aim with mypistol and fired. A sharp cry and an oath followed the report, but thefellow sped on to the end of the court, where a passage led out to aback street. Here a voice hailed him; showing that one or more hadshared his enterprise. 

But a moment had passed since I leaped out of the window, and now Ifound Captain Rudstone at my side. 

"Did you hit him?" he demanded. 

"I think so, " I replied; "but he ran like a deer. "

"He'll not run far if I can get sight of him. To take the scoundrel willbe a good card in our hands!"

With that the captain swung himself into the tree, and went down handover hand, from limb to limb, with the agility of a cat. He was on theground before I could have counted ten. 

"Do not follow me, " he called up: and then he vanished in the shadowsacross the court. 

I would have preferred to take a part in the chase, but I swallowed mydisappointment and returned along the balcony. The pistol-shot hadraised some clamor in the neighborhood. I could hear men shouting, andseveral lights were moving in the opposite house. I climbed through thewindow into the room, where I found Monsieur and Madame Ragoul and theirthree servants all in a state of excitement. Miss Hatherton had by thistime put on a dressing-gown and slippers, and seemed to have entirelyrecovered from her fright. She blushed prettily as she saw me. 

"You have not killed him. Mr. Carew?" she asked. 

"I fear not, " I replied; "but Captain Rudstone hopes to take him. "

"It will be a shame if he escapes, " cried Madame Ragoul. "Oh, thepig--the wicked robber! He might have strangled the pretty Englishmademoiselle!"

The servants were rolling their eyes and shivering with fear, andMonsieur Ragoul was dancing about, with his red nightcap hanging to oneear. 

"I am ruined!" he wailed. "The good name of my house is gone!Never--never did such a thing happen before! The officers of the lawwill enter--they will demand why a pistol is fired to waken thequarter!"

"Coward, be quiet!" snapped his wife. "The affair is no fault of ours. "

I judged it was time to interfere. The distant clamor had notperceptibly increased, and I saw some chance of keeping the matter asecret, which was a thing greatly to be desired. 

"Monsieur Ragoul, I think there need be no publicity, " said I. "Will yoube so good as to close the window and draw the curtains, and also putout that candle you are holding?"

He obeyed me promptly, and just as the room was darkened Baptiste made atardy appearance. I explained the situation to him in a few words, andthen I turned to Miss Hatherton. 

"I trust you are none the worse, " I said. "I deeply regret that youshould have suffered such an outrage--"

"And I am sorry to have put you to so much trouble on my account, " sheinterrupted. "This is twice you have come to my help at a time of need. "

"Then I am twice honored, " I replied. "But, tell me, was the scoundrelindeed Mr. Mackenzie?"

"I am sure of it, Mr. Carew. I woke suddenly, and saw him standing inthe moonlight at the foot of my bed. When I screamed the second time hevanished through the window. It was the shock that unnerved me. I begyou to believe that I am not ordinarily a coward. "

"The adventure would have terrified the bravest of women, " I answered. Bending to her ear, I added, in a whisper: "As for Mr. Mackenzie, I takeit he was seeking the dispatches?"

"Yes, he doubtless thought I still had them, " Miss Hatherton replied. "Iam afraid he will pay dearly for his folly if Captain Rudstone overtakeshim. "

Even as she spoke a startling thing happened. In the silence of the roomwe all heard the faint report of a pistol. The sound came from somedistance away, and in the direction of the upper town. 

"That was the captain's shot, " I declared. 

"Or Mr. Mackenzie's, " the girl suggested, in a tone of alarm. 

"The saints save us!" cried Monsieur Ragoul. "This is worse and worse!"

I was for going out to investigate, but Miss Hatherton would have itthat such a step meant danger, and I yielded reluctantly to herpleadings. However, I persuaded the little Frenchman to let me into thecourtyard, by which way I knew the captain would return if he was able. We went downstairs, accompanied by Baptiste, and Monsieur Ragoulunbarred and opened the side door. . 

When I stepped into the court I was relieved to discover that theimmediate neighborhood was comparatively quiet. But at a distance, inthe direction whence the shot had come, a confused clamor was audible. Ihad been listening no more than a minute when I heard footsteps, andacross the moonlit court came Captain Rudstone. My heart leaped for joyat the sight of him. Without a word he motioned us into the house, andclosed and fastened the door. Then I knew that he had bad news. 

"Monsieur Ragoul, " he said, "will you go and tell Miss Hatherton todress at once and to put in a parcel as many of her belongings as shecan carry in one hand. Be quick!"

The Frenchman dared not ask any questions. He departed in a state ofalarm and mystery, and Baptiste and I were left alone with the captain. The latter rested a hand on my shoulder. 

"Mr. Carew, " he said gravely, "you remember the question I put to you anhour ago? You have no longer any choice in the matter; we must leaveQuebec at once--within a few minutes. That is, if we can. "

"What do you mean?" I asked hoarsely. "What has happened?"

"Much, " he replied. "In the first place, you wounded Mr. Mackenzie inthe right arm. In the second place, I followed the ruffians for aquarter of a mile--there were two of them--and finally came up with themat a lonely spot. I tried to take them both, but they resisted fiercely. To save my own life I shot and killed Mackenzie's companion, a Northwestman named Tredennis. Mackenzie fled, raising the alarm as he ran, and bya detour I got back to the hotel unobserved. "

"There is likely to be trouble over the affair, " said I; and indeed Ifelt more alarm than I put into my voice. 

"Trouble?" cried the captain, with some irritation. "By Heavens, Mr. Carew, it's as black an outlook as I ever faced! Mackenzie knows hispower, and he will hatch up a devil of a lie. In Quebec feeling runshigh against the Hudson Bay people, and the authorities openly favor theNorthwest Company. I tell you there will be warrants out for our arrestwithin the hour--perhaps in less time. And you must perceive what theresult will be if we are taken. Lord Selkirk's dispatches will fall intothe hands of our enemies; you and I will be thrown into prison. And Godonly knows what will become of Miss Hatherton!"

I felt a sensation as of a hand clutching at my heart. I knew that thesituation was as dismal as Captain Rudstone had painted it--that wecould not expect fair dealing from the authorities of Quebec. And thethought of the girl's peril, if she should be left to the wiles ofCuthbert Mackenzie, put me in a mind to accept any opportunity of escapethat offered. 

"What is your plan?" I asked. 

"The Yankee ship Speedwell sails for the Bay in the morning, " thecaptain replied. "She lies anchored a short distance down the river, andwe must get on board as soon as possible. I have known her master, HiramBunker, of Salem, for several years. "

I made no objection to the arrangement. Baptiste had been listening, anda few sentences put everything clear. He was trusty and I saw a way toutilize him. 

"Off with you to the river--to the landing at the foot of BonaventureStreet, " I directed. "There are plenty of boats about. Get possession ofone, and wait for us. "

Captain Rudstone warmly approved this step. We let Baptiste into thecourt, locked the door, and hurried upstairs. In the hall we encounteredMiss Hatherton, fully dressed and carrying a small bundle. The bravegirl had promptly obeyed instructions, though ignorant of what theymeant. When we explained our purpose she showed an admirable pluck andspirit, putting herself entirely in our hands, and urging us to be offwithout delay. Monsieur Ragoul seemed disposed to give us some troubleat first, but that blew over when we presented him with a few goldpieces, and pointed out to him that our departure was for his own good. Our destination, of course, we did not reveal. 

In ten minutes more we were ready to start. My musket was strapped to myback, and the captain and I had each a bundle containing a change ofclothes. We came quietly down the dark stairs, monsieur and madameleading the way, and the servants bringing up the rear--traversing thehall, we turned toward the side exit. And just then, on the front doorof the hotel we heard a loud and sudden thumping. 

 CHAPTER VII. 

 THE SKIPPER OF THE SPEEDWELL. 

The alarm took us by surprise, for we had expected to get the start onour enemies by at least half an hour. That the officers of the law wereat the door none of us doubted. We stood still where we were, and in awhisper the captain admonished us to be quiet. There was a briefsilence, and then the rapping began again. 

"What am I to do?" whispered Monsieur Ragoul, and so loudly that hiswife promptly clapped a hand over his mouth. 

"They have come to seize us, " said I, in a low voice. "I fear we are ina trap, with no choice but to yield or fight. "

"Resistance would be folly, " Captain Rudstone replied quickly, "and forMiss Hatherton's sake we must not be taken. There is a chancefor us yet--it is possible that the back way of the house has been leftunguarded. "

"Then let us be off at once, " I urged, taking courage from hissuggestions. 

As I spoke, a lull came in the pounding, and a voice cried loudly, "Open! Open!"

Monsieur Ragoul was fairly beside himself with terror and the servantswere as helpless as himself; so the captain and I had to act forourselves, and that without the loss of another second. We found theside door, opened it, and closed it softly behind us when we steppedinto the court. The pounding at the front of the house had startedafresh, and there was a clamor off in the distance; but so far as wecould see by the moonlight this rear avenue of escape was open. 

The captain led the way forward, and I followed with Miss Hatherton atmy side; her hand rested on my arm, and I could not detect the slightesttremor in her touch. We glided swiftly across the court, and entered anarrow passage leading to the street beyond. We were just at the end ofit when a man appeared abruptly from one side and barred the way. 

"Not so fast!" he exclaimed, with a movement to draw a weapon. "Stop, inthe name of--"

The fellow got no further, for quickly the captain had him pinned by thethroat. The two fell after a brief scuffle, and I heard somebody's headgive the stone an ugly rap. The captain jumped to his feet, but theother man lay motionless and quiet. 

"Is he dead?" Miss Hatherton asked, in a horrified whisper. 

I bent over the fellow, and recognized him as one of the town watch. 

"He is only stunned, " I replied, "but he got a bad fall, and won't knowanything for a couple of hours. "

Meanwhile Captain Rudstone had ventured out of the passage toreconnoiter, and he called to us sharply to join him. We did so, andwere relieved to find that the street was dark and empty. 

"I feared the man would have companions with him, " said I. "It seems hecame round here alone. "

"Yes, luckily for us, " the captain replied. "There will be a pretty rowbefore long; that scoundrel Mackenzie has wasted no time in showing hishand. But I think we are fairly safe, and if the skipper of theSpeedwell is open to reason we shall be going down the river under fullsail within the hour. "

"I hope so, indeed, " I replied. "You say the man is a friend of yours?"

"He owes me more than one service, Mr. Carew, but enough of speech! Doyou and Miss Hatherton follow me closely, and avoid any appearance ofalarm or haste. "

We had already crossed the street that lay in the rear of the SilverLily, and entered one at right angles to it. There was a great deal ofnoise behind us, and for this reason there was the more danger to beapprehended from the front, since the alarm had roused some of theinhabitants of the quarter from their beds. Here and there men passed uswith sharp glances, and curious faces stared down at us from openwindows. But none stopped us, so boldly and with such unconcern did wecomport ourselves, and after treading a maze of the straggling and dirtylittle thoroughfares, we came out on Bonaventure Street at a point closeto the river. 

And now we made a discovery that was very discomforting. Looking up inthe direction of the hotel, we could see vaguely-moving figures, andthere was a sound of shouting and running that swelled louder on theair. 

"Our escape has been discovered, " said I. 

"Without a doubt, " replied Captain Rudstone; "and what is worse, thechase is coming this way. Some persons whom we met have giveninformation. But the river is close at hand, and our pursuers havebarely started from the Silver Lily. "

"Will we escape them?" Miss Hatherton inquired anxiously. 

"Assuredly, " said I, in spite of a lurking doubt. "Keep up your courage. We are almost within reach of safety. "

We quickened our pace--this end of the street was deserted--and fiftyyards more brought us to the water's edge. The captain and I felt a fearthat neither of us put into words, but happily it proved unfounded; forat the landing-steps, a short distance below, the faithful Baptiste waswaiting with a boat--a deep, roomy little craft which he had found nearby. At once we got in, Baptiste retreated to the bow, and Miss Hathertonand myself occupied the stern seat. The captain took the oars, and hewisely made the most of the opportunity by pulling straight out fromshore and in between the shipping that was anchored hereabouts. It is awonder we fared so well, for swinging lanterns shed their light upon us, and we passed under decks where men were pacing their night watches. Butno inquisitive voices hailed us, and we glided safely through to theopen river and turned downstream with the current. The tangle of mastsand spars receded behind us, hiding the spot where we had embarked, andfor five minutes we drifted on in the moonlight, our hearts too full forspeech. Then Miss Hatherton broke the silence. 

"Is the ship that we are seeking near or far?" she asked. 

Captain Rudstone turned in his seat, and pointed to a dark object abouthalf a mile below us. 

"There lies the Speedwell, " he replied, "a quarter of a mile out fromshore, and by herself. "

This was reassuring news, but there were perils to be reckoned with. Agreat hue and cry was spreading along the town's edge, mainly in thedirection of the landing-stairs, and we looked for a boat to appearbehind us at any moment. Also, to my mind, there was some uncertainty asto the reception the Speedwell's skipper would give us. 

However, there was no sign of pursuit within next five minutes, and bythat time we were alongside of the ship, which was a tidy brig of somehundred and fifty tons burden. Her sea gear was rove and her sailsstowed. Several heads looked over her bulwarks as we made fast, and avoice hailed us sharply. 

"That you, Bunker?" the captain replied. 

"Yes. Who are you?" came suspiciously. 

"Myles Rudstone. "

There was an exclamation of surprise, and a moment later a rope ladderwas thrown down to us. Baptiste and I and the girl preceded the captain, and as he followed us he cast the boat adrift. At the first sight, seeing him on deck by the glare of a lantern, I was favorably impressedby Hiram Bunker. He was a short, thick-set man, with a sandy beard and ashrewd, good natured face. He scanned Miss Hatherton and myself withopen amazement, and shook hands heartily with Captain Rudstone. 

"Glad to meet you again, sir, " he cried in a nasal voice. "My matewakened me up to listen to the row over yonder, " pointing to the shore, "and that's why I'm on deck at this hour. I might have guessed you had ahand in the rumpus. But what does it mean, anyway?". 

The captain explained, making the situation thoroughly clear, and thelittle skipper listened with thoughtful attention. 

"It's an ugly scrape, " was his grave comment. 

"It is that; but you can get us out of it. What do you say?"

"I say I'll do it, " cried the skipper. "I'm a Hudson Bay man at heart, and I'll save the lot of you--hang the risk!"

"And you will sail at once?"

"At once. I've got my full cargo on board, and I was only waiting fordaylight to start. It's not far off that now. But, shiver my timbers, ifthere don't come the rascals you thought you had slipped!"

He pointed up the river, and I saw a longboat approaching swiftly. Itwas still a good distance off, but there was not a moment to lose, andthe skipper was aware of the fact. He hastily roused the crew, and Inever saw a more pleasing sight than that hardy lot of men as they setto work to unfurl the sails and get the vessel under way. 

Miss Hatherton stood with me at the bulwark, holding to my arm, andasking me what I thought of the situation. I hardly knew how to answerher, for there was no telling as yet what was going to happen. A stiffbreeze was blowing ready for the canvas, and when the anchor was liftedwe began to drift. But meanwhile the boat had come up close, and withevident determination to board us. It held ten men, and they were mostlyat the oars. 

"Sheer off, there!" cried the skipper. "What do you want?"

"You are sheltering fugitives from the law, " a harsh voice replied. "Give them up. It's a case of murder!"

The skipper refused in plain terms, and catching a sudden gleam ofsteel, he shouted savagely:

"If you come any nearer or fire a single shot I'll give you a volley often guns!"

By this time the ship was under way and moving with full canvas spread. The pursuing boat fell back, its occupants yelling curses and threats;and so the danger passed. The Speedwell bore swiftly on, leaving a foamywake dancing on the bosom of the St. Lawrence, and in my delight I felttempted to throw my arms about Miss Hatherton. Captain Rudstone joinedus, and with thankful hearts we watched the lights of Quebec fading inthe distance. 

 CHAPTER VIII. 

 CLOSE TO PORT. 

I need make but brief mention of the long cruise that followed ourescape, of the days that passed slowly while we worked our way down themighty St. Lawrence, out to the open Atlantic by the rocky gates ofNewfoundland, and thence up the coast of Labrador to Hudson Straits. Forthe most part wind and weather favored us, yet it was a matter of sixweeks before we got into the bay and made sail across that inland wasteof water toward our destination, Fort York, which was far down in thesouthwestern corner. The distance from Quebec by land would have beenfar less. Our course, as a map will show, was along the three sides of asquare. 

The Speedwell was a sound little ship, and carried a mixed cargo to bedelivered at the Hudson Bay posts. We were well fed and snugly berthed, Miss Hatherton having a cozy cabin all to herself. The crew were goodfellows, and Hiram Bunker was a typical New England skipper--bluff, honest and popular. I did not see very much of him, for he and CaptainRudstone became boon companions and stuck well together. It was the samewith the captain. Indeed, he seemed to take pains to avoid me, exceptwhen others were present, thereby causing me some perplexity andchagrin. And if we happened to find ourselves alone he appeared ill atease, and would look at me in a strange and shifty manner, as though hehad something on his mind. But for all that the time did not hangheavily on my hands, nor was the voyage an uneventful one to me, as Ishall relate in a few words. 

It came about naturally enough that Miss Hatherton and I spent the longdays together. In less than a fortnight we were calling each other byour Christian names. Secluded in some nook of the deck, we would talkfor hours, or I would read aloud from one of the few volumes that theskipper's cabin afforded. She told me much of her life in London. Herfather had been a gentleman of some means until speculation wrecked him, and later she confided to me the whole of her sad story. 

There was more than I had known before, as Captain Rudstone suggested. It seems that prior to her father's death the only son of Lord Selkirkfell in love with the girl. She did not return his affection, and, indeed, she disliked the young man. But the old lord was either ignorantof this fact or would not believe it. He had higher matrimonial viewsfor his son, and so, in order to get Miss Hatherton out of England, hehatched the plot that resulted in the poor girl making her father asacred promise that she would go to the Canadas and marry GriffithHawke. She had no relatives to interfere, and a cruel disadvantage wastaken of her helplessness and poverty. She spoke of the matter only onthe one occasion, and it did not come up between us again. Nor had I theheart to mention it, since she was clearly resigned to her future. 

But I pitied the girl deeply, and I would have been more than human, with the opportunities afforded, had I not fallen a victim to her charmsand loveliness. I did not perceive where I was drifting. I did notrealize my danger until it was too late. In short, I, who had hithertofelt but contempt for all womankind, suddenly discovered that I was aslave to the great passion. It was a sharp awakening, and it destroyedmy peace of mind. To me Flora Hatherton was a divinity, a goddess. Itgave me the keenest torture to think that she would soon be the wife ofold Griffith Hawke. I knew that she was as far out of my reach as thestars above, and yet I felt that I should love her passionately all mylife--that the memory of her sweet face would shatter all the joys ofexistence for me. 

I could have cursed myself for being such a fool, and I hated the factorfor sending me on such a mission. It never entered my head to play himfalse and try to win Flora, nor did I believe there was any chance ofdoing so. Day after day we were together, and with Spartan courage I hidmy feelings--or, at least, I thought I was hiding them. It was a hardtask, for every word or look that the girl gave me seemed to turn myblood to fire. That she was indifferent to me--that she regarded me onlyas a friend--I was convinced. I was a youngster and inexperienced, andso I was blind to the girl's pretty blushes, to the averting of her eyeswhen they would meet mine, and to other signs of confusion that Iremembered afterward. To remain at Fort Royal, a witness of GriffithHawke's domestic happiness, I knew to be impossible. I determined toseek a new post, or to plunge far into the northern wilderness, as soonas I should have delivered Flora at her destination. 

The days slipped by fraught with mingled joy and bitterness, and atsunset one chilly August evening I stood alone on deck by the portbulwark. The wind was rising, and there was a clammy mist on the gray, troubled waters. We were nearly across the bay, and in the morning weexpected to sight the marshy shores that lay about Fort York. Flora wasin her cabin. She had seemed depressed all day and I remembered that anhour before, when the skipper told her how near we were to land, she hadsmiled at me sadly and gone below. I had no wish for the voyage to end. The thought of the morrow cut me like a knife, and I was lost in gloomyreflections, when a hand clapped me on the shoulder. I turned round witha start, and saw Captain Rudstone. 

"A few hours more, Mr. Carew, " he said, "and we shall have droppedanchor under the walls of the fort. Do you expect to meet your factorthere?"

"It is doubtful, " I replied. "He will hardly look for our arrival sosoon. We took an earlier ship, you will remember, and our passage hasbeen a swift one. "

"It was a dangerous passage, " he said meaningly--"at least, for you. Itake it you will be glad of a few days of grace. But may I ask--I happento have a curiosity--how this thing is to end?"

"What thing?" I cried, ruffling at once. 

"You love Miss Hatherton, " he answered with a smile. 

I felt my face grow hot. 

"Does that concern you?" I demanded curtly. "I will thank you to mindyour own affairs, Captain Rudstone. "

"The girl loves you, " he replied calmly. 

"I don't believe it, " said I. 

"Bah! you are a blind fool, " he muttered. "I gave you credit for moreperception. But it is just as I said--the girl returns your affection. What are you going to do about it? Will you allow her to marry GriffithHawke?"

I could have struck the captain for his jesting tone, and yet at thesame time I detected a ring of truth in what he had said. It flashedupon me that I had indeed been blind, and the revelation thrilled myheart. 

"Miss Hatherton is the promised wife of Griffith Hawke, " I answeredhoarsely; "and Griffith Hawke is my superior officer. I am acting underhis orders, and I dare not betray my trust. I am a man of honor, and nota knave. I scorn your suggestion, sir. "

"Do you call it honorable, " sneered the captain, "to help this innocentgirl, whose heart belongs to you, to marry another man?"

I looked at him with some confusion for, to tell the truth, I had noanswer ready to my lips. And just then Hiram Bunker strode up to us, hiscountenance unusually grave. 

"It's going to be a nasty night, or I'm no mariner, " he exclaimed. "There's a storm brewing, and we are perilously near the coast. I don'tlike the prospect a bit, gentlemen. "

Captain Rudstone made some fitting reply, but I was in no mood to heedthe skipper's words, or to give a second thought to the prophecy of astorm. I left the two together, and with my brain in a whirl I creptdown to the seclusion of my cabin. 

 CHAPTER IX. 

 AT THE MERCY OF THE SEA. 

For an hour or more I sat on the edge of my berth, pondering the matterfirst in one way and then in another. The captain's plain speech hadopened my eyes, as it were, and as I recalled many little incidents ofthe past, looking at them now in their true light, I saw that I hadindeed been dull-witted and slow of comprehension. I had won Flora'sheart--she returned my affection. That was the meaning of her frequentblushes and confusion--signs which I had interpreted as indifferencewhen I thought of them at all. 

The discovery both caused me an exquisite joy and added to mywretchedness. At the first I painted a bright and glowing picture of thefuture. Flora should be mine! I would make her my wife, and carry heroff into the wilderness or to one of the lower towns. I wasyoung and strong. I had some money laid by, and it would be but adelightful task to carve a home and a fortune for the two of us. So Ireasoned for a time, and then a more sober mood followed. I saw that Ihad been indulging in an empty dream. 

"There is no such happiness for me!" I groaned aloud. "I was a fool tothink of it for a moment. The girl loves me, it is true, but nopersuasion of mine could ever induce her to break her promise. Shebelongs to Griffith Hawke, and she will marry him. And even if it werepossible to win her, honor and duty, which I have always held sacred, would keep me from such a knavish trick. If I proved unfaithful to mytrust, could I ever hold up my head among men again?"

Thus I revolved the matter in my mind, and I confess that I was sorelytempted more than once to stake all on the chance of making Flora myown. But in the end I resolved to be true to my manhood--to theprinciples my father had been at such pains to teach me. Without takingthe trouble to undress, I stretched myself on my bed--the hour waslate--and for a long time I dozed or tossed restlessly at intervals. Atlast I fell into a sound sleep, and it could have been no great whileafterward when I was rudely awakened by a crash that pitched me out ofmy bunk to the floor. A second and far louder crash followed at once, immediately overhead, and then a shrill commotion broke out. I knew theship had struck, and I lost no time in getting to my feet. Luckily nobones were broken, and with some difficulty--for the vessel was pitchingheavily--I groped my way through the darkness to the deck. 

Here I beheld such a scene as I trust I may never see again. Themainmast had fallen, tearing a great gap in the bulwark, and crushingtwo sailors under its weight. Hiram Bunker and some of his men wererushing to and fro, shouting and yelling; others were gazing as thoughstupefied at the wreckage of shattered spars, flapping canvas, andtwisted cordage. The ship was plunging fore and aft--a sure sign thatshe was not now aground. The mist had partly cleared, and the air wasraw and cutting. A storm of wind and rain was raging, blowing from thestarboard or seaward side. Several of the crew had followed me above, but most of them had evidently been busy on deck at the time of thedisaster. 

A single lamp was burning, and at first none observed my presence. Allwas seemingly confusion and panic, and the skipper's orders were beingtardily obeyed. I moved forward a little, and recognized CaptainRudstone holding to the snapped-off end of the mast. 

"What has happened?" I demanded anxiously. "Are we in danger?"

"Little doubt of it, Mr. Carew, " he answered calmly. "The ship struck ona submerged rock--probably the side edge of it--and immediately sheeredoff into deep water. It was a hard blow to shatter the mast, whichcrushed two poor fellows to death in its fall. "

"What is the time?" I asked. 

"Two o'clock in the morning, and we are close to the shore. "

"The vessel might have fared worse, " said I. "But is she leaking?"

"Ay, there's the rub, " the captain replied. "The water is pouring in, and the ship is already beginning to settle. "

"God help us, " I cried, "if that is true!"

I wanted further confirmation, and I hurried away to seek the skipper. Ifound him close by, and as I hurried up to him he was joined by anotherman, a bearded sailor, who called out excitedly:

"There is four feet of water in the well, sir, and it is steadilyincreasing. We can't keep afloat long. "

"Stick to the pumps, Lucas, and do what you can, " the skipper directed. "Get some food ready, men, and prepare to lower the boats, " he shoutedloudly to the crew. Then he turned to me. 

"'Tis is a bad business, Mr. Carew, " he said hoarsely. "It's all up withmy ship, and I'm a ruined man. But I'm going to save all hands, if it ispossible. Where is Miss Hatherton?"

"In her cabin, " I replied. 

I had not forgotten the girl, but I had felt reluctant to rouse heruntil I knew what danger threatened us. Now there was no time to lose, and I hastened to the companion way. At the foot of it, where there wassome depth of water, I dimly perceived Flora wading toward me. Sheuttered a little cry of joy and clasped my arm. 

"So you are up and dressed, " I exclaimed. "I was just coming for you. "

"I was awakened by the crash, " she replied, "and I prepared for theworst at once. Is the ship sinking, Denzil?"

"She will go down ultimately, " I answered; "but there is plenty of timefor all hands to escape. Do not be alarmed. "

"I am not frightened, " she said bravely. "I know that I am safe withyou. "

There was a tenderness in her voice that tempted me to some mad reply, but I checked the impulse. I bade her stay where she was while I went tomy cabin for some articles of value. I was quickly back, and as soon asthe companion was clear--the skipper and some of the crew were swarmingdown--I helped Flora up. We went forward to the bulwark, CaptainRudstone joining us, and there we waited for a quarter of an hour ofsuspense and anxiety. 

In spite of the sucking of the pumps, the ship settled steadily, bowsfirst, and rolled less and less to the waves. It was very dark, and thewind shrieked and whistled dismally; the rain fell unceasingly, soondrenching us from head to foot. The worst of it was that we had shortlyto face a deadly peril. The boats were frail, the sea rough, and thestorm-beaten coast of the bay was no great distance off. I had not theheart to tell Flora how slight was our chance of life, and I do not knowif she suspected it. At all events, she was perfectly calm andcollected. 

The men were under control now, and there was little confusion. Theypromptly obeyed orders, and Hiram Bunker seemed to be everywhere atonce. We could do nothing but look on, with a growing uneasiness, forwhich there was good cause. But at last all was in readiness, and nonetoo soon, for the bows of the sinking ship were close to the water. Itwas from this quarter that the two boats--the longboat and thejolly-boat--were lowered. 

The latter was the smaller, and it was quickly filled by Miss Hatherton, Captain Rudstone, Baptiste, and I, and four seamen. The first mate, whohad a lantern lashed to his waist, let down some food and then followedus. The skipper and the rest of the crew occupied the long boat, whichwas lowered at the same time from the opposite side. Both craft werehurriedly thrust off by the aid of boathooks, and there we were on theopen surface of Hudson Bay, exposed to the fury of the storm, anddrifting away into the black maw of the night. 

How narrow an escape we had made of it we were quickly to learn, for wehad gone no more than a hundred yards when I heard a bitter cry fromHiram Bunker, followed by shouts of "Look! Look!" I glanced back fromthe stern seat, and at that moment the Speedwell went to her doom. Therewas a sound of creaking planks, her bow dipped under and her stern rosehigh the air, and then the waves closed over the poop-deck and blottedout the swinging lantern. 

We were beyond the reach of the vortex, and our men pulled hard awayfrom the fatal spot. The sea grew rougher, and the rain poured intorrents; we were compelled to keep bailing the water out. Thewind-lashed gap between the two boats widened swiftly, and in a shorttime the long boat was lost to sight in the darkness. Again and again weshouted at the top of our voices, but no reply came back. The windshrieked, the billows roared and crashed, and the shadow of death seemedto be lowering on us from the black sky overhead. 

"How are we going?" Captain Rudstone asked of the first mate, who was atone of the oars. 

"Badly enough, sir, " the man replied. "It's no use trying to keep offthe shore, pull as hard as we may. "

"Is there no hope?" Flora asked of me in a whisper. 

"Very little, " I replied hoarsely. "It is better to prepare for theworst. "

I put one arm round her, and she voluntarily snuggled closer to me. Thuswe sat for twenty minutes or half an hour, expecting constantly to becapsized and flung into the sea. The storm still raged with undiminishedviolence, but it was growing a little lighter now, and as often as werose to the top of the swell we could see the faint blur of the land faroff. It was an ominous sight, for most of us knew what the shore of thebay was like in a tempest. Wind and tide were drifting us steadilynearer. 

"Look! Look!" Captain Rudstone suddenly shouted. "Pull hard about, men!Quick, for your lives!"

But it was too late to avert the danger. I had scarcely glanced behindme, where I saw a mighty wave, yards high, rolling forward swiftly, whenthe jolly-boat was pitched far into the air. It hovered an instant onthe crest of the wall of water and then turned bottom up, shooting usall down the slope into a foamy trough. 

I lost my grip of Flora--how I do not know--and was sucked deep belowthe surface. When by hard struggling I came to the top and looked about, I experienced a moment of sickening horror, for I could see nothing ofthe girl; but suddenly she rose within a few feet of me, her loosenedhair streaming on the water, and by a desperate effort I reached andcaught hold of her. 

It was just then, as we were both at the mercy of the sea, that astrange and providential thing happened. A heavy spar, which haddoubtless been washed from the sinking ship, floated alongside of us. Iseized it firmly with one hand, while I supported Flora with the other. We were hurled up on a wave, and from the crest I saw the capsizedjolly-boat some distance off. Two men were clinging to the keel, but Iwas unable to recognize them. The next instant the wind seemed to fall alittle and shift to another quarter, bringing with it a gray fog thatsettled speedily and thickly on all sides of us. But I had caught aglimpse of the coast, and above the gale I could faintly hear themuffled pounding of the surf. 

The spar drifted on for several minutes, now high in the air, now deepin the greenish hollow of the sea. Flora was perfectly conscious, andpartly able to help herself. We were in such peril that I could offerher no words of comfort, and she seemed to understand the meaning of myominous stillness. 

"Are we going to be drowned?" she asked. 

"We are in God's hands, Flora, " I answered huskily. "The shore is veryclose, and we are drifting straight in. A tremendous surf is breakingand it will be a miracle if we live through it. "

"Then we will die together, Denzil, " the brave girl whispered; and asshe looked up at me I read in her eyes the confession of her heart--thepure depth of a love that was all my own. 

 CHAPTER X. 

 THE DAWN OF DAY. 

Flora's words, and the meaning glance that accompanied them, melted theresolve I had made but a few ours before. There was no reason, indeed, why I should keep silence at such a time. I believed that we were bothin the jaws of death, with not the faintest chance of escape. To liftthe cloud that was between us--to snatch what bliss was possible out ofour last moments--would be a sweet and pardonable thing. So, while thespar bore us lightly amid the curling waves, I drew the girl moretightly to my breast with one arm, and pressed kisses on her lips andeyes, on the salty, dripping hair that clustered about her forehead. 

"My darling, I love you!" I whispered passionately in her ear. "You mustlet me speak; I can hide it no longer. I lost my heart weeks ago, buthonor held me silent. "

What more I said I do not recall, but I know that I poured forth all myburning, pent-up affection. When I had finished, Flora lifted hertear-dimmed eyes to my face and smiled; she put a trembling arm about myneck and kissed me. 

"And I love you, Denzil, " she said softly. "Oh, I am so glad that I cantell you; it seems to take away the sting of death. I would have hiddenthe truth from you; I would have kept my promise and married GriffithHawke. But now--now it is different. In death we belong to each other. You made me love you, Denzil--you were so kind, so good, so brave!"

"If we could only live, and be happy together!" I replied hoarsely. 

"Hush! God knows best, " she whispered. "In life we must have been apart. Kiss me again, Denzil, and hold me tight. The end will not be long!"

I kissed her passionately, and drew her as close to me as I could withone arm, while with the other I took a firmer grip on the spar. I had myheart's desire, but already it was turning to ashes. I could notreconcile myself to so cruel a fate. As I looked into Flora's eyes, shining with the light of love, I felt a bitter resentment, a dull, aching stupor of despair. 

We were both silent for a few moments, and then of a sudden a risingwind scattered the gray fog. From the top of the swell we had a glimpseof the low, rugged shore, less than half a mile distant. Monstrous waveswere rolling toward it, and the angry bellowing of the surf was likecontinuous thunder. 

"I am growing weaker, " Flora whispered, "and I am so cold. Don't let meslip, Denzil. "

I assured her that I would not, but I doubted if I could keep my word. I, too, was beginning to succumb to the effects of the long strugglewith the raging sea and the driving storm. I was almost exhausted, andchilled in every limb. I feared that before long we must both be washedfrom the spar. 

But during the next minute it grew a little lighter, and I made adiscovery that caused me a strange agitation. Over on the shore, andslightly to our right, a promontory of rock and bushes jutted out somedistance. It was to leeward of the wind, which was blowing usperceptibly that way, while at the same time the waves swept uslandward. I knew that if we should drift under the promontory, wheredoubtless the surf was less violent, there would be some faint hope ofescape. I said nothing to Flora, however, for I thought it best to lether continue to believe the worst. She was much weaker now, and made noeffort to speak; but the look in her half-closed eyes was more eloquentthan words. 

On and on we plunged, gaining speed every instant--now deep down betweenwalls of glassy water, now tossed high on the curling swell. Atintervals I sighted the shore--we were close upon it--and there was nolonger any doubt that we should strike to leeward of the promontory. Faster and faster! The spar spun round and round dizzily. I gripped itwith all my strength, supporting Flora's half-insensible form with theother arm. 

For a minute we were held in a watery trough, and then a huge wave, overtaking us from behind, lifted us high on its curling, hissing crest. I had a brief, flashing vision of a murky strip of sand and busheswashed by milky foam. It looked to be straight below me, and on theinstant I let go of the spar. I strained Flora to my breast, and made afeeble attempt to swim. There was a roaring and singing in my ears, ablur of shadows before my eyes, and the next thing I remembered was atremendous crash that I thought had shattered every bone in my body. 

The instinct of life was so strong that I must have scrambled at once tomy feet. I had been flung into a hillock of wet sand and grass, and withsuch force that the deep imprint of my body was visible. I looked aboutme, dizzy and stunned, and immediately saw Flora lying huddled in athick clump of bushes a few feet to the left. I knew not if she was deador alive, but as I staggered toward her I discovered a great foamingwave rolling up the beach. Rallying what strength I could, Iseized the girl and dragged her back as far and as quickly as I wasable. The wave broke with a crash, hurling its curled spray almost toour feet. I dropped my burden, and reeled over in a deathly faint. WhenI came to my senses--I could not have been unconscious more than a fewminutes--the chilly gray dawn had driven away the shadows of the night. A bleak and disheartening prospect met my eyes in every direction. Straight in front the sea rolled to the horizon, still tossing andtumbling. Behind me, and to right and left, stretched a flat, dreary, marshy coast, scarred with rocks, thickets and evergreens. 

It was a familiar enough scene to me--I had often visited the shores ofHudson Bay--and I gave it but a glance. Flora lay close beside me, herhead and shoulders pillowed on a clump of weeds, and at the first Ithought she was dead. But when I had risen to my knees with some painand difficulty--I was as weak as a cat--I found that she was breathing. I set myself to restore her, and chafed her cold hands until the bloodbegan to circulate freely. Then I poured a few drops of brandy betweenher lips--I fortunately had some in a small flask--and it was no soonerswallowed than she opened her lovely eyes. I could see that she wasperfectly conscious, and that she knew me and remembered all; but when Ilifted her gently in my arms she made a weak effort to draw back, andlooked at me with a sort of horror. 

"My darling, what is the matter?" I cried. 

"Hush, Denzil, not that name, " she replied faintly. "Oh, why were wespared? You must forget all that I told you, even as I shall forget yourwords. It was only a dream--a dream that is dead. We can be nothing toeach other. "

I knew in my heart that she was right, but the sight of her beauty, thememory of her confession, put me in a rebellious mood. I drank what wasleft of the brandy, and rose dizzily to my feet. 

"I will not give you up, " I said in a dogged tone. "You love me, Flora, and you are mine. Providence saved us for a purpose--to make us happy. "

She shook her head sadly. 

"Denzil, why will you make is so hard for me?" she replied. "I must keepmy promise--you know that. Be brave, be honorable. Forget what hashappened!"

The appeal shamed me, and I averted my eyes from her. In my wretchednessI felt tempted to throw myself into the sea. 

"Where are the rest?" she asked in a different voice. 

"I fear they are all drowned, " I answered gloomily. "Fate has been lesskind to us. "

"Do you know where we are?" she continued. 

"Not exactly, " I said, looking about, "but we can't be a great distancefrom Fort York--and from Griffith Hawke. "

I was sorry for the cutting words as soon as they were spoken, and Iwould have made a fitting apology. But just then I heard voices, and twovoyageurs, in the blue capotes of the Hudson Bay Company, came out ofthe timber about twenty yards off. They saw us at once and ran toward uswith eager shouts. 

 CHAPTER XI. 

 A COPY OF "THE TIMES. "

I was both glad and sorry for the interruption. In our forlorn conditionwe needed assistance badly enough, but I would have preferred to haveFlora all to myself for some time longer. However, I made the best ofit, and gave the voyageurs a warm greeting. They were from Fort York, and they told me that they and half a dozen more had been on a week'shunting trip, and that they had spent the night in a sheltered spot nearby. They added that when they were about starting for the fort, half anhour previously, two survivors of the wreck had straggled into theircamp. 

This was pleasing news, but before I could glean any furtherinformation, the rest of the party made their appearance from thetimber--three more voyageurs and three of the company's Indian hunters. And with them, to my great delight, were Captain Rudstone and Baptiste. Both walked with difficulty and were sorely bruised. It seems they hadcome ashore clinging to the jolly-boat--the rest of the crew weredrowned--and had been cast on a sandy part of the coast. They knewnothing of the other boat or its occupants, and there was reason tobelieve the worst. 

"I fear they are all lost, " said Captain Rudstone. "The longboat washeavily weighted and it probably capsized soon after it left the ship. We four have had a truly marvelous escape, Mr. Carew. I judge that MissHatherton owes her life to you. "

"We came ashore together, " I answered. 

"Mr. Carew is too modest, " Flora said quietly. "But for him I shouldhave been drowned when the boat upset. I was helpless all the time, while he held me on the spar. "

The captain looked queerly from one to the other of us, and I was afraidhe would say some awkward thing; but he merely shrugged hisshoulders, and turned to another subject. 

"We might be in a worse plight, " he remarked. "We are sound of limb, andFort York is but six miles away. And I have saved Lord Selkirk'sdispatches, which is a matter to be thankful for. " He patted his breastas he spoke. "A drying at a good fire is all they will need, " he added. 

After some discussion, it was decided that two of the voyageurs shouldremain behind for the present and search the coast on the chance offinding trace of the longboat and its crew. The rest of us started forthe fort, but first a rude litter was constructed on which to carryFlora, who was too weak and bruised to walk so great a distance. 

The captain, Baptiste, and I were not in much better condition, and wewere heartily glad when, after a weary tramp of under three hours, wearrived at Fort York. This was and still is, the main trading-post ofthe Hudson Bay Company. It stood close to the bay and to the mouth ofthe Nelson River. It was larger than the other forts, but in everyrespect like them--a fortified palisade surrounding a huddled cluster ofbuildings, in which live a little colony of men, from the factor and hisassistants down to the Indian employees. 

Captain Rudstone and myself were well known at the fort--we had bothbeen there before--and we received a cordial greeting from old friends. We were soon provided with dry clothes and a stiff glass of liquor, andthen, little the worse for our hardships, we sat down to a plentifulbreakfast. Baptiste had fared worse than either of us. It turned outthat one of his ribs was broken, and he went straight to the hospital. The factor's wife took charge of Flora, and I saw her no more that day. One thing sadly marred our spirits--we had no hope that Hiram Bunker orany of his crew had been saved, and the disaster cast a gloom on all inthe fort. I may add here that the two voyageurs found the bodies of thekind-hearted American skipper and six of his men, and that they wereburied the following day on a low bluff overlooking the scene of theirdeath-struggles. Peace to their ashes!

I slept soundly until late in the afternoon, and when supper was over, and I had visited Baptiste in the hospital, Captain Rudstone and I spenta quiet evening with the factor. Over pipes and brandy we told him thestory of the wreck, and of the circumstances that led to our hurriedflight from Quebec. He agreed that we had acted wisely, and he had someremarks to make to the disadvantage of Cuthbert Mackenzie. 

"He is a revengeful man, " he added, "and he will leave no stone unturnedto settle with you for that night's work. I have no doubt that the theftof Lord Selkirk's despatches was his aim. "

"He did not get them, " the captain laughed. 

"It would have been a most unfortunate thing if he had, " the factorreplied gravely. "One of the letters in the packet was for him and hehad already received it. Lord Selkirk is a shrewd and determined man, and I am glad to know that they understand the danger at the head officein London. My instructions are just what I have wished them to be, and Isuppose the import of all the letters is about the same. "

"Very likely, " assented Captain Rudstone. "I am glad you are pleased. Trouble has been brewing this long time, and the crisis can't be faroff. By the by, have you had news from Quebec later than the date of oursailing?"

"Not a word. The last mail, which brought me some London papers, leftFort Garry at the close of June. "

The factor sighed. He was fond of the life of towns and he had beenburied in the wilderness for ten years!

"Gentlemen, fill your glasses, " he added. "Here's to the prosperity ofthe company!"

"May it continue forever!" supplemented the captain. 

I drank the toast, and then inquired what was the state of the lowercountry. 

"There have been no open hostilities as yet, " the factor replied, "butthere are plenty of rumors--ugly rumors. And that reminds me, Mr. Carew, a half-breed brought me a message from Griffith Hawke two days ago. "

"I rather expected to find him here, " said I, trying to hide myeagerness at the opening of a subject which I had wished to come to. 

"He has abandoned that intention, " the factor stated. "He is afraid toleave at present. The redskins have been impudent in his neighborhood oflate, and he thinks their loyalty has been tampered with by theNorthwest people. He begged me to send you and Miss Hatherton on to FortRoyal at the first opportunity after your arrival, and there happens tobe one open now. "

"How is that?" I asked. 

"My right-hand man, Gummidge--you met him at supper--has beentransferred to Fort Garry, " the factor explained. "He is married, and heand his wife will go by way of the Churchill River and Fort Royal. MrsGummidge will be a companion to Miss Hatherton. They expect to start ina week, so as to cover as much ground as possible before the winter setsin. "

"The sooner the better, " said I. 

"And what about the marriage?" Captain Rudstone inquired carelessly. 

"There will be a priest here--one of the French fathers--in the courseof a month, " said the factor, "and I will send him on to Fort Royal. "

I tried hard to appear unconcerned, for I saw that Captain Rudstone waswatching me keenly. 

"I trust I shall be present for the ceremony, " he remarked. "I go southby that route when I have finished with the business that brought me tothe bay. I have three forts to visit hereabouts first. "

The factor sucked thoughtfully at his pipe. 

"Hawke is a lucky man, " he said. "By gad, I envy him! Miss Hatherton isthe prettiest bit of womanhood I ever clapped eyes on. "

"She is too young for Hawke, " said Captain Rudstone, with a sly glancein my direction. 

"She will make him a good wife, " I replied aggressively. 

"There is another who wishes to marry her, " he answered. 

"What do you mean by that?" I cried. 

"I refer to Cuthbert Mackenzie, " said the captain. 

I gave him an angry look, for I knew he had been purposely drawing meon, and to hide my confusion I drank a glass of brandy and water. Therewas a pause, and then, to my relief, the factor turned the conversationon the prices of furs. 

The next five days passed slowly and uneventfully. Baptiste came out ofhospital, and was pronounced fit for travel. Flora was none the worsefor her exposure and suffering; I saw very little of her, for she livedin the married men's quarters and was looked after by the factor's wifeand Mrs. Gummidge. But when we found ourselves alone together, ashappened several times, her guarded conversation gave me to understandthat the past must be forgotten, and she showed plainly that she wasdeeply grateful to me for not bringing up the subject that was next myheart. And indeed I had no intention of doing so. I realized that thegirl could not be mine, and that what had occurred between us, when webelieved ourselves to be on the edge of the grave--was the more reasonwhy I should remain true to faith and honor. But my love for her wasstronger and deeper-rooted than ever, and I still adhered to myresolution to take myself out of temptation's way at the firstopportunity--to begin a new life in the wilderness or the towns ofLower Canada. I would have evaded the journey with her to Fort Royal hadit been possible to do so. 

Captain Rudstone made no further mention of the girl, and during thetime he remained at the fort we were on the best of terms, though Iobserved that he took no pains to seek my company, and that he oftenlooked at me with the puzzled and uneasy expression which I had notedfrom the first. On the morning of the fourth day he left for a fort somemiles to the eastward, and on the night before an incident happenedwhich I must not forget to mention. 

We were sitting in the factor's room after supper--the captain andI--and he was reading an English paper that had come up with the lastmail. Suddenly he uttered a sharp cry of surprise, and brought histilted chair to the floor with a crash. When I inquired what was thematter he looked at me suspiciously, and made some inaudible reply. Hetossed the paper on the table, gulped down a stiff brandy, and left theroom. 

As he did not return, I ventured to pick the paper up and examine it. Itwas a copy of the London Times, dated a year back. I scanned the page hehad been reading, but could find nothing to account for his agitation. Where his hand had rumpled it was a brief paragraph stating that theEarl of Heathermere, of Heathermere Hall, in Surrey, was dead; that histwo unmarried sons had died during the previous year--one by an accidentwhile hunting; and that the title was now extinct, and the estate inChancery. I read it with momentary interest, and then it passed from mymind. The notice of deaths was close by, and I concluded that itcontained the name of one of the captain's English friends. I rememberedthat he had resided in London for some time. 

Early the next morning Captain Rudstone departed, expressing the hopethat he would see me within a month or six weeks. Two days later--on themorning of the sixth day after the wreck of the Speedwell--I was on myway to Fort Royal. Our party numbered eight, as follows: Jim Gummidgeand his wife, Miss Hatherton and myself, Baptiste, and three trustyvoyageurs. Gummidge was a companionable fellow, and his wife was ahardy, fearless little woman of the woods. 

Our course was to the west, across a seventy-mile stretch of waterway, formed of connecting lakes and streams, that would bring us to theChurchill River, at a point a few miles above Fort Royal--the Churchill, it may be said, empties into Hudson Bay more than a hundred miles to thenorthwest of Fort York. We traveled in one long, narrow canoe, which waslight enough to be portaged without difficulty, and on the evening ofthe second day we were within thirty-five miles of our destination. 

 CHAPTER XII. 

 A WARNING IN WOODCRAFT. 

That night we pitched our camp on a wooded island in a small lake, erecting, as was the usual custom, a couple of lean-tos of bark and firboughs. Gummidge owned the traveling outfit and the factor of Fort Yorkhad provided Baptiste and myself with what we needed in the way ofweapons and ammunition. We were all well armed, for none journeyedotherwise through the wilderness in those days. But at this time, andfrom the part of the country we had to traverse, it seemed a mostunlikely thing that we would run into any peril. However, neitherGummidge nor I were disposed to relax the ordinary precautions, and whenwe retired we set one of the voyageurs to watch. 

This man--Moralle by name--awakened me about two o'clock in the morningby shaking my arm gently, and in a whisper begged me to come outside. Ifollowed him from the lean-to across the island, which was no more thana dozen yards in diameter. The night was very dark, and it wasimpossible to make out the shore, though it was less than a quarter of amile away. A deep silence brooded on land and water. 

"What do you want with me?" I asked sharply. 

"Pardon, sir, " replied Moralle, "but a little while ago, as I stoodhere, I heard a low splash. I crouched down to watch the better, and outyonder on the lake I saw the head and arms of a swimmer. Then a pebblecrunched under my moccasins, and the man turned and made off as quietlyas he came. "

"You have keen eyes, " said I. "Look, the water is black! A fish made asplash, and you imagined the rest. "

"I saw the swimmer, sir, " he persisted doggedly. 

"You saw a moose or a caribou, " I suggested. 

"Would a moose approach the island, " he asked, "with the scent of ourcamp fire blowing to his nostrils?"

This was true, and I could not deny it. 

"Then you would have me believe, " said I, "that some enemy swam out fromthe mainland to spy upon us?"

"It was a man, " the voyageur answered, "and he was swimming this way. "

"I will finish your watch, Moralle, " said I. "Give me your musket, andgo to bed. Be careful not to waken the others. "

He shuffled off without a word, and I was left to my lonely vigil. I haddetected a smell of liquor in Moralle's breath, and I was disposed tobelieve that his story had no more foundation than the splashing of afish. At all events, while I paced the strip of beach for two hours, Isaw or heard nothing alarming. There was now a glimmer of dawn in theeast, so I wakened Baptiste, bidding him without explanation to take myplace, and returned to the lean-to for a half-hour's sleep. 

It was broad daylight when Gummidge roused me. The fire was blazing andthe voyageurs were preparing breakfast. Flora and Mr. Gummidge werekneeling on a flat stone, dipping their faces and hands into the crystalwaters of the lake. The wooded shores rose around us in majesticsolitude, and I scanned them in all directions without discovering anytrace of human occupation. I made no mention of the incident of thenight, attaching no importance to it; nor did Moralle have anything tosay on the subject. 

Sunrise found us embarked and already some distance down the lake. Wewere in the heart of the woods, and the wild beauty of the Great LoneLand cast its mystic spell upon all of us. 

The morning was yet young when we passed from the lake into one of itsmany outlets. This was a narrow stream, navigable at first, but quicklybecoming too shallow and rocky for our further progress. So we left thewater, and there was now a portage of two miles over a level stretch offorest, at the end of which we would strike the Churchill River at apoint twenty miles above Fort Royal. 

We started off rapidly, Baptiste and the three other voyageurs leadingthe way with the canoe on their shoulders. The paddles and a part of theload were inside, and Gummidge and I carried the rest. The women had noburdens, and could easily keep pace with us. 

"Have you passed this way before?" asked Gummidge. 

"Only once, " I replied, "and that was some years ago. "

"The place reminds me of the enchanted forests one reads of in old fairytales, " said Mrs. Gummidge. 

"I wish we were out of it, " exclaimed Flora. "It has a sad anddepressing influence on me. "

Something in her voice made me turn and look at her, and she quicklyaverted her eyes. 

"What's that?" cried Gummidge, an instant later. "Don't you see? Thereit lies, shining. "

I darted past him to the left of the path and at the base of a tree Ipicked up a hunting knife sheathed in a case of tanned buckskin. We allstopped, and Lavigne, one of the voyageurs, left the canoe to hiscomrades and took the weapon from my hand. He examined it with keen andgrave interest. 

"It is just such a knife as the men of the Northwest Company carry, " hedeclared. 

"Yes, you are right, " assented Gummidge; and I agreed with him. 

For a minute or more Lavigne searched the ground in the vicinity, creeping here and there on all-fours. Then he rose to his feet with theair of one who has made an unpleasant discovery. 

"Indians have passed this way within a few hours, " he announced, "and awhite man was with them. They went toward the northwest. "

Gummidge and I were fairly good at woodcraft, but the marks in the grassbaffled us. Yet we did not dream of doubting or questioning Lavigne'sassertion, for he was known to be a skilled and expert tracker. Redskinsand a Northwest man together! It was a combination, in these times ofevil rumor, that boded no good. I remembered Moralle's tale of theswimmer, and I felt a sudden uneasiness. 

"We must be careful, " said Gummidge. "This is a fine neighborhood for anambuscade. "

I glanced at Flora, and by her pale and frightened face I saw she wasthinking of the same thing that was in my own mind. 

"Do you suppose he is near us, Denzil?" she asked, stepping close to myside. 

"Impossible, " I replied. "Cuthbert Mackenzie is hundreds of miles awayin Quebec. Do not be afraid. There is no danger, and the river is notfar off. "

But my assuring words were from the lips only. At heart I felt thatMackenzie was just the sort of man to have followed us to the North--athing he could easily have done by land in this time. Gummidge took asserious a view of the matter, though for different reasons, and heapproved the precautions I suggested. 

So when we started off again, our order of march was reversed andotherwise changed. Gummidge and I went ahead single file, with, ourmuskets ready for immediate use. The women came next, and then thecanoe; we had put the luggage into it, and the voyageurs did not grumbleat the extra load. 

Less than a mile remained to be covered, and I was alert for attack withevery foot of the way. But no Indian yells or musket-shots broke thestillness of the forest, and I was heartily glad when we emerged on thebank of the Churchill. Only twenty miles down stream to Fort Royal! Nofurther thoughts of danger troubled us. Swiftly we embarked, and swungout on the rushing blue tide. 

After the first five miles the scene changed a little. The rivernarrowed, and grew more swift. The hills receded right and left, and astrip of dense forest fringed the banks on either hand. A dull roar inthe distance warned us that we were approaching well-known and dangerousfalls, where it would be necessary to land and make a brief portagethrough the woods. 

Closer and closer we swept, and louder and louder rang the thunder ofthe rapids. The voyageurs began to make in a little toward the leftshore, and just then a musket cracked shrilly from the forest on thatside. Gardapie, who was immediately in front of me, dropped his paddle, and leaped convulsively to his feet He clutched at his bleeding throat, gave a gurgling cry of agony, and pitched head first out of the canoe, nearly upsetting it as he slid off the gunwale. 

 CHAPTER XIII. 

 THE AMBUSCADE. 

The attack was so sudden and unlooked for, and took us at such adisadvantage, that it was a mercy the half of us were not killed by theenemy's first straggling volley. For on the instant that Gardapie felldead into the river two more shots rang out, and then a third and afourth. A bullet whistled by my ear, and another flew so close toBaptiste that he dropped his paddle and threw himself flat, uttering ashrill "_Nom de Dieu!_" The women screamed, and Lavigne cried outwith a curse that he had a ball in his right arm. 

"Redskins!" I yelled. "Down--down for your lives!"

The canoe was luckily of a good depth, and we all crouched low andhugged the bottom. The firing had ceased as abruptly as it opened. Not ashot or a yell disturbed the quiet of the woods on either hand, and butfor poor Gardapie's vacant place, and the splash of blood where he hadbeen kneeling, I might have thought that the whole thing was a hideousdream. We drifted on with the current for a moment, while the roar ofthe falls swelled louder. Our loaded muskets were in our grasp, but wedared not expose our heads above the gunwales. 

I looked back toward the stern, and saw Moralle tying a bandage onLavigne's wounded arm. Gummidge was bareheaded, and he told methat a ball had carried his cap into the river. 

"We're not done with the red devils, " he added. "It's a bad scrape, Carew. I've no doubt the Indians have been won over by the Northwestpeople, and hostilities have already begun. "

On that point I did not agree with him, but I was unwilling to speakwhat was in my mind while Flora was listening. We were between twoperils, and I called out to Moralle for his opinion. 

"If the redskins are in any force it will be impossible to land and makethe portage, " I said. "We are within a quarter of a mile of the rapidsnow. What are the chances of running them safely?"

"I have taken a canoe through them twice, " replied Moralle, "and I coulddo it again. That is, provided I can paddle and look where I am going. Shall I try it, sir?"

"No, not yet; wait a little, " I answered. 

"I don't like this silence, " exclaimed Gummidge. "Why did the redskinsstop firing so suddenly? Mark my word, Carew, there's a piece ofdeviltry brewing. I'm afraid not one of us will--"

I stopped him by a gesture, and spoke a few comforting words to Flora;her face was very white, but beyond that she showed no trace of fear. Then I crept a little past Baptiste, and with the point of my knife Ihurriedly made two small holes below the gunwales of the canoe, one oneach side. I peeped through both in turn, and the curve of the bow gaveme as clear a view ahead as I could have wished. 

What I saw partly explained the meaning of the brief silence--scarcelymore than a minute had elapsed since the musket volley. Here and there, in the leafy woods to right and left I caught a glimpse of dusky, swiftly moving bodies. We were close upon the falls, and but for thenoise of the tumbling waters I could have heard the scurrying feet ofour determined foes. 

"What do you make out?" Gummidge whispered. 

"The Indians are running ahead of us through the forest, " I replied. "They expect that we will try the portage, and then they will have us ina trap. Our only chance is to dash down the rapids. "

"It's a mighty poor one, " murmured Gummidge; and as he spoke I heard anhysterical sob from his wife. 

"We are not going quite straight, " I called to Moralle. "If we keep onthis course we will hit the rocks. A few strokes to the left--"

"I'll manage that, sir, " the plucky voyageur interrupted. 

I glanced over my shoulder, and saw him rise to his knees and begin topaddle. He was not fired on, as I had expected would be the case, soBaptiste and I ventured to lift our heads. As we watched, we held ourmuskets ready for the shoulder. 

The current was bearing us on swiftly. A short distance below, theriver narrowed to a couple of hundred feet, and here stretched theline of half-sunken rocks that marked the beginning of the falls. In thevery center was a break several yards wide, and straight for this thecanoe was now driving. There was no sign of the enemy, and it wasdifficult to realize that such a deadly peril awaited us. 

Bang went a musket, and a puff of bluish smoke curled from the forest onthe left. The ball passed over Moralle's head; he ceased paddling anddropped under cover. Baptiste did the same, but I kept my head up, looking for a chance to return the shot. My attention had just beenattracted by a movement between the trees, when Gummidge cried, hoarsely:

"Keep down, Miss Hatherton! That was a mad thing to do!"

I turned around sharply as Gummidge released his hold of Flora, who, Ijudged, had been exposing herself recklessly. I was startled by herappearance. She looked at me with frightened eyes and parted lips, witha face the hue of ashes. 

"Save me!" she gasped. "I saw him! I saw him!"

"Saw who?" I cried. 

"Cuthbert Mackenzie! I am sure it was he, Denzil!" And she pointed tothe right. 

I looked hard in that direction, scanning the woods right and left. ByHeavens, the girl had not been mistaken. Through a rift in the foliage, nearly opposite the canoe, peered a swarthy, sinister countenance and Irecognized the features of Cuthbert Mackenzie. I took aim at him, butbefore I could fire he was gone. My brain seemed in a whirl. I had foundthe clew--the fiendish clew--to the attack that threatened to cost usour lives. Bent on revenge, Mackenzie had traveled up country tointercept us on the way to the fort--to kill me, and to capture Flora. He had bribed the savages to help him, and he and his ruthless allieshad been in the vicinity of our camp on the previous night. 

Swiftly these things coursed through my mind. I tried to speak to Flora, but my tongue seemed to be held fast. I heard a shot--another andanother. The bullets sang close to my ear. 

"Down--down!" warned Gummidge. 

"Keep low!" shouted Moralle and Lavigne in one breath. 

My brain grew suddenly clear, but I did not heed the friendly advice. Three shots had missed me, and I knew that the canoe was jerking abouttoo much with the current to admit of a sure aim the savages. 

"Paddle on, Moralle!" I cried. "Faster--faster!"

Meanwhile I watched the right hank, hoping to get another chance atCuthbert Mackenzie. Baptiste--brave fellow!--was on the alert with mebut he was scanning the left shore, and a sudden exclamation from himdrew my eyes in the same direction. Ten yards in front, on the edge ofthe timber, a redskin thrust his coppery face from the leaves. I firedas quickly and the savage vanished with a yell of pain. 

We were almost upon the rapids, and half a minute more would see usplunged into the seething, foaming slide of angry waters. To right andleft, where the jagged reef touched the forest, stood three or fourpainted redskins, with muskets to their shoulders. And some distancebelow the falls, where the water broadened and shallowed, I made out thefeather-decked heads of more Indians. This was a dread and significantdiscovery, and I instantly perceived the trap that had been laid for us. 

"Keep under cover!" I shouted at the top of my voice. 

"Be ready to fight when we pass the rapids! The devils are waiting forus below, blocking the way! Don't try to paddle, Moralle. The canoe isheaded straight for the rift in the middle. It's sure death if you showyourself. "

 CHAPTER XIV. 

 AN INDIAN'S GRATITUDE. 

Above the thunder of the falls my warning was heard and understood. Glancing back to make sure, I saw the startled faces of the two women, and the grimly-set countenance of Jim Gummidge. From the stern Morallehalf-rose, looked this way and that, and made two daring strokes withthe paddle. He dropped under cover again just as a volley of musketballs swept close over the canoe. 

"You fool!" I shouted at him. 

"I had to do it, " he yelled back. "We were swinging to the left. It'sall right now. "

"Steady! Here we go!" cried Gummidge. 

I gave Flora a brief look that brought a dash of hot color to her palecheeks, and then I turned quickly to one of my loopholes--Baptiste wasgazing from the other. There was scarcely time to see anything. Like aflash I made out the little knot of painted savages on the reef to theleft, and caught a blur of scarlet and copper from the shallows beyondthe rapids. The next instant the turbulent waters leaped up and hid theview, and we struck the verge of the falls. 

The Indians to right and left of the channel had evidently been postedthere to prevent us from landing, and they did not fire on us as we shotby, but they yelled and screeched like fiends, their comrades belowjoining in, and above the horrid din of voices I heard the roar of thegreat waves that now surrounded us. 

For a few seconds--it could have been no more--we hugged the bottomtightly. Spray and foam dashed over us; the frail craft pitched andtossed, swung round and round; billows and rocks smote the toughenedbirch-bark. Then came a sudden crash, the canoe turned over in thetwinkling of an eye, and out we went into the raging falls, studdedthickly with sunken bowlders and jagged, protruding reefs. 

I was whirled about by the angry waters as though I had been a merechip, sucked deep down, hurled to the surface, and bruised againstrocks. I fought hard for life and held my breath, and when a spar ofmoss-grown bowlder loomed suddenly in front of me, I caught it with botharms and held it fast. 

At the first I was grateful to Heaven for this mercy, and thought ofnothing else. I filled my lungs with air and took a tighter grip of therock. Then a burst of shrill yells and a couple of musket shots, ringingabove the clamor of the rapids, roused me from my semi-stupor. Iremembered that the canoe had capsized, flinging us all to the flood orto the waiting savages. And Flora! What was her fate? The dread that shehad perished sickened my heart. 

I shook the water from my dripping hair and eyes, and looked about me. There was little of cheer or hope in what I saw. I was stuck midway inthe falls, with my face downstream. Many yards below, where the foamingslide of water broadened into choppy waves and swirling shallows, Baptiste was splashing hip-deep for shore. Three redskins were dashingafter him with drawn tomahawks, and I gave the poor fellow up for lost. 

Moralle had been carried through the cordon of savages, and had reachedthe farther bank. There, on the edge of the forest, he was locked limbto limb with a stalwart warrior. The two were down, rolling amid thegrass and gravel, and three Indians were watching for a chance to shootthe voyageur without injuring their comrade. Off to my right, in a deep, whirling eddy formed by a big bowlder, Gummidge was struggling hard tosave himself and his wife; he had the use of but one arm, for the otherwas fastened around the little woman's waist. A short distance beyondthem, Lavigne, in spite of his wounded shoulder, was clinging in thebushy limb of a tree that overhung and dipped to the surface of thestream. 

All this I observed at a sweeping glance--scarcely a moment could haveelapsed since the upsetting of the canoe--and in vain I sought furtherfor trace of Flora. That my companions were in peril of their lives, that death by drowning or the tomahawk must be my own fate--these thingsseemed of slight importance to me at the time. The canoe I discoveredreadily enough. It was wedged broadside to the stream no more than fouryards above me, creaking and bending with the fierce current, its bowand stern jammed against half-submerged pinnacles of rock. 

"Flora--Flora!" I shouted, loud and hoarsely. 

Above the thunder of the waters, above the yelling of the bloodthirstysavages, I fancied I heard an answering cry. Again I called her name. 

Just then I saw two white hands gripping the gunwale of the canoe, andLavigne, who was still clinging to the tree, nodded his head in thatdirection, and shouted something I could not understand. The nextinstant the shattered canoe was torn loose by the rush of the current. It shot toward me, turned over twice, and sank from sight. And closebehind it--she had been clinging to it all the while--my darling roseout of the greenish water. Swiftly she drifted on, the folds of herdress inflated with air, her hands beating feebly, and her white, agonized face staring at mine. 

I saw that she must pass beyond me, at least an arm's length out ofreach. I did not hesitate an instant. Letting go of my precious rock, Istruck out across the current. I swam alongside of the helpless girl, and caught her slender waist tightly. 

Escaping the network of bowlders and reefs as by a miracle, we wereswept down the remainder of the tumbling rapids. At the bottom I found afooting, and with my burden I struggled on, now slipping andfloundering, now breasting the furious current, half-blinded at everystride by the dashing spray that beat in my face. But I was alive to thedanger that awaited below, and I felt that there was no hope for eitherof us. 

"Save me, Denzil! Don't let me die!" Flora murmured faintly in my ear. 

"I will save you, " I cried, "or I will perish with you. "

I had hardly spoken when a voice--an English voice--rang loud and sharpfrom the forest:

"Don't harm the girl! Take her alive!"

I knew that the command came from Cuthbert Mackenzie. He was hidden bythe trees, and I vainly tried to catch a glimpse of him while I foughtmy way through the boiling current. A moment later the stream grewsuddenly calmer and more shallow, and few feet below me, on a reef thatjutted out into the water I saw an Indian standing. The sunlight shoneon his feathered scalp-lock, on his breech-clout and fringed leggings, onhis hideously painted face. With a whoop of triumph he leveled hismusket and pointed it straight at my head. 

I heard the click of the hammer as it was drawn back, and knew that Imust die--shot down like a dog. Life was sweet, and I could have cursedmy bitter fate as I stood there, breast-deep in the water, trying toshelter Flora with my body. She uttered a heart-rending cry, and clungto me tightly. 

"Save the girl, but kill the Englishman!" Mackenzie yelled again fromthe shelter of the forest. 

The savage seemed to hesitate, still keeping his finger on the triggerof his weapon and the muzzle pointed at my head and as I stared at him, and noted the purple scars on his breast, I suddenly recognized himbeneath the war-paint that wrinkled his face. A wild hope flashed to mymind. 

"Gray Moose!" I cried hoarsely. "Is this your gratitude? Don't you knowme?"

The merciless aspect of the savage's countenance softened. With aguttural grunt he leaped forward and gazed at me hard. Then he loweredhis musket and said quickly:

"Pantherfoot!"

"Ay, Pantherfoot, " I replied. "Do I deserve death at your hands?"

"The white man is my brother, " said the Indian. "I knew not that hewould be here, else I would have refused to take the war-path. I havelistened to words of evil. "

"And you will save us all?" I cried. 

For answer, Gray Moose turned to his braves, who were whooping likefiends and firing an occasional shot, and shouted a few words to them inthe native tongue. In a moment more--almost before I could realize mygood fortune, every Indian had melted away into the forest. I heardMackenzie cry out with baffled rage and furiously curse his recreantallies. Then a silence fell, broken only by the dull roar of the falls. 

I waded to the shore, and placed Flora's trembling and half-unconsciousform against a tree. Baptiste quickly joined me; he had escaped from hispursuers, and had seen the whole affair from his hiding-place in thethick timber. Gummidge and his wife were clinging to the bowlders inmidstream, and with some difficulty they joined us. But Lavigne haddisappeared and poor Moralle lay motionless on the opposite bank, apparently dead. Cuthbert Mackenzie's villainy had cost us dear. 

 CHAPTER XV. 

 FORT ROYAL. 

At first, huddled there together on the rocky spit of land, we stared atone another in dazed silence. It had been so sudden a transformationthat we could not comprehend it all at once. A moment before while thehorrid chorus of war-whoops rang in our ears we had each of us beenmarked out for death by tomahawk or bullet. Now our red enemies hadvanished as swiftly and noiselessly as the deer; there was no sound butthe droning chant of the rapids, and the singing of the birds in theforest trees. 

But five of us were left; we had been eight that morning. As I thoughtof the three brave fellows we had lost, I made a vow that sooner orlater I would avenge them. Then I knelt beside Flora, and by comfortingwords sought to banish the look of frozen horror from her lovely face. Mrs. Gummidge had fainted, and her husband was dashing water on hertemples. Baptiste was wringing his dripping clothes and bemoaning theloss of his prized musket. We were all drenched to the skin, and itbehooved us to mend our sad plight as quickly as possible. 

"Our lives are safe Gummidge, " I said, rising, "and that is something tobe thankful for. We must have a fire to dry our clothes, and then wewill be off on foot for the fort. The canoe is at the bottom, andcrushed beyond repair. "

"But why did those red varmints spare us?" Gummidge cried hoarsely. "They melted away like chaff. What does it mean, Carew?"

"The leader of the Indians was Gray Moose, " I replied. "I saved him froma grizzly last winter, and this was his way of paying the debt. Themoment he recognized me he called off his braves. "

"Then they were not on the war-path against the company? There was awhite man with them. "

"I know that, " I answered, "and it was he who hired the savages. "

I briefly explained my view of the situation to Gummidge, who was awareof all that had happened in Quebec. 

"It is a clear case, " I concluded, "and the motive was revenge and thecapture of Miss Hatherton. Mackenzie chose this spot so that he coulddrive us over the falls. No doubt he intended to kill all of us but thegirl. "

By this time Mrs. Gummidge was sitting up, and the color was returningto her cheeks. Baptiste set to work with flint and steel to light afire, and meanwhile Gummidge and I waded through the shallows to theopposite side of the stream. To our surprise, we found Moralle lyingunconscious, but breathing. He had two ugly tomahawk wounds on the headand shoulder, but I judged that he had a fighting chance for life. Gardapie had gone to the bottom above the falls, and doubtless Lavigne'sbody had been sucked into one of the deep holes below, for wecould find no trace of it. 

We called Baptiste over, and he helped to carry poor Moralle back. Weput him down by the fire, which was blazing cheerily, and Gummidgestarted to dress his wounds. Flora was standing alongside the flames. She was shivering with cold, and her face looked blue and pinched. Imade her swallow some brandy--I had a flask in my pocket--and the fieryliquor warmed her at once. 

"Denzil, was Cuthbert Mackenzie with the Indians?" she asked. 

"Yes, " I admitted. 

"We have not seen the last of him!" she cried. "He will come back. "

"I only wish he would, " I replied. "But don't be alarmed. You are quitesafe. We shall soon be at the fort. "

"The fort!" she murmured. "Then we are near it?"

"Very near, " said I. "It will be a couple of hours' tramp, and then--"

I was interrupted by a shout from Gummidge and Baptiste. Hearty cheersanswered them, and when I looked around I saw four men, with a big canoeon their shoulders, coming up the shore at a trot. And the foremost ofthem was the factor of Fort Royal. 

Flora divined the truth instantly, and all her self-control could notprevent an agitated heaving of her bosom and a sudden pallor of thecheeks. 

"Oh, Denzil, is it--" she began. 

"Yes; it is Griffith Hawke, " I broke in savagely. 

"Be brave!" she whispered. "Our paths lie apart--do not make it harderfor me. "

Our eyes met in a look that spoke volumes, and then there was a suddenuproar as the factor and his companions joined our party. I heard myname called and soon Griffith Hawke's hand was locked in mine and he waspouring out a torrent of eager words. 

"And is this Miss Hatherton, my boy?" he asked suddenly. 

I introduced him briefly and he made her a low and respectful bow. Whathe said to Flora or how she greeted him I do not know. But as I turnedon my heel I stole a glance at the girl and I saw that she wasstruggling hard to keep her composure. The sun was shining brightly butthe world looked dark and black to my eyes. 

As soon as the excitement of the meeting was over Gummidge and I gavethe factor a coherent story of our adventures; and the narrative broughta grave and troubled expression to his face. 

"I will speak of these matters later, " he said. "The first thing is toget back to the fort. The wounded voyageur needs immediate attention. Mycanoe is a large one and will hold us all. "

"But where were you bound?" I asked. "To Fort York? You sent word thatyou were not coming. "

"Yes; but affairs grew more quiet, " Hawke replied, "and I concluded thatI could be spared for a week or two. I was on my way to meet you, Denzil, and it is fortunate that we did not miss each other. "

A few moments later we were all tucked into the canoe. Moralle was stillunconscious, and the paddles of the voyageurs swept us down the foamingcurrent of the Churchill River. It was shortly after noon when onturning a bend we saw below us the towers and palisades, the waving flagof the Hudson Bay Company's post of Fort Royal. Since I had last seen itmonths before what a change had come into my life! It was a sad andbitter home-coming for me. 

So our journey through the wilderness ended and now there was a lullbefore the threatened storm broke in all its fury--before the curtainrose on new scenes of excitement and adventure. I will pass briefly onto the things that followed soon after our arrival at the fort, theevents that far surpassed in tragedy and bloodshed, in sorrow andsuffering, all that had happened previously; but first I must give thereader a peep at a northern Hudson Bay Company's post as it was in thoseremote days--as it exists at the present time with but few changes. 

Fort Royal was a fair type of them all though it was much smaller thansome. It was built mostly of heavy timbers and stood in a littleclearing close to the river. The stockade was about six feet high, andhad two corner towers for lookout purposes. Inside, arranged like theletter L, were the various buildings--the factor's house, those of thelaborers, mechanics, hunters and other employees; a log hut for theclerks; the storehouses where were kept the furs, skins and pelts, andthe Indian trading house where the bartering was done. Some smallerbuildings--the icehouse, the powder house and a sort of stable for thecanoes--completed the number. 

Nearly every man had a little bedroom meagerly furnished with picturesfrom old illustrated papers adorning the walls. The living room wherethey sat at night or on off days, yarning, smoking, and drinking, was agreat hall. A big table in the center was strewn with pipes and tobacco, books and writing materials; on the walls hung muskets and fishingtackle. All the houses had double doors and windows; and in the wintertremendous stoves were kept burning. The food varied according to theseason, ranging from pemmican and moose-muffle--which is the nose of themoose--to venison and beaver, many kinds of fowl, and fresh and saltedfish. 

A word as to the Indian trading house. It was divided into two rooms, the inner and larger one containing the stores--blankets, scalpingknives, flints, twine, beads, needles, guns, powder and shot and otherthings too numerous to mention. To the outer room the Indians enteredand through a square iron-barred hole they passed their furs and pelts, receiving in exchange little wooden castors, with which they purchasedwhatever they wanted. 

Fort Royal, as I have said, was not so large as some. It held at thistime about forty men, all trusty, good-hearted fellows. It was regardedas an impregnable post; but little did any of us dream how soon our flagwould be lowered amid scenes of flame and shot, of carnage and panic. 

 CHAPTER XVI. 

 A RESOLVE THAT FAILED. 

Two things were clear to my mind--first, that Flora was lost to me, andthat honor forbade me to speak one word of love to her again; second, that I could not remain permanently under the same roof with her, whether she was married or single. The latter was a delicate anddifficult affair, and I had some misgivings as to how it could bearranged; but, fortunately, chance came to my aid, as I shall show. 

The factor's house was shared by several other non-commissionedofficers of the company, one of whom was married. The single spareroom was assigned to Mr. And Mrs. Gummidge. I saw my opportunity, andeagerly volunteered to give my own apartment to Flora, whose properplace was with the women. The matter was easily arranged, and within twohours of our arrival at the fort I was installed in a little room in themen's quarters. 

I was sitting there after supper, gloomily smoking my pipe, when Ireceived a visit from Griffith Hawke. The sight of his rugged, kindlyface gave me a keen twinge of conscience. He had been like a father tome in the past, and I hated to think how nearly I had done him a foulinjury. 

"All going well?" I asked. 

"Within the fort, yes, " he replied gravely, as he sat down. "MissHatherton is quite recovered, and has an appetite. She seems to be abrave and spirited girl. "

"She is, " I assented. "You knew they were sending her, I suppose?"

"Yes, Lord Selkirk forwarded me a little water color sketch of hermonths ago. I am afraid there is a considerable disparity in our ages, but that can be overcome. I shall make her a good husband, and a steadyone--eh, Denzil?"

With a forced smile, I pretended to appreciate the jest. 

"How is Moralle?" I asked abruptly. 

"He is a very sick man, " said the factor; "but it is not a hopelesscase. With care, he may recover. But I came to have a serious talk withyou, my boy. First of all, tell me everything that happened from thetime you met Miss Hatherton in Quebec until I ran across you up theriver this morning. I have heard only fragments of the narrative. "

I did as he requested, and he hung on my words with close attention andwith a deepening look of anxiety in his eyes. When I had finished, heasked me numerous questions, and then pondered silently for a fewmoments. 

Finally he leaned forward and began to fill his pipe. By this time mymind had strayed from the subject, and on a sudden impulse I plungedinto the thing that I was so anxious to have done and over with. 

I grew confused from the start--a lie was so foreign to my nature--and Ifear I made rather a mess of it. What words I used I cannot recall, butI incoherently told the factor that I wished to leave the fort at onceand go down country, pleading as an excuse that I was tired of thelonely life of the wilderness and had taken a fancy to carve a futurefor myself among the towns. 

By the expression of his face I was certain that he suspected the truth, and I could have bitten my tongue off with chagrin and shame. He lookedat me hard. 

"You would leave the service of the company?" he asked. "And with yourfine chances!"

"I might be transferred--Fort Garry would suit me nicely, " I blundered, quite forgetting what I had said previously. 

"This is not the time to make such a demand, " Griffith Hawke replied, not unkindly. "I want you here. There will be trouble in the Northbefore many days. "

"I am very anxious to go, " I persisted doggedly. 

"I can't spare you, " he said sharply. "Let that end the discussion forthe present. In the spring if you are of the same mind--"

"I will wait until then, " I broke in. 

I saw that all was against me, and that there was nothing to do but makethe best of it. 

"I can hardly believe, " continued the factor, "that Cuthbert Mackenziewould have undertaken so desperate an affair, or that the Indians wouldhave taken service under him, unless both he and they knew that they hadthe Northwest Company back of them. I am of the opinion that theredskins have been bought over--that hostilities are about to begin. What do you think?"

"I am inclined to agree with you, " I replied. 

"My duty is plain, " said Griffith Hawke. "I have already despatched afull report of the matter by messenger to Fort York. To-morrow I shallsend a dozen men out to scour the country to the east, west and south. They are not likely to find Mackenzie--he is doubtless safe in one ofthe Northwest Company's posts by this time--but they may run across someof Gray Moose's braves, and ascertain from them what is brewing. "

"I hope they may, " said I. 

"There is a chance of it, " replied the factor. "Will you take charge ofthe expedition, Denzil?"

I had been waiting craftily for this offer, which meant a prolongedabsence from the fort. Nothing could have suited me better--short oftransference to another post--and I accepted without hesitation. Wetalked the matter over together until it was time to turn in for thenight. 

I was off two hours after sunrise the next day, in command of twelve ofour best men. I did not see Flora before I started, nor did I wish to. And I fervently hoped, as we plunged into the forest and lost sight ofthe fort that the priest would have arrived and the marriage be overbefore I returned. 

I do not intend to write at length of the expedition, and indeed butlittle could be said of it. We scoured the wilderness in threedirections, but we found no trace of Cuthbert Mackenzie or of his hiredband of savages. They had melted away mysteriously, and the emptyfastnesses of the Great Lone Land told us nothing of what we sought tolearn. The Indians of those parts we met in abundance, but they werepeacefully engaged in trapping, and denied that any overtures had beenmade to them by the Northwest Company. 

We were gone a fortnight, and covered some hundreds of miles. Meanwhilethe winter had set in, and we returned on snowshoes. The weather wasbitterly cold, the streams and lakes were frozen, and the snow lay twofeet deep. Away from the fort I had been in better spirits. When Ientered the stockade again, and realized that I was near Flora my heartbegan to ache as before. 

I was soon informed of what had taken place during my absence. Gummidgeand his wife had departed for Fort Garry a week previously. Moralle wasout of danger, and was mending slowly. The messenger was back from FortYork, bringing news that Captain Rudstone had not yet returned there--aswas his intention before coming south--and that matters were quiet. Moreover the priest had not yet arrived at Fort Royal, and there hadbeen no marriage. Flora was still single, and likely to remain so for atime. 

A week slipped by rapidly. The winter raged in all its severity, andthere was a steady influx of Indians laden with furs and pelts. I hadmuch to do, and was kept busy. I did not return to the factor's house, as I might have done, but stuck to my new quarters. I saw Floraoccasionally, but at a distance. By mutual consent we seemed to avoideach other. 

Then a memorable day dawned--a day fraught with a series of events thatstamped themselves indelibly on my memory. 

 CHAPTER XVII. 

 A STRANGE WARNING. 

I had been up late the night before, going over some tedious accountswith the clerks, and it was by no means an early hour when I opened myeyes and tumbled out of bed. It was a clear morning, but bitterly cold. I hurriedly drew on my thick clothing, and was about to leave the room, when I caught sight of an object sticking under the bottom crevice ofthe door which opened on the fort yard. 

I picked it up, and looked at it with interest and curiosity, notunmixed with a vague alarm. What I held in my hand was a flat strip ofbirch bark about six inches square, containing some rudely-paintedscrawls, which I at first took to be hieroglyphics, but which quicklyresolved themselves into the uncouth figures of two men. The one wasclearly a white man, wearing on his head what was evidently intended torepresent the odd-shaped cap of the Northwest Company. The other was anIndian in leggings, blanket and feathers. 

Here was a puzzle, indeed, and I could make nothing out of it. I wassatisfied, however, that it was meant to warn me--to indicate somedanger that threatened myself or the fort. 

"It is a mysterious affair altogether, " I reflected. "I can't fathom it. Gray Moose may be the sender, but how did he get the bark under my door?Ah, perhaps he conveyed it by some of the Indians who came to trade;they must have been admitted to the inclosure an hour ago. "

But this explanation was not plausible enough. After some furtherthought, I concluded that the warning came from some of the Indianemployees within the fort, who had learned from their own people of somethreatening danger, and had chosen this means of communicating it. Then, looking more closely at the bark, I discovered in the background a fewrude lines that had escaped my notice before. They were unmistakablyintended for the barred window of the trading room, and of a sudden thesolution to the problem flashed upon me. 

"I was right in the first place, " I muttered. "This is the handiwork ofGray Moose, after all. And now, to make sure, I'll set about it quietly, and won't say anything to the factor until my suspicions are confirmed. "

I hastened from my quarters, forgetting that I had not yet breakfasted. I was so intent on my task that I did not even glance toward the upperwindows of the factor's house, where I usually caught a glimpse ofFlora's pretty face at this hour. The birch bark I had tucked out ofsight in my pocket. 

The gates of the stockade were wide open, and within the inclosure anumber of Indians--a dozen or more--were standing in groups aroundsledges packed with furs waiting their turn to be served. They had lefttheir muskets outside, as was the rule when they came to trade. Iglanced keenly at them from a distance, and passed on to the tradinghouse, entering by the private door in the rear. 

Here, looking from the storeroom into the common room beyond, the scenewas a noisy and brilliant one. Half a score of gayly-attired savageswere talking in guttural tones, gesticulating, and pointing, demandingthis and that. 

Griffith Hawke greeted me with a nod. He and two assistants were busilyengaged at the barred window of the partition, receiving and countingbales of skins, passing out little wooden castors, and taking them inagain in exchange for powder and shot, tobacco and beads, and variousother commodities. 

For a few moments I watched the scene sharply, though with an assumedair of indifference. I was satisfied that no Sioux were present. Theywere all wood Indians--as distinguished from the fiercer tribe of theplains--but they were in stronger numbers than was customary at thistime of the year. 

What I was seeking I did not find here. I scanned each face in turn, butall present in the outer room were unmistakably redskins. 

"You are doing a lively business this morning, " I remarked to thefactor. 

"Yes; I am having quite a run, " he replied. "I can't exactly account forit. " In a lower tone he added: "Every man of them is purchasing powderand shot, Denzil. "

This seemed a partial confirmation of my suspicions. 

"It's queer, to say the least, " I answered. "I wouldn't sell them much. Tell them you're running short. "

"They won't believe that, " said Griffith Hawke. 

"Stay and lend me a hand, Denzil, if you've nothing else to do. "

"I'll come back in a moment, " I replied. "I've got a little matter toattend to. I may want you to help me. If I shout for you, close thegrating and run out. "

Griffith Hawke's eyes dilated, and in a tone of astonishment he demandedto know what I meant. But I did not wait to answer him. I slippedunheeding out of the trading house, turned the corner and almost raninto a big savage who was coming from the rear of the inclosure--a placein which he had no business to be. 

He was apparently an Assiniboin brave, decked out in cariboo robe andblanket, fringed leggings, and beaded moccasins. But his cheek boneswere not prominent enough for an Indian, and when he saw me a ruddycolor flashed through the sickly copper of his skin and a menacing lookshone in his eyes. 

And I, at the first glimpse, knew that the fellow was no more of aredskin than myself. I had rightly interpreted the bit of birch bark, which meant that a white man--a spy of the Northwest Company--would befound within the fort disguised as an Indian. I was convinced that theobject of my search stood before me, and I even had a lurking suspicionthat the rogue was none other than Cuthbert. Mackenzie, though he wastoo cleverly disguised for me to feel certain of that fact. 

All this passed through my mind in much less time than it takes to tell. I was on the alert, and let slip no sign that might betray my quest. Andno sooner had our eyes met than the Indian's agitation vanished, and helooked at me with a proud and stolid expression. 

"What are you doing here?" I demanded roughly. "This is not the way tothe trading house. You have no business in this part of the fort. "

The brave's only reply was a guttural "Ugh!" Folding his blanket closerabout him, he began to stride off. This did not suit my purpose. 

"Stop!" I cried. "I want to know what you were doing here. "

"Indian mean no harm, " he replied. "Heap nice fort--white man build manyhouses. "

The moment he spoke the last ray of doubt fled from my mind, for to mytrained ear the fellow's voice and accent were but feeble imitations ofwhat they ought to be, and I fancied I could detect a little trick ofmannerism I had observed in Cuthbert Mackenzie. It was time for me toshow the iron hand, and I did not hesitate a second. 

"You may be telling the truth, " I said, "but you must give an account ofyourself to the factor. Don't make any disturbance. Come along with mequietly or--" I finished the sentence by displaying a pistol which I haddexterously slipped from my belt. 

I had expected some resistance, and was prepared for it. The Indian'seyes gleamed with anger, and from under his blanket he whipped out aknife. As quickly struck the weapon from his hand and grappled with him. He gave a shrill cry, and I followed it with a loud shout for help. 

What happened next, though it proved to my discomfiture, was as neat andswift a thing as I have ever seen done. From the front of the tradinghouse, and from the inside of the building the Indians came dashing in abody. They made no use of any weapons, but by sheer muscular force theywrested my captive from me and beat me cruelly on the head. 

The thing was over before a man could come to my assistance, thoughplenty were within sight and hearing. Rising dizzily to my feet--I hadbeen knocked down and trampled upon--I saw the daring band of savagesswarming toward the open gates, taking with them the disguised spy, their sledges of furs, and the powder and shot they had just purchased. 

"Help--help!" I shouted, running in pursuit. "Stop them! Don't let themget away!" With shrill cries, the redskins pushed on, and the singlesentry at the gates deserted his post and fled. I heard an outcry behindme, and turning I saw that the factor and half a dozen others had comeup. Griffith Hawke was the only armed man among them. 

"What is the trouble?" he demanded. 

"A spy!" I shouted incoherently. "A Northwest man in the fort, disguisedas an Indian! I am certain it was Mackenzie! They tore him fromme--don't let them get him away!"

"Stop, you rascals!" the factor yelled loudly. "We must have that man!"

No attention was paid to the command, and lifting his musket, he pointedit at the squirming mass of savages in the gateway. There was a suddenflash, a stunning report, and one of the rearmost Indians dropped. 

"My God! what have I done?" cried Griffith Hawke, his face turning pale. "It was an accident--my finger slipped. Don't fire, men!"

The dead or wounded Indian had already been picked up by his comrades, and only a crimson stain was left on the snow to mark where he hadfallen. The next instant the whole band were outside the stockadeyelling like fiends, and with a crash some of our men flung the biggates to and barred them. A couple ran to the loopholes and peered out. 

"The varmints are in retreat, " cried one--"making for the woods on thenorth. "

"And it's a dead body they're carrying with them, sure enough, " shoutedthe other. 

By this time the fort was in a tumult, and a crowd surrounded the factorand myself, clamoring to know the cause of the disturbance. So soon asGriffith Hawke could quiet them a little, I told all that I knew, andproduced the strip of birch bark. It was passed about from hand to hand. 

"You read the message right--I know something of Indian characterwriting, " said the factor. "Doubtless Gray Moose sent it. A NorthwestCompany's man in the fort as a spy! It is a thousand pities he got away!But are you certain, Denzil, that he was a white man?"

"I am sure of it, " I replied, "and the fact that the Indians rescued himso promptly--"

"Yes; that proves the existence of some sort of a conspiracy, " thefactor interrupted. "But do you know that the spy was CuthbertMackenzie?"

"I could not swear to it, " I admitted, "but I am pretty well satisfiedin my own mind. "

Some of the men were for sallying out to pursue and capture the Indians, but Griffith Hawke prudently refused to permit this. 

"Let well enough alone, " he said. "A large force of savages may belurking in the forest, and there will be trouble soon enough as it is. Iregret the unfortunate accident by which I shot one of the Indians, forit will inflame them all the more against us. It is certain, I fear, that they have been won over by the Northwest people, and that theymeditated an early attack on the fort. Thank God, that we got wind of itin time! Come what may, we can hold out against attack and siege! And atthe earliest opportunity we must send word to the south and to FortYork. "

There were sober faces and anxious hearts behind the stockade that day, for there could be no longer any doubt that the long-threatenedstorm--the struggle for supremacy between the rival fur companies--wasabout to break. Nay, for aught any of us knew, open strife might alreadybe waging in the south, or up on the shores of Hudson Bay; a lonely andisolated post was ours on the Churchill River. 

We held a consultation, and decided to omit no precautionary measures. Our store of weapons was overhauled, the howitzers were loaded, thegates and the stockade were strengthened, and men were posted on watch. 

The day wore on quietly, and no sign of Indians was reported. I sawnothing of Flora, but I thought of her constantly, and feared she mustbe in much distress of mind. I confess, to my shame, that it caused mesome elation to reflect that the marriage was now likely to beindefinitely postponed, but there I erred, as I was soon to learn. 

At about four o'clock of the afternoon, when darkness was coming on, Iwas smoking a pipe in the men's quarters. Hearing shouts and a suddencommotion, I ran out in haste, thinking the Indians were approaching;but to my surprise, the sentries were unbarring the gates, and no soonerhad they opened them than in came a couple of voyageurs, followed by twoteams of dogs and a pair of sledges. The two occupants of the latter, inspite of the muffling of furs, I recognized at once. The one was my oldQuebec acquaintance, Mr. Christopher Burley, the London law clerk; theother, to my ill-concealed dismay, was an elderly priest whom I hadoften seen at Fort York. 

 CHAPTER XVIII. 

 A STOLEN INTERVIEW. 

The news of so unexpected an event spread quickly through the fort, andby the time the gates had been closed and barred again, men werehurrying forward from all sides. They surrounded the travelers, greetingthem eagerly, and plying them and their guides with rapid questions. 

I held aloof, for I was in too bitter a mood to trust myself to speech. The reasons that had brought the London law clerk to Fort Royal--a journeyof hundreds of miles through the wilderness--gave me no concern; but Iknew what Father Cleary's visit meant, and what would follow speedily onhis arrival. Surely, I reflected, there could be no man living morewretched than myself. I thought I had become resigned to the loss ofFlora, but now I knew that it was a delusion. I could not contemplateher approaching marriage without grief and heartburning--without a maddesire to dare the worst and claim the girl as my own. 

The dogs and sledges were going to the stable, and the travelers, stillhemmed in by a crowd, were moving toward the factor's house. GriffithHawke caught sight of me, and made a gesture; but I pretended not to seehim, and turning on my heel, I strode away to a far corner of the yard. 

An hour of solitude put me in a calmer frame of mind--outwardly, atleast. The supper horn drew me to quarters. I had little appetite, but Imade a pretense of eating, and tried to answer cheerfully the remarksthat my comrades addressed to me. 

By listening I learned much of interest. The men kept up a ceaselesschatter and discussion, and the sole topic of conversation was thearrival of Christopher Burley and the priest. The travelers, itappeared, had come together from Fort York--where all was quiet at thetime of their departure--and by the same roundabout road our party hadtraversed some days before. Strange to say they had encountered noIndians, either on the way or when near the fort, and for this the menhad two explanations. A part asserted that the redskins had moved off inthe direction of Fort York, while others were of the opinion that theyhad purposely let the travelers enter unmolested in order to deceive ourgarrison. 

The discussion waxed so hot that no reference was made to the motive ofthe priest's visit, for which I was heartily thankful. I was anxious toget away from the noise and the light, and as soon as I had finished mysupper I rose. Just then Andrew Menzies, a non-commissioned officer ofthe company, entered the room. 

"Carew!" he called out; "the factor wants to see you when you can sparethe time. "

"All right; I'll go over to the house presently, " and lighting my pipe, I sauntered out of the quarters. 

Why the factor wanted me I could not readily conceive, unless it was forsome detail connected with his marriage. There were several things thatI wished to turn over in my mind before presenting myself to GriffithHawke, where I would be likely to meet Flora. 

A sound of low voices at the gates, and the rattle of a bolt, drew mefirst in that direction. A little group of men were standing at theloopholes, peering out. 

"What's up, comrades?" I inquired in a whisper. 

"Ah, it's you, Denzil?" replied one looking around. "Didn't you know?Vallee and Maignon, the voyageurs who came in a bit ago have juststarted back to Fort York on snowshoes, taking a letter from the factorin regard to the row here this morning. "

"They will go as they came, " added another, "and I believe they will getthrough all right. They are out on the river by this time, and theywould scarcely have been permitted to pass yonder timber had any Indiansbeen on the watch. "

"I agree with you, " said I. "Let us hope that the brave fellows willmeet with no mishap. "

I lingered for a moment, but the quiet of the night remained unbroken. Then I turned back across the yard, taking care that none observed me, and made my way to a small grove of fir trees that lay in the rear ofthe trading house and some distance to the right of the factor'sresidence. In the heart of the copse was a rude wooden bench, built someyears before by the factor's orders. I made my way to it over the frozensnow crust, and sat down to meditate and smoke. 

I had no more than settled myself when I heard the light, crunchingpatter of feet. The sounds came nearer, and of a sudden, by the dim glowof the moon, I saw the figure of a woman within six feet of me. It wasFlora Hatherton. She was bareheaded, and a long cloak was thrown overher shoulders. As she advanced, her hands clasped in front of her, astifled sob broke from her lips. 

I had been on the point of retreating, but the girl's distress alteredmy mind. By an irresistible impulse I rose and stood before her. 

"Flora!" I exclaimed. 

She shrank back with a smothered scream. 

"Hush! do not be alarmed!" I added. "Surely you know me?"

"Denzil!" she whispered. "Oh, what a fright you gave me!"

"Why are you here?" I asked. 

"The house was so warm--they have the stove red hot, " she stammeredconfusedly. "I slipped out for a breath of fresh air. And you?"

"I came for the same purpose, " said I. "This is a favorite spot of mine. But you have been weeping Flora. "

"No--oh, no, " she answered, in a tone that belied her words. "You aremistaken, Denzil. I--came here to think. "

"Of what?"

"Of my wedding day, " she replied half-defiantly. "Surely you know thatthe priest has arrived. I am to be married to-morrow morning. "

"To-morrow morning!" I gasped. 

"Yes, unless the world ends before then. Oh, Denzil, I have such wickedthoughts to-night! It is in my heart to wish that the Indians would takethe fort--that something would happen before to-morrow. "

"Nothing will happen, " I said bitterly. "The fort can stand a siege ofdays and months. So you are determined to wed Griffith Hawke--to forgetwhat we have been to each other in the past?"

"Denzil, you have no right, " she said sadly. 

The words stung me, and I suddenly realized the depths of shame to whichI had sunk. She saw her advantage, and pressed it. 

"I have lingered too long, " she said. "I fear I shall be missed. This isour last meeting. Farewell, Denzil!"

"Farewell!" I answered bitterly. 

She held out her hand, and I pressed it to my lips. It was like marble. Then she turned and glided away, and I heard her light footstepsreceding among the trees. 

The next instant I regretted that I had yielded and let her go. Thethought that I might never see her again maddened me. Without realizingthe recklessness and folly of it, I started in pursuit, calling her namein a hoarse whisper. 

But I was too late, swiftly as I moved. I reached the edge of the treesin time to see a flash of light as the rear door of the factor's houseopened and closed. 

I stood for a moment in the moonlight and solitude and then somethinghappened that cooled my fevered brain and put Flora out of my thoughts. Loud on the frosty night rang the report of a gun; two more followed inquick succession. From the nearest watch-tower the sentries shouted asonorous alarm, and their voices were drowned by a shrill and moredistant burst of Indian yells. 

 CHAPTER XIX. 

 ANOTHER VISITOR. 

That the redskins were making an attack in force on the stockade was myfirst and immediate conclusion, but it gave me no great uneasiness sinceI knew how stoutly we were protected. On second thoughts, however, Iobserved that the shots and yells--which were keeping up lustily--camefrom a considerable distance, and I began to suspect that something elsewas in the wind. 

Meanwhile, I had not been standing idle. As soon as I heard the alarm Iran like a deer across the yard. It was the work of an instant to dashinto the quarters and seize my musket. Then I sped on, with a greatclamor rising from every part of the fort and armed men hastening rightand left of me. 

When I reached the gates, where a little group was assembled, no morethan a minute could have elapsed since the outbreak. I passed on to thenearest watch tower--it was near by--and darted up the ladder which ledto the second floor. Here there were good-sized loopholes commanding aview of the north and east fronts of the stockade. Half a dozen men werewatching from them, and above their excited voices I heard the crack ofmuskets and the whooping chorus of savages. 

"What's going on?" I demanded. "They are not attacking the fort?"

"No, not that, Carew, " cried one. "The redskins are chasing some poordevils who were bound here. Ah, they have turned on them! Pluckyfellows!"

"Will you stand here, sir? Look yonder--quick!"

It was the voice of Baptiste, who was at one of the loopholes. He maderoom for me, and I peered eagerly out. The view was straight to thenorth, and what I saw turned my blood hot with anger. 

Less than a quarter of a mile away, where the white, moonlit clearingended at a narrow forest road running parallel with the river, thesorely-harassed little group was in plain sight--a sledge, a team ofdogs, and three men kneeling on the snow. They were exchanging shotswith a mass of Indians, who were dancing about on the verge of thetimber, and were for the moment being held at bay. I could see the redflashes, and the wreaths of gray smoke against the dark green of thetrees. 

"They had better make a dash for it, " exclaimed Baptiste. 

"Now is their chance. "

"We are all cowards, " I cried indignantly. "A party could have dashed outto the rescue by this time. "

"Just my opinion, Carew, " said a man named Walker. "But who was to givethe orders? They must come from the factor. He's down at the gates now, and plenty with him. "

"Then I'll get his permission to go out, " I cried hotly. "Will youvolunteer, men?"

But as I spoke--I had not taken my eyes from the loophole--the situationsuddenly took a different turn. The Indians yelled with triumph, and Isaw one of the three white men toss up his arms and fall over. At thathis companions wheeled about, the one leaping upon the sledge, while theother ran toward the dog leader of the team. 

"Only two left!" I shouted. "They are coming! Now for a lively race! Godhelp them to reach the fort!"

"By Heavens, sir! they'll get in if they are quick!" cried Walker, whowas on the other side of the tower. "Hawke knows what to do; he isopening the gates! The men are loading their muskets! They are bringingup the howitzer. "

His last sentence I scarcely heard, for I had already left the loopholeand was scrambling down the ladder. The next instant I was at the doublegates, one of which had been unbarred and thrown wide open. A dozen menwere lined up on each side of the entrance, among them Menzies and thefactor. 

"Stand back, " Griffith Hawke shouted at me. "Keep the way clear!"

But I edged up to the front, where my view was uninterrupted. How myheart leaped to see the sledge gliding over the snow, the man inside andthe one on snowshoes shouting at the plucky, galloping dogs! But theystill had one hundred and fifty yards to come, not far behind them, whooping and yelling, firing musket and hurling tomahawks, were at leasttwo score of redskins--the most of them on snowshoes. Crack, crack, crack! They seemed to be aiming poorly, for the sledge swept on, dogsand men uninjured. 

"Be ready!" cried the factor: "make room there! The moment the sledgedashes in let the red devils have a volley--muskets and howitzer!"

What happened next, though it was all over in the fraction of a minute, was intensely exciting and tragic. The tower being high up, the menposted there were now opening fire; lusty cheers rose as we saw a coupleof Indians go down in the snow. 

Bang, bang! a hit this time. The man on snowshoes staggered, reeled, fell over. His comrade turned and shot as the sledge swept on--more thanthat he could not do. Whether the poor fellow was dead or living wenever knew; but nothing mattered the next instant, for the foremostsavages reached the spot, and there was the quick gleam of a descendingtomahawk. 

Fifty yards now to the stockade! In spite of the fire from the tower, the Indians bore on. They let drive another straggling volley, and witha convulsive spring in air, the leading dog of the team dropped dead. Ina trice the rest of the dogs, pulled up abruptly, were in a hopelesstangle. The sledge dashed into them, grated sidewise, and tipped over, sending its occupant sprawling on the snow. 

I gave the poor fellow up for lost, but his pluck and wits were equal tothe emergency. He sprang to his feet, and without looking behind him orstopping to pick up his musket, he struck out for the fort. On he sped, running in a zigzag course, while the now halted Indians blazed away athim, and our men cheered and shouted. 

"Watch sharp!" cried Griffith Hawke. 

As he spoke the fugitive swerved a little, and ten strides brought himto the gates. He rushed safely past me, and staggered into theinclosure. 

Already the baffled redskins had scattered in flight, but they were notto get off so easily. From the marksmen in the watch-tower and at thestockade loopholes, from as many of our eager men as could line upoutside the gates, a hot and deadly fire was poured. A way was clearedfor the howitzer, and the roar that burst from its iron throat woke ahundred forest echoes. 

A great cloud of bluish smoke hid the scene for a moment, and when itdrifted and rolled upward, our short-lived opportunity was gone. Withalmost incredible speed the savages had melted away, and were safe inthe shelter of the adjacent timber. They had taken some of their deadand wounded with them, as well as the dogs and sledge; but six or sevenbodies lay sprinkled darkly here and there on the snow crust. 

Nor were the casualties all on one side, as we now had time to observe. The last volley delivered by the Indians had killed one of our party andwounded two more. The men were for sallying out against the foe, butGriffith Hawke would have none of it. 

"The devils are in ambush, " he cried, "and would give us the worst ofit. We'll need our powder and ball later, I'm thinking. Make all secureyonder, and be quick about it. "

I helped to close and bar the gate, and then pushed into the thick ofthe clamorous crowd that surrounded the escaped traveler. I had fanciedI recognized him when he shot by me, and now the first glimpse told me Iwas right, for the fugitive was none other than Captain Myles Rudstone. 

 CHAPTER XX. 

 THE LOST LOCKET. 

Captain Rudstone was in a temper, and but for the press in front of himhe would have dashed at the gates. 

"What are you afraid of?" he cried. "Why don't you pursue the reddevils? make an end of them? They've killed two of the best voyageursthat ever tramped the woods. My God! what does it all mean?"

"It means war, sir, " answered the factor. "The Northwest Company is atthe bottom of the mischief. I entreat you to be calm, Captain Rudstone. The Indians are in force, and it would be sheer madness to try to trackthem down. I am responsible for the safety of the fort. "

These sober words brought the captain to his senses. 

"You are right, Hawke, " he admitted. "I see there is nothing to be doneat present. But, by Heaven! sir, I'll have the blood of a score ofredskins for each of those poor comrades of mine. And you say war hasbroken out? I don't understand--"

Just then his eyes fell on me, and he held out his hand with a sternsmile of welcome. I clasped it warmly. 

"So we meet again, Mr. Carew?" he exclaimed. 

"I wish it had been under happier circumstances, " said I; "but I amheartily glad to see you. "

"Thank you, " he replied, and his eyes shifted from mine as they had beenwont to do formerly. "I have much to be grateful for, " he added, "Imight be lying yonder with a bullet in my back and a tomahawk in myskull. It was a narrow escape. "

"You did not come from Fort York?" I inquired. 

"No, from the north--from Fort Churchill, at the mouth of the river. Iam finished with my errand in this part of the country, and am boundsouth. I had no idea that trouble had broken out until I was attacked onthe edge of the timber. "

"I fear you will be detained here for many a day, Captain Rudstone, "said Griffith Hawke. "But come to my quarters, and when you have fed andrested I will give you a full report of all that has happened. "

Turning to me the factor added:

"See to the wounded, Denzil, and make sure that the sentries areproperly posted. Then let me know how matters are going. I don'tanticipate any further trouble. "

That Griffith Hawke should put me in virtual command of the fort at sucha time and in preference to several officers who were older and ofsuperior rank, caused me some pride and satisfaction; for just now mymind was taken up with sterner things than my hopeless passion forFlora, and what martial spirit was in me had been fired by the prospectof an Indian siege. 

After attending to my duties I strode on to the house and entered thecozily-furnished living room. Here logs were blazing in a greatfireplace, at opposite sides of which, talking in low tones, sat FatherCleary and Andrew Menzies. The latter's wife, it may be observed, wasFlora's companion. 

At a table in the middle of the room, with lighted pipes between theirteeth and their glasses of grog handy, were Griffith Hawke and CaptainRudstone. The latter was as handsome and dandified as ever, and by thelitter of dishes at one end of the table I knew he had just finishedsupper. Both had been discussing the Indian troubles, to judge fromtheir grave and thoughtful faces. 

The factor's eyes seemed to read me through and through, and there wassomething in the scrutiny that disturbed and puzzled me. He motioned toa chair and I sat down awkwardly. 

"All quiet?" he asked. "You have omitted no precautions?"

I told him what I had done, and he and the captain nodded approval. 

"A bad storm has set in?" the latter said interrogatively. 

"The worst kind of a one, " I replied. "The wind is high, and the snowwill drift heavily. The Indians are not likely to attack us in suchweather. "

"I wish I could feel sure of that, " Griffith Hawke said doubtfully. "Bythe way, Denzil, I have reason to believe that white men are among thesavages. "

"I am pretty certain that Cuthbert Mackenzie is with them, " said I. 

"And others, " broke in Captain Rudstone. "I heard more than one Englishvoice when I was fighting and running for my life yonder. "

"Northwest men!" exclaimed the factor. "By sir, I tell you I am right. To-day's events amount to an open declaration of war. "

Captain Rudstone blew a thick cloud of smoke and smiled grimly throughit. 

"I don't agree with you, " he said, in the tone of one who knows hisground. "The Northwest Company will pot come to open hostilities--theyare too crafty for that; but they are at the bottom of this trouble. Their agents have persuaded the Indians to rise, are fighting with them, and Mackenzie is determined to take the fort. Whether he fails orsucceeds, his participation will not be proved. The blame will be thruston your shoulders, Hawke, because of the Indian you shot thismorning. "

"That was an unfortunate accident, " the factor admitted uneasily, "andit may serve the purpose you suggest. But I am not afraid that the fortwill fall; we can hold out against big odds. "

"You'll have them, " said the captain. "I've no doubt there will be fivehundred redskins before the stockade within a day or two, and thenthey'll give you sharp work. And a drifting snowstorm will be in theirfavor. "

"I don't see it, " replied Griffith Hawke. "What do you mean?"

The captain shrugged his shoulders. "Nothing in particular, " he answeredevasively. "By the way, Hawke, when are you to marry Miss Hatherton?"

As he spoke he jerked one arm toward the priest, who was still talkingby the fire, and then gave me a swift glance of amused contempt. Thefactor also turned his eyes upon me, and I felt my face grow hot. 

"I am to be married to-morrow, " he replied half-sadly. "At least, thatis the present arrangement. But I have been thinking of late--"

He was interrupted, to my vast relief, by the sudden opening of a doorbehind him. Mr. Christopher Burley entered the room, looking as if hemight have just stepped from the legal chambers in Lincoln's Inn. He hadevidently made a careful toilet, his traveling costume being discardedfor a suit of sober black. 

He nodded severely to Captain Rudstone, who he had seen earlier in theevening, and I observed a slight confusion in the bearing of both, clearly due to the recollection of their quarrel at the Silver Lily. Then, with an affable smile, the law clerk offered me his hand. 

"I am pleased to see you, Mr. Carew, " he said. "I learned from thefactor that you were here. I predicted that we might meet again, if youremember. "

"I remember well, " said I. "This is a small world, after all. I take itthat the quest you spoke of has brought you to the north?"

"You are right, sir, " he replied. "It has led me hundreds of milesthrough the wilderness, from one fort to another of the Hudson Bayterritory--truly a weary round of travel. "

"And with what success?"

"None as yet; but I am not discouraged. From here I go southwest. I feelthat I shall succeed in the end. I find that the factor is unable tohelp me, and it is no doubt needless to ask you--"

"Quite so, " I interrupted. "Osmund Maiden is still an unfamiliar name tome. "

"Captain Rudstone knows the Canadas thoroughly, " said Griffith Hawke. "Perhaps he has run across your man in the past. "

My eyes were on the captain just then, and I fancied he gave a slightstart; certain it is that a sudden flush colored his bronzed face adarker shade, and I remembered that this was not the first time he hadshown agitation at the mention of the man Christopher Burley wasseeking. But he was instantly himself again, and he calmly twisted hislong mustaches as he answered:

"Osmund Maiden! I fancy I have heard the name somewhere in my time. MayI ask, sir, what object you have in desiring to find this man?"

"That I may reveal to none save Osmund Maiden himself, " ChristopherBurley replied. "But I beg of you to refresh your memory. It will begreatly to your advantage if you can give me any information--"

"Denzil, I have been thinking of something, " the factor interruptedsuddenly. "Forgive me, my boy, for alluding to a personal and delicatematter; but I have always fancied that there was some mystery about yourfather--that his name might have been assumed. I speak thus franklybecause Mr. Burley has honored me in part with his confidence--"

"There was no mystery, " I broke in sharply. I was angry with GriffithHawke, though I knew that he meant well. "My father's name was Carew, " Iwent on, "and he had a right to it. Why he left England I cannot say, but his home was in Yorkshire and his parents were dead when he came tothe Canadas. "

"Then I am mistaken, " said Griffith Hawke. 

"There are Carews in Yorkshire, " added the law clerk. "It is doubtlessthe same family. Did your father leave no papers?"

"None, " I replied. 

"He used to wear a small gold locket about his neck, " declared thefactor. "Surely you have seen it, Denzil?"

"I remember it, " I said curtly; "but I do not know what was in it, orwhat became of it. It was missing when my father's body was found in thewoods. "

"That is unfortunate, " said Christopher Burley in a tone that showed alack of further interest in the matter. 

"Very!" assented Captain Rudstone, who was watching me curiously. 

I made no reply. I had just recollected that I had in my pocket a sealring--a trifle too large to wear--which had been my father's. I fumbledfor it, hoping to put an end to a controversy that was distasteful tome. But before I could find and produce it there were hurried stepsoutside the house and the door was thrown open with a crash. 

 CHAPTER XXI

 THE BEGINNING OF THE END. 

We all turned round and then with one accord sprang to our feet Thehorror of what we saw held us spellbound and speechless. We did not feelthe icy air, the swirl of fine snowflakes that came driving into theroom, for in the doorway stood Baptiste, his honest face almostunrecognizable with hot passion, and in each hand he thrust out aghastly, gory, red-dripping thing of hair and flesh. They were humanscalps, and we knew at once from whose heads they had been torn. 

"_Nom de Dieu!_" cried the priest. "The poor wretches!"

"Yes, Valle and Maignon!" Baptiste said thickly, grinding his teeth. "They did not get far, sir, Heaven rest their souls! But a moment agothe red devils flung these bloody trophies over the stockade--none cantell how they crept so near! It is a warning, messieurs, that we are allto be served the same way. "

"My poor voyageurs!" groaned Christopher Burley. "That they should cometo such an end! Oh, this barbarous country!"

He suddenly turned sick and faint, and dropping into a chair, he satthere trembling, his face buried in his hands. Father Cleary wascrossing himself and muttering piously. 

"A thing like this, " cried Captain Rudstone, "is enough to turn a maninto a fiend. By Heaven! Hawke, if you say the word, I'll lead a partyout against the savages!"

But the factor did not seem to hear him. He was leaning heavily on achair, his face the hue of ashes. "My fault--my fault!" he saidhoarsely. "I sent the poor fellows to their death. But God knows Ibelieved they would get through safely!"

"We all believed that, " broke in Andrew Menzies. 

"Compose yourself, sir! No blame can possibly attach to you. "

Meanwhile Baptiste had been standing in the same attitude. I sharplybade him close the door, and he did so. Then he stepped forward, tossedthe reeking scalps on the table, and with a shaking hand helped himself, unbidden, to a stiff glass of rum. 

"You need not have brought those hideous things here, " said I. 

"I did not come for that alone, Monsieur Carew, " he replied. "I was sentwith a message. The Indians intend shortly to attack. It will be well toprepare. "

"We are all ready, " exclaimed Griffith Hawke, roused from his dejectionby this intelligence. "But what do you mean, my man? Why do the sentrieslook for an attack?"

"Sir, the Indians have been making strange signals, " Baptiste answered, "and they were seen from the loopholes and the tower creeping along theedge of the timber in force. "

"The warning is timely, " said Captain Rudstone. "If the savages areprowling about it means mischief, otherwise they would be rigging up acamp against this bitter weather. And no doubt they reckon the stormwill be to their advantage, since the driving snow thickens the air. "

The rest of us were of the same mind, and to a man we thirsted for achance to avenge the foul murder of the two voyageurs. We eagerly donnedour fur coats and caps, and began to examine our weapons. 

"Mr. Menzies, will you speak to the women before you go, " said thefactor. "Tell them not to be alarmed if they hear firing--that there isno danger. "

"And perhaps they will take consolation from your company, FatherCleary, " he added, when Menzies had left the room. 

The priest was wrapping himself in furs, and before replying he took hismusket from a rack over the fireplace. 

"If the women folk need me, I will not refuse, " he said quietly. "I am aman of peace first, but I can fight when occasion requires, and mychoice lies that way now, Mr. Hawke. "

"Then come with us, by all means, " assented the factor. 

"Nor shall I be left behind, " cried Christopher Burley, showing a spiritthat I did not think was in him. "I can handle a gun, sir. "

He did not wait for permission, but borrowed a spare coat that hung onthe wall and helped himself to a serviceable musket and a supply ofpowder and ball. 

"Denzil, you had better go ahead and turn the men out, " said the factor. "We will follow shortly. "

I was eager to do this, and, accompanied by Baptiste, I hurried from thehouse. I thought with uneasiness, as I plodded across the inclosure, that I had seen few worse storms. The snow was falling line and thick, and a stinging, shrieking wind was already heaping it in drifts. 

"The redskins will give us trouble, sir, " Baptiste said ominously. 

"No doubt, " I assented sharply; "but we could beat off double theirnumbers. Don't go and croak among the men, Baptiste. "

The quarters were quite deserted, tidings of the expected attack havingemptied them, and I found all the inmates of the fort--save those onduty--assembled near the northeast tower. These included the few Indianemployees, who were to be fully trusted. I made a quick round of theloopholes, and learned that all was now quiet, and that no signals ormovement had been observed for several minutes. When I returned GriffithHawke and his little party had arrived, and I communicated the state ofaffairs to them. 

"It is the calm before the storm, " remarked Captain Rudstone. "I'llwager anything you like the savages are going to rush us. "

We waited five minutes, standing about in scattered group, and listeningfor some warning from the watch tower. It was the eve of the factor'swedding--a fact that I recalled with bitter irony as I noted him postedalertly in the pelting snow, musket in hand, expecting shortly to beplunged in the thick of a bloody fray. Far across in the distance agleam of light twinkled in the window of Flora's room. What were herthoughts?

A hand tapped me on the shoulder; I turned and saw Christopher Burley. 

"It is worse than a London fog, this cold, " he said, with chatteringteeth. "I seem to feel it in my bones. How long will we wait, Mr. Carew?"

"That is hard to tell, " I replied. "If you are freezing, go indoors. "

I think he would have taken me at my word, but I had hardly spoken whenthe brooding silence was shattered by a cry from the watch-tower:

"Look sharp! They are coming on two sides! To the loopholes!"

Here and there a shout was heard, but for the most part the warning wasreceived with a grim calmness that spoke well for the fighting temper ofour men. The next instant the air was full of Indian war-whoops--and amore blood-curdling and fearful sound I have yet to hear. Then thesavages fired a continuous volley, and the bullets came rattling likesleet against the stockade; some entered at the loopholes, and a cryarose that a half-breed was down. 

At the first--such trivial things will a man do at critical times--myattention was taken by Christopher Burley. Elevating his musket in air, he pulled the trigger, and was flat on his back before you could counttwo. I helped him to rise, and he began to rub his shoulder ruefully. 

"It was too heavy a charge, " he said. "Did I kill any one?"

"It's a mercy you didn't, " I replied. 

I gave him a word or two of instruction, but did not wait to see how farhis pluck would carry him. I left him in the act of reloading, and spedto a loophole near the gates, which faced eastward. 

The east and north sides were the ones chosen for the assault, and herea good third of our men had already posted themselves. They, and themarksmen in the corner tower were firing steadily. The fusillade, blending with Indian yells and volleys, made an indescribable din. Itook a hasty glance without. Through the driving snow, I saw a horde ofwarriors dashing swiftly forward. There must have been a hundred insight on that one side, and I knew that we were in for hot work if asmany were attacking from the north. 

On they rushed, and now some dropped craftily behind lopped-off trunksof trees which were sprinkled plentifully about the clearing. Otherssought shelter from the wind-blown heaps of snow, but the greater partmade for the stockade. The powder smoke would hide them for an instant, and then I would see them a dozen feet nearer. 

The patter of bullets close to my head warned me of the danger I was in, and stirred me to action. I thrust out my musket and fired. I looked intime to see an Indian fling up his arms and fall; right and left of himdark blotches stained the snow. I reloaded, and fired again, shoutingwith excitement. 

To the north and east, and where the tower rose between, was one blazeand crackle of muskets. Smoke hid the snow and savage yells drowned theshrieking of the wind. In spite of the terrific fire, the redskinspoured on. A ball sang by my ear, and another sent a shower ofsplintered wood into my very face. Close on my right a man was shotthrough the chest; farther to the left I saw a half-breed stagger andfall. 

"Steady, men!" rang out the factor's voice. "Stand firm and make everyshot tell!"

I poked my musket through the loophole and pulled trigger. It was nextto impossible to miss, so near was the foremost line of savages. I wasreloading in frantic haste, when the stockade in front of me creaked andrattled. Above the top rose the heads and shoulders of three paintedwarriors, and the next instant, with shrill cries, they had leaped intothe inclosure. 

 CHAPTER XXII. 

 HOT WORK. 

I was standing so near that the three daring redskins all but fell uponme. As I dodged quickly back, one let fly a tomahawk. I felt it graze myhead, and the next instant I had smashed the skull of the howling wretchwith the butt end of my musket. Already three more were over thestockade, and the five fell upon our men with desperate fury. Theyelling and whooping, the cries of the wounded, made an infernal din. Acomrade on my left was shot in the mouth, and dropped writhing to theground; a half-breed at my very side clapped a hand to his arm and spunround. 

But by this time the scrimmage had been seen at a distance, and therewas a rally to the spot. Two savages were clubbed to death, and a thirdfell by Captain Rudstone's musket. I shot a fourth through the chest, but in spite of the wound, he made at me, and I had to settle him with ablow above the ear. 

For one Indian that was slain, however, two fresh ones scrambled intothe inclosure. There were as agile as cats, and as daring as panthers. With bullet and tomahawk they assailed us, and we were soon hard-pressedall along the line. There was fierce fighting on the north as well, andso no help could be spared from that quarter. Indeed, I began to fearthat the fort would be taken by sheer numbers; and even while I wasengaged hand to hand with the painted fiends, I was meditating whatsteps to take to save Flora. 

But when the situation was most critical, several things befell to turnthe tide. At great risk a couple of plucky fellows loaded thehowitzer--it had been discharged once--and thrusting the muzzle out ofone of the boles provided for that purpose, they fired it point-blankinto the mass of savages who were coming on to the assault. At the samemoment a swivel gun roared a few yards to the left, and the twotremendous reports were followed by shrill yells of agony andconsternation. 

This appeared to check the rush from without, and of a sudden the top ofthe stockade showed empty against the skyline. Seeing this, we tookheart, and attacked the savages who were inside more furiously thanever. Just then we were joined by half a dozen men from thewatch-tower and by four others led by Griffith Hawke. The redskinswavered, fell back, and bolted in panic for their lives. Ten of them weshot down or clubbed, and as many succeeded in scrambling over thestockade. It had been a close shave, but the fort was saved for thepresent. 

"Blaze away, or they'll be in again!" cried the factor. "Give them asteady volley!"

With ringing cheers we sprang to the loopholes, and fired as fast as wecould load and empty. A vigorous fusillade was returned at first, but itsoon slackened and straggled, and the whooping of the savages ceasedentirely. 

It was the same on the north side of the fort. The Indians had notretreated, but they were repulsed and disheartened, and were in no moodfor further sacrifice. They lay hidden behind drifted snow and stumps, taking wary shots whenever they fancied they saw an opportunity. 

Now we had time to breathe--time to take a welcome spell of rest afterour hard struggle. We were all parched and powder grimed, and some of uswere bandaging slight wounds. And the victory had cost us dear. Threesorely-hurt men had been carried off to the hospital, and among thedozen or more slain savages who lay in ghastly attitudes on thetrampled, blood-soaked snow were four of our plucky defenders, who wouldnever lift musket again. It was a hideous, revolting sight, and theraging storm, the murky gray of the night, lent an added horror to it. 

The semi-lull continued, and little attention was paid to the stragglingfire of the Indians, though sharp eyes were watching from the tower. Griffith Hawke came up to where I was leaning, breathing hard, on thebarrel of my musket. 

"Thank God you are all right, my boy!" he said hoarsely. "I neverexpected those devils would get over the stockade. It was Heaven's mercythat enabled us to drive them off; but we have lost heavily. "

"Severely, indeed, " I assented. "And so have the Indians. I doubt ifthey will try that game again. And what was the result at the northside, sir? I believe you had desperate fighting there at the same time. "

"Not so bad as here, " the factor replied; "but pretty nearly. TheIndians broke in, but our fellows were getting the best of it when Ileft to help you. Menzies was in charge, and--ah! here he comes now. "

The big Scotchman was loading his musket as he approached. He limpedbadly--a gunstock had struck him on the thigh--and he had a flesh woundin his left arm. He anxiously inquired how many we had lost, and when Itold him, he shook his head gravely. 

"I have three dead over yonder, " he replied, "and twice as manydisabled. The garrison is reduced by nearly a third, and the savages arefighting recklessly! I greatly fear, Hawke, that if they rush thestockade again--"

"We'll beat them off twice, thrice, four times if need be, " the factorinterrupted. "At the worst, we are likely to have a long siege of it. "

He spoke cheerfully and confidently, but none the less I saw a haggard, strained look in his face, as he glanced toward the flickering light inFlora's window. 

By this time the firing was taking a brisker turn, and the three of usseparated, Hawke and Menzies striding across to the north side of theinclosure. I went to my old place, and there I remained for a tryinghalf-hour. 

Trying is a poor word for the sort of warfare the Indians carried onduring that interval. They were scattered about thickly to north andeast of the fort, and within close range, but each warrior was cunninglyconcealed behind a stump or a snow hillock. 

How they could see so well is a mystery, but certain it is that theybrought their muskets to bear on every loophole of the stockade and thetower. The storm was raging bitterly, but in their furred garments theirhide moccasins and leggings, they defied the exposure. 

At the first we lost a man killed, and had three wounded. Then we grewmore careful, and reconnoitered from what little crevices we could findbefore we ventured on a shot. Those who had no loopholes kept loadingspare muskets and passing them to us, taking our own as soon as wefired. I had several narrow escapes, but by watching for the spurts offlame and smoke and for the limbs that now and then showed darklyagainst the snow, I killed or disabled half a dozen of the enemy. Baptiste was on my right, and just beyond him was Captain Rudstone. 

There was one diversion during the time I speak of, and that from thewest side of the fort, where a great clamor of firing and whoopingsuddenly broke out. I did not dare to leave my post--I was virtually incharge of the east stockade--but Captain Rudstone led half a dozen mento the disturbed quarter. The scrimmage was quickly over, and when thecaptain returned I got a report from him. 

"It's all right, " he said. "The devils rushed us, but we drove them backby volleys from the loopholes, killing half a score and losing oneourselves. The ground dips down to the fort there, and we had a cleansweep. They won't molest us on that side again--it was a half-heartedattack, anyway. "

"I wish they would drop the whole thing, " I replied bitterly. 

Captain Rudstone shrugged his shoulders. 

"You would be a fool to expect it, Carew, " he said. "I am not a bird ofill-omen, but, by Heaven! the redskins are determined to hang on tillthey take the fort. "

"They'll have a wait, " said I. 

"That's as maybe, " the captain rejoined. "If there were only the Indiansto reckon with! But Northwest men are among them, cleverly disguised;and I doubt not Cuthbert Mackenzie is one of them. "

"I am sure of it, " I asserted. 

"He is after revenge--and Miss Hatherton, " the captain went on. "And tomy mind, it is a toss up which will make the girl the happier--Mackenzieor Hawke. "

I turned on him fiercely, and I could have struck him with pleasure; heseemed to take a malicious delight in probing my heart wound. 

"Is this a time to talk of such things?" I cried. "I wish to hear noneof it, Captain Rudstone. Miss Hatherton is nothing to me!"

The captain laughed--a low, sneering laugh--and just then an Indianbullet sang between us. 

"A close shave!" he muttered, as he strode off to his loophole. 

I turned to mine, and it partly relieved my feelings to get a shot at afeathered scalp-lock, that was bobbing behind a tuft of bushes twentyfeet away. I aimed true, and with a convulsive leap a warrior fellsprawling in the open. 

My success stirred the savages up a little, drawing a chorus of vengefulwhoops, and a straggling shower of lead that pelted the stockade likehail. 

Then the fire ceased almost entirely, ami after waiting and watching forfive minutes, I concluded to leave my post temporarily and have a lookabout the fort. 

 CHAPTER XXIII. 

 THE SECOND RUSH. 

I went first to the highest watch-tower, the occupants of which had beenbetter protected than those at the stockade, but for all that I foundone poor fellow dead and another badly wounded. Such a true and steadyfire had been poured at the loopholes, I was told, that it was as muchas the men's lives were worth to expose themselves sufficiently to takeaim. I looked out for a moment, but though I could see vaguely throughthe driving snow to the dark line of the forest, not an Indian was insight. 

"They have not retreated?" I asked. 

"Not them, sir, " a grizzled voyageur remarked, with emphasis. "Everyclump of bushes, every stump and snow heap, has a lurking redskin behindit. And the woods yonder are full of 'em, too. "

He had hardly spoken when there was a flash and a report off to theleft, followed quickly by one from the right. Both shots were aimed atthe stockade loopholes, but they seemed to strike harmlessly, and drewno reply from our men. 

"Consarn the devils!" growled the voyageur as he peered into the night. "They don't show as much as a feather tip. "

"They ain't lying so long in the snow for nothing, " added another man. "They'll be at us again with a rush presently. "

"I am afraid they will, " I assented. "Keep a sharp lookout and give ustimely warning. "

With that I left the tower and walked along the north side of the fort. I was glad to observe that the men were in confident and even cheerfulspirits. Some were loading muskets, while others were bringing bulletsand canisters of powder, and, what was more urgently needed at present, pannikins of steaming hot coffee. The latter, I ascertained, came fromthe factor's house, and I had no doubt that it was due to the womanlyforethought of Flora and Mrs. Menzies. 

I could not find Father Cleary, and on making inquiries I learned thathe was with the wounded, who had all been taken to the hastilyimprovised hospital in the men's quarters. I was told that he had stuckto his post through the fighting, and had done as good and valorousservice as any man in the fort. 

Mr. Christopher Burley I came upon seated astride of an empty cask, withhis musket across his knees. His cap was gone, and his hair was awry; hewas scarcely recognizable for a mask of perspiration and powder grime. 

"I congratulate you, " I said, "on keeping a sound skin. "

"The same to you, " he replied. "It was indeed a severe and bloody fight. I bore your advice in mind Mr. Carew, and I have fired six shots withoutdiscomfort. "

"To what purpose?" I inquired. 

"I hope at least that I have hit none of our own men, " he answered witha touch of humor. "I confess I am more handy with a quill than a musket. I have friends in London, sir, who will not believe me when I relate myadventures in this barbarous country. But, alas! I may not live to seeEngland again. "

I thought this more than likely, but did not tell him so. 

"Come, come, Mr. Burley!" I replied, "keep up your spirits; don't yieldto depression. You will be spared to stamp many a blue document--toentangle scores of luckless litigants in the meshes of the law. "

I clipped on without waiting to see how he took this sally, and went asfar as the northwest angle of the fort. Here I stopped to talk with somecomrades who were drinking hot coffee flavored with a dash of rum. 

Close by, other men were watching alertly at the loopholes. Occasionallythey would fire at some partly exposed Indians, and then dodge back as astraggling volley of bullets pelted the stockade. Over on the east sidemuskets were cracking in the same desultory fashion. The storm showed nosigns of abating. On the contrary, the snow was falling more thickly andin finer flakes, and a bitter wind was constantly heaping it in higherdrifts, and blowing it in blinding, eddying showers about the inclosure. 

I was about to return to my post, warmed and strengthened by a pannikinof coffee, when a couple of shots rang out. One of the very men to whomI had been talking--a young Scotchman named Blair--reeled and fellheavily, hit by a ball that had entered at a loophole. I bent over him, and saw at once that he was badly hurt. He was shot in the left breast, and blood was oozing from his lips. 

"It's all up with me, Carew, " he moaned. "Let me lie here. "

"Not a bit of it, " I replied. "You'll pull through, take my word for it. But you must be in the doctor's hands without delay. "

Three of us picked the wounded man up, and bore him across the yard tothe hospital. At the door I relinquished my share of the burden, for thefiring had suddenly recommenced so briskly that I feared the savageswere meditating a rush. 

But the fusillade dwindled to a few shots before I was halfway to theeast side, and the next instant, as I was pushing along leisurely, I sawa dark object looming out of the snow twenty feet to my right. It wasthe figure of a woman. Her back was toward me, and she seemed to havehalted in perplexity. 

Suddenly she moved forward a little, and with that I was in pursuit, myheart beating fast. As I overtook her she turned round with a start. 

"Denzil!" she gasped. 

As I had suspected, it was Flora Hatherton. She was muffled in a cloak, a fur cap crowned her pretty face, and in her gloved hands she held alight musket. 

"You here!" I exclaimed. "Are you mad, to expose yourself to suchdanger? Go back!"

"I don't want to go back, " she said. "Please don't make me, Denzil. "

"You must, " I answered sharply. "Is it possible that Mrs. Menziesallowed you to do this rash thing?"

"I came without her permission. She thinks I have retired, " Florareplied in a spirited tone. "Let me help to defend the fort, Denzil. Ican fire a gun, and I am not a bit afraid, and it is my duty, I feellike a coward these brave men fighting and dying. "

What could I say? The girl's rashness angered me, but I admired herpluck and courage. I had never loved her so much as I loved her thatinstant--never so fully realized what the barrenness of my life would bewithout her. And she was Griffith Hawke's!

"Flora--" I began. 

She seemed to divine my feelings, and of a sudden she shrank a littlefrom me. 

"Hush!" she said. "I have been foolish and impulsive, Denzil. I am goingback to Mrs. Menzies. "

The mad words were checked on my lips. 

"Yes, go!" I answered hoarsely. "Go at once--"

There was the sound of a footfall to one side, and I glanced around tosee the factor. How much he had heard I could only surmise; but he stoodin silence for a moment, looking from one to the other of us. 

"Flora, why are you here?" he asked, and to me his voice seemed cold andharsh. 

"I wanted to help to defend the fort, " she answered in faltering tones, "but Mr. Carew stopped me--"

"I fortunately met Miss Hatherton, " I broke in, "and urged her to goback. "

"Quite right, " said the factor. "It is not a woman's part to fight. Yourplace is in the house, Flora. "

Without a word she turned and glided rapidly through the snow. GriffithHawke hesitated, and then started to follow her; but he had not made twosteps when a cry rang loudly from the northeast watch-tower:

"The redskins are coming! The clearing is alive with them! Every man tohis post!"

The alarm was not a false one, for immediately a fiendish clamor andwhooping broke out and scores of musket shots blended in a rattling din. The attack seemed to be directed entirely against the east side, and tothat quarter the two of us ran fleetly. 

"Spare guns this way!" the factor shouted at the top of his voice. "Stand firm, men!"

The scene that followed baffles description. There was no panic orfright, nor did the men entirely desert the other sides of the fort forthe threatened point; but all who could be spared rallied to the north. I felt sure that this second rush would be a more serious business thanthe first, and I was not mistaken. 

I quickly reached the stockade--I did not see what had become ofGriffith Hawke--and managed to squeeze my way through to one of theloopholes. At grave risk--for the fire was already heavy on bothsides--I peered briefly out. Through the smoke and snow I saw the duskywarriors advancing in great numbers and at close quarters, filling theair with their infernal yells. Some carried felled saplings with thebranches lopped off short, the purpose of which was plain. 

One glimpse was enough. I began to fire with my comrades, reckless ofthe bullets that whizzed about me. From angle to angle of the northstockade, from the embrasures of the tower, poured a deadly sheet offlame. A howitzer crashed, and then a swivel gun. I fired threetimes--spare muskets were passed to me--and I drew back from theloophole to reload. By the ruddy flashes I recognized friends--Baptisteand Captain Rudstone, Griffith Hawke and Andrew Menzies, the excitedcountenance of Christopher Burley in the rear. 

"Rake them down, " the factor cried shrilly. "Beat them off if you can. Don't let them get a footing inside!"

The words were hardly uttered when the stockade groaned and rattled. Thesavages had reared their rude scaling ladders against it, and by thesemeans some gained the top, while others clambered up with the agility ofcats. 

It was a most desperate and daring assault, but we met it with thedogged pluck of men who fight for a last chance. We shot half a score ofthe devils as they clung to the top of the stockade, and speedilyfinished others who dropped down among us. 

They poured over thicker and faster, screeching like fiends, and now wewere driven back a little. We fired as long as we could load, and thenmade an onset with clubbed muskets. The advantage was on our side, theIndians being mostly armed with tomahawks, and though more than a scoreof them were inside at once, we soon sent them scrambling back, and sochecked the incoming tide. 

A little handful stuck out to the last, disdaining to flee. They came atus ferociously, and nearly broke through our line. I finished one, andCaptain Rudstone and Baptiste killed two more. A fourth Indian--astalwart, hideously painted savage--carried a musket. He suddenlyleveled it and fired, and I heard a sharp cry behind me. I looked roundin time to see Griffith Hawke stagger, clutch at the rail and fallheavily. 

 CHAPTER XXIV. 

 A BLACK NIGHT. 

At the time, so exciting and dangerous was the situation, I scarcelyrealized what had happened. The fight was still raging, and I was in thethick of it. Leaving others to render aid to the factor, I sprang withclubbed musket at the redskin who had shot him. I struck hard and true, and I yelled hoarsely as he dropped with a shattered skull. My comradesfinished several more, and now the survivors--four in number--turned andfled. One scrambled safely over the stockade; the other three were cutdown as they ran. 

That ended the struggle. Again, and with terrible loss, our desperatefoes had been repulsed. The moaning of the wounded was drowned in heartycheers, and the musketry fire had dwindled to a few straggling shots. There was a sudden cry from the watch-tower that the enemy were in fullretreat, and I ran to a loophole to see if this good news could beverified. It was true enough! The Indians were fading away into thecurtain of snow, and in a manner that showed they had no intention ofstopping short cf the forest, since none took to shelter in theclearing. 

I peered out for a few moments, until not a savage was in sight. Thenthe triumphant clamor within the fort seemed to change to an angry andmournful key, and I heard the factors name called from mouth to mouth. As I turned from the loophole, Captain Rudstone met me face to face. 

"He wants you, " he said. "Come at once. "

"Who?" I asked mechanically. 

"Griffith Hawke, of course. Surely you knew he had been shot. He isdying, I believe. "

I tried to speak, but the words stuck in my throat. The captain lookedat me keenly for an instant, and then strode off. I followed at hisheels, reeling like a drunken man, and with my thoughts in such a whirlas I cannot describe. 

Griffith Hawke dying! It was difficult to grasp the meaning of thewords. At first I felt bitter grief and remorse for the untimely end ofthe man who had been my greatest benefactor; I remembered his manykindnesses, and how basely I had requited them. 

Captain Rudstone led the way to the little room at the base of thewatch-tower. We pushed through the crowd outside and when I was over thethreshold I saw a pitiable sight by the glow of a lantern. GriffithHawke lay partly on a blanket, with Andrew Menzies supporting his headand shoulders. His face was ghastly pale, and there was blood on hislips and chest. The doctor, kneeling beside him, was preparing to givehim a dose of spirits. Half a dozen sorrowing men stood about. 

"His minutes are numbered, " Captain Rudstone whispered in my ear. "He isshot through the lungs. They brought him here because it was the nearestplace of shelter. "

The factor looked up and saw me. He made a feeble gesture, and as Iknelt by him the tears came to my eyes and a lump rose in my throat. Iwould have given anything to save his life; my sorrow was true andsincere. 

"They tell me the fort is safe--that the Indians have retreated to thewoods, " he whispered faintly. 

"Yes, they have been beaten off, " I replied, "and with heavy loss. "

"Thank God!" he murmured. "They will hardly make another attack. Allwill go well now. Menzies, have you sent for Miss Hatherton?" he added. 

"Yes, she will soon be here. "

The dying man lifted his head a little, looking at me with a smile. Thedoctor poured some strong liquor between his lips, and it instantlybrought a brightness to his eyes and a tinge of color to his cheeks. 

"That will keep me up for a time, " he whispered. "I have something tosay to Mr. Carew, and I wish it to be as private as possible. You andthe doctor must remain, Menzies, but the rest--"

A spasm of pain stopped him, and while he writhed with it all the menwho were in the room, save we three kneeling by him, stepped quietlyoutside. He grew more comfortable in a moment, glanced wistfully at thedoor, and put a cold hand in one of mine. 

"Denzil, my boy, it is only a question of a few minutes, " he said, in alow voice. "I am dying at my post, and without regret. It is better so. I nearly made a mistake, but I saw it in time. I know your secret--Isuspected it days ago. You love Miss Hatherton--"

"It is true, " I interrupted hoarsely. "Forgive me, my old friend, andbelieve that I would not for the world have wronged you in thought ordeed. I would have left the fort long ago, had you given consent--"

"Hush! there is nothing to forgive, " he murmured. "Mine was themistake--mine the blame. It is only natural that you should have lovedeach other. I was too old to mate with one so young and fair. I had madeup my mind to release her from her promise--to give her to you, Denzil. "

He stopped again, and I saw a sudden change in his face. The doctoranswered my questioning look with a grave nod, and just then the doorwas thrown open and Flora entered. She gave me a glance of startledsurprise, and knelt on the opposite side. Shaking the snow from herfurred cloak, she bent over the dying man; her eyes filled with tears ofgrief and pity, and her lips trembled. 

"Griffith, tell me it is not true!" she cried; "Live for my sake!"

He looked from the girl to me. 

"God bless you both!" he said weakly. "Do not grieve for me, Flora. Iloved you, but it was more the love of a father for a daughter. Now Ileave you a legacy of happiness--a husband who will cherish and protectyou. Promise before I go that you will be Denzil's wife. I shall die thehappier if I know that my mistake--is--atoned--"

The effort was too much for him. He gasped for breath, and his faceturned the color of ashes, blood oozed to his lips. I was speechlesswith emotion, and Flora was weeping too bitterly for words; but I sawher lips move, and she suddenly stretched out her hand. I clasped it fora brief moment, and as I released it and looked at Griffith Hawke, heshuddered from head to foot and lay still, with closed eyes. 

"He is dead, " said Menzies. 

"Yes, it is over, " assented the doctor. 

A silence fell on us all, broken only by Flora's sobbing. Overhead, thesentries spoke in low tones while they watched at their posts, andoutside the wind howled a mournful requiem. 

 * * * * *

Through the remaining hours of that night the storm raged, heaping thesnow in higher drifts, and keeping half a dozen men busily employed inclearing the entrances to the various outbuildings. That the Indians hadtaken shelter in the forest, and were not likely to attempt anotherassault, did little to lighten the general gloom and grief that pervadedthe fort, for there was not a man but felt he had lost a friend inGriffith Hawke. As for myself, I had a heavy weight of responsibilityupon me, and that prevented my mind from dwelling too much on otherthings. I gave a thought now and again to my new-born happiness, but thethrill of joy was as quickly stifled by bitter shame--by a vision of thedead man who had returned good for my meditated evil. Flora was in thecare of Mrs. Menzies. Captain Rudstone had taken her back to the house, and I had no intention of seeking an interview with her until she shouldhave partly recovered from the shock of the factor's death. 

It was indeed a black and dreadful night--a night of horrors andanxiety, of gloom and mourning. For the outlook was by no means sobright as we had let Griffith Hawke believe. What the result would be ifthe savages rushed us a third time none of us dared contemplate. It wastoo much to expect that they would abandon the siege, with men of theNorthwest Company among them to egg them on; and if they knew ourweakness, as was likely, another desperate attack was certain to comesooner or later. Out of a total number of forty-six at the beginning ofthe trouble, no more than half were now fit for service, the rest weredead or disabled. 

These were stern facts that weighed heavy on my mind and held mesleepless and occupied while the night wore on. I saw well to it thatthe sentries were alert and at their posts, that muskets and howitzerswere loaded and ammunition within easy reach, that the stockade wassecure at every point. I fought off drowsiness and fatigue with cups ofhot coffee, with pipes of strong tobacco. 

Two hours before dawn the weather thawed a little and the snow turned toa drizzling rainfall. In the gray flush of early morning when I made mylast round, it was bitterly cold again; a crust was on the snow, and theleaden skies promised an early resumption of the storm. To north andeast the drifts reached halfway to the top of the stockade. 

Bluish curls of smoke, rising here and there out of the surroundingforest, told that the Indians were still in the vicinity. The frozencrust was an incentive to them to make a final attack, and I expected itduring the day. I ate a hasty breakfast, and then Menzies summoned me tothe factor's house, where he had called a meeting to consider thesituation. 

 CHAPTER XXV. 

 A RAY OF HOPE. 

In all five of us assembled--five low-spirited, grave-faced men: theothers were Menzies and Captain Rudstone, Dr. Knapp and an old andexperienced voyageur named Carteret, whose judgment was to be reliedupon. A discussion of a few minutes found us unanimously agreed that itwould be impossible to repulse the Indians should they make anotherattack in force; nor did we doubt that such a crisis would come sooneror later. 

"There is no chance of the siege being lifted, " said Captain Rudstone. "One or more disguised Northwest men are directing operations, and theymust know----"

"I'll swear Cuthbert Mackenzie is the leader, " I broke in. "He won'tneglect such an opportunity as offers now. "

"Right you are!" exclaimed Carteret, with a shrug of the shoulders. "It's temptation thrown in the way of the redskins. Talk about easy! Afirm crust on the snow, and the drifts nearly up to the top of thestockade I Why, they could pour a hundred braves into the fort beforewe could shoot down ten of them!"

"And they will do just that, " declared Captain Rudstone. "They know thatwe have lost heavily, and can't offer much resistance to a rush. I'llventure to predict that the attack is made late this afternoon, when thetwilight begins to gather. "

"It will mean the loss of the fort, " said I. "We can't shut our eyes tothat fact. We have a few hours of grace left; let us make the most ofthem. "

"But what are we to do?" said Dr. Knapp. 

"Ay, what?" Menzies echoed dismally. "There's no chance of help, you'lladmit, and even if a messenger had got through in time, Fort Yorkcouldn't have spared us any men. As it is, they probably have no idea ofwhat is happening here. Do you suggest that we lower our flag andsurrender?"

"Never that!" said I. 

"Then what other choice have we but to be slaughtered to a man?"continued the hard-headed old Scotchman. "Perhaps you will kindlyexplain, Mr. Carew, how we are to make the most of these few hours ofgrace. "

Menzies spoke sneeringly, and with an aggravating touch of irony; but Ikept my temper, hoping that he would shortly alter his opinion of myadvice. In truth, I had been turning a matter over in my mind while thediscussion was going on, and I fancied I saw a way for some of us atleast, to save both life and honor. 

"If we surrendered, we should likely be slaughtered just the same, " Ireplied. "So that is out of the question. But I have a plan, Mr. Menzies--a sort of a middle course--to offer in the event of the fortfalling. "

"Go on, " said he, with a contemptuous sniff. 

"I must ask you a question or two first, " I replied. 

"Dr. Knapp, how many wounded are in your care?"

"They are in Father Cleary's care at present, " he answered. "But I haveseven, Carew. "

"And how many are fit to travel, on foot or on sledges?"

He reflected for a moment, looking at me with surprise. 

"Two will die before night, " he said, "and a third is in a bad way. Theother four might make a shift on snowshoes. "

"It is better than I expected, " said I. "And now for my plan. Thishouse, with its loopholes and heavy shutters, was constructed for suchan emergency as the present. I suggest that we at once move in thewounded, three or four sledges, all the powder and ball and a quantityof provisions. If the attack comes, and we see that we can't repulse it, we will all take shelter here, and in time to withdraw the men fromother points. The house is practically fireproof, and I am sure we canhold it for a week or more, if need be. "

"It would catch fire from the outbuildings, " suggested the doctor. 

"The Indians won't burn those, " said I. "They will save them for theirown protection. "

"And how is the siege of the house to end?" asked Menzies. "Do youexpect the Indians to withdraw, or do you count on aid arriving?"

"I admit there is no chance of either. " I replied. "My idea is this. Theinside of the inclosure is already deep under a frozen drift, and fromthe look of the weather there will be more snow in plenty within a fewhours. We will excavate a tunnel beneath it, starting from one of thelittle windows that give air to the cellar, and leading to some part ofthe south stockade. Then in a day or two, when the night is dark andother conditions favorable, what is to prevent us from making our escapeunseen to the forest, and by quick traveling gain Fort York?"

"The Indians would break into the tunnel while prowling about, " said Dr. Knapp. 

"We won't make it high enough for that. " I replied stoutly, "and, besides, the crust will be too hard. "

"It's a sound plan!" exclaimed Captain Rudstone. 

"Ay, I'm of the same mind, " added Carteret. "It's well worth the trying. And it's that or a bloody massacre--there are no two ways about it. "

"It seems a cowardly thing, " grumbled Menzies, "to yield the redskinsall but this house, and then slink away from that under cover ofdarkness and by a trick. A rich lot of the company's property will fallinto their hands!"

"True enough, " said I bitterly, "and the old flag-will be hauled downfor the first time in the records! But consider, sir; there is nothingelse to be done! Carteret has given you the gist at the matter. Andthink of the women!"

The blunt old Scotchman was touched in a tender spot; his face softened. 

"Ay, my poor wife!" he said, with a sigh. "And Miss Hatherton! They mustnot fall into the power of these red devils--or of Cuthbert Mackenzie. It's a level head you have on your shoulders, Denzil. I fear I spokehastily--"

"As was your right, " I interrupted. "It was presumptuous of me to offeradvice. But I am pleased to think that you favor my suggestion. "

"It is a last chance, " he replied, "and we must cling to it for the sakeof the women. Were it not for them I would hold out to the end. Ah, thepity of it! To think that Fort Royal will be lost!"

"It will rise again stronger than ever, " Captain Rudstone said grimly, "when the Northwest Company has been crushed out of existence. "

"May I live to see the day!" said Menzies fervently. 

We held some further discussion, during which a number of minor detailswere arranged. Then Dr. Knapp returned to the hospital, and CaptainRudstone and Carteret set off to acquaint the men with the proposedplan, and to see to the removal of the wounded and the various suppliesto the factor's house. Meanwhile, Baptiste having come in, he reportedthat there was no sign of any threatening movement on the part of thesavages, and we fully expected none until evening. 

I had promised my companions to take some sleep--which I stood badly inneed of--but first I insisted on going over the lower floor of the housewith Menzies. We examined all the rooms, the doors and walls, theshutters and loopholes, and I was satisfied with the inspection. When wereturned to the hall Mrs. Menzies hailed her husband from above. He wentupstairs and as I passed the open door of the room in which we had heldour gathering, on my way out, I caught the flutter of a woman's gown andheard my name pronounced in a whisper. 

Stepping inside, I saw Flora. She was standing by the table, with a lookon her sweet face that set my heart throbbing wildly. How it happened Iscarcely knew, but the next instant she was in my arms, held close to mybreast, and I was showering kisses on her unresisting lips and eyes. 

"Denzil!" she whispered. "My hero--my own love!"

"At last, my darling!" I muttered. "You are mine! None can take you awayfrom me. Say that you love me, Flora!"

"I do with all my heart!"

"And when will you marry me?"

"Some day, dear Denzil, " she replied. 

She gently released herself and gazed at me timidly. 

"Oh, it must be wrong to feel so happy, " she added with a little sob inher voice, "while he is lying cold and dead. How generous and noble hewas! And think of it, Denzil, he intended to give me up! I am glad I wastrue to him. "

"I wish I had been truer, " I said bitterly. "But it is too late forregrets. A better man than Griffith Hawks never lived. He was worthy ofyou, Flora. Can I say more?"

"I will never forget him, " she answered softly. "Oh, this cruel, cruelwar! And they say the fort is in danger, Denzil. That is what I wantedto ask you. "

"Don't believe it, " said I. "There will be more fighting--perhaps aprotracted siege--but our brave men will prove more than a match for thecowardly redskins. Trust to me, dearest. I will save you from, all harmand peril. "

At that moment Menzies was heard returning. I caught the girl in myarms, kissed her twice, and hurried from the house. All was quiet as Icrossed the yard, and I observed that fine flakes of snow werecommencing to drop. Flora was mine! I could think of nothing else when Ientered my quarters, but, for all that I was so worn out that I fellasleep the moment I threw myself on the bed. 

 CHAPTER XXVI. 

 AS TWILIGHT FELL. 

For more than twenty-four hours I had taken no repose, and as nothingoccurred to rouse me, I slept longer than I intended. When I opened myeyes languidly the room was so dark that I could scarcely make out achair against the wall, and the window-panes were crusted with frost andsnow. At once I was wide awake, and all the incidents of the morningflashed into my mind. I knew that this was the time when the attack wasexpected, and for a moment I sat up and listened anxiously, but I heardonly a distant hum of voices. 

"All is well so far, " I thought. "I hope no precautions have beenneglected, for when the storm bursts it will be sudden and fierce. "

I threw off the blankets that covered me, and leaped out of bed. Hastilydonning my fur capote, cap and mittens, and taking my loaded musket, Ileft the quarters without encountering any person. 

I paused outside to look about, and the scene that met my eyes was adreary one. The inclosure was shrouded in the murky gray gloom oftwilight. It was bitterly cold, and snow was falling fast. The variousoutbuildings loomed dimly here and there between the narrow paths andhigh-banked drifts. The only ray of light visible was behind me, andshone from the window of Flora's room. As I turned from a briefcontemplation of it, I saw a man passing and hailed him. He proved to beBaptiste. 

"Why was I not wakened?" I demanded sharply. "Here is the night upon us, and I wished to be up at noon. "

"Mr. Menzie's orders, sir, " he replied. "He said you were not to bedisturbed. "

I questioned Baptiste further, and learned that there had been no alarmduring the day, and that not an Indian had shown himself. He alsorelieved my mind concerning the preparations for holding the factor'shouse. 

"They moved everything in, " he said; "food and blankets, all the powderand ball, four sledges, and the wounded men. "

"And the dead, Baptiste?"

"They are buried, sir--under the snow. "

"Ah, then no time has been wasted, " said I. "If the worst comes we shallbe ready--"

"There is nothing more to be done, Carew, " interrupted a voice at myelbow. "No step that prudence or forethought could dictate has beenomitted. "

The speaker was Captain Rudstone, who had approached unperceived. 

"Has your sleep refreshed you?" he added. 

"Very much, " I replied. "I feel fit for another stretch of fighting. What is the situation now?"

"The calm before the storm, to my mind, " he declared. "Sentries areposted to command a view from every side of the fort. Both towers willbe abandoned at the first alarm, and all the men will rush to thequarter whence it comes, those are the general orders. If the redskinsprove too strong for us, we will retreat to the factor's house. "

"Ay, and hold it, " said I. "The place is impregnable, Rudstone!"

"That remains to be seen, " he answered. "Go and get some supper, Carew, while you have the chance. "

"Then you think the attack is imminent?"

"Yes, it may come at any moment. "

"But Baptiste tells me the Indians have made no sign all day. "

"True enough, " assented the captain, "and that's the worst of it. Theyare hatching some deep-laid deviltry, be sure! I have my suspicions, andI communicated them to Menzies. He agrees with me that the attack willprobably burst upon us in the form of a--"

He never finished the sentence. The words were stifled on his lips by atremendous explosion that seemed to shake the very ground, and rattledand thundered far away into the heart of the wilderness. A crash offalling debris followed, and then the night rang with shrill clamor andblood-curdling whoops. 

"_Nom de Dieu!_ we are lost!" wailed Baptiste. 

"My God, what does it mean?" I cried, clutching Captain Rudstone's armwith a trembling hand. 

"My prediction, Carew, " he answered hoarsely. "It has come--it is what Iexpected. The devils have tunneled under the snow and planted a powderbag against the stockade. They have blown a breach. "

"We'll keep them out of it as long as we can, " I shouted. "Hark! thefighting has begun. "

The captain and I had already set off on a run, and Baptiste was hangingat our heels. Shouting and yelling rose from all parts of the fort, andblended with the wild cheers of the savages. Dark forms loomed right andleft of us as we sped on. Guided by the clamor and by the great columnof smoke that was stamped blackly against the driving snow, we soonreached the scene of the explosion, which was the northeast watch-tower. 

It is impossible to describe the sight that was revealed to us by thefirst rapid glimpse. All that day the redskins must have been burrowinga passage beneath the drifts from the woods to the fort. They hadplanted a bag or cask of powder at the very base of the tower, and blownit into a heap of ruins, out of which could be seen sticking the bodiesof the two poor fellows who had been on duty there. As yet only a smallforce of Indians--those who had approached by the tunnel--were stormingthe breach, and these were being held at bay by a dozen of our men whohad reached the spot before the captain and myself. Muskets werecracking, and tomahawks were flying through the air; the yells ofinvaders and invaded made a horrible din. 

At the first I saw some hope of holding the sheltered place--of beatingthe enemy off. I plunged into the thick of the fight, emptying my guninto the breast of a red devil, and bringing the butt down on the headof another. We pressed close up to the sides of the tower, and gainedfootholds on the ruins. Hand to hand we fought desperately, shooting andstriking at the Indians and keeping them on the outside of the fort. Notmany of them had firearms, and so far as I could see, but one of our menhad fallen. 

"Stand up to it!" I shouted. "Hold your ground!"

"Hit hard!" cried Captain Rudstone. "Finish all you can before the mainrush comes!"

Flushed with triumph, half-crazed by the thirst for blood, we did notpause to reflect that the scale must soon turn the other way. Face toface, weapon to weapon, we held the savages at bay, sending one afteranother to his last account. Meanwhile more men kept joining us, until, excepting a few who were on duty at other points, our whole availableforce was present. I heard Andrew Menzies giving directions. I sawFather Cleary on my left and Christopher Burley on the right, bothstriking at the painted faces behind the shattered walls. 

"This is hot work, Carew, " Captain Rudstone found a chance to shout inmy ear, "and it's precious little use to keep it up. The devils willsoon be at us in their hundreds. Now is the time to make a safe retreatto the house. "

"I think the same, " I answered, as I dodged a whizzing tomahawk; "and ifMenzies don't soon give the command I will. "

The words were scarcely out of my mouth when the clamor took a deeper, shriller pitch. We all knew what it meant--the tide was turning. Throughthe gaping holes in the watch tower stamped against the snowy mist, wesaw a dark mass rolling forward--scores and scores of painted Indians. 

 CHAPTER XXVII. 

 THE SIEGE OF THE HOUSE. 

They had started from the woods the moment the explosion occurred, andthey would have arrived earlier but for the fresh snow that lay on thefrozen crust. 

"Stand firm!" cried Menzies. "Give them a raking volley at closequarters. "

"And be ready to retire in good order, " I shouted. "We can't afford tolose a man. "

With that the living tide was upon us. Screeching and veiling likedemons, the horde of savages struck the weakened northeast angle of thefort. There was no checking them, though our muskets poured a leadenrain. Some entered by the breach, dashing over the debris of wood andstone; others clambered to the top of the palisades and dropped downinside. 

At the first we had to retire a little, so overwhelming was the rush. Then we made a brief stand and tried to stem the torrent. Bang, bang, bang! bullets flew thickly, from both sides and hissing tomahawks fellamong us. I saw two men drop near me, and heard cries of agony minglingwith the infernal din. We held our ground until the foremost of thesavages were at arm's length, striking and hacking at us through thesnow and powder smoke. Two or three score were already within the fort, and when a section of the stockade fell with a crash--borne down bysheer weight--I believed for a terrible moment that all was lost. 

"Back, back!" I cried hoarsely. "Back for your lives, men! We can't doanything more here!"

"Ay, the inclosure is taken!" shouted Captain Rudstone. "Back to thehouse! Keep your faces to the foe, and make every shot tell!"

Menzies called out a similar order, seeing that any delay would imperilour last chance, and those of us who were left slowly began the retreat. We drew off into the narrow passage, with high banks of snow on eitherside, that led to the factor's house. The yelling redskins pressed afterus, and for several moments, by a cool and steady fire, we preventedthem from coming to close quarters again. 

We kept firing and loading while we moved backward, and as it was nextto impossible to miss, the Indians seemed disheartened by the heavydamage we inflicted on them. For ourselves, we lost three men in a brieftime, and we would have lost more but for the shelter of theoutbuildings, round some of which the path turned. 

When we were halfway to the house, and had passed the quarters, we werejoined by the sentries from the southwest tower. But now the savagesplucked up courage, and made a rush that brought them within six yardsof us. We stood at bay, and delivered a straggling fire. The Indiansreturned it as they pushed on doggedly. A voyageur fell at my side, andanother dropped in front of me. There was a sudden cry that the priestwas shot, and glancing to the right, I saw Father Cleary reel down inthe snow and lie motionless. 

"We must run for it!" shouted Captain Rudstone. "Make a dash for thehouse, men!"

"For God's sake, no!" I yelled hoarsely. "If we turn now we will beovertaken and butchered! Hold firm!"

Just then, when the situation was most critical, an unexpected thinggave us the opportunity we so sorely needed. In the retreat we haddragged one of the howitzers along with us, and we had forgotten untilnow that it was loaded. In a trice we put it in position and touched itoff. 

Crash! The heavy charge ploughed into the huddled mass of savages. Tojudge from the agonized shrieks that followed the loss of life must havebeen terrible, but we could see nothing for the dense cloud of smokethat hung between us. 

"To the house!" cried Menzies. 

"Quick--for your lives!" I shouted. 

With that we turned our backs and made off, dashing along in somedisorder and leaving the howitzer behind. We half expected to beovertaken, but by the time the Indians had recovered from their checkand pushed on, the house was before us. 

We staggered inside by twos and threes, and closed and barred themassive door. A respite for rest and breathing was badly needed, but wedid not dare to take it. Half of our men went to the front loopholes, and as fast as they could load and fire they picked off the yellingwretches who were now swarming thickly before the house. In theirfrenzied rage they exposed themselves recklessly, sending volley aftervolley of lead against the stout beams and even hurling tomahawks. 

I took no part in this scrimmage myself. With Menzies and several othersI went over the lower floor of the house, and made sure that all was inright condition for a protracted siege. We placed lighted candles in thehall, and opened the doors communicating with it, so that some lightcould shine into the various rooms. 

Meanwhile the firing had dwindled and ceased, and when we returned tothe front we found that the Indians had abandoned the attack and meltedaway; none were in sight from the loopholes, but we could hear themmaking a great clamor in the direction of the trading house and otheroutbuildings. 

This relief gave us a chance to consult regarding our future plans, andto count up our little force. Alas! but sixteen of us had entered thehouse. That was our whole number; the rest of the forty odd had perishedduring the fighting of the past two days; and not the least mournedamong that night's casualties was brave Father Cleary. Fortunately, noneof us were disabled, though Christopher Burley had been grazed by abullet, and Captain Rudstone and several others had been gashed slightlyby tomahawks. The wounded transferred from the hospital, who were in asmall room at the rear, were now reduced to five; two had died thatmorning, as Dr. Knapp predicted. 

But there was no time for useless grief or idleness. We had no soonerserved out rations, loaded all the guns and posted the men on the foursides of the house than the Indians showed a determination to crowntheir triumph by taking our stronghold. At first they kept to theshelter of the surrounding outbuildings, and blazed steadily away at thehouse, on the chance of sending a bullet through the loopholes or thechinks of the logs. Twice a little squad of savages rushed forwardcarrying a beam, with which they hoped to batter down the door. But wepoured a hot fire into them--it was light enough outside for us to takeaim--and each time they wavered and fell back, leaving the snow dottedwith dead bodies. 

After that came a lull, except for intermittent shots, and CaptainRudstone predicted that an unpleasant surprise was being prepared for usby the Northwest men whom we believed to be among the redskins. 

"It may be all that, " I answered him stoutly, "but the house is not tobe taken. "

A little later I took advantage of the inaction to go upstairs, whitherMenzies had already preceded me. He was with his wife and Miss Hathertonin a back room with one small window, and that protected by a heavyshutter. 

I drew Flora aside and explained to her, as hopefully as possible, theplan by which we expected ultimately to escape to Fort York. What else Isaid to her, or what sweet and thrilling words she whispered into myear, I do not purpose to set down here; but when I returned to the lowerfloor my heart was throbbing with happiness, and I felt strengthened andbraced to meet whatever fate might hold in store. I was strangelyconfident at the time that we should outwit our bloodthirsty foes. 

Menzies followed me below, and almost at once the Indians renewed theattack, mainly on the front of the house and on the north side. Theyexposed themselves on the verge of the outbuildings, blazing awaysteadily, and drawing a constant return fire from our men. At the end ofa quarter of an hour they were still wasting ammunition. They must havesuffered heavily, and yet not one of their bullets had done us any harm. I wandered from room to room, taking an occasional shot, and finally Istopped in the hall, where Captain Rudstone and three others were postedat the loopholes right and left of the door. 

"The Indians will run out of powder presently; if they keep up at thisrate, " said I. "They can't have much of a leader. "

"Too clever a one for us, " the captain answered, as he loaded hismusket. "This is only a ruse, a diversion, Carew. There is something tofollow. "

"I hope it will come soon, " I replied. "Then the savages will likelydraw off and give us a chance to put a force of men to work at thetunnel. We should finish it by noon to-morrow, and escape through it atnightfall. If the snow keeps up--as it gives promise of doing--ourtracks will be covered before we have gone a mile. "

"I like the plan, " said old Carteret, the voyageur. "It sounds well, andit's possible to be carried out under certain conditions. But if you'llnot mind my saying--"

He paused an instant to aim and fire. 

"One redskin the less, " he added, peering out the loophole; "he sprangthree feet in the air when I plugged him. As for your plan, Mr. Carew, Ithink the odds are about evenly divided. There's the chance that thevarmints will suspect something of the sort, and watch the stockade onall sides. "

"Likely enough, " assented Captain Rudstone; "but it's not to thatquarter I look for the danger. The Indians can take the house by assaultin an hour if they choose to sacrifice a lot of lives. "

"It would cost fifty or a hundred, " said I. "They won't pay such aprice. "

"There is no telling how far they will go, " the captain answeredgravely, "with Northwest Company men to egg them on. "

As he spoke there was a sudden and noisy alarm from the room on theright of the hall, which commanded the south side of the house. Half adozen muskets cracked in rapid succession, the reports blending with adin of voices. Then Menzies yelled hoarsely: "This way, men! Come, forGod's sake! Quick, or we are lost!"

The summons was promptly responded to. I was the first to dash into theroom, followed by Rudstone and Carteret. I put my eyes to a vacantloophole and what I saw fairly froze the blood in my veins. 

 CHAPTER XXVIII. 

 THE END OF HOPE. 

A body of Indians--nine or ten in number--were advancing at a runstraight for the house, and each painted savage carried wrapped in hisarms a mass of bedding from the abandoned sleeping quarters. I had nosooner caught a glimpse of the party and divined their alarming purpose, than a straggling volley was fired from the loopholes right and left ofme. Crack! crack, crack!

Three Indians fell with their burdens, and one of them began to crawlaway, dragging a broken limb after him. A fourth took fright and dartedback, but the rest kept on. They were lost to view for an instant asthey gained the very wall of the house and stacked the bedding againstit. Then back they scurried to the shelter of the outbuildings, a singleone falling by my musket, which I thrust quickly out and fired. Unfortunately my companions' weapons were empty. 

"Load up, men, fast!" cried Menzies. "The devils intend to fire thehouse! They will be coming back with timber next!"

"God help us if they get a blaze started with bedding and dry wood!"said I. "The house will go--we won't be able to save it! I never countedon anything like this!"

"I was afraid of it from the first, " replied Captain Rudstone, "though Ihoped we should have time enough to dig the tunnel. Our only chance isto keep the redskins away from the wall. "

"And that's a mighty poor one!" muttered Carteret. 

"We must do it, " groaned Menzies, "or it's all up with us. We can't getat the bedding; the fiends have put it too far off from the window. "

A noisy clamor interrupted our conversation, as the men from other partsof the house poured into the room, drawn thither by Menzies' summons ofa moment before. They were under the impression that a rush had beenmade and repelled; when they learned the truth they quieted down, and asort of awed horror was visible on every face. 

No time was wasted in words. At any instant the savages might return tocomplete their devilish task; the chance of beating them back, slight asit was must be made the most of. Our last card was staked on that, andwe grimly prepared to play it. Eight men were assigned to theloopholes--there were four on each side of the shuttered windows--andfive others, including Christopher Burley, brought powder and ball, andset to work to load spare rifles. The rest were sent back to watch attheir posts, lest a counter attack should be made in those directions. 

It had all been so sudden, so overwhelming, that I felt dazed as Ilooked from my loophole into the murky, snow-flecked night. Across thecrust, dotted with ghastly forms, the outbuildings loomed vaguely. Behind them hundreds of bloodthirsty redskins lay sheltered; but therewas scarcely a sound to be heard save the pitiful whining of the huskydogs who were shut up in the canoe house. 

"Fate is against us!" I reflected bitterly. "A few moments ago Ibelieved we could hold out for days--I was confident that we should allescape; and now this black cloud of despair, of death, has fallen uponus! Flora, my darling, I pray Heaven to spare you! God help us to beatthe savages off--to save the house!"

Just then I detected a movement in the distance, and I knew too wellwhat it meant. My companions saw it also, and they broke out withwarning exclamations:

"Here they come!" "Be ready, boys!" "Give the devils a hot reception!""Keep the spare muskets handy!"

"Take sharp aim and make every shot tell!" Menzies cried hoarsely. "Fireat those nearest your own side. My God, look yonder--"

His voice was drowned by one blood-curdling screech poured from ahundred throats. Through the driving snow a dusky mass rolled forward, and when it was halfway across the space we made out no less than ascore of Indians each shouldering three or four planks of short length. With reckless valor they came on, whooping and yelling defiantly. 

"They've taken the cut timber that was stored in the powder house!"cried Carteret. "It's as dry as touchwood and will burn like wildfire!"

"We're lost!" exclaimed Menzies. "There are too many of the fiends; weshall never drive them back!"

"It's our last chance!" I shouted. "Steady, now. Fire!"

Bang! went my musket. Bang! bang! bang! rang other reports. The volleycaught the savages at a range of twenty yards and as the smoke driftedup from the loopholes I saw the foremost, at whom I had aimed, sprawledon the snow. Three or four others were down, and two more droppedquickly. The rest darted on unchecked. 

"Again!" I shouted. "Quick, let them have it! All together!"

We snatched spare guns from the men behind us, throwing down our emptyweapons, and a second straggling volley of lead and flame blazed fromthe loopholes. But the smoke partly spoiled our aim, and the intervalgave the redskins a terrible advantage. Half of them dashed on, underour very guns, and right up to the wall of the house, and the nextinstant we heard an ominous sound--the thump and clatter of the driedtimbers as they fell against the logs. 

"That's our death knell!" cried Menzies. "Heaven help us now! We arelost!"

Heaven help us indeed! That there was no hope save for the interventionof Providence, every man of us knew. Some cursed their hard fate, andsome shrieked threats and imprecations. Others seized the guns as fastas the relief men could load them, and fired at the now retreatingsavages, who went back with more caution than they came; for they firstcrept along the base of the wall to the left angle, and then darted overthe crust in zigzag fashion toward the outbuildings, where theircomrades were howling and whooping with triumph. 

"Two down!" cried Captain Rudstone. 

"And one for me!" exclaimed Carteret. 

I watched for a moment, but no more Indians appeared. The rest hadescaped to shelter, and they must have been few in number; for I couldcount eight bodies lying about in the falling snow, amid scatteredstrips of planking, and four wounded wretches were trying to crawl away. Their attempt had succeeded, but at a terrible cost of life. With agesture of despair. I turned round. 

"Have they all gone back?" I asked. 

"I think so, " Menzies replied huskily. "They will rush us againdirectly, and fire the bedding and the wood. It's all up with us!"

Crack! A gun spoke shrilly from a loophole on the right, and Baptiste'svoice shouted with elation:

"Bonne! bonne! another redskin! He ran out from beneath the window! Heis dead now--I shot him in the back!"

"But why did he stay behind the rest?" Menzies asked suspiciously. 

"To light the fire!" cried Carteret. "My comrades, it is Heaven's willthat we perish!"

The old voyageur was right. As he spoke he pointed with one band to theloopholes. We saw a red glare spreading farther and farther across thetrampled snow crust, and heard a hissing, crackling noise. The deadIndian had ignited the heaped-up material, probably by means of flintand steel. 

The flames leaped higher, throwing ruddy reflections yards away. Theyroared and sang as they devoured the inflammable mattresses, stuffedwith straw, and laid hold of the dry timbers piled above. They spatshowers of sparks, turned the falling snowflakes to specks of crimson, and drove curls of thick yellow smoke into the room through the chinksof the now burning logs. The house was doomed, and we who were caughtthere in the meshes of death, fated to perish by agonizing torture, looked at one another with white faces and eyes dilated by horror, withlimbs that trembled and lips that could not speak. Outside, across theinclosure, the hordes of savages shrieked and yelled with thevoices of malicious demons. From the hall, from the rooms beyond it, therest of our little band came running in panic to learn the worst andshare our misery. 

Christopher Burley fell on his knees and clasped his hands in prayer. 

"O, God, save us!" he cried. "Let me live to see London again. "

"The fire is just to the left of the window, " exclaimed CaptainRudstone. "If we had water--"

"There's only one small cask in the house, " interrupted Carteret, "andif we had plenty we could do nothing. Fifty bullets would enter by thewindow the moment the shutter was opened. "

With terrible rapidity the flames spread, roaring like a passage of awind storm through treetops. Out in the snow it was as light as day, andone could have counted the streaks of paint on the faces of the deadsavages by the awful red glare. The chinks between the logs wereflickering lines of fire, and the smoke puffed through so thickly as tomake us cough and choke, and fill our smarting eyes with water. The heatgrew intense, and drops of perspiration rolled down our cheeks. 

Crack! crack--crack--crack! The Indians suddenly began to fire at theloopholes, which were now distinctly outlined against the flame-litwall. By twos and threes the guns went off, blending with a din ofwhooping voices, and the bullets pattered like hail. Menzies spun aroundand clutched at his right arm, which was bleeding above the elbow. A ball whizzed by my ear and another struck Dr. Knapp just betweenthe eyes; he fell with a crash and lay quite still. 

It was clear that the savages had the range of the loopholes, and withone accord we fled from the room, taking the powder canisters with us. In the hall a candle was burning on a shelf, and by the dim glow I sawMrs. Menzies and Flora coming hurriedly down the stairs. 

 CHAPTER XXIX. 

 THE SECRET OF THE FACTOR'S DESK. 

I shrank from the encounter. The sight of the fair girl whom I loved sopassionately made me a coward, and I felt that I could not speak thewords of her doom and mine. So I lurked to one side while Mrs. Menziesrushed up to her husband and clutched him hysterically. 

"The house is on fire!" she cried. "The smoke drove us downstairs, and--Oh, you are shot!"

"A mere flesh wound, " Menzies answered huskily. "Tie it up for me with astrip of your skirt. "

With trembling fingers she obeyed. 

"The worse, Andrew!" she pleaded--"tell me the worst! I am a bravewoman; I can bear it. "

I did not hear Menzies' reply, for he quickly led his wife into adarkened room adjoining; but I had a glimpse of his face, and it seemedto have aged years in the last minute. 

"Denzil!"

I recognized Flora's voice, and turning, I found her at my elbow. Hercheeks were white, except for a burning red spot in the middle of each. Her lovely eyes gazed into mine with a look of deepest affection, ofheart-rending fear that she could not disguise. 

"Come!" I whispered hoarsely. 

I drew her past the little group of men to the far end of the hall, where the staircase screened us from the light of the candle. How tobegin, what to say, I did not know. With one arm about her slender form, I pressed kisses on her lips and forehead. 

"My darling!" I cried. "Oh, the pity of it--the pity of it!"

"Then it is true, Denzil?" she asked in faltering tones. "Don't deceiveme at such a time. Is there really no hope?"

It would have been worse than folly to speak false words of comfort now, and with an effort I answered:

"No; all hope is gone. You must know the worst, my darling! We have buta little while to live. Heaven has deserted us. Oh, God, that it shouldbe my lot to tell you this!" She crept closer to me, hiding her face onmy breast. For nearly a minute she was still, while confusion andclamor, Indian yells, and musketry fire reigned round us. I could feelthe agitated heaving of her bosom, the throbbing of her heart. Then shelooked up at me bravely, with a sublime expression in her tear-dimmedeyes that brought to my mind the Christian martyrs of old. 

"God is love and mercy, dearest Denzil, " she said. "If it is His willthat we die we must submit. We will find in heaven the happiness that isdenied us on earth. "

"It is a cruel, cruel fate!" I cried fiercely. "I would suffer tendeaths to save you--"

"It is better thus, " she interrupted. "We shall not be separated!Promise me, Denzil, that you will not let the Indians take me alive!"

I tried to speak, but a sob choked my utterance. I nodded assent, andjust then my name was called from the other end of the hall. I kissedFlora and led her forward, putting her in the care of Mrs. Menzies. Themen were standing about in groups, some talking, some nervously loadingguns, and others staring vacantly at the floor. 

"We are considering what we had better do, " said Captain Rudstone, "andwe want your opinion, Carew. If we stick to the house it means death forall of us by suffocation or by flames. If we sally out there is apossibility that one or more of us may break through and escape. "

"No chance of that, " Carteret answered bluntly. "The devils will beready for us, and we shall be hemmed in and butchered to a man. I preferto die fighting myself; but think of the women! Suffocation will be theeasiest fate for them. "

I made no reply, for I did not know what to say--what alternative tochoose. It was a horrible prospect either way, and I contemplated itwith rage and despair, with such a whirl in my brain that I thought Ishould go mad. The musketry fire was dwindling a little, but thewhooping and yelling of the exultant savages suddenly rose to a higherpitch, making such a din that the voices of my companions were quitedrowned. 

There was still an interval of time left in which to reach adecision--perhaps half an hour. By then, at the most, the house would bea furnace in which nothing could live. As yet owing to the snow on theroof, the flames were confined to the south side. But there they hadeaten through the wall, and were roaring and crackling with fury as theydevoured the thick beams and timbers. They had seized both angles of thehouse, and were licking their way into the room. We could see the ruddyglare under the closed door, and could feel the scorching heat. Fromcracks and crevices puffs of yellow smoke darted into the hall; had awind been blowing in our direction we should have been suffocated longbefore. 

"Shall we stay here to perish like trapped beasts?" cried AndrewMenzies, his voice ringing above the infernal clamor of the savages. "Let us unbar the door, rush out, and sell our lives dearly! Take yourmuskets, my brave fellows! We will fight to the death, and kill as manyof the devils as we can. And if no merciful bullets reach the women, wewill shoot--them--with our--own--"

He could say no more. He stood with his hands clasped and his lipsmoving in prayer, while the men, almost unanimously shouted eagerapproval of his plan. 

"Make ready, all!" cried Captain Rudstone, "we must be quick about it, for at any moment the heat or a spark may touch off the powder in yonderback room. "

That the explosion might come that instant, and so insure us a speedyand merciful death, was my heartfelt wish as I leaned against the wall. I groaned aloud as I pictured Flora lying in the snow, her beautifulface and hair dabbled with blood. Just then a bullet, fired through aloophole at one side of the door, whistled within an inch of my ear. Itgave me such a start that I lost my balance and reeled against an olddesk of the factor's that stood under the shelf holding the candle. Ityielded, and we came to the floor together. 

I picked myself up and saw the desk broken open and a number of loosepapers scattered at my feet. A word on one of them arrested myattention. I reached for it--it was a yellow document, faded with age, once folded--and on the outside, scrawled in big letters with a quill, Iread the following:

 "PLAN OF A SECRET PASSAGE FROM FORT ROYAL, 1762. "

I fairly held my breath as I tore the paper open. Inside was a rudedrawing that I recognized at a glance, and more writing below it. Thelatter I studied for a moment, and then my head turned dizzy with joy. 

"Hurrah!--hurrah!" I cried, waving the precious paper in the air. "ThankGod for His wonderful mercy! If this proves true we are saved--saved!"

My companions crowded round me excitedly, some thinking that I hadsuddenly taken leave of my senses. 

"What is it?" they demanded. "What do you mean, Carew?"

"Look, look!" I shouted. "A secret passage from the fort--an undergroundexit built years ago--leading from the cellar to the very bank of theriver! It opens from the east wall; the stone is marked with a cross!"

The paper was quickly passed from hand to hand, studied and read. Thescene that followed--the transition from blackest despair to radianthope--I am utterly unable to describe. Indeed, I saw but little of thebehavior of the men. I ran to Flora, clasping her in my arms, and wemingled our tears of happiness together. 

"Listen, men!" shouted Andrew Menzies. "I fully believe that thisdocument is to be relied upon--that the passage exists. There was arumor years ago that one of the forts was so provided when it was built, and that the tunnel was not repeated afterward on account of the vastlabor; but I did not suspect it to be Fort Royal. Griffith Hawks aloneknew the secret, and he died with it untold. We will proceed at once toverify this good news; there is not a moment to spare. Denzil, you andCaptain Rudstone will come with me. "

He turned to the others. 

"There is much to be done, " he added, "and it must be done quickly. Loada sledge with provisions, and get others ready for the wounded who areunable to walk. Let each may take a supply of powder and ball, and puton snowshoes. Helen, do you and Miss Hatherton prepare for a long andtiresome march. "

There was, indeed, no time to be wasted. The entire side of the housewas a mass of flames, and the hall was so scorching hot, so filled withsmoke, as to be almost unendurable. The Indians were in a cordon aroundus, whooping at the top of their voices, firing occasional shots, andevidently expecting that the flames would drive us to meet death in theopen. 

Leaving the rest to execute Menzie's orders--Carteret volunteered tofetch the women their outdoor wraps from upstairs--the three of usprocured a lantern and gained access to the cellar from the room at theend of the hall. Assisted by the plan, we quickly found on the eastwall, a big square slab of stone marked by a faint cross. 

"Here we are!" exclaimed Menzies. "Try to pry it out with axes. "

Two minutes of work sufficed. The stone fell inward, and we shouted withdelight when we saw a yawning black hole before us, large enough for twostooping men to walk abreast. Captain Rudstone hurried upstairs with theglad news, and meanwhile Menzies and I ventured some distance into thepassage, finding the air sweet and pure. 

When we returned to the mouth all of our little party were assembled inthe cellar, each man--and the women as well--carrying a pair ofsnowshoes. Flora and Mrs. Menzies were protected against the bitterweather by furred cloaks. Of the five wounded men one had died withinthe hour; the other four were able to hobble along temporarily with someassistance. For transporting these when we were safely away from thefort we had two sledges, not counting the one laden with food supplies. 

As yet the redskins did not suspect that they were in danger of beingcheated of their triumph; we could hear their frenzied cries faintly. Overhead the flames were roaring and hissing, and the cellar itself washazy with pungent smoke. 

 CHAPTER XXX. 

 A STRANGE DISCOVERY. 

"All ready?" exclaimed Menzies. "Then forward. If no mishap occurs weshall be miles away before our escape is discovered. "

He entered the passage first, flashing the lantern in front of him, andthe others followed in double file. Captain Rudstone and I, who camelast, took the precaution to replace the slab of stone as we had foundit. 

It was a strange experience to thread that underground corridor, builtwith herculean toil, when the fort was reared, for just such anemergency as it was serving now. We had to stoop low to avoid theraftered roof. The air was close, and not a sound reached us fromoutside. We groped along in semi-darkness for the lantern cast no lightbehind. It gave one a ghastly oppressive feeling of being buried alive. 

The tunnel seemed longer than it really was. We were certain over andover again that we had passed under the fort yard and the outerclearing, yet still we went on. But at last Menzies stopped, and calledin a low voice that he had come to the end. Captain Rudstone and I madeour way up to him, and saw that further progress was barred by a slab ofrock that fitted exactly across the passage. 

"It will yield with a hard push, " said Menzies. 

"Wait!" said I. "Let us first blow out the lantern. "

This was done, and the three of us put our weight to the stone. Itgrated like rusty iron, gave way slowly, and went down with a crunchingnoise. Ah, the happiness of that moment--the joy of that first glimpseand breath of the air of freedom! It was all we could do to keep fromshouting and cheering. 

The tunnel had brought us out on a narrow ledge midway down the steepand wooded bluff that rose from the edge of the river. A canopy of treessheltered us overhead, and below us, through the evergreen foliage, thefrozen, snow-crusted river gleamed against the murky background of thenight. 

A short time before we had stared death in the face; now the hope oflife and safety thrilled our hearts with gratitude for a merciful andwonderful Providence. All the circumstances seemed in our favor. 

Off behind us the Indians were still holding mad revelry in the fortyard, little dreaming, as they screeched and bowled, of the trick thathad been played upon them. Not a sound could be heard close by; therewas reason to believe that all the savages were gathered inside of theinclosure. And the snow was falling so fast and thickly that it mustcover our tracks almost as soon as made. 

To put some miles between ourselves and our bloodthirsty foes was ourfirst thought, and we did not lose an instant by delay. Creeping down tothe foot of the bluff, we strapped our snowshoes to our feet, and fixedthe four wounded men comfortably on the two empty sledges. As we startedoff--twenty-one of us in all--the factor's house seemed to be wrapped inflames, to judge from the increasing glare that shone around us. Wetraveled rapidly to the south, up the river's course, and closelyskirted the timbered shore nearest the fort. Gradually the whooping ofthe Indians died away, and the reflection of the fire faded, until itwas only a flickering glow on the dark and wintry horizon. In theexcitement of leaving the fort we had given no thought to our futureplans; but now, as we hurried along the frozen bed of the river, wediscussed that all-important matter. It had been commonly understood ina vague way that we should strike direct for Fort York. However, onreflection, we abandoned that plan. If the Indians should discover ourescape, as was only too likely, they would suspect that Fort York wasour destination, and make a quick march to cut us off. 

"We must look after the interests of the company as well as our ownlives, " said Menzies, "and I think I see a clear way to do both. Therising of the redskins and the Northwest people may be checked by promptaction; it is probably not yet known beyond Fort Royal, nor have therebeen attacks elsewhere. So I suggest that we split into two parties. Iwill command one, take the wounded with me, and push on to Fort Elk, which is about eighty miles to the southeast. You will command theother, Denzil, and strike for Fort Charter. It lies rather more than ahundred milts to the south, and your shortest route will be by way ofold Fort Beaver. If we both succeed--and the chances are in ourfavor--two forts will be put on the alert, and couriers can be sent toother posts. "

This plan commended itself to us all, and was ultimately decided upon. There was little danger of pursuit, or of meeting hostile Indians in thedirections we proposed to go. We made a brief halt at a small islandabout five miles from Fort Royal, and separated our party into two. Menzies, having the shorter journey, insisted on taking less men, and Ireluctantly yielded. 

Including himself and wife, and the four wounded, his party numberedeleven. I had eight men in mine, as follows: Captain Rudstone, Christopher Burley, an Indian employee named Pemecan, two voyageurs, Baptiste and Carteret, and three old servants of the company, by nameDuncan Forbes, Malcolm Cameron, and Luke Hutter. Flora, of course, wentwith me, and she had made me radiantly happy by a promise to become mywife at Fort Charter, if the ceremony could be arranged there. One ofthe sledges, with a quantity of supplies, was turned over to us. 

It was a solemn parting, at the hour of midnight, by that little islandon the frozen river. The women embraced and shed tears; the men claspedhands and hoarsely wished each other a safe journey. Then Menzies andhis companions vanished in the forest on the right bank of the river, and through the driving snow I led my band of followers to the south. Flora was beside me, and I felt ready to surmount any peril for hersake. 

It was well toward noon of the next day, and snow was still falling, when we ventured to halt in a desolate region near the headwaters of theChurchill. We rested a few hours, and then pushed on until night, camping in a deep forest and not daring to light a fire. Of what befellus after that I shall speak briefly. The weather cleared and grewcolder, and for two days we marched to the south. We made rapidprogress--Flora rode part of the time on the sledge--and saw no sign ofIndians, or, indeed, of any human beings. We all wore heavy winterclothing, so suffered no hardships on that score; and the second nightwe built huge camp fires in a rocky gorge among the hills. But our stockof provisions was running short, and this fact caused us someuneasiness. 

As the sun was setting that second day--it was the third day's journeyin all--we glided from the depths of the virgin forest and saw what hadbeen Fort Beaver on the further side of a shallow clearing. I had beenthinking with strange emotions of the past since morning--since we beganto draw near the neighborhood--and at sight of my old home, close towhich both my father and mother were buried, my eyes grew dim and achoking lump rose in my throat. 

"I have never been this way before, " remarked Captain Rudstone, "but Iknow the place by repute. It was of importance in its day; now it is amass of crumbling ruins. "

"Is this really where you were born, Denzil?" Flora asked me. 

"Yes, " I replied; "here I spent my early years and happy ones theywere. "

"Ah, this is interesting, " Christopher Burley said, thoughtfully. "Andhere your father, Bertrand Carew, lived from the time he left Englanduntil his death?"

"Until a treacherous Indian killed him, sir, " I said. "And the murdererwas never discovered. It is too late to go any further, men, " I added, wishing to turn the subject. "We will put up here for the night, andenjoy resting between walls and beside a fireplace. "

We crossed the clearing, and entered the stockade by the open gateway, which was half filled in with drifted snow. We went on, past crumblingoutbuildings, to what had been the factor's residence. The house was ina fairly good state of preservation, and a push sent the door back onits hinges. 

We were on the threshold of the main room, where I so well recalled myfather sitting musingly by the great fireplace evening after eveningsmoking his pipe. Now the apartment was dreary and bare. Snow hadfiltered in at the windows, and the floor was rotting away. There wereashes in the fireplace, and near by lay a heap of dry wood--signs thatsome voyageur or trapper had spent a night here while journeying throughthe wilderness. 

"This is like civilization again, " said Christopher Burley, with a sigh. 

"We are sure of a comfortable night, at all events, " replied CaptainRudstone. 

"The first thing will be supper, " said I. "Baptiste, you and Carteretunpack the sledge. And do you build us a roaring fire, Pemecan. "

I went into another room for a moment--it had been my own in timespast--and when I returned the Indian had already started a cheerfulblaze. As I walked toward the fireplace, intending to warm my hands, aloose slab of stone that was set in at the right of it was dislodged bythe shaking of the floor. It toppled over with a crash, breaking intoseveral fragments, and behind it, on the weatherworn stratum of plaster, I saw a number of hieroglyphics. On pulling down some more plaster Ifound more lines of them, and they were doubtless an inscription of somesort. The odd-looking characters were carved deeply into the wall, and Ijudged that they had been made years before. 

"How strange!" cried Flora, coming to my side. 

The rest also drew near, scrutinizing the mysterious discovery witheager eyes and exclamations of surprise. 

"It looks like a cryptogram, " said Captain Rudstone, and his voiceseemed to tremble and grow hoarse as he spoke. "What do you make of it, Carew?"

"Nothing, " said I. "You know as much as myself--I never saw it before. "

"Was it put there in your father's time?"

"Perhaps, " I answered, "but I am inclined to think that it belongs to amuch earlier date. "

The captain shook his head slowly. He stared at the hieroglyphics with athoughtful face, with his brow knitted into tiny wrinkles over hishalf-closed eyes. 

 CHAPTER XXXI. 

 A CRY IN THE NIGHT. 

We all, more or less, shared Captain Rudstone's curiosity. For a minutewe gazed in silence at the strange marks--the company men stolidly, thetwo voyageurs with disdainful shrugs of the shoulders. Pemecan touchedthe spot with something like awe, and Christopher Burley followed hisexample. 

"This is a very odd thing, " he muttered. "I wish I could take theplaster just as it is back to London with me. "

"I've seen nothing like it, " declared Luke Hutter, "and I've lived inthe wilderness, man and boy, for nigh onto fifty years. "

Naturally Fort Beaver having been my home, the rest looked to me tothrow some light on the mystery of the cryptogram--if such it was; but Iwas no wiser than they, and they questioned me in vain. I remembered thefireplace as being always in sound condition, and as my father had neverspoken of the matter, I judged that the marks had been cut years beforehis time--perhaps during the youth of my maternal grandfather. 

"It may be so, Mr. Carew, " said Christopher Burley; "but to my mind thework is of more recent date. I should say the stone had been purposelyremoved, and then put back after the hieroglyphics were carved on theplaster. I would take a copy, but unfortunately I have no material athand--"

"It would be a useless waste of time, sir, if you had, " Captain Rudstoneinterrupted, almost fiercely. "The characters are meaningless. I'llwarrant 'tis but a jest on the part of some crack-brained hunter ortrapper, or possibly one of the laborers who built the fort. And surelywe have more serious matters to think about!"

"Ay, that is true!" I assented, wondering meanwhile at the captain'searnestness. "Cryptogram or not, we'll leave it for wiser heads thanours! Come, reset the stone!"

Baptiste and Carteret lifted the fragments of the slab, and fitted theminto place again. That done, I ceased to think of the mystery, and itwas not subsequently referred to. 

It was a great relief, after the hardships at the fort and the exposureof the long march, to have a shelter over us once more. The danger ofpursuit was a specter that had faded behind us, and we counted onreaching Fort Charter at the end of another day's journey. We found somerickety stools and benches, and drawing them around the roaring fire, weate our simple meal with thankful hearts. Flora sat beside me, and Iwatched her lovely face, now pensive, now radiant with happiness andlove, as the flickering glow of the flames played upon it. I heldmyself a lucky man to have won such a treasure. 

But we were devouring almost the last of our food; indeed, when supperwas finished nothing remained but a sack of cornmeal and half a pound ofdried fish. It was necessary to provide for the next day, since we wouldmarch but poorly on empty stomachs and so we arranged a plan that we hadpartly settled on that morning. 

The suggestion was mine. About five miles to the east, in a hilly andtimbered bit of country, a spring bubbled up, so cold and swift that itnever froze near its source. The deer and other game knew it, and cameto the place by day and night to drink, and there I proposed to guideone or two of my companions. 

"We are certain to be back before midnight, " I said, "for we can makethe round trip in less than three hours. And I'll promise venison forbreakfast--or perhaps moose meat. "

"Will it be safe to use firearms?" asked Christopher Burley. 

"I don't think there is any risk, " I answered. "There are no Indianvillages within many miles, and as for our old enemies, they areprobably searching for us in the neighborhood of the trail to FortYork. "

To this Carteret and some of the other men assented. They were all eagerto go with me. 

"I wish you would stay behind, Denzil, " Flora said wistfully. 

"But I alone know the exact spot where the deer drink, " I answered. "Have no fear; I will return safely. "

"At least let me sit up until you come, " she pleaded. 

"I am afraid I must say no, " I replied. "You need sleep and rest toobadly. And here, between these walls, you will be as safe as if you werein Fort Charter. "

Flora yielded without further words, but there was an appealing, anxiouslook in her eyes that I remembered afterward. Twilight had turned todarkness, and no time was lost in preparing for the start. I chose toaccompany me Carteret and Captain Rudstone; and I fancied the latter wasill pleased at his selection though he spoke otherwise. We donned coatsand caps, strapped our snowshoes on our feet, and looked to the loadingand priming of our muskets. 

As a matter of precaution, I decided to set a watch outside the fortwhile we were gone--and indeed through the night--and Malcolm Cameronvolunteered for the service. On pretense of showing Flora something Ifound an opportunity to snatch a kiss from her lips and to whisper a fewfoolish words into her ear. A little room to one side had been reservedfor her, and a comfortable bed made of blankets. The rest were to sleeparound the fireplace. 

The moon was shining from a starry sky and the air was still and coldwhen the three of us started away. We waved our hands to Cameron, whowas at the stockade gates, and plunged eastward into the forest. I ledoff, and Captain Rudstone and Carteret followed in single file. 

At the first I was troubled by a vague premonition of coming disaster, which, in default of sound reason, I set down to Flora's ill-concealedsolicitude for my safety. But when we had gone a mile or so this feelingwore off, and I enjoyed the exhilaration of striding on snowshoes overthe frozen crust, through the silent solitudes of the wilderness, byrock and hill and moonlit glade. Never had the spell of the Great LoneLand thrilled me more deeply. Watchful and alert, we glided on from treeto tree, our shadows trailing behind us, and the evergreen recesses ofthe wood stretching on all sides like black pits. Birds and beasts werestill; the only sound was the light crunch of our feet, the crackle nowand then of a fallen twig. 

Not a word was spoken until we came to a gap between two mighty hills, ashort distance beyond which, on the verge of a flat of marshland, laythe spot we sought. Then I briefly explained to my companions what wemust do. 

We made a detour in a semicircle, working our way around to the rightside of the wind, and so approached the spring. The cover of bushes andtrees ended fifty yards short of it, and with the utmost caution weprogressed that far. Crouching on the hard crust, scarcely daring tobreathe, we peeped out. 

I had expected to see several head of game, at the least, and I wasdisappointed. Only one was in sight--a fair-sized buck. He was drinkingat the source of the spring, and the moonlight glistened on his prongedantlers and on the bubbling water. 

"We have but a single chance, " I said in a whisper. "We must run no riskof losing it. I take it you are a good shot, Captain Rudstone?"

"I have twice killed my man in a duel, " was the curt reply. 

"Then you and I will fire together, " I continued, "when I count three. And do you reserve your ball, Carteret, if by any chance we both miss. Ready now!"

"All right, " said the captain, as he took aim. 

"One--two--three!" I whispered. 

Bang! The two reports were simultaneous. Under the rising powder smokethe buck was seen to spring in air and then topple over in a quiveringmass, dead beyond a doubt. The crashing echoes rolled away into thedepths of the forest. We were on our feet instantly, ready to runforward with drawn knives; but before we could do so an unexpected thingchecked us. Up the valley behind us, from a point no great distance off, rang a shrill, wavering call. As we listened, staring at one anotherwith alarmed faces, we heard the sound again. And now it was a plaincall for help. 

"What man can be in this lonely spot?" exclaimed Carteret. "Our earsdeceive us. It is the scream of a crafty panther we hear. "

"No; it is a human voice, " muttered the captain. "I'll swear to that. But I am afraid of a trick. "

"If enemies were about they would have no need to lure us, " I replied. 

"Come, let us see what it means. "

I started in the direction of the sound, and my companions followed me. 

 CHAPTER XXXII. 

 THE TRAVELER FROM ALASKA. 

Although the cries for help had now ceased, and were not repeated, oursearch was crowned with success in a brief time. Pushing up the valleyfor about five hundred yards, amid trees and thickets, we came suddenlyupon a little camp. A lean-to of spruce boughs was rudely built againstthe base of the steep hill on the right, which towered upward above itto a dizzy and remote height, its alternate patches of timber and snowtraced out by the moonlight. 

The front of the lean-to was open, and inside, by the glow from ahandful of smouldering embers, we saw a strange sight. In the farcorner, apparently sleeping, lay an old man. On a small sledge near himwere a powder horn, and bullet pouch, a musket and a few pelts. 

There was no reply to our sharp greeting, and we ventured closer. Carteret found some bits of dry wood and threw them on the fire. Heknelt down and blew them quickly into a blaze, which enabled us to seemore distinctly. The old man was breathing heavily, and it needed but aglance to tell us that he was near to death from starvation or someillness. His head rested on a pillow of skins, and he was rolled partlyin blankets, which were pushed off enough to show his tattered andtravel-worn clothing. His cheeks were deeply sunken, his gray hair waslong and matted, and his tangled beard reached nearly to his waist. 

"There is not a sign of food, " said I. 

"It's a clear case of starvation, " replied Captain Rudstone. "Poor oldchap!"

Just then, roused from his stupor by our voices, or by the warmth of thefire, the stranger opened his eyes and looked about him wildly. Heclawed at the air with skinny fingers, and tried to speak. I had alittle rum with me, and I poured it between his lips. This brought atinge of color to his cheeks and a brightness to his glazing eyes, buthe was too weak to lift his head. 

"Who are you?" he muttered faintly. "Friends? Ay, thank God! White facesonce more--after all these months! I heard the shot, and judged thatIndians or trappers were near. I called as loudly as I could, but--but--"

"The exertion was too much for you and you fainted, " said I. "But weheard your cries, and found you. How long have you been here?"

"Three days, " he answered--"three days and nights without food. I atethe last bite when I reached this spot, and a fortnight before I hadfired my last charge of powder and ball. I was too ill to go further. Ibuilt this shelter to die in, and from time to time I crawled out forfuel to keep up the fire. But the end is close now. Don't leave me--letme die with white faces round me. "

"Cheer up, my friend, " said Captain Rudstone. "You are going to live. "

"We have a deer yonder, " I added. "We will make you a venison broth, andthen take you to the fort, where the rest of our party await us. "

But Carteret, who had the keener eye, shook his head gravely. 

"It is no use, " he whispered. 

The old man heard him. 

"Ay, you are right, " he said. "I am past help. I feel death stealingover me. Months of privation have worn out my rugged frame--thisfrightful wilderness has drained my life blood. Comrades, I havejourneyed on foot from the far province of Alaska. "

Carteret shrugged his shoulders, and the captain and I exchangedincredulous glances. Doubtless the stranger's mind was wandering. 

"You think me mad, " he said hoarsely. "But no; I will prove otherwise. Listen to my story. It is the last service you can do me, and you willfind it well worth hearing. "

His manner was so earnest that we began to believe a little in spite ofourselves. We crouched on the blanket alongside of him, and in a voicethat was barely audible--he was failing fast--the old man proceeded. Theearlier part of his narrative, which was the least interesting, I willset down briefly in my own words. 

His name was Hiram Buckhorn, and he was now sixty odd years of age. Halfof his life had been passed in New York State and the Lower Canadas, andthen he had gone across the continent to San Francisco. From that porthe sailed with a dozen adventurous companions two years previously toexplore the almost unknown territory of Alaska and prospect for gold. They sailed hundreds of miles up the mighty Yukon, and when their vesselwas wrecked they journeyed some days inland on foot. 

"And we found what we sought, " he continued, with sparklingeyes--"riches such as were never dreamed of! Gold? Why, men, it was asplentiful as the sand and gravel! The streams were paved with nuggets;it was everywhere under the soil! Our camp was near a tributary of theYukon, and within a square mile was gold enough to purchase a dozenempires; but many a year will pass before men lay hands on the treasure. It is a terrible country--almost impossible to reach, and there isscarcely any summer season. And then the savage Indians! They fell uponus suddenly and treacherously, and butchered every one of my comrades. For some reason they spared my life and held me a prisoner. "

The old man paused a moment, breathing heavily. "After a month ofcaptivity, during which my sufferings were terrible, I managed toescape, " he went on, in a weaker voice. "I could not return throughAlaska, so I headed to the southeast through the Hudson Bay Company'sterritory. I had musket and powder and ball--which I recovered from theIndians--and I built myself a rude sledge. This was thirteen months agoand since then I have been on the way. Ay, I have plodded more thanfifteen hundred miles, through all seasons, over rivers, mountains, andplains. And to what end? To fill a grave in the wilderness! I had hopedto reach civilization, but the task was too great. "

Such was Hiram Buckhorn's narrative, and when it was finished we lookedsilently at him with awe and amazement, with the deepest pity. Hisexploit had far surpassed anything in the annals of the pioneers of theNorthwest. Fifteen hundred miles, on foot and alone, through anuntrodden wilderness that even the Hudson Bay Company had never dreamedof tapping! It bore the stamp of truth, and yet it was so incredible athing that we wavered between doubt and belief. 

He noted this, and a grim smile flitted across his face. 

"You shall see!" he whispered. "Reach under my head! Be quick!"

I gently thrust a hand beneath the pillow of skins, and drew out a smallbut heavy bag fashioned of rawhide. At his bidding I placed it besidethe old man. With a hard effort, he loosed the mouth and turned the bigupside down. Out fell on the fold of a blanket a mass of golden nuggetsof the purest quality. There were not less than fifty, of large size, and they gleamed dull yellow in the rays of the fire. The sight almosttook our breath, and we gazed with greedy, wondering eyes. 

"Look! I spoke the truth, " said Hiram Buckhorn. "There is the evidence!Millions like them are to be dug in the region of the Klondike! But putthem back--their glitter is no longer for me!"

I hurriedly gathered the nuggets into the bag and thrust it deep underthe skins again. The old man watched every movement and heaved a faintsigh. 

"The gold is yours, my friend, " he muttered. "Take it and divide it whenyou have put me beneath the snow. And one other favor I crave. Send wordat the first opportunity to San Francisco, of the fate of those whosailed with me. They were trusty comrades! As for myself, I have no kithor kin--"

His voice suddenly dwindled to a whisper, and a spasm shook him fromhead to foot. His glassy eyes closed, he lifted one hand and dropped it, and then his heaving chest was still. 

"Is he dead?" I exclaimed. 

"Ay, that was his last breath, " replied Carteret. "He went quickly. "

"The excitement finished him, " said Captain Rudstone. "But listen! Whatis that?"

We looked at one another with startled faces. Far, far above us we hearda roaring, grinding noise, increasing each second. And we knew only toowell what it meant!

"A snowslide--an avalanche!" cried Captain Rudstone. "It has started atthe top, and will carry everything before it down the hill. "

"Ran for your lives!" shouted Carteret. "We're in the track, and willhardly escape as it is!"

In a trice we were out of the lean-to, panic-stricken and alarmed, thinking of nothing but our lives; for of all perils of the Great LoneLand, the snow slide, with its speed and destructive power, was the mostto be dreaded. We forgot the dead man--the gold under his pillow. Wesped down the valley as though on wings, not daring to look up thehillside, where the avalanche was cleaving its way with a deafeningnoise, with the crash of falling trees, the grind of dislodged bowlders, and the roar of tons and tons of loosened snow. And the monster seemedto be reaching for us!

Flora's dear face took shape before me in the frosty air, and I fanciedI could hear her voice pleading with me to remain at the fort. Should Iever return to her arms again? The thought lent me speed, and I outdistanced my companions. The next instant I tripped in a clump of bushesand fell headlong, and plump on top of me came Carteret and CaptainRudstone. 

We were all three so tangled together that our efforts to extricateourselves only led to worse confusion. We broke through the crust andfloundered in soft and powdery snow. As we struggled hard--we had fledbut a short distance--the avalanche struck the valley close behind us. There was first a mighty crash that made the ground tremble, next along, deafening grind like a hundred thunderpeals in one, and then thehissing rush of a few belated rocks. 

Silence followed, and we knew that we were saved. With grateful heartsand trembling limbs we scrambled out of our pit and regained the firmcrust. 

"Thank God!" I exclaimed. 

"We had a close shave of it, comrades, " Carteret said huskily, as hewiped the perspiration from his brow. 

We turned back and were pulled up short within twenty feet. For in frontof us, stretching two-thirds of the way across the valley, was a loftybarrier of snow, trees and bowlders; its track down the hillside wasmarked by a clean, wide swath, the beginning of which we could not see. And deep under the fallen mass, covered by tons and tons of compactdebris, was the crushed body of Hiram Buckhorn. 

"He could not have a better grave, " said Captain Rudstone. "No men orbeasts will ever despoil it. "

"Peace to his bones!" replied Carteret, reverently taking off his cap. "He deserved to live, after what he did. "

"But the gold!" I cried. "It is buried with him!"

"And there it will stay, " Captain Rudstone said coolly. "Even when thesnow melts in the spring, it will be covered deep by rocks and treesthat no man could drag away. "

The old voyageur appeared equally unconcerned. Money meant little tohim, and I could understand the captain taking as easy a view of theloss. But with myself it way different, I confess. I looked forward tomarriage, and for Flora's sake I longed for my share of the preciousnuggets. But there was nothing to be done--nothing further to be said. With a heavy heart I turned and followed my companions down the valley. We quickly cut the deer apart, burdening ourselves with the choicesthaunches, and then set off on our return to the fort. 

 CHAPTER XXXIII. 

 A CONVIVIAL MORNING. 

It must have been an hour past midnight when we broke from the forestinto the clearing, and as we strode across toward the stockade we notedwith relief that all was still and peaceful. Malcolm Cameron greeted usat the gate, and we passed on to receive a hearty welcome at the house. With the exception of Pemecan, our comrades were all awake, sprawledabout a blazing tire, and at sight of the meat we carried they set up agreat shout. 

"Hush! you will rouse Miss Hatherton!" said I, for I saw that she hadretired. 

However, I doubt if she had slept a wink; and no sooner was there a lullin the conversation than she called from the little room adjoining, in ahesitating voice:

"Have you returned, Denzil?"

"Yes, " I replied. "I am back, safe and sound, and with a fat deer forbreakfast. But go to sleep at once; it is very late. "

"I will, " Flora answered. "Good-night, Denzil. "

"Good-night, " I responded, and then my face grew hot as I saw CaptainRudstone regarding me with half-veiled amusement. 

"You are a lucky chap, Carew, " he said; "but you have well earned yourhappiness. "

I never quite knew how to take the captain's words, so I merely noddedin reply. We were all sleepy, and without delay we completed thepreparations for the night. Two men were chosen for sentry duty at thegate--Luke Hutter and Baptiste, and the latter at once relievedCameron and sent him in. Carteret and I had a look about the inclosure, and then, after putting a great beam on the fire, we rolled ourselves inour blankets and laid down beside our companions. 

I must have fallen asleep as soon as my eyes closed, for I rememberednothing until I was roused by a hand on my shoulder. Luke Hutter wasstanding over me, and from head to foot he was thickly coated with snow. The gray light of dawn glimmered behind the frosted windows, and I hearda hoarse whistling noise. The fire was blazing cheerily, forBaptiste had replenished it when he came off duty. Several of the menwere stirring; the others were sound asleep. 

"A bad day to travel, Mr. Carew, " said Hutter. 

"What do you mean?" I asked. 

For answer he led me to the door, and as he opened it a fine cloud ofsnow whirled into the room. I cried out with astonishment, for one ofthose rapid changes of weather so common in northern latitudes had takenplace during the night. A storm of wind and snow, much like a blizzard, was raging violently. The cold was intense, and it was impossible to seemore than a yard or two in front of one's face. 

"It began several hours ago, " said Hutter, "and it is good to last untilnight. If we set out for Fort Charter we shall lose our way, sir, andperhaps become exhausted and freeze to death. "

I agreed with Hutter, and after some reflection I hit upon a plan thatafforded me no little pleasure. My companions were by this time awakeand up, and I called their attention to the storm. As to the danger andimpossibility of proceeding on our journey, they were all of one mind. 

"We need a rest, " said I, "and here is a chance to take it, with a bitof recreation and enjoyment thrown in. There is not the slightest riskof an attack by Indians. We can spare a day, and we have snug quartersand enough to eat. The storm will doubtless abate by to-morrow morning, and then we will push on. What do you say, men?"

They assented readily, even with enthusiasm, and I saw that they enteredfully into the spirit which had prompted me to make the proposal. 

"I'm thinking it will be like old times, " said Cameron. "It was a happylife at Fort Royal, on the whole, sir. There's one thing we'll belacking for the day's pleasure--a stiff glass of grog all round. "

"We'll manage to get along without it, " I replied. "And now let's finishup the work; there is plenty to do. "

First of all we made a kettleful of warm water by melting snow, and Ihanded a pannikin of it in to Flora, whom I had heard stirring for sometime. She bade me a sweet good-morning, and showed me a glimpse of herpretty face round the corner of the door. Then some of us began toprepare breakfast--we had found an ample supply of dish ware in thefort--and others demolished a part of the stockade and brought thetimbers in for fuel. Captain Rudstone and I busied ourselves by makingthe crevices of the door and windows secure against wind and siftingsnow. For once we dispensed with sentry duty, thinking it to beunnecessary. 

As breakfast was ready to be served, Flora tripped out of her littleroom looking radiantly beautiful. When she learned that we were to stopat the fort that day her eyes glowed with pleasure, and what I read inthem set my heart beating fast. Seated about the fire on benches andrickety stools, we attacked the delicious slices of venison, thesteaming coffee, and the crisp cakes of cornmeal. Then, the disheswashed and the room tidied a bit, we heaped the fire high and settledourselves for a long morning. Outside the wind howled and the whirlingsnow darkened the air; inside was warmth and cheer and comfort. 

Looking back to that day over the gulf of years, I can recall fewoccasions of keener enjoyment. The security and comfort were in suchstrong contrast to what we had lately suffered, that we abandonedourselves wholly to the pleasure of the passing moment. We forgot thetragedies and sufferings that lay behind us, and gave no thought to whatthe uncertain future might hold in store. For me the horizon wasunclouded. Flora was by my side, and I looked forward to soon callingher my wife. 

Luckily, we had plenty of tobacco, and wreaths of fragrant smoke curledfrom blackened pipes. Baptiste and Carteret sang the dialect songs ofthe wilderness; Duncan Forbes amused us with what he called a Highlandfling, and Pemecan, to the accompaniment of outlandish chanting, dancedan Indian war-dance. Captain Rudstone and Christopher Burley, who wererarely anything but quiet and reserved, showed us sides of theircharacters that we had not suspected before; they clapped their handsand joined in the laughter and merriment. And in Flora's unfeignedhappiness and light spirits I took my greatest enjoyment. 

"Comrade, it's your turn, " said Forbes, addressing old Malcolm Cameron. "Maybe you'll be giving us your imitation of the skirl of the bagpipes. "

"Man, it's too dry work, " Cameron replied. "If I had a wee drop ofliquor--But it's no use asking for that. "

"By the way, Carew, " said Captain Rudstone, "as I was overhauling thatheap of rubbish in the cellar this morning, I pulled out a small cask. Could it contain anything drinkable?"

I was on my feet like a shot. 

"Come; we'll see!" I cried. "Lead the way!"

I followed the captain to the cellar and we found the cask. I quicklybroached it, and to my delight it, contained what I had scarcelyventured to hope for--a fine old port wine. 

"Where did it come from?" asked the captain, smacking his lips. 

"My father used to have it sent to him from England, " I replied, "andthis cask must have been mislaid and covered up. "

"Your father?" muttered the captain: and he gave me one of those strangelooks that had so mystified me in the past. 

"Yes, he was a judge of wine, I believe, " I answered. "Come, we'll goup. Cameron can wet his whistle now, and we'll all be the better for alittle sound port. "

When we returned to our companions with the cask, and told them what itheld, they gave us an eager and noisy welcome. We rummaged about untilwe found a sufficient number of cracked glasses and cups, and then wefilled them with the fragrant, ruddy beverage. 

"Miss Hatherton shall drink first, " said I, as I sat down beside her andhanded her a glass. 

My own I held up with a little nod, and she partly understood me. Such aroguish look twinkled in her eyes that I carried out my purpose. 

"Attention!" I cried, standing up. "A toast, comrades! to my promisedwife!"

With an earnestness that I liked, the men drank, one and all, and Florasmiled very prettily through her confusion and blushes. 

"Ah, she's a bonnie lady, " old Malcolm Cameron said bluntly. 

"And with the spirit of a man, " added Luke Hutter. 

I acknowledged these compliments with a bow as I sat down. Most of thedrinking vessels were emptied and passed to Carteret to be filled. Thatdone, at a sign from me he carried the cask to a closet at the otherside of the room. Some of the men were bibulously inclined, and forFlora's sake I had to be cautious. 

Of a sudden Captain Rudstone rose, his handsome, stern face almosttransformed by an expression of genial good will. 

"Mr. Carew, " he began, "on such an occasion as this I feel that I mustsay a word. Indeed you have won a prize. 'Tis an old proverb that a manmarried is a man marred, but in you I see an exception. Were I a fewyears younger I should have ventured to enter the lists against you. Ihave knocked about the world, and I can pay Miss Hatherton no highercompliment than to say that she is equally fitted to be queen of aLondon drawing room or mistress of a factor's humble house. But enough. I wish you every prosperity and happiness, and a long career in theservice of the company. "

The captain was evidently sincere, and I had never liked him so well asnow, though I must confess that I felt a spark of jealousy when Floramade him a smiling courtesy. 

He was no sooner down in his seat than Christopher Burley stood up. Thelaw clerk's face was flushed, and his eyes had an unwonted sparkle. Hehad drunk but two glasses of port, yet he was a different man to lookat. 

"Mr. Carew and Miss Hatherton, my compliments, " he said. "I shall thinkof this convivial gathering when I am back in London--in that crowded, bustling heart of the world, and I hope some day to have the pleasure ofseeing you there--of seeing all of you, my friends. I will take you tomy favorite haunt, the Cheshire Cheese, in Fleet Street, where the greatand learned Dr. Johnson was wont to foregather. But I have much to dobefore I can return to England. The task that brought me to thisbarbarous country--this land of snow and ice--is of a most peculiar anddifficult nature. I will take the present opportunity to inquire--"

"Enough!" suddenly interrupted Captain Rudstone in a harsh voice. "Yourtongue is rambling sir. I am doing you a service by requesting you tosit down. "

"Sir, do you mean to insinuate--" began Christopher Burley. 

But at that instant voices were heard outside and the door was thrownopen. 

 CHAPTER XXXIV. 

 ON THE WAY. 

A visitor of any sort was the last thing we could have expected, and thereader can imagine what a surprise and scare the interruption gave us. We leaped to our feet with such haste that several of the benches woreknocked over, and Christopher Burley, who was in the act of sitting downat the time, landed on the floor with a heavy crash. But there was nooccasion for alarm--no need to rush frantically for our muskets. Theintruder was not an Indian, not an enemy. In the open doorway, framedagainst the whiteness of the storm, stood a big, bearded man clad in thewinter uniform of the Hudson Bay Company. 

And the moment I saw him I recognized an old acquaintance--a hunter whohad of late years served at Fort Charter. 

"Tom Arnold!" I cried gladly, as I hurried forward to greet him. 

"By Jupiter, if it ain't Carew!" he shouted, clasping my hand. Turninground, he called loudly: "Come in, boys, it's all right!"

At the bidding five more men stamped noisily into the house, shaking thesnow from their clothing, and dragging a well-laden sledge behind them. 

"I left these chaps outside, not knowing who might be in the fort, " Tomexplained; "but when I listened a bit I reckoned it was safe to enter. Iheard a couple of voices that sounded kind of familiar. And no mistakeeither! We're in luck to find friends and shelter at one stroke. What asnug place you've got here!"

A scene of merriment and excitement followed, and hands were clasped allround; for the most of our party and of the new arrivals were acquaintedwith one another, even Captain Rudstone finding a friend or two. 

After a generous glass of wine, Tom Arnold lit his pipe, stretched hisfeet to the blazing logs, and volunteered explanations, which we hadbeen waiting anxiously to hear. He and his party, it seemed, had leftFort Charter on a hunting trip three days before. On the previous nightthey had chosen a poor camping-place--it afforded little shelter againstthe storm, and so, in the morning, they determined to try to reach oldFort Beaver. 

"That's my yarn, " Tom concluded, "and now let's have yours, Carew. Whatare you doing in this part of the country, and with a pretty girl intow?"

As briefly as possible I related all that had happened, from the swiftbeginning of trouble at Fort Royal to the night when we escaped by thesecret passage. Every word of it was new to Tom and his companions, andthey listened with breathless interest and dilated eyes, with hoarseexclamations of rage and grief. And when the narrative was finished agloom fell upon all of us. 

"So the country is quiet down your way?" asked Captain Rudstone. 

"Yes, as far as Fort Garry and the Red River, " Tom replied. "We haddispatches within a week, and though they mentioned bad feeling and afew rows in which men were killed on both sides, there has been nogeneral outbreak. As for the trouble up north, we hadn't an inkling ofit. "

"Apparently, then, " said the captain, "the attack on Fort Royal was aprivate grudge--an act of revenge instigated solely by CuthbertMackenzie, who stirred up the redskins to help him. There was motiveenough, you know, for a man of his nature. "

"It's likely as you say, " Tom answered, "but at the same time I'm afraidthe Northwest Company knew what was on foot, and will declare open waras soon as they hear of the fall of Fort Royal. The Indians may havegone north to attack other forts on the bay, or possibly they will marchto Fort Charter next. We must lose no time in getting back and givingthe alarm. This is the worst of news. "

"I am sure there is no danger, " I said hurriedly, noticing that. Floralooked disturbed and anxious. "The Indians must have gone toward FortYork to cut us off; if they had come this way you would have heard ofthem long ago. "

"Yes, that's right, " assented Captain Rudstone. "It will be time enoughto start in the morning, when the storm will likely be over. If you setoff now, you have ten chances to one of perishing in the snow. You can'tdo better than share our cozy quarters. "

"I'll think about it, " Arnold answered doubtfully. "At all events, we'llhave a jolly good feed together, and then we'll see what the weatherpromises. I ought to be back at the fort long before to-morrowmorning. "

By this time the dinner was ready. Carteret had found a packet ofcornmeal that had been overlooked before, and our visitors contributedfreely from their own ample store of food. So our spirits brightened alittle, and while we ate and drank we chatted of more pleasing thingsthan Indians and warfare. But Christopher Burley was in a sullen moodand showed a very curt manner to Captain Rudstone. Why the latter hadcut the law clerk's speech short so brusquely, and why he had beendisturbed by it, were mysteries to which I could find no solution. Indeed, I felt keenly disappointed, for I knew that Burley had been onthe point of explaining the task that had brought him out to theCanadas. 

The meal over, a surprise was in store for us. We observed that morelight shone through the frosted window panes, and Tom Arnold rose andopened the door. He gave a shout that drew most of us after him, and wewere amazed to see the change that had taken place in so short a time. Of the howling storm there was not a trace, save the fresh snowdrifts. It was still blowing a little, but no snow was falling, and through theclear air the clouds gave signs of breaking. 

"Hurray! We can start now!" cried Tom. 

"Yes, if the calm lasts, " added Captain Rudstone. 

"What do you think of it?" I asked of Carteret, who was considered anauthority on the weather. 

The old voyageur sniffed the air for a moment. 

"It's hard to tell in this case, sir, " he replied. "The clouds may breakand clear away for good; and then ag'in, the storm may come on as bad asever, within the hour. But it's worth risking the chance. "

Some held Carteret's opinion, and others were in favor of waiting tillmorning. But in the end the latter were won over, and we decided tostart at once. For a little while there was bustle and commotion as themen repacked the sledges, donned their furred coats and snowshoes, andlooked to the priming of their muskets. 

In less than ten minutes we were ready, and with a last lingering lookat the room which had sheltered us so well, we left the house. I sawCaptain Rudstone glance keenly at the spot where the cryptogram washidden, and he muttered something under his breath as he turned away. Wepassed across the inclosure, out at the ruined gates, and struck off inthe direction of Fort Charter. We were soon in a heavy forest, where itwas necessary to march two or three abreast. Tom Arnold, CaptainRudstone and another led the way. I was in the next file of three, witha couple of Fort Charter men for company. Flora was a little distance inthe rear, strapped to our half-empty sledge, which Baptiste and Carteretwere drawing. From time to time I glanced back for a sight of her prettyface looking out from a dainty headdress of fur. 

The storm did not recommence, though the clouds, instead of breaking, hung low and heavy over us. We marched as rapidly as possible throughthe wilderness, gliding over the drifts and dislodging miniatureavalanches of snow from the drooping limbs of the trees. 

At about three o'clock in the afternoon, when we had covered some six orseven miles, we were filing along a deep and narrow valley, over the bedof a frozen stream. The snow covered the undergrowth and rocks, making afairly good road. On both sides of us rose mighty hills, densely coveredwith timber, and seared with granite crags. Of a sudden, from a pointslightly ahead on the left, rang the dull report of a musket. 

"I'm shot!" cried Tom Arnold, clapping a hand to his arm. 

 CHAPTER XXXV. 

 RETRIBUTION. 

Our first thought was that we had blundered into an ambuscade and thatthe bluffs to right and left of us swarmed with redskins. Our littlecolumn stopped short, confused and panic-stricken, and for a briefinstant we stood huddled in the narrow valley like sheep. Our musketswere lifted, but no foes were insight; we expected a withering fusilladeto be poured into our ranks. 

"They've got us, boys!" cried Tom Arnold, who was staring in alldirections while he held his wounded arm. 

But the silence remained unbroken--and I began to hope that our alarmwas groundless--at least, so far as an ambuscade was concerned. Justwhere the shot had been fired from I could not tell, for the wind hadquickly drifted the smoke away; but as I watched alertly I detected aslight movement in the evergreen-clad face of the hill on the left, at apoint some distance ahead, and about twenty feet from the ground. 

"There is only one redskin, " was my instant reflection, "and he isloading for another shot. "

My gun was at mid-shoulder, and I did not hesitate a second. Takingswift aim at the spot, I pulled the trigger. The loud report wasfollowed by a screech; then the bushes parted, and an Indian pitched outheadforemost, landing with a thud in the soft snow. 

"Good shot!" cried Arnold. "One red devil the less! But what can theothers be about?"

"It's doubtful if there are any more, " said I. 

"By Heavens, Carew I believe you are right!" shouted Captain Rudstone. "We've had a scare for nothing. This follow was certainly alone, or hiscomrades would have blazed away at us before this. I fancied I saw himstir just now--if he's not dead, we may get some information out ofhim. "

With that the captain started toward the fallen Indian, keeping hismusket ready and darting keen glances right and left. I would havefollowed him, but at sight of Arnold's pale face I changed my mind. Hisleft arm was bleeding profusely below the shoulder, and three or four ofhis men were standing about him. 

"Is the bone hit?" I inquired anxiously. 

"No; it's only a flesh wound, " Arnold replied. "But I can't afford tolose much more blood. Fix me up, some of you fellows. "

Just then Christopher Burley pushed in among us, his countenanceagitated and frightened. 

"Is the danger over?" he cried. 

"Are there no more Indians in the hills?"

Before I could answer him I was tapped on the shoulder, and turninground I saw Flora; she had left the sledge, and her eyes looked intomine calmly and fearlessly. 

"Do not be alarmed, " I said. "It seems there was but one Indian. "

"I was afraid we were going to be attacked, " she answered; "but I am nota bit frightened now. See, my hand is steady. Let me bandage this poorman's wound, Denzil. "

The plucky girl did not wait for permission, but took a knife from oneof the men and began to cut away Arnold's shirt sleeve. I had a largehandkerchief in my pocket, which I produced and gave to her. Meanwhile Iglanced forward to Captain Rudstone, who was kneeling beside the Indian, with his back turned to us. I saw him look quickly and furtively overhis shoulder, and his hands seemed to be actively engaged. I noted this, as I say, but at the time I thought nothing of the incident. 

A moment later the captain rose to his feet and turned round. He met myeyes, and his own dropped; for a passing second he looked slightlyconfused. 

"Here's a queer go, Carew, " he called. "You've killed your man, and Ifancy there is something on him that will be of personal interest toyou. "

I hurried to the spot, in company with half a dozen others. The Indianlay dead on his side--an elderly, wrinkled savage with a featheredscalp-lock, dressed in buffalo robe, leggings and beaded moccasins. Hismusket was clutched in his hand, and blood was oozing from a wound inthe region of the heart. 

"What do you mean, Rudstone?" I asked. 

He pointed silently to the redskin's throat and bending closer, I saw anecklace of the teeth and claws of wild beasts. Something else wasstrung with it--a tiny locket of smooth gold--and the sight of it mademy heart leap. With a single jerk, I tore the necklace loose, and thelocket fell in the snow. I picked it up, looked at it sharply, andsuspicion became a certainty. 

"This is the working of Providence!" I cried hoarsely, "I have committedan act of just retribution. Look: the Indian killed my father nearly sixyears ago, and now he has died by my hand. "

"I suspected as much, " said Captain Rudstone. "I remembered yourspeaking of a locket that your father always carried, and that wasmissing from his body. "

"This is the locket, " I replied. "I know it well! And here lies themurderer! Thank Heaven, I have avenged my father's death!"

"There is doubtless something in it, " suggested the captain. "Mostlikely a miniature portrait. "

He looked me straight in the eyes as he spoke, and with an expression ofcalm curiosity. 

"It is the use to which such trinkets are usually put, " he added. "I amglad you have recovered it, Carew. It is a memento to be prized andtreasured. "

By this time all of the party were gathered around me; Arnold's woundhad been tightly and deftly bandaged, and the flow of blood checked. Awhisper of my strange discovery ran from mouth to mouth, and Florapressed my arm in silent sympathy. There was a solemn hush, and everyeye was on me as I fingered the locket in search of a spring, for I knewit opened that way. I must have touched the spot by accident, for of asudden the trinket flew open. But the inside was quite empty. I couldnot repress a little cry of disappointment. 

"Strange!" muttered Captain Rudstone "I was sure the locket heldsomething! You say you never knew what your father kept in it, Carew?"

"No, he never spoke of it, " I replied. "It was rarely I caught a glimpseof it, though I knew that he always wore it. "

"Have you reason to believe that he kept anything in it?" askedChristopher Burley. 

"To tell the truth, sir, I have not, " I answered. 

"Ah, that lets light on the matter, " said the captain. "The trinket isprobably treasured for itself--for the sake of some old associationconnected with it. "

"That is very likely, " I assented. "At all events, it is empty now. "

Christopher Burley begged to be allowed to examine the locket, and aftera close scrutiny he handed it back to me. 

"This is a very curious case, Mr. Carew, " he said, speaking in dry andlegal tones. "It resolves itself into two issues. In the first place, the locket may have been empty when your father wore it. In the secondplace it may have contained something. But if we take the latter forgranted, what became of the contents? It is extremely unlikely that theIndian could have found the spring, or, indeed, suspected that the bitof gold was hollow. "

"Which goes to prove, " put in Captain Rudstone, "that the trinket hasbeen restored to Mr. Carew in the same condition in which it was tornfrom his father's body. The redskin prized it merely as a glitteringadornment to his barbaric necklace. "

"I agree with you, " said I, "and I think it is time we closed so triviala discussion. Justice has been done and I am satisfied. "

With that I thrust the locket deep into my pocket. 

"There is another thing, " said Captain Rudstone; "why did the Indianfire on us? He may have been scouting in advance of a hostile force. "

"I do not think we are in any danger, " I replied. "Indeed, I can offer asolution to the mystery. After my father's death the murderer was soughtfor, but his own tribe spirited him away, and I believe he fled to thefar West. His relatives declared at the time that he had gone crazy onaccount of a blow on the head, and believed he had a mission to killwhite men. This was likely true. And now, after a lapse of five years, the fellow wandered back to this neighborhood and fired on us at sight. "

Such was my earnest conviction, and for the most part the rest agreedwith me. But Tom Arnold was inclined to be skeptical, and shook his headgravely. 

"You may be right, my boy, " he said, "but I'm a cautious man, and Idon't think overmuch of your argument. Leastways, the chances are eventhat your dead Indian belonged to the party who took Fort Royal, andthat the whole body is marching on Fort Charter. So off we go for arapid march, and let every man put his best foot forward. "

"Under any circumstances, " I replied, "whether we are in danger or not, we ought to reach the fort as soon as possible, and at the best we can'tmake it before midnight. "

So a little later we were traveling south again, surmounting by the aidof snowshoes, all the rugged difficulties of the wintry wilderness. Flora was strapped on the sledge as before, and we had left the deadIndian--for whose fate I felt not the least compunction--lying where hehad fallen. 

We marched on for two hours, and then our fear of the weather proved tobe well founded. A furious snowstorm came on suddenly, and a violentwind whirled the flakes into our faces; the cold grew intense, and wecould not see a yard ahead of us. A more terrific blizzard we had noneof us known in the past. 

For a little while we floundered on resolutely, blinded and half-frozen, becoming more exhausted each minute. The storm seemed to be gettingworse, and we encountered great drifts. There was not a sign by which wecould steer in the right direction, and we could not be sure that wewere not traveling in a circle. 

"Hold on, boys; this won't do!" Tom Arnold cried at last. "We can't goany farther. We must find shelter and lie close until the morning, oruntil the weather takes a turn. "

 CHAPTER XXXVI. 

 A PAINFUL MYSTERY. 

But how and where should we seek shelter? Each man, I am sure, askedhimself that question uneasily, and the quest grew more hopeless as wegroped our way on for a quarter of an hour, our faces set against thestinging cold wind and the biting snowflakes. Arnold was leading, and Iwas some distance back, trudging alongside of Flora, and trying to keepup her spirits. 

But good fortune befell us when we least expected it. Exhausted andhalf-blinded, we suddenly emerged from the tangled forest on a bit of anopen space. Before us was the bed of a frozen stream, now filled up withdrifted snow, and from the farther side of it a hill towered steeply, affording almost complete protection from the violence of the wind. Ashort distance on our left, nestled at the base of another hill, was alittle Indian village, long since deserted--a dozen tepees half-buriedin the snow, a couple of canoe frames protruding from a drift, and someworn-out snowshoes hanging from a tree. 

"By Jupiter! I know the spot, " cried Tom Arnold, in a tone ofconsternation and astonishment. "I remember the village and the stream!Why, men, we are away out of our reckoning--on the wrong tackaltogether. This shows how easily a fellow can get lost in a blizzard, no matter how old a hand he is. "

"We're in luck, anyway, " said I. "Here is decent shelter, and the hillskeep off the worst of the storm. We are safe for the night. "

"And Fort Charter twenty miles away!" grumbled Arnold. "We've got toreach it to-morrow, come good weather or bad. All hands to work, " headded sharply. "We'll make things as snug as possible. "

We set to with a will and the exercise soon warmed our sluggish blood. Some dug out the canoe frames and broke them up for fuel; others clearedthe loose snow from half a dozen of the huts, and we were delighted tofind them dry inside, and in sound condition. We did not hesitate tobuild a roaring fire, for we knew that the light could not be seen atany distance, and that if any hostile Indians were in the vicinity thestorm would have driven them to camp. 

Twilight was falling when we found the abandoned village, and theevening was well advanced by the time our preparations were completed. We cooked and ate supper, and then sat smoking for awhile about thefire. The best of the tepees had been assigned to Flora, and she retiredimmediately after the meal. The storm was still raging and the snowfalling thickly, but our camp was so sheltered by the two great hillsthat we were almost as comfortable as we had been at Fort Beaver. Yetonly a short distance away, to right and left, we could hear the windshrieking and howling through the open wilderness. 

"We had better be turning in, so we can make an early start, " Tom Arnoldsaid finally. "My arm is stiff and sore, and I can't sit up any longer. How about sentry duty?"

"We mustn't neglect that, " replied Captain Rudstone. "I volunteer forthe first watch. "

The matter was quickly settled. There were to be three watches, Carteretfollowing the captain, and a Fort Charter man named Humphrey taking thelast turn. The orders were to pace a short distance right and left ofthe camp at intervals, and to keep up the fire; each sentry was to rousethe next man at the proper time. 

We smoked a last pipe, and turned in leaving Captain Rudstone on guard. We were divided into batches of four, and those who shared my tepee withme were Christopher Burley, Luke Hutter and Duncan Forbes. We huddledclose together, wrapped in blankets, and I for one was so tired out thatI fell asleep instantly. 

I remember nothing more until I was roused, after what seemed a shortinterval, by a husky shout and a spluttering of angry words. The noisewas enough to waken the whole camp, and indeed it did so with amazingrapidity. I rushed outside in alarm, followed by my companions. The graydawn was breaking, and the air was free of snow. The rest of the menwere pouring from the tepees, rubbing their drowsy eyes and fumblingwith their muskets. I saw Flora's face, flushed and frightened, peepingfrom the little doorway of her hut. We all gathered round Tom Arnold, who was pointing to a heap of dead ashes--what was left of the fire. 

"We might have been murdered in our sleep!" he cried savagely. "Who's toblame for this cursed carelessness? I turned out a minute ago, and lookwhat I find! Nobody on guard, and the fire burned to ashes! Humphrey, you scoundrel, you had the last watch! What have you got to say foryourself?"

"I--I wasn't roused, sir, " stammered Humphrey. "It was Carteret's placeto do that. "

"How could I do it when I wasn't wakened myself?" exclaimed Carteret. "Naturally I slept sound, thinking I would be called in time. "

"Just my case, " added Humphrey in an aggrieved tone. 

"Then Captain Rudstone is the man!" cried Arnold. "Where is he?"

Where indeed? We suddenly became aware that the captain was not amongus. We shouted and called his name, but no answer came back. We lookedinto all the tepees, and found them empty. It was a deep mystery, andour alarm and wonder increased. We glanced at one another with startledand anxious faces. None could throw light on the matter; we had allslept soundly through the night. I questioned Flora, but she was nowiser than the rest of us. 

"It's the queerest thing I ever heard of, " said Arnold. "The man can'thave been spirited away. "

"Perhaps an Indian crept up and tomahawked him, " suggested MalcolmCameron, "and he's lying yonder under the snow. "

"No; that is out of the question, " said I. "Captain Rudstone could nothave been caught off his guard. "

"It's my opinion, " declared Arnold, "that he heard some noise in theforest and went to see what it was. He wandered farther from camp thanhe intended, and got lost in the storm--you can see by the depth of thesnow that the blizzard didn't hold up till near morning--and ten to onehe's lying stiff and dead under a drift. We'll search for him till themiddle of the morning, and if we don't find him by then, we must be offto the fort while the weather permits. "

Arnold's reasoning was not very sound, but no one could offer a moreplausible solution to the mystery. While breakfast was preparing some ofus fruitlessly explored the vicinity of the camp, and a little later, having fortified ourselves with food and hot coffee, we set off on amore extended search. Christopher Burley and three other men stayedbehind with Flora; the rest, divided into four parties, went in as manydifferent directions. 

To cut a long tale short, our efforts proved of no avail. One afteranother the search parties returned--the last one arriving an hourbefore noon--and all had the same story to tell. The ground had beencarefully gone over within a radius of several miles from camp, butCaptain Rudstone had disappeared without leaving a trace behind him. That Arnold's theory was correct--that the unfortunate man lay deadunder one of the mighty drifts that had formed while the storm raged inthe night--we all believed. That he could have voluntarily deserted uswas out of the question. 

"It would be no use to hunt any longer, " said Arnold, "even if we hadthe time to spare. Perhaps next spring, when the snow melts, sometrapper or hunter will find the body and give it decent burial. "

So, after a sad and hurried dinner, we packed up and resumed ourjourney. The weather held good, and about midnight we arrived safely atFort Charter. 

I will make but brief mention of our stop at the fort, where we werereceived and treated with the utmost kindness. As for Captain Rudstone, I need only say that I had grown sincerely attached to him, and felt hisloss deeply. Not a scrap of news was waiting for us on our arrival. Nocouriers had come in, and what was taking place in the North, or whetherAndrew Menzies and his party had reached Fort Elk, were matters ofconjecture. One keen disappointment I had. Contrary to expectation, there was no priest at Fort Charter, so my marriage with Flora had to beput off indefinitely, as I feared at the time. 

But something happened shortly to raise my spirits. The factor of thefort decided to send word down to Fort Garry of the Indian rising andthe loss of Fort Royal, and I gladly consented to be his messenger. Moreover, since an attack was far from improbable, and the post wasweak, two of the officers seized this opportunity to dispatch theirwives to the South, believing from the reports they had heard that thecountry was safe in that direction. 

Preparations were pushed forward, and just three days after our arrivalwe started on our long march of five hundred miles to Fort Garry throughthe dead of winter. We numbered fifteen in all, including Flora, and twoother women. Christopher Burley, Baptiste and Carteret, and Luke Hutterwere of the party. We were well provided with all that wasneedful--sledges and dogs, provisions and firearms. 

 CHAPTER XXXVII. 

 REST AND HAPPINESS. 

Rat, tat, tat! Thump, thump! Bang!

So noisy and persistent an assault on my door roused me at length from adelicious slumber. I sat up, rubbing my blinking eyes. 

"Who's there?" I called in a drowsy tone. 

"It's nine o'clock, sir, " responded the voice of Baptiste. "I thoughtyou would wish to know it, " he added, and with that he went shufflingdown the corridor. 

Nine o'clock! And I had slept several hours over my usual time ofrising! This was the result of sitting up so late the night before. Iwas wide awake instantly. I sprang out of bed, broke the thin crust ofice on my basin, and plunged hands and face into the bitter cold water. A brisk rubbing with a towel put me all aglow, and I felt what a goodthing it was to be alive. The past, with its perils and hardships, wasbehind me like a dim dream, and the future was rose-colored in spite ofthe grim spectre of war that it held over us in those days. 

This was to be an eventful morning, in a way, for I had a happy piece ofnews to impart to Flora; I thought of it constantly as I dressed--anoperation to which of late I devoted much care and attention. Fromregions downstairs--I was in the factor's house--came the rattle ofdishes and a murmur of voices. Out of doors the frosty air was filledwith the hum of busy human life. 

But I forget that I owe the reader an explanation. The day of which Iwrite was the 9th of January, 1847, and just one week after we enteredFort Garry and exchanged the harsh monotony of travel for the comfortsof this nourishing post in the western wilderness. 

I need dwell but briefly on the interval. The journey from Fort Charterhad been severe and trying, protracted by furious storms that held us incamp for days at a time. But we were not attacked on the way--indeed, wesaw no signs of Indians--and every one of our little band had comesafely down from the North, through the heart of the Great Lone Land. Ithad been a disappointment to spend Christmas in the wilderness, but ourtrials were forgotten when we reached the fort. 

But of these matters enough for the present. I must return to where Ileft off, and continue the narrative. When I had finished dressing thatmorning I went downstairs to the factor's living room, meeting no one onthe way except Christopher Burley, who was too absorbed in thought toreturn my greeting. 

I opened the door softly, and beheld an attractive picture. The sunlightshone on rugs and easy-chairs, on walls hung with tastefully chosenprints, on a table spread for two, with snowy linen and white china. Tomy relief, the room had but one occupant, and that was Flora. She wasstanding by the window, and as I entered she turned round quickly. Shelooked radiantly beautiful in a frock of some pink material with herrich hair coiled in a new and becoming fashion. 

"Denzil, how late you are!" she cried, with a roguish pout. "They haveall finished breakfast long ago. But I waited for you, sir, and amnearly famished. You do not deserve--"

She got no further, for by this time I was at her side, and had stoppedher pretty lips with a kiss--nay, a shower of them. 

"Darling, I have news for you, " I said, a moment later. 

"Well, what is it?" she asked, blushing as she spoke. 

"I had a long talk with Mr. Macdonald last night, " I replied. "A betterfellow never lived. I told him all, and--and he is anxious to have awedding at Fort Garry. "

"Is he?"

"Yes, that's what he said. It will sort of cheer up things, you know, and--"

"But he has one wife already. "

"Don't be stupid, " said I. "Listen: he is going to send a man off to-dayfor the priest, who is visiting a little settlement fifty miles to thesouth. In a week, if you are willing, we can be married. "

"In a week!" she cried, with mock consternation. 

"I am serious, " I replied. "Do not play with me. Think how long I havewaited. Say that you will be my wife in a week's time. "

"You foolish boy!" She nestled closer to me, adding, in a different andtremulous voice: "I am yours, dearest. I will marry you whenever youwish. "

Our lips met, and then I held her at arm's length, looking into her big, purple eyes, soft and shining with the light of love. 

"I am the happiest man in the world, " I said hoarsely. 

"You deserve it, " Flora answered. 

"And I am glad to feel that we are carrying out the wishes of GriffithHawke. Poor fellow! he was a true friend; and so was Captain Rudstone. Ioften think of his sad fate. "

"I never liked Captain Rudstone, " said Flora. "I feared and mistrustedhim. And I have seen him looking at you so queerly sometimes, Denzil. "

"Have you?" I replied. "I have noticed the same thing myself. But Ican't believe--"

"Hush! we won't talk of the past, " Flora interrupted. "But the futureworries me, dearest. I am afraid of war breaking out--"

"The cloud will likely blow over, " said I; "but if trouble does come theNorthwest Company will quickly get the worst of it. And I forgot to tellyou, darling, that Mr. Macdonald has promised me a good post here atFort Garry. "

"How lovely, " exclaimed Flora. "I don't want to return to the North, with its bitter memories. "

Just then footsteps were heard approaching, and we drew apart in someconfusion. The next instant the door opened and the factor himselfappeared, nourishing a paper in one hand. 

 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

 GOOD NEWS. 

Colin Macdonald, I have omitted to state, was rather more than sixtyyears of age; a stalwart, bearded, well-preserved Scotchman, who hadgrown gray in the service of the Hudson Bay Company. He was an oldfriend of mine, as I had visited Fort Garry on previous occasions. 

"Good-morning, Carew, " he began. "Overslept yourself--eh? Miss Hathertonwould insist on waiting for you--lucky dog that you are! But here issomething that will interest you. "

"Dispatches?" I exclaimed eagerly. 

"Right you are. "

"From Quebec, I presume?"

"No; from the North. But sit down and have breakfast, man. You must behalf-starved. "

Curbing my impatience, I seated myself at the table. Flora sat on theleft and poured out the coffee. The factor remained standing. 

"I must be off directly, " he said. "I knew you would want to hear thenews. A special courier came in at daybreak--splendid fellow!--all theway from Fort Charter--left three weeks after your party. "

"From Fort Charter?" I cried. "And what is the news?"

"I hope it is good news, " said Flora. 

"Well, yes, what there is of it is good, " replied Macdonald, "and that'snot so much after all. The dispatches come from Fort Charter, andcontain information received there from Fort York and other northernposts. For one thing, my prediction was right. The Indians, instead ofcontinuing on the war-path, have disbanded as mysteriously and swiftly asthey assembled. A small force, collected from the different forts, hasstarted out to pursue the scattered parties of the enemy. "

"I hope they will succeed, " said I. "Anything about Cuthbert Mackenzie?"

"Yes. That infernal ruffian was the leader, according to Indian spieswho arrived at Fort York. But there is little hope of catching him. Heis supposed to have fled south with a few followers. By Heaven, sir, ifhe comes back to the Red River, I'll arrest him at once! The whole NorthWest Company shan't hinder me!"

"I'm sorry he escaped!" exclaimed Flora, with flashing eyes. "But tellme, Mr. Macdonald, is there any word of Mr. Menzies and his party?"

"They are all right, " replied the factor. "They reached Fort Elk insafety, and then went on to Fort York. So you see that the North isquiet again. "

"But that won't avenge the burning of Fort Royal, " I said bitterly, "orthe death of so many brave men. "

"The work of retribution will come later, " declared Macdonald; "beassured of that. The governor will leave no stone unturned to seek outand punish the murderers. I wish Lord Selkirk were here; he is the verybones and sinews of the company. I understand that he contemplates anearly visit to the Canadas, and this outrage may hasten his arrival. Andnow I must be going, Carew. When you have finished your breakfast--"

"One moment, sir, " I interrupted. "I suppose there is no news of CaptainRudstone? It is foolish to ask--"

"Oh, but there is! Bless me, I quite forgot to speak of it. Let me see;there was a reference to the matter in the dispatch from Fort Charter. What did he say? Wait--I have it!"

Running his finger down the page of thick yellow paper, covered withscrawly writing, he read as follows:

". .. And tell Mr. Carew that we made a further search the next week forhis friend Captain Myles Rudstone. A party set out under Tom Arnold andwere gone three days. But they found no trace of the unfortunate man, and there can be no doubt that he perished in the storm, and is burieddeep under a drift. "

"Poor fellow!" said I. "I hoped he might turn up, but there is no chanceof it now. "

"It is a strange case, " replied Macdonald. "I was familiar with CaptainRudstone's name, but I can't recall every having met him. "

With that the factor looked at his watch, gathered up his papers, andhurried from the room. Left to ourselves, Flora and I discussed thewelcome tidings we had just heard, as well as some matters of a morepersonal nature. Then, breakfast finished, I reluctantly departed to myday's work, and a few moments later I was seated at a desk in theclerk's quarters, with ink, quill, and paper before me; for I waswriting a detailed account of the siege and capture of Fort Royal, whichto be forwarded to the officials of the company at Quebec. 

 * * * * *

The breakfast room again; the time nine o'clock that same night. Afterlaborious toil with brain and hand, I was enjoying a well-earned rest. Supper was over long since, and the ladies had retired a few minutesbefore. A snugger, more cozy place could scarcely have been found inQuebec itself. Two lamps shed a soft light, and a mighty fire roared inthe huge stove. 

Macdonald and I sat in easy-chairs at opposite sides of a table that waslittered with books and papers, glasses, a bottle of whiskey, and acanister of tobacco. He was smoking a long churchwarden, I a stubby andblackened short one. At a small table at the other end of the room threeofficers of the fort were playing cards with the silence and attentionof old-world gamesters. 

"Nearly done with your report?" asked the factor. 

"I think another day will finish it, " said I. 

"It's a trying task, no doubt. "

"I would rather be fighting Indians, " I replied. "The work is betterfitted for Mr. Burley. "

"Quite so, " assented Macdonald. "By the bye, where is your legal friendto-night?"

"I'll warrant he's in the men's quarters, as usual, " I answered, "on thehunt for information. "

"He's a queer chap, but sound-headed, " said the factor. "He spoke to meof the matter that brought him to the Canadas, but I couldn't give himany assistance; I never heard the name of Osmund Maiden. "

I'm afraid it's a useless search--so many years have passed since theman disappeared. 

"I agree with you, " I replied. "But he is a plucky fellow, and sticks onin spite of failure. He deserves to win. I don't suppose he told youwhat he wants with the man?"

"No; he was close-mouthed about that, Carew. Fill up your glass again. That rare old Scotch I get straight from Edinburgh, and the tobacco isthe best crop of the Virginias. You see, we try to live up to the markhere in the wilderness. "

"Royally, " said I. "I have tasted no such tobacco or whisky since I wasin Quebec last. "

We smoked for awhile in silence, and then Macdonald suddenly blurtedout:

"If the Northwest people make trouble, my supplies will be cut off. "

"Any news to-day?" I asked. 

"A little, " he replied. "It may mean nothing--or much. Certainly ourenemies are growing bolder. Last night a lot of half-breeds marchedthrough our colony, making murderous threats and singing war songs. "

"And a week ago two swivel guns and a howitzer were stolen, " said I;"and a week before that there was a brawl up at Isle-a-la-Crosse, inwhich a man was killed on either side. Mr. Macdonald, the situation isbecoming intolerable. How will it end?"

The factor brought his fist heavily down on the table. "In a generalfight--perhaps in a war spread over the whole territory, " he declared. "By Heaven! sir, if I had authority from Governor Semple, I would takestern measures at once--I would make the Northwest people show theirhand, and then attack and crush them. We have borne insults and affrontstoo long. "

"I hoped that I was done with fighting, " I replied. 

"Ay, you have had more than your share of it. I am sorry for you, Carew. I will hurry on your marriage--I sent for the priest this morning--andthen I would advise you to send your wife to Quebec. We shall win in theend, and uphold the supremacy of the company, but not without astruggle, I fear. "

The thought of parting from Flora--of sending her hundreds of miles awayfrom me--made me feel very blue; and the factor's keen eyes observedthis:

"Cheer up, " he said. "We are discussing events that may never occur. Come, what do you say to a little diversion--to a hand at cards?"

"With all my heart, " I assented gladly. 

But just then the door slowly opened, and Mr. Christopher Burley slowlyentered the room. He was neatly attired in black, and after lookingabout him he made a low bow. 

"I trust I am not intruding, " he said in a dry, precise voice. "I desireto see you particularly, Mr. Macdonald. I have been conversing with someof the older employees of the fort, and I find that through ignorance Ioverlooked a most important matter during the interview you granted meseveral days ago. "

"Indeed!" replied Macdonald. "And to what do you refer? Go on; you mayspeak freely in front of Mr. Carew. "

 CHAPTER XXXIX. 

 A MESSAGE. 

I think Mr. Burley would have preferred a private audience with thefactor, but he made no verbal objection to my presence. He looked ratherglum, however, as he came near and seated himself. He first took a pinchof snuff from an enameled box, and blew his nose vigorously; then, stretching his long legs under the table and resting an elbow on eacharm of the chair, he interlocked his lean fingers. 

"If I remember rightly, Mr. Macdonald, " he began, "you informed me thatyou had been a resident of this fort, in various capacities, for thespace of thirty-two years?"

"That is quite true, sir. "

"And during that period--indeed for some years prior to it, " continuedthe law clerk, "I understand that travelers stopping at Fort Garry ontheir way to the far north were in the habit of leaving their trunks andother luggage behind them here for safe keeping. "

"Certainly--certainly! You have not been misinformed, Mr. Burley. "

"And some of these travelers never came back--never returned to claimtheir belongings?"

"Alas! too many of them, " replied Macdonald. He shook his head sadly ashe filled the bowl of his pipe. "You have stirred up a host of buriedand half-forgotten memories, " he went on, in a reminiscent tone, puffingout clouds of smoke. "I recall dozens of poor fellows--hunters, trappers, and explorers--who set out with hopeful hearts to conquer theperils of the wilderness, and have not been heard of to this day. Theirtrunks and boxes are still in the fort--their bones are scattered in thesolitudes of the Great Lone Land. Of course a greater number turned upagain, and it is quite likely that some of the missing ones are alive. You see, their property may not have been worth sending for. "

I began to see the drift of Mr. Barley's questioning. 

"You knew these men?" he asked. 

"Yes; at the time. "

"And you have no recollection of Osmund Maiden? He would have been ayoung man of about twenty--handsome and spirited, well educated. "

"I have told you before, sir, " replied the factor, "that the name isstrange to me. I should probably recall him if he had passed through thefort, for I have a very keen memory. "

"Twenty-nine years is a long time--long enough for much to slip themind, " said Mr. Burley. "I have been in the Canadas for the better partof a year, sir, and I have made not the slightest advancement in thematter that brought me from England. It is strange that a man shouldvanish with leaving a clew behind him, and I will not confess that I ambeaten. My task, gentlemen, is to find Osmund Maiden alive, or todiscover clear proof of his death. And it occurred to me to-night thathe may have been one of those luckless travelers who passed through FortGarry to tempt fortune in the wilderness. "

"It is not impossible, " replied Macdonald. "I could not swear to thecontrary. "

"It seems like enough, " said I. "At that period few went to the farnorth except by way of Fort Garry. "

Mr. Burley gave me a grateful glance, and regaled himself with a secondpinch of snuff. 

"I will come to the point, Mr. Macdonald, " he resumed. "These unclaimedtrunks and boxes--you say they are in the fort?"

"Yes; they are stored in an upper room of this very house--at least, thegreater part of them. All that were deposited here during the last fiveor six years are in another building. "

Mr. Burley's relief and satisfaction were visible on his face. 

"I presume that a record was kept of such deposits?" he asked. 

"Yes, from the first, " the factor answered. "It was done in abusiness-like way. Every man who left a trunk or a box here was given areceipt. Then his name was entered in a book and numbered, and hisnumber was marked on his property. "

"And that book?"

"A new one was started a few years ago, " replied Macdonald. "The firstone went to pieces with age, and had to be put aside. "

"And what became of it?" the law clerk cried eagerly. "It was not lost?"

"Lost? Of course not, sir. I have it stored away in some place. "

"Ah, that is fortunate! I beg you to produce it, Mr. Macdonald. It willbe very easy to ascertain if I am right or wrong. If Osmund Maidenpassed through Fort Garry, and left any luggage behind him, his namewill appear in the record. "

"Quite true, " assented the factor; "but I am sorry that I can't--"

He stopped suddenly, and put his head to one side. 

"I fancy I heard a shout yonder--off by the gates, " he added. "Did youhear anything, Carew?"

"No. " I replied; "it must have been the wind. "

Macdonald turned to the law clerk. 

"I was about to remark, " he continued, "that I can't put my hands on therecord-book to-night. But I will search for it to-morrow morning, andgive you the satisfaction of examining the entries. "

"You are very kind, sir, " replied Christopher Burley. "And I trust Ishall find----"

He was interrupted by a quick, imperative rap on the door. 

"Come in!" cried Macdonald. 

At the summons a clerk entered, holding a sealed envelope in his hand. 

"From the settlement, " he said. "Very urgent, sir! It came by messengera moment ago. "

The factor silently opened the envelope, drew out a letter and glancedover it briefly. Then his deep-sunken eyes flashed with rage. 

"The daring scoundrels!" he cried. "Listen! This is from Walker, myright-hand man in the colony, " and in a hoarse voice he read aloud asfollows:

 "I have just learned, through a trusted Indian spy, that some Northwest men captured a traveler twenty miles up the river this morning. The prisoner is said to be a Hudson Bay Company courier, bound for Fort Garry with important dispatches from the north. He is held on a trumped-up charge of some sort, and before daylight to-morrow he is to be hurried round the fort and the settlement and conveyed down the river to the Northwest Company's main post. His captors number seven, and to-night they are putting up at Lagarde's store. This is reliable, and I have kept it quiet so far. I wait your commands, and will execute them promptly. "

Having finished, the factor crumpled the letter into a ball, and pouredsome whisky with a steady hand. I sprang to my feet, heated byexcitement and indignation. The three officers had been listening; theydropped their cards, and hastened across the room to us. 

"Can this be true?" I cried. 

"I believe it, " said Macdonald. "It's bad news, and I only hope it won'tbe the spark to fire the blaze. But my duty is clear all the same, and Iintend to act promptly. Not through Walker and the colonists, though; wemust strike direct from the fort. Let me see; Lagarde's store is eightmiles from here--six north of the settlement. There is no time to lose, for it is past midnight. The messenger has not gone, Stirling?"

"No, sir; he is waiting, " replied the clerk. 

"Start him back at once, " directed the factor. "Bid him tell Walker todo nothing in the matter--that I have taken it into my hands. And he isto be careful that not a word of the affair gets out. I don't wantanything known until it is all over. I can't trust the colonists; theyare too hot headed and reckless. "

"Very good, sir. "

"You may go. Be quick. "

The clerk hurried off, and Macdonald turned to the officers. 

"Lieutenant Boyd, I am going to put this mission into your hand, " hesaid, "and I hope you understand its delicate nature. Take twenty menarmed and mounted. Follow the road that swings off to the left of thesettlement, and then ride straight on to Lagarde's; the night is dark, and the crust is in fine condition for horses. These are your orders:First make sure that the ruffians have a prisoner; then compel them todeliver him up. But let there be no fighting or bloodshed, if possible. Don't fire a shot unless you are fired on yourselves. "

"I understand, sir, " replied the officer. "I will do my best. Withyour permission I will take McKay and Nicoll"--pointing to hisfellow-officers. "And perhaps Mr. Carew would like to come?"

"With all my heart!" I exclaimed eagerly; for the adventure promised tobe to my taste. 

A moment later, Macdonald, having added a few words of instruction, wewere out of the house and hastening toward the men's quarters. 

 CHAPTER XL. 

 A STARTLING CHANGE. 

We found a few men up, but most of them had turned in, and thus somelittle time was lost in selecting and rousing them. As quietly aspossible--for we did not want to alarm the whole fort--the horses wereled out and saddled. Then the twenty of us mounted, filed through thegates and rode off to the north. Among those chosen--it was mysuggestion--were Luke Hutter and Carteret. I was up in front, withLieutenant Boyd and his fellow officers. 

Our destination, Lagarde's store, was a stoutly-built log house standingquite by itself, and near a lonely trail that led into the wilderness. It had been erected a few years before, and served the Northwest peoplefor a small trading post until they constructed largerones. Then it was turned over to Pierre Lagarde, one of their own men, who ran it as a combined supply store and lodging house for passingvoyageurs and hunters. It was a rough place in these times of illfeeling, and was avoided by Hudson Bay Company men. I knew a good bitabout it myself, and what more there was to know Lieutenant Boydvouchsafed as we rode along. 

"It was natural that the ruffians should break their journey there, " heconcluded. "They will probably be sleeping, and I don't anticipate anytrouble in getting the prisoner into our hands. As for Lagarde, he is ablustering fellow, but a coward at heart. "

"They won't show light if they are seven to twenty, " said I. "But do youreally believe they have dared to capture one of our couriers?"

"They would dare anything, these Northwest Company scoundrels, " repliedthe lieutenant. "And Walker's information, I assure you, is alwaysaccurate. "

By this time we had left Port Garry a couple of miles behind us, and faroff to our right a couple of twinkling lights on the horizon marked thelittle settlement. On we went at a rattling pace, the hoofs of ourhorses ringing on the hard, frozen snow. The night was dark and bitterlycold; the stars shone in the steely vault of the sky, but there was nomoon. 

Presently we dipped into a heavy forest, which made the road gleamwhiter by contrast. When we had come within a mile of our goal, wesettled down to a trot, and a little later the word to halt and dismountwas passed along the line in a whisper. 

"I don't want to give the rascals any warning, " the lieutenantexplained. "It will be far the wisest plan to take them by surprise, before they can show fight. We are less than a quarter of a mile fromthe store now. "

The men were quickly out of the saddle, and three of them were told offto guard the horses, which we tethered to saplings by the side of theroad. Then the rest of us--seventeen in number--looked to our musketsand started forward on foot. We moved as silently as possible, and soonreached the edge of the forest, where we halted in the deep shadow ofthe trees. 

Before us was a spacious clearing, fifty yards across which stoodLagarde's store. Smoke was pouring from the chimney and a ray of lightwas visible under one of the shuttered windows; but not a sound could beheard, and not a moving object could be seen on the white snow crust. 

"It's all right, " said Boyd. "They have turned in for the night, and Idon't suppose they have set a watch; Lagarde keeps no dog. "

"We had better make sure, " suggested Nicoll. "I'm light on my feet--ifyou say the word I'll have a closer look about. "

I offered to accompany him--I was keenly curious about the prisoner--andthe lieutenant consented. 

"Go on, then, " he said, "but don't let them catch you spying, and getback as fast as you can. It's too cold to wait about long. "

So off we went, Nicoll and I, and we crept across the clearing withscarcely more noise than a cat would have made. A hum of voices grew onour ears as we approached, proving that Boyd's surmise was wrong. 

The conversation, and the light under the windows, came from the room inthe nearest angle of the house. But there were no crevices between thelogs, and the shutters fitted so tightly that we could see nothing. 

We heard little more. A number of men were talking in low tones, andafter listening a minute we gathered that they had a prisoner andintended taking him down to the Northwest Company's fort in the morning. We made a circuit of the house finding the other rooms dark and silent, and then safely rejoined our party and communicated our discoveries tothe lieutenant. 

"Up and awake, are they?" he muttered. "And it's a sure thing about theprisoner! Well, they won't have him long. I'll surround the house andinduce them to open the door by craft. If that don't work--?"

"Look here, " interrupted Nicoll. "I didn't tell you that I recognizedthe voice of one of those fellows in the room. "

"Ah! Who was it?"

"Ruthven!"

"Are you sure, man?"

"Yes; positive!"

"Then there is all the more reason for acting with promptness anddecision, " the lieutenant said emphatically. "Ruthven is a dangerousman, " he added to me. "He is an official of the Northwest Company, andis said to have stirred up the half-breeds against us. But I'll get theupper hand of him this time. "

A moment later, Boyd having given the force sharp and preciseinstructions, we sallied out from the woods and across the clearing. Asstealthily as panthers we gained the house, and a dozen of our menquickly surrounded it. Five posted themselves before the door--thelieutenant, Nicoll and McKay, Carteret and myself. We held our weaponsready for use. 

"If they don't let us in at once, " Boyd whispered, "we'll force anentrance. It's not a case for parleying. "

With that he rapped on the door--by no means lightly. There was a suddenhush inside, then a cautious approach of booted feet, and then a gruffvoice demanded:

"Who's there?"

"A friend, " answered the lieutenant. 

"What do you want?"

"I have an important message for Jim Ruthven. "

"From the fort?"

"Yes, from the fort. Open, Pierre!"

An instant of hesitation. Creak, creak! Bolts were being withdrawn. Nextthe door swung open, and we dimly saw the bearded, rum-bloated face ofPierre Lagarde. The lieutenant's ruse had thoroughly deceived him, andat sight of us he was struck dumb. Before he could give an alarm we hadjammed him back between the door and the wall, and dashed past him intothe room. 

"Don't stir!" cried Boyd in a ringing voice. "The first one of you thatmoves, or reaches for a weapon, I'll shoot like a dog!"

And he leveled a pistol in each hand. 

It was the neatest piece of work I had ever seen done. We had surprisedthe enemy at a moment when they believed themselves in perfect security, and they were powerless to offer any resistance. Seven men surrounded atable littered with cups and bottles, all hunters or voyageurs saveone--a better-dressed, crafty-featured man, whom I took for Ruthven. They sat staring at us with savage faces and flashing eyes, tremblingwith rage, muttering deep curses. Their muskets were stacked on the wallbehind them, and they dared not reach for knives or pistols. 

"I've got you trapped, " the lieutenant added. "You can't helpyourselves. Three times your number are outside. But I mean you no harm. My business can be settled without bloodshed--"

"Do you think you are acting in your rights, sir, " Ruthven broke indefiantly, "when you invade the property of the Northwest Company andthreaten its servants?"

"You scoundrel!" cried Boyd, "were you acting in your rights when youwaylaid and captured a courier of the Hudson Bay Company?"

"It's a lie!"

"Come, we know better, " said I. "The prisoner is in this house and wewant him at once. "

"And who are you, my young cock-of-the-walk?" snarled Ruthven. 

"Denzil Carew, " I replied, on the spur of the moment, "formerly of FortRoyal. "

By the sudden pallor of the man's face I knew that the shot had struckhome--that he knew all about the burning of the fort, and his companionslooked no less disconcerted and alarmed. He changed the subjectinstantly. 

"Lieutenant Boyd, I command you to leave, " he said hoarsely. "You forgetthere is such a thing as law in the Canadas. "

"It is you who forget that, sir, " retorted the lieutenant, "as you willlearn to your cost before many days. But to business! Produce theprisoner. "

"I admit that I have one, " said Ruthven, "but my claim to him overridesyours. He is a murderer; he has killed a Northwest Company man in coldblood. "

"Who?"

"Cuthbert Mackenzie!"

I could scarcely believe that I had heard aright. I exchangedsignificant and wondering glances with my companion. Could it bepossible that Cuthbert Mackenzie had paid the last penalty for hiscrimes?

"It's a good job, if it's true!" muttered Carteret. 

 CHAPTER XLI. 

 BACK FROM THE DEAD. 

Lieutenant Boyd was silent for an instant, and I saw that he was alittle staggered by the bold daring of the accusation. Then, lookingRuthven straight in the eyes, he said, in a curt and significant tone ofvoice:

"I am glad to have found some one who can give information concerningCuthbert Mackenzie, and I will remember you when certain investigationsnow pending are taken up by the Hudson Bay Company. Shall I make mymeaning clearer?"

"As you please, " muttered Ruthven, with an air of forced calmness. 

"It is needless; I think we understand each other, " the lieutenantcontinued. "As for the prisoner, and the charge you have made againsthim, I won't enter into that matter at present. Did you arrest him witha warrant?"

"No. "

"Then you can't hold him. Set him at liberty, and I will guarantee thatyou will find him at Fort Garry when you are ready to serve the properpapers on him. "

"It's likely I'll believe that, " sneered Ruthven. "I tell you the man isguilty. I have witnesses--proofs of the murder. "

"I don't care what you have, " cried the lieutenant. "I want the man atonce--I've parleyed with you far too long. If you don't produce him I'llsearch the house. "

Ruthven sat glowering like a tiger at bay. He scanned our resolutelittle party, and looked helplessly at the sullen, scowling faces of hisown men. "I yield to force of arms, " he said hoarsely; "but I protestagainst this unjustifiable outrage. Lagarde, bring the fellow out!"

The storekeeper had meanwhile returned to the room, and now, atRuthven's bidding, he entered an apartment in the rear and partly closedthe door behind him. For a brief interval we waited in silence, hearingonly an indistinct murmur of voices. Then Lagarde reappeared, followedby the prisoner. 

At sight of the man my heart gave a wild throb, and a cry of amazementwas forced to my lips, for there before me, as dashing-looking as ever, but with cheeks slightly sunken and blanched from illness, stood CaptainMyles Rudstone. 

"You!" I gasped. "Back from the dead!"

"It's the captain, sure enough!" shouted Carteret. 

I half expected to see him vanish in thin air, but my doubts weredispelled when he came quickly forward and clasped my hand. 

"Don't stare at me as though I was a ghost, " he said laughingly. "Yousee I am real flesh and blood, my dear Carew. I have turned up again, like a bad penny. "

"I never dreamed that the prisoner could be you!" I exclaimed. "Webelieved you dead--buried under the snow. "

"It was a natural supposition, " the captain replied, as he shook handswith Carteret and Lieutenant Boyd. 

"My good fellows, I am greatly indebted to you for this service--foryour timely rescue. I was awake when you arrived, and overheard thelittle discussion, but as I was both gagged and bound, I could donothing in my own behalf. "

With that his face darkened, and striding to the table, he struck it ablow with his fist that set the bottles and cups rattling, and causedRuthven and his evil crew to shrink back in their seats. 

"You and I will have a reckoning at a later time, " he cried, addressingRuthven. "Be assured that it will come!"

"A word with you, Captain Rudstone, " said Boyd. "I must warn you thatyou are charged with a grave crime, and that I have given a pledge foryour safe keeping at Fort Garry. "

"What is the accusation?"

"The murder of Cuthbert Mackenzie!" Ruthven blurted out savagely. 

The captain shrugged his shoulders, laughed insolently, and gave me ameaning and reassuring glance. 

"I reserve my defense, " he said. "I will say nothing at present as tothe truth or falsity of this charge. Certainly I have done nothing thatI would willingly undo--quite the contrary. "

"I am sure of that, " I said warmly. 

"As for your pledge Lieutenant Boyd, " the captain continued. "I give youmy word I shall wait Mr. Ruthven's pleasure at Port Garry, and I defyhim to bring his witnesses before a competent tribunal. Indeed, I courtand desire a full investigation of the act with which I stand charged. "As he spoke he glared at Ruthven, and the latter's eyes fell. 

"Well said!" exclaimed the lieutenant. "I perceive you have grasped thedelicate nature of this affair, Captain Rudstone. By the way, Iunderstand you are the bearer of dispatches. Do you still retain them?"

"That is a misapprehension, sir, " was the reply. "I have no dispatches;nor did I stop at any of the company's forts on my journey from thenorth. I am bound for Fort Garry on a private and personal matter. "

"You shall accompany us there at once, " said Boyd. "I think we havefinished here. " Turning to Ruthven, he added: "We are going now, sir. Let me warn you to keep your men under control--to see that no shots arefired treacherously. "

"When we want to shoot it will not be behind your backs, " Ruthvenreplied significantly, and in a voice that trembled with suppressedpassion. "You will be sorry for this night's work!"

Without further words we left the house, gathered up our men outside, and crossed the clearing to the woods. We pushed on more rapidly to thehorses, and one of the men gave his steed to Captain Rudstone andmounted behind a companion. As we rode on a trot toward the fort, thecaptain, who was in front, between Boyd and myself, related to us inconfidence the thrilling story of his adventures. He spoke in low tones, for it was not advisable that the rest should hear a narrative whichought properly to have come to the factor's ear first. 

"I shall spin the yarn briefly and without going into details, " hebegan. "My disappearance on that night when we encamped near FortCharter was a very simple thing. I was on duty, you will remember, and Ieither heard--or imagined I heard--the report of a musket within half amile. Hoping to learn what it meant, I ventured too far from camp. Theresult was that I lost my bearings, and for several hours wandered aboutin the blinding storm. I shouted at intervals, and fired a couple ofshots. At, last, when I was nearly exhausted I came across a recessunder a mass of rocks. I crawled into it--it was warm and tight--andthere I slept as I have never slept in my life before. I wakened to findthat I was snowed up--many hours must have passed--and with tremendoustoil I dug myself out of the huge drift. It was then late in theafternoon of the next day. I had no idea of my bearings, and aftertramping aimlessly until twilight I stumbled upon a small camp in thewilderness, and found myself Cuthbert Mackenzie's prisoner. "

"And did you really kill the scoundrel?" I asked. 

"Wait; I am coming to that, " replied the captain. "Mackenzie had half adozen Indians with him, and was on the way south. He knew me, of course, and he swore that he would shoot me at daybreak. We held someconversation, during which he virtually admitted that he had instigatedand led the attack on Fort Royal. He meant to kill me--I saw thatclearly--and I felt pretty blue when I was bound fast to a tree. "

"You worked your bonds loose, I suppose?" inquired Boyd. 

"No; I was saved in another way, " said the captain--"by your old friendGray Moose, Carew. It seems that he and a dozen redskins had beenfollowing Mackenzie up on account of some old grudge--some act of falsedealing--and that night they surprised and attacked the camp. They cutme loose first, seeing that I was a prisoner, and I took part in thescrimmage. I grappled with Mackenzie and overpowered him, and to save myown life I had to stab him to the heart--"

"He deserved it, " said I. "It was a just retribution. And how did thefight turn out?"

"Two of Mackenzie's party escaped, and the rest were killed, " CaptainRudstone answered. "I knew little of it at the time, for I was shotthrough the shoulder and fainted from loss of blood. Gray Moose and hisbraves carried me to an Indian village some miles to the west, tended meuntil I was recovered, and then supplied me with a sledge and food forthe long journey South. And it ended, as you know, in my falling intothe hands of those Northwest Company ruffians a few miles from mydestination. "

"But how do you suppose Ruthven knew of the affair?" asked Boyd. 

"From the two Indians who escaped, " replied the captain; "they must havepushed right on down country. I'll tell you more of my story at anothertime. Yonder, if I am not mistaken, are the lights of Fort Garry. "

 CHAPTER XLII. 

 TRUNK 409. 

At three o'clock the next afternoon Christopher Burley and myself mighthave been found in the factor's private office, waiting expectantly forthe door to open, and gazing meanwhile at the desk littered with papersand maps, the shelves stacked with musty documents and old accountbooks. I had not been up long, having slept till past noon. It had beendaylight when I retired, and Captain Rudstone was then closeted with thefactor. I had seen neither of them since. 

"Mr. Macdonald has evidently been detained, " said the law clerk as helooked at the huge silver watch he had carried through all hisadventures. "He told me to find you and bring you here, and promised tojoin us almost immediately. "

"He must have a great many things on his mind to-day, " I replied. "But, tell me, why did he request my presence?"

"It was my suggestion, Mr. Carew. You have always shown a keen interestin the matter, and I thought you would like to see if this last straw towhich I am clinging amounts to anything. "

"You are quite right, " said I. "It was thoughtful of you to remember me, and I am very anxious to know the result of your search. "

This, I must confess, was a polite evasion of truth. I had much ratherhave been with Flora, whom I had seen for only a few moments since theprevious evening. 

"I am by no means sanguine of success, " the law-clerk resumed. "There isbut a meagre chance. And yet I feel a sort of presentiment that--Ah, here he comes now!"

As he spoke the door opened, and Macdonald entered the room. I saw at aglance, and with some surprise, that he was in good spirits. 

"Sorry to have kept you waiting for me, " he began. "I had some urgentmatters to attend to. I turned in long after you, Carew, and slept buttwo hours. Have you seen anything of Captain Rudstone?"

"No, " Mr. Burley and I answered together. 

"He is doubtless in bed yet, he needed rest, " said the factor. "I hadhis whole story from him this morning. "

"He gave me an outline of it last night, " said I. "It was a mostthrilling narrative. "

"Yes, and one that I was heartily glad to hear, " replied Macdonald. "Even if Cuthbert Mackenzie had been killed otherwise than in a strugglehis death would have been a simple act of justice; for it seems that headmitted and boasted of his part in the capture of Fort Royal. As forthe charge of murder, it is ridiculous!"

"Then you think the affair will blow over?" I cried. 

"I am sure of it, under the circumstances, " declared the factor. "Iunderstand that Lieutenant Boyd spoke plainly last night, intimatingthat our people suspected the Northwest Company of complicity in theattack on Fort Royal, and that they would hear from us shortly. So it isunlikely that Ruthven or his superiors will take any steps to apprehendCaptain Rudstone. Indeed, since they can't tell what evidence wehave--or have not--they may be frightened into adopting a more peaceablepolicy than heretofore. "

"I hope so, with all my heart, " said I. 

"Time will tell, " replied Macdonald. "We shall continue to prepare forthe worst at all events. It is possible that the rescue at Lagarde'sstore may drive the half-breeds, or the more hot-headed of the NorthwestCompany men to some desperate act. "

With that the factor turned to Christopher Burley, who had been waitingwith visible signs of impatience for our conversation to terminate. 

"Now, sir, I am ready to attend to your business, " he said. "I can'tspare much time, for I have promised an interview to Captain Rudstonethis afternoon. I believed some personal matter--I have not the leastidea what--is connected with his visit to the fort. "

"I trust I shall not detain you long, " replied the law clerk. "Isincerely regret that--"

"Oh, it's all right, " interrupted Macdonald. "I am glad to be of serviceto you. A few minutes will settle the question in one way or another. "

He seated himself at his desk, glanced over a row of account books, thatwere shelved within reach, and finally took down a small leather-boundvolume that looked to be on the point of falling to pieces. 

"Ah, this is it!" he exclaimed. "I thought I could lay my hands on itpromptly. "

Christopher Burley and I stood behind his chair looking over hisshoulders, as he turned the faded, musty-smelling leaves one by one. Thelaw clerk's cheeks were slightly flushed, and a rapt and expectantexpression was on his face. 

"1780, " muttered the factor--"'83--'85--'87--was that the year?"

"He left England in the year 1787, " Christopher Burley replied eagerly, "in the month of June. Try September to start with. "

"It's rather too early, " said Macdonald. "There are only five entries inSeptember, " he added, as he glanced rapidly down two pages, "and asmaller average for the remaining months of that year. Now we come to1788. I have not found your man yet. Let me see--January, February, March--they are unlikely months, and contain scarcely an entry. "

The search was growing doubtful, and I felt sorry for Mr. Burley. 

"We are not through yet, " I said cheerfully. 

"Perhaps, sir, " suggested Macdonald, "Osmund Maiden took another namewhen he came to Canada. "

"No, no, " the law clerk exclaimed sharply. "I hope not. He could havehad no reason for doing such a thing. "

"It's not uncommon, " the factor answered dryly. "Ah, here we are atApril! Half a page of entries at the least! Massingham, Clarke, Bent, Duvallard--"

He paused with an exultant little cry, and Christopher Burley, bendingfurther over him, noted where his finger rested near the bottom of thepage. 

"Osmund Maiden!" the law clerk shouted in a tone of wild excitement. "Itis he! it is he! There, you can read it! plainly! Success at last!"

"You are right, sir!" exclaimed Macdonald. "Here we are; 'April the19th, 1788--Osmund Maiden, one trunk, marked 409. ' Doubtless this isyour man. "

It was a thrilling moment, and I felt a sudden and keen interest in thediscovery, which I had by no means expected. I stared at the fadedinscription on the brown page, written there nearly twenty-eight yearsbefore. Then I looked at Christopher Burley. I had never seen him sodeeply stirred. He was rubbing his hands together, drawing quick, shortbreaths, and examining the book with an expression of mingled triumphand anxiety. 

"But how is this?" he asked hoarsely. "Look: a line is drawn throughevery name on the page except that of Osmund Maiden. "

"His name is not erased, " replied the factor, "because he never cameback--because the receipt for his trunk was never presented. "

"Ah, I see!" muttered the law clerk. "He never came back. Twenty-eightyears in the wilderness! I fear he is dead. "

"That is the most reasonable way to look at it, sir. "

"And yet he may be still alive, Mr. Macdonald. Surely if he stopped atFort Garry he made some mention of his future plans. "

The factor shook his head. 

"The entries on this page are not in my handwriting, " he replied. Heopened his desk, took out a small book and glanced at it. "At that timeI was absent from the fort, " he added. "From the end of March to thebeginning of May, 1788, I was in Quebec. "

"But are none of the old employees here now?"

"No; not one. There are a few who have served a long time, but not priorto 1790. "

"Failure at every point!" exclaimed Mr. Burley, with a gesture ofdisappointment. "But I will not despair. This clew must lead to others. I cannot return to England without proofs of Osmund Maiden's death. "

"I do not know where you will get them, " said Macdonald. "The man hasbeen missing for nearly thirty years. "

"And you made constant inquiries for him in the north, " I added. 

"But he may not have remained in the wilderness, " cried the law clerk. "Perhaps he went south again by another road. It is even possible thathe claimed his trunk and that by mistake this name was not erased. "

"We never did business here in that loose way, " replied the factor alittle sharply. "Come, Mr. Burley, I will give you a final satisfaction. It would be useless to search the file of receipts, for I am positivethat Osmund Maiden's is not there. But I will readily show you histrunk--trunk 409. Will you please to follow me, gentlemen?"

 CHAPTER XLIII. 

 A DRAMATIC INTERRUPTION. 

It need not be said that Christopher Burley and myself accepted thefactor's invitation with alacrity, though, indeed, the mere sight of themissing man's trunk promised to be but poor game. On the contrary, should the trunk not be found, it would amount to a certainty thatOsmund Maiden had returned to claim his property, but I did not look forthis contingency, which would throw the law clerk off the trail oncemore. 

On the way from the office we had occasion to cross the house, and inthe lower hall we came upon Flora, attired in her outdoor costume offurs. She looked at us with some surprise, standing so that we could notpass her. 

"I am going for a short walk, Denzil, " she said, "and I hoped you wouldaccompany me. "

"Yes, if you will wait just few moments, " I replied. "We are on our wayto the room where the unclaimed trunks are stored. It is a matter ofsome importance to Mr. Burley and I wish to see the end of it myself. "

"Oh, has Mr. Burley's search been successful at last?" Flora exclaimedeagerly. "He was telling me of his fresh hopes this morning, and I wasdeeply interested. "

"Yes, Miss Hatherton, it seems that I was on the right track, " the lawclerk replied. "Osmund Maiden passed through Fort Garry nearlytwenty-eight years ago. He left a trunk here--"

"And you are going to look for it?" Flora interrupted. "How curious!Please take me with you, Denzil, if Mr. Macdonald does not object. "

"Not in the least, " the factor answered gallantly. "Come with us, if youlike, but I warn you it will be a dusty undertaking. "

"I am not afraid of dust or cobwebs, " Flora said laughingly. 

She slipped a hand under my arm, and as we followed Macdonald and Burleyupstairs I told her in a few hurried words what we had discovered. 

"It is not much, " she replied. "And what good can the trunk do Mr. Burley unless he can open it?"

"I'm afraid the factor won't permit that, " said I. "He could do it onlywith a legal order of some sort. "

By this time Macdonald had led us through two empty rooms on the upperfloor, and now he stopped at the door of a third. 

"This is the place, " he said fitting a key in the lock. 

An instant later the door swung open, revealing darkness within, andletting a musty, ancient odor escape. Christopher Burley stumbled overthe threshold, and the rest of us followed him. 

"This is worse than the underground passage at Fort Royal, " said Flora. "The room needs airing badly. Are you going to give us any light, Mr. Macdonald?"

"At once, " the factor replied. 

He groped his way into the darkness, fumbled a moment at a closedwindow, and flung the shutters wide open. The cold wintry air blew inour faces, and the rays of the sinking sun brightened every nook andcorner. It was a good-sized room, and on three sides of it--except wherea space was left for the window--trunks and boxes were neatly stacked tothe ceiling. Dust and cobwebs lent a disreputable and ruinous effect tothem. 

"All unclaimed, " Macdonald said significantly, "and none of recentdate. "

For a moment the four of us stood in silence, as though under theinfluence of a strange spell. It was indeed an impressive and athoughtful sight, this array of boxes and trunks, chests and cases, ofall sizes and all kinds. Could these mute witnesses only have spoken! Aswe stared at them we wondered what had been the fate of their owners--ofthe daring men, young and old, who had gone forth years ago into theuntrodden wilderness and never been heard of since. 

"Where is his trunk?" demanded Christopher Burley, breaking the spell. "Show it to me! I don't believe it is here!"

"We shall find it presently, I assure you, " the factor answered. 

With that we fell to searching, two of us at one side of the room andtwo at the other. Its proper number was painted in white on each box ortrunk, but as the numbers were not in order, and some of them werepartly obscured by dust, we were not successful at once. When we came tothe stack at the end of the room, however, Flora's sharp eyes quicklydiscovered what we were seeking. 

"There it is!" she cried, "Number 409!"

Yes, there it was--the fateful characters staring us in the face fromthe end of a small black trunk, next but one to the top of the heap, Ifelt a pang of disappointment, I had half-hoped that this mysteriousOsmund Maiden had returned to claim his property, and that by anoversight the black line had not been drawn through his name. But herewas evidence that strongly suggested his death in the wilderness. 

"Get it down, " Christopher Burley said hoarsely. "Let me see it!"

Macdonald assented half-reluctantly. I helped him to drag the trunk fromthe one resting on top of it, and we placed it on the floor. It was asmall affair and it seemed very light. It was low and narrow, brass-bound, and covered with decaying leather. In addition to beinglocked it was wrapped about with rope. 

"Nothing in it but spare clothing, I should say, " remarked the factor. "It's a common enough type and was made and sold in Quebec. I know thebrand. "

"You are right, sir; the trunk did not come from England, " said the lawclerk. 

"But you will surely open it, so that all doubt may be set at rest. "

"I shall do nothing of the sort, " Macdonald answered curtly. "Yourrequest is impossible. I have no right to touch the trunk. How do I knowthat Osmund Maiden is not alive--that he will not turn up with thereceipt some day?"

"I admit the possibility of that, " said Christopher Burley. "Indeed, Iprefer to take that view of the matter myself. But consider myperplexing situation, sir. I have reason to think that the trunkcontains papers--not only documents to prove Osmund Maiden's identity, but a statement of what his future plans were when he left Fort Garry. And by that means I will learn where to search for him--how to trace hisafterlife. I can't return to England until I have either proved him deador found him alive. "

Macdonald shook his head. 

"I must be true to my trust, " he replied. "Only legal measures canempower me to open this trunk, and you can take steps to that effect ifyou please. You know better than I if such a remedy is within yourreach. In the eyes of the law I admit Osmund Maiden would probably beaccounted dead. "

"But my dear sir, the plan you suggest would involve a journey toEngland and back, not to mention the delay in the Quebec courts. "

"It is the only course, Mr. Burley. And you must remember, for my sideof the case, that you have not let me into your confidence. Why are yousearching for this man?"

"I could speedily satisfy you on that point, " the law clerk saidslowly; "but this is not the time to do so. I am acting for myemployers--Parchmont & Tolliver, of Lincoln's Inn, London. They are awell-known and honorable firm of solicitors, and it is of importance tothem that Osmund Maiden should be found. "

"Then find him, " the factor replied. "Find him, but don't ask me tobreak into this trunk. "

Mr. Burley agitatedly wiped his brow. 

"Sir, I beg of you to reconsider your determination, " he pleaded. "Permit me to see what is in the trunk. Open it in my presence, let mehastily examine the contents, and then seal it up intact. It is a simplematter for you--a most important one for me. "

At first Macdonald made no reply, but he was clearly moved by the lawclerk's earnestness and importunity. He hesitated a moment, and thensaid coldly:

"I will do this much for you, sir: I will take the rope from the trunkand if it can be picked open without breaking the lock, well and good;if not, you must be content. "

"Try it, sir, at once, " exclaimed Mr. Burley. 

Taking a knife from his pocket, the factor knelt beside the trunk. Hebegan to sever, one by one, the tightly-knotted strands of rope; theyhad been tied so many years that they could not be picked open. The lawclerk fairly trembled with excitement as he bent over him; Flora and Iwatched the operation calmly. 

Just then we heard soft footsteps, and looking up we were surprised tosee Captain Rudstone standing within a yard of us. There was a peculiargleam in his eyes, and a half-amused, half-mocking expression lurked onhis inscrutable features. His glance swept about the room, then settledkeenly on our little group. 

"Pardon me for interrupting you, Mr. Macdonald, " he said inwell-modulated tones. "I heard you were here, and as my businesshappened to lie in the same direction, I took the liberty of followingyou uninvited. I could not have arrived at a more opportune time. Ithink that is my trunk you are trying to open. May I relieve you of thetrouble?"

"Your trunk, sir?" gasped the factor, letting the knife drop from hisfingers. 

"Yes, mine. I am Osmund Maiden!"

 CHAPTER XLIV. 

 THE RIGHTFUL CLAIMANT. 

Imagine, if you can, the effect this amazing assertion had upon us. Wewere stupefied--struck speechless; we could only stare breathlessly, with dilated eyes, at Captain Rudstone. Had we heard aright? Was hereally the missing Osmund Maiden? Folding his arms on his breast hereturned our scrutiny with a cynical smile. 

"He is mad--mad!" gasped Christopher Burley. 

The law clerk pointed with trembling hand, and the veins stood out onhis forehead like whipcords. His face was of a purple hue. 

"Captain Rudstone, is this a jest?" cried the factor, as he rose fromhis kneeling position. "On my word you will find it a sorry one--"

"It is not a jest, sir. "

"What, do you insist that you are speaking the truth?"

"Certainly, " was the haughty reply. "I repeat it. I am Osmund Maiden!"

"And this is your trunk?"

"I have told you it was. "

"Bless my soul, I never knew the equal of this!" exclaimed Macdonald. "But you can't expect us to accept such a statement without clearproof. "

"Yes, he must prove it!" Christopher Burley cried hoarsely. "His word isnot sufficient; I fear the captain trifles with us. I demand theproofs--quick!"

"They are easily produced, " said Captain Rudstone. 

We watched him expectantly as he thrust a hand into an inner pocket ofhis coat, I with a growing conviction that the right man was found, while on Flora's face was an expression of aversion and mistrust. Hedrew out a yellow slip of paper and gave it to the factor. 

"I claim my property, sir, " he said curtly. 

"The receipt!" cried Macdonald, after a hasty glance. "'April the 19th, 1788; trunk No. 409'!"

"Is it correct?" exclaimed the law clerk. 

"Yes, quite so. Mr. Burley. I know the signature. "

"Perhaps you would like further satisfaction gentlemen, " said thecaptain; "though, indeed, I think the receipt is all that is called for. But, with your permission, I will open my trunk. "

"Do so, I beg of you, " replied the law clerk. "Show me more proof--moreproof!"

"Mr. Burley, did you ever see Osmund Maiden?" asked the captain. 

"Only a portrait of him, sir--painted before he left England. "

"Then look sharply at me!"

The law clerk came forward a little, and stared for a moment intoCaptain Rudstone's face. 

"Good Heavens!" he cried. "I see it--I see it now! You are much changed, but the features are the same. And you have Osmund Maiden's eyes!"

"Are you satisfied?" said the captain, with a short laugh. "But, wait; Iwill open the trunk. Do you admit my right to it, Mr. Macdonald?"

"I do, sir. It is certainly your property. "

Captain Rudstone took a small key from his pocket, and knelt beside thetrunk. He fitted the key to the lock, turned it, and threw open the lid, revealing to our eager gaze some articles of clothing, and a few lettersand papers tied in a packet. He opened the bunch, selected one of theletters, and handed it to the law clerk. 

With trembling hands Christopher Burley took the inclosure from theenvelope, and glanced over it briefly. 

"Written in 1785, " he exclaimed, "to Osmund Maiden by his mother, whenhe was at the University of Oxford! Gentleman, my quest is at an end. Ihave found the missing--" His face suddenly turned deathly pale. Hestaggered, and would have fallen, but for Macdonald, who caught andsupported him. "It is nothing, " he muttered faintly. "Theexcitement--the shock; I shall be better in a moment. "

Just then I happened to glance at Flora, and was startled by herappearance. She was gazing at the letter, which was still in the lawclerk's hand; her cheeks were deeply flushed, and her expression was oneof incredulous amazement. 

"What is the matter?" I said anxiously. 

"Don't be foolish, Denzil!" she replied, turning her eyes in anotherdirection, and making an effort to speak calmly. "I thought I saw--No, Iwas mistaken. "

The words were so low that none heard them but myself. I attached nomeaning to them at the time, thinking that she was slightly unnerved bythe dramatic scene we were witnessing. 

But Captain Rudstone--as I remembered afterward--seemed to noticeFlora's agitation. At all events he quickly recovered the letter fromthe law clerk and restored it to the packet. That he tossed into thetrunk, closing and locking the lid, and putting the key in his pocket. Then he rose to his feet. 

"I think, " he said, "that I have fully proved my claim"--to whichundeniable statement Macdonald and I nodded assent. 

"And in the future we are to call you Mr. Osmund Maiden, " said Flora, with a mocking flash in her eyes. 

"Yes, he is Osmund Maiden, " hoarsely declared Christopher Burley. "Butdo you know all--all, sir?" he inquired eagerly. 

"I think I do, " replied the captain. 

"When we first met in Quebec, months ago, Mr. Burley, I suspected whathad brought you to the Canadas. Your own words, you will remember, gaveme the clew. I can assure you that I have managed to keep an eye on theLondon papers for years past. No news of importance has escaped me. "

"But--but why did you not--"

"Why not reveal myself before, you would say? I had a reason, Mr. Burley--one that might have kept my lips sealed indefinitely. But thatreason ceased to exist about a month ago, and I was free to follow youto Fort Garry--free to disclose the truth. Are you satisfied, sir?"

"I am content and I am grateful, " replied the law clerk. "I haveaccomplished the difficult task that brought me across the seas. In thismoment of triumph my arduous labors--my wanderings in a barbarousland--count for nothing. They are forgotten. "

With that Christopher Burley rolled his eyes till the whites, showed, and a look of vast importance grew on his smug and shaven face. Then, tomy astonishment, he made a low and cringing bow before Captain Rudstone. 

"My lord, I congratulate you, " he said proudly. "I greet you as the Earlof Heathermere, of Heathermere Hall, in Surrey--as the heir to an oldand honored title, to a vast and rich estate!"

"I greet you as the Earl of Heathermere, of Heathermere Hall, inSurrey--as the heir to an old and honored title, to a vast and richestate!"

 CHAPTER XLV. 

 FORGING THE LINKS. 

Never had I experienced such excitement. The scene was beyond my wildestthoughts, though I confess that I had expected the captain to prove tobe the heir to some property. But to find him a British peer--this manwho had been my friend and comrade for so many months--it fairly took mybreath away!

Yet there could be no doubt that Captain Rudstone and Osmund Maiden wereone and the same, and with sincere and heartfelt pleasure I offered himmy congratulations. Macdonald followed my example, but Flora held aloof, and had nothing to say. 

"Thank you, my dear Carew, " the captain cried heartily, as he clasped myhand. "I dare say this is a big surprise to all of you. But if it isquite true--I am the prodigal son come into his own again, and I canassure you I am glad of it. "

"The story is not complete yet, " suggested the law clerk. "With yourpermission, my lord--"

"You have it, sir, " interrupted the captain. "Give these gentlemen afull explanation. It will come most fittingly from you. "

"The narrative is a very brief one, " commenced Christopher Burley, turning to us. "It starts properly in the year 1787. At that time HughCecil Maiden, third Earl of Heathermere, was a widower with three sons, by name Reginald, Bertie, and Osmund. The latter was the youngest sonand was not a favorite with his father, if I may take the liberty ofsaying as much. One day he quarreled bitterly with the old earl andvowed that he would leave home and begin a new life in another country. That vow he kept. He was scarcely twenty years of age then, but hesailed from England for the Canadas with a small sum of money in hispocket. And in all the years that followed nothing was heard of him. 

"I now pass over a long period. In the year 1814 the eldest son Reginalddied; he left a wife but no issue. Three months later the second son wasthrown and killed while hunting. In consequence of this double shock theold earl was stricken with paralysis. He lingered for months speechlessand helpless, and early in the following year he, too, died. Having noblood relatives--save the missing younger son--the title was threatenedwith extinction. The estate, of course, went into Chancery. "

As the law clerk paused for a moment there flashed into my mind anincident that had happened long before at Fort York--the suddenagitation exhibited by Captain Rudstone while reading a copy of theLondon _Times_, and the paragraph I had subsequently found relating tothe Earl of Heathermere. It was all clear to me now. 

"There is but little more to tell, " resumed Christopher Barley. "Thedisappearance of Osmund Maiden in 1787 was not generally known, but itcame to the knowledge of my employers, Parchmont & Tolliver. Theydetermined to take the matter up on speculation, and accordingly theysent me out to the Canadas to search for the missing heir, or for hisissue in case he had married and died, and I trust you will remember, mylord, that they incurred very heavy expenses on a slim chance ofsuccess. "

"There are several things I should like to ask you, " replied Macdonald. "I infer from your own statement that you were aware months ago of thedeath of your father and brothers, and of the fact that Mr. Burley wasin Canada seeking for you?"

"That is correct, sir. "

"And yet you kept silence--you did not reveal your identity?"

"Yes. I had a reason, as I mentioned before. "

"It must have been a very important one!"

"My lord, I agree with Mr. Macdonald, " broke in the law clerk. "Lookingat it from a legal standpoint, I feel that an explanation should beforthcoming. "

"You shall have it in the presence of these gentlemen, " declared thecaptain. "There is nothing now to prevent me from speaking openly, though I must admit that the story is not one I like to tell. To bebrief, I was under the impression that I had killed a man, and that acharge of murder rested against me. The affair happened in Montreal inFebruary of 1788, a few months after I landed in Canada. I was in agambling den with a companion, and another man at our table, with whom Iwas playing cards, deliberately cheated. When I accused him of it hereached for his pistol, and to save my life I fired first. I saw himfall, shot in the chest. Then some one put out the light, and in theconfusion that followed I managed to escape. Before morning I was afugitive from Montreal, heading for the wilderness. "

The captain paused a moment, his head bowed in an attitude of sorrow. 

"That, gentlemen, is the reason why I hid my identity all theseyears--during more recent months, " he continued. "I preferred to losetitle and riches rather than bring shame and dishonor on one ofEngland's proudest names--not to speak of the danger of arrest andconviction. "

"Who was the man you shot?" the factor demanded eagerly. "Hisname--quick!"

"He was a Frenchman--Henri Salvat. "

"Ah, I thought so!" cried Macdonald. "He did not die--he recovered fromthe wound. And as he did not know your name, you were not suspected ofthe deed, I was in Montreal shortly afterward, and heard of the affair. "

"And I learned the truth but a few weeks ago--when I was coming downcountry, " Captain Rudstone replied huskily. "I met an old trapper whohad been in Montreal at the time, and by adroit questioning I drew fromhim what you have just told me. I need not say what a relief it was. Idetermined at once to find Mr. Burley and reveal all. Does theexplanation satisfy you?"

"You were certainly justified in keeping silence, " Macdonald answered. "The reason was sound. But there is one little point I would like tohave cleared; Why, when you believed yourself a fugitive from justice, did you use your real name at Fort Garry?"

"Simply because there was no alternative, " said the captain. "The firstperson I met when I entered Fort Garry in April of 1788 was a man whohad known me as Osmund Maiden in Quebec a few months before; so I had toleave the trunk in that name. At the time, of course, no word of theaffair at Montreal had reached the fort--I came here by rapid marches. But fearing that the clew might be followed up, I abandoned my intentionof going north, and went south instead, ultimately crossing the borderinto the United States. I remained there for twelve years. "

"And afterward, Captain Rudstone, I think you visited England--yournative land?" Flora exclaimed at this point. "At least, I have heard yousay so. "

The captain gave her a sharp glance, and I fancied I read a hiddenmenace in his eyes. Then he shrugged his shoulders and smiled. 

"You are quite right, Miss Hatherton; I did say so, " he replied. "I hadearned some money in the States and in 1801 I sailed for England. Ilodged in London for some months, avoiding all who might have known me;then I crossed to the Continent, where I lived for six years in varioustowns. In 1807, older and much changed, I ventured back to the Canadas. I need not speak of my record from that time. I joined the CanadianVolunteers, and subsequently entered the service of the Hudson BayCompany, in which I rose to a position of trust. I may say that I havenot been in Montreal since 1788. "

"I beg your pardon, captain--I mean, my lord, " said Flora, with a prettyblush. "It was presumptuous of me to question you. "

The law clerk shouldered the trunk and marched from the room. The restof us followed, and the factor closed and locked the door. 

That same evening, feeling restless, I left the house to take a strollin the fort inclosure. It was a relief to be away from the red-hot stoveand from the chatter of my companions. 

I was in low spirits, I confess--which was one reason why I had comeout. Flora had been unlike herself at supper, very quiet andthoughtful--a rare thing for her--and I had not seen her since she leftthe table. I feared that she was feeling ill, and, of course, lover-like, I evolved all sorts of dread possibilities from this. I hadin mind, besides, another and more vague cause of anxiety, which was asyet too intangible to grasp. 

For an hour I must have tramped here and there about the inclosure. 

At last, wretched and miserable, I returned to the factor's house. Ientered the sitting room and was glad to find it empty and dark. Ilighted a lamp, and coaxed up the dying embers of the fire with freshwood. I was in no mood for sleep, and for a long time I sat by thestove, smoking pipe after pipe of strong tobacco, and staring gloomilyat the flames. 

When a distant clock struck twelve I roused from my stupor. I felt inbetter spirits, for I had reasoned myself into the belief that Florastill loved me, and that her strange actions sprang from another cause. I blew out the lamp and, lest I should waken any of the sleepers in thehouse, I took off my boots and carried them in one hand. 

I went softly upstairs in the darkness, and threaded a long, narrowhall. Two-thirds of the way along this I passed the door of Flora'sroom, and I was careful not to disturb her by the slightest sound. Atthe end of the hall a window admitted the silvery glow of the moon, andhere a cross passage turned to the right. Twenty feet away a thin bar oflight shone from a room that I knew was Captain Rudstone's, and beyondthat lay some empty apartments. My own room was one of the first. Islipped into it, put my boots on the floor and began to grope for alight. 

But before I could find the candle I was startled to hearfootsteps--very faint, but unmistakable--approaching without. I creptnoiselessly to the door and looked down the passage. Good Heavens! didmy eyes deceive me? Did I actually see a ghost--an apparition?

But a ghost in black? Impossible! Now I beheld more clearly. A woman, gliding on slippered feet, was coming toward me. The moonbeams shone onthe long cloak of fur that enveloped her from head to foot--on theloosened hair and silver-hued face. And it was the face of FloraHatherton!

For an instant the hot blood rushed to my brain; I felt a sharp pang atmy heart. Then I stepped suddenly out--out into the flood ofmoonlight--and confronted her. She gave a little scream, and choked itas quickly on her lips. 

"Denzil!" she gasped. 

"Flora!" I said sternly. "What does this mean?"

"Hush!" she whispered. "We shall be heard! You--you said you would trustme. Is this keeping your word?"

"Where have you been?" I demanded hoarsely. 

"I will tell you--again. Oh, be merciful, be patient!"

I saw that Captain Rudstone's light had vanished. A madness sprang up inmy breast. 

"Where have you been?" I repeated. "Speak, for God's sake! Only tworooms are occupied on this passage--mine and--and his. "

I would have given my life to recall the hot words when I saw thehorror, the pitiful look of agony that shone from Flora's eyes. 

"Denzil, can you think that--that?" she asked. "Do you believe that Ihave come from his room? Oh, merciful Heaven! that is too much! Say thatI have not read your thoughts aright!"

"Forgive, darling!" I whispered. "God help me, I knew not what I said!No, no, I will never believe that! Flora, my wife----"

"I am trying you cruelly, " she interrupted. "But I am innocent--my heartis all yours! Trust me, dearest, to the end. And now go--go! Think whatit will mean to be found here together!"

With that she slipped by me, passed quickly to the end of the passage, and vanished from sight. I reeled like a drunken man into my room, closed the door noiselessly, and threw myself on the bed. 

 CHAPTER XLVI. 

 THE ALARM. 

That sleepless night--I shudder as I recall it. For hours I tossed onthe bed, rent by conflicting emotions, ashamed one minute of my ignoblethoughts, plunged the next into a black abyss of doubt. At the firstflush of wintry dawn I dozed off into slumber; the sun was shining whenI awoke, and the moonlight encounter seemed more a dream than a reality. 

As I dressed I considered the matter as calmly as possible, and I madetwo resolves--that I would hold fast to my faith in Flora, and wouldpatiently wait her own time for explaining the mystery. But the demon ofmistrust still lurked within me; I was as miserable as only a jealouslover can be, and I dreaded unspeakably the ordeal of hiding myfeelings through the day. 

What a memorable day it was to be! Its every incident is etched on thecurtain of the past with sharp and unfaded lines. The beginning wascommonplace enough. I was too late for breakfast, and I sat quite aloneover my coffee and fried fish. Flora I did not see. I exchanged a fewwords with Captain Rudstone and Christopher Burley and then went off tothe clerks' quarters, where I assisted with the work until dinner time. 

At that meal I was forced to pretend to be in good spirits, and I foundit a hard task. Captain Rudstone, whose identity was known to but thefour of us, told a laughable story of one of his experiences in theStates. But I observed, to my discomfiture, that he kept a close watchon Flora. She sat opposite to me, joining in the conversation with aring of merriment that I detected as false, and as much as possible sheavoided meeting my eyes. 

After dinner she left the room with Mrs. Macdonald, but first she foundan opportunity to slip a scrap of paper into my hand. 

I walked to the window and opened it, and the few words that itcontained made my heart beat rapidly:

"If you love me, Denzil, trust me. All will, come right in the end. "

As I thrust the paper into my pocket, feeling both comforted and puzzledby the message, the factor called me. 

"I am going to the settlement, " he said, "on a matter of business. Doyou care to ride along with me, Carew?"

Any occupation promised to be a relief, and I gladly accepted theinvitation. Half an hour later we were off, mounted on good horses. Theobject of our visit was to examine several secret agents--spies, tospeak plainly--who had come in with reports concerning the NorthwestCompany. For obvious reasons, Macdonald did not wish them to be seenentering the fort. 

It proved to be a lengthy business, and we were detained all afternoonand part of the evening. As to what we learned, that may be dismissed ina few words: but the news was more satisfactory than it had been for along time. The half-breeds were comparatively quiet, presumably becauseof a warning hint from headquarters. And the truculent officials of therival company had taken no steps to call our people to account for theattack on Lagarde's store, nor did they appear to have any intention ofdemanding the person of Captain Rudstone. Doubtless they thought it bestto let sleeping dogs lie. Of course this altered situation caused thefactor and myself no little relief. 

We had supper at the settlement, and rode back by moonlight. We put ourhorses away, and entered the house. It was then half-past ten o'clock, and we found Christopher Burley in solitary possession of the sittingroom, hugging the stove closely and reading an old newspaper. Every oneelse, he informed us, had turned in for the night, Captain Rudstonehaving left only a few minutes before. 

"I'm not sleepy, " Macdonald said to me. "Are you?"

"Not a bit, " I replied. "Then we'll have a sociable hour, Carew. I'mjust in the humor for it. "

He took tobacco and whisky from a closet, and after filling our glassesand lighting our pipes, we joined the law clerk round the stove. 

"It has been a tiresome afternoon, " the factor said finally, "but theprospect looks bright--very bright. You will be glad to hear, Mr. Burley, that his lordship--ahem! I mean your client--need not remain atFort Garry any longer than he wishes. At least that is my opinion. "

"I am indeed relieved, sir, " the law clerk replied. "I feared gravecomplications. I admit that I am anxious--if I may say so withoutputting any slight upon your gracious hospitality--to start for Englandas soon as possible. There is much to be done--many legal matters to beattended to--and it is important that the new Earl of Heathermere shouldlose no time in claiming his title and property. "

"Lucky fellow!" said Macdonald. "And in what a cool, matter-of-fact wayhe takes his good fortune!"

"He is a man of the world--that accounts for it, " said I. 

"It is purely a matter of breeding, " Christopher Burley replied stiffly. "Blood tells always. His lordship is a worthy descendant of an ancientfamily. "

"Then you won't admit that I, or Carew here, would be as well fitted tofill the position?" Macdonald asked laughingly. 

What reply the law clerk would have made will never be known, for justthen from the upper part of the house rang a woman's shrill scream. 

"My God, that is Flora's voice!" I cried. 

"Come with me, gentlemen!" shouted the factor. 

He led the way, with Burley and I at his heels. In a trice we wereupstairs, and dashing along the hall. 

"Help--help! Be quick!"

The summons guided us straight to Captain Rudstone's room, from the opendoor of which streamed a yellow light. I was the first to pass thethreshold, and I shall never forget the sight that greeted me--Floraholding a twisted paper in one hand and with the other pointing a pistolat Captain Rudstone, who stood six feet from her, with his back to aglowing stove; his face was very white, but his bearing was defiant. 

"Seize him!" Flora cried, when she saw us. 

Macdonald and Burley grabbed the captain, who did not resist. I caughthold of Flora, and she thrust the paper into my hand. 

"Take it, Denzil, " she said faintly. "I saved it--"

 CHAPTER XLVII. 

 CONCLUSION. 

By this time the other inmates of the house, including Mrs. Macdonald, had assembled in the doorway in various stages of attire, in a state ofconsternation and alarm. I had no inkling of what the affair meant; myfirst thought was to revive Flora. I placed her in a big chair, and thefactor hurried off for brandy. Meanwhile Captain Rudstone had waved offthe detaining hold of the law clerk. He stood with folded arms, pale tothe lips, regarding me with an expression of half-veiled scorn. 

Macdonald returned with the liquor, and a small portion of it, forcedbetween Flora's teeth, quickly brought her round. She insisted onrising, and clung to me for support. 

"Has he escaped?" she asked eagerly. "No, there he is!" she pointed toCaptain Rudstone. "Liar, thief, impostor!" she said, half-hysterically. "You are unmasked at last--and by a woman! Denzil, the papers!"

"See, I have them!" I replied. 

"Then read them--quick!"

"But what does it mean? Explain, Flora!"

"The papers--they will tell all!"

"Wait!" interrupted Captain Rudstone. "Permit me, gentlemen, to end thislittle comedy with a word. It is very simple. I have played my game, andI have lost--a woman was too sharp for me. I yield to necessity, andthrow up my cards. Mr. Carew, I congratulate you. My lord, you are therightful Earl of Heathermere!"

What foolish words were these? I could only stare, dazed andspeechless, at those around me--at the mocking face of Captain Rudstone. And he had called me Earl of Heathermere!

"It is true!" cried Flora, breaking the spell of silence. "I knew it. "

"It is madness!" shouted Christopher Burley, whose countenance hadturned the color of Parchmont. 

"Look at the papers, Carew, " suggested Macdonald. 

I examined them with shaking fingers, having first let go of Flora. Onewas the certificate of marriage of Bertram Carew with the daughter ofthe factor of Fort Beaver; another was the proof of a birth--my birth. Iglanced at the third and largest, and I caught my breath as I saw thefirst few words. I read on--read to the very end--like a man in a dream. Then I handed the document to the factor. 

"I can hardly realize it, " I said, "but it is all there--writtenplainly. Read it aloud!"

Macdonald did so, and those in the room, Captain Rudstone not excepted, listened with rapt attention. I need not give the contents of the paperword for word, but it meant that my father, Bertram Carew, had beenOsmund Maiden--that I was Osmund Maiden's son and heir. It was allrevealed in the letter, which was addressed to me, and was written by myfather. In it he told of the family quarrel in England years before, ofhis voyage to the Canadas in quest of adventure and fortune, of hismeeting and subsequent friendship with a young man named Myles Rudstone, of the dispute in the Montreal gambling den, and the shooting of theFrenchman Henri Salvat. 

Then followed an account of the flight and journeying of the two--OsmundMaiden and Myles Rudstone--how they traveled in haste from Montreal toFort Garry, from the fort to the northern wilderness, where they wereattacked by a party of treacherous Indians. My father was struck downand left for dead, and was found by the factor of Fort Beaver, whonursed him until he was recovered. Of Myles Rudstone no trace wasdiscovered, and he was believed to have been carried off a prisoner bythe Indians. The conclusion of the narrative dealt with my father'ssubsequent life up to shortly before his death. From the time he met thefactor he took the name of Bertrand Carew, and carefully preserved thesecret of his identity. He did this, of course, through fear of theconsequences of the Montreal brawl, the result of which he could neverhave learned. There was also in the letter a reference to the cryptogramat Fort Beaver, and to the receipt for the trunk left at Fort Garry. Iomit some personal instructions that would be of less interest to thereader. 

Macdonald, having finished reading the paper aloud, returned it to me. 

"Bless me, I don't know what to make of it all!" he exclaimed. "It isbewildering; it beats anything that one reads in fiction!"

"The proofs, Mr. Carew, if you please, " said Christopher Burley. 

He spoke in a quick, anxious voice. 

I handed the three papers to him and a very brief scrutiny of themseemed to satisfy him. 

"They are indisputable, " he declared. "They leave no room for doubt. "

He made me a low bow. 

"My lord, pray accept my sincere congratulations, " he added. "I amconvinced that you are the real Earl of Heathermere. " I tried to thankhim, but the words faltered on my lips. I was beginning to comprehendthe amazing, wonderful truth. 

"As for this man, " went on the law clerk, pointing to Captain Rudstone, "this detected impostor--"

"I am that no longer, sir, " interrupted the captain. "You will please toremember that I have renounced my claim. "

"But why did you conceive such a daring scheme in the first place?"asked Macdonald. "It will be better for you to make a full confession. "

"I am quite willing to do that, " replied Captain Rudstone. "I will nottry your patience long--it is a short story. My first meeting withOsmund Maiden was in Quebec, a few days after his arrival from England. There was a certain resemblance between us, and we took a fancy to eachother; we decided to cast our fortunes together. Unluckily, however, wehad that row in Montreal--it was I who shot Henri Salvat--and thisstarted us off to the wilderness in a hurry. But you are already awareof these facts, of our brief stop at Fort Garry, and of our adventurewith the Indians. I was a prisoner among them for months, and finally Iescaped to the south, believing that Osmund Maiden was dead. After thatI lived, as I have told you, in the States, England and on theContinent. 

"And now, " he continued, "I will take up the thread of my narrative inQuebec a few months ago, where I made the acquaintance of Denzil Carewand Christopher Burley. I was struck at once by the remarkable likenessthe former bore to Osmund Maiden as I remembered him. As for the lawclerk, I suspected what his errand was, and from that time I began toconsider the chances of passing myself off for Osmund Maiden. We hadbeen of the same age, not unlike each other, and he had told me everyincident of his early life. The thing seemed impossible at first, butwhen I learned from a paper at Fort York that the Earl of Heathermereand his two elder sons were dead, I was more than ever set on gainingthe rich prize. 

"And a strange fate played the game into my hands later, as you shallsee. You remember the cryptogram at old Fort Beaver, Carew. Well, thatgave me something to think about--I had an inkling of the truth then. And soon afterward I found the key to it. How? you will ask. I will tellyou. It was in the locket worn by the Indian you shot--the Indian whohad killed your father years before. I managed to take it out andconceal it----"

"You stole it!" I cried bitterly. 

"Call it that, if you like, " he answered, with a shrug of the shoulders. "I tore up the key, but here is a translation of the cryptogram. "

He handed me a slip of paper, and I read aloud the following:

 "To my son, Denzil Carew: To discover secret of my birth, search for papers in North Tower, behind third stone above door. Your father. "BERTRAND CAREW. "

"That same night, " resumed Captain Rudstone, "when I was on guard at thecamp, I slipped away into the storm. I reached Port Beaver the next day, read the cryptogram, and found the papers; with them were the receiptfor the trunk at Fort Garry and the key. I was now in possession ofproofs which I believed would secure for me the title and estates of theEarl of Heathermere. But I need say no more--you know the rest. I havefailed in the hour of triumph, and I accept my defeat with thephilosophy that has ever been a part of my nature. If I felt anyscruples, Carew, they were on your account. You are a good fellow, and Iam glad you have come into your own. As for me I suppose I must pay thepenalty of my misdeeds. "

With that the captain finished his story and stood regarding us with animpassive, cynical look on his handsome face. I confess that I pitiedhim from my heart, as I thought of hia wasted talents, of the months ofcomradeship we had spent together. Indeed, I had never liked him morethan I did at that moment, and yet he would have robbed me withoutcompunction of my birthright. 

"This is a serious matter, Captain Rudstone, " Macdonald said sternly. "You have confessed to a great crime. I will decide to-morrow what is tobe done with you. For the present I must keep you in safe custody. "

"Quite right, sir, " the captain assented, and a moment later he left theroom, walking erect between the factor and Lieutenant Boyd. 

"Now for your story, " I said, turning to Flora. "I have not the leastidea how--"

"Let me see that ring, Denzil, " she interrupted--"the one you showed meonce before. "

I took it from my pocket--the seal ring that had belonged to myfather--and the moment he saw it Christopher Burley cried out:

"The Heathermere crest!"

"Yes, the same that was on the letters Captain Rudstone took from thetrunk!" exclaimed Flora. "It was this discovery, made at the time, thatroused my suspicions. Instead of saying anything about the matter, Idetermined to watch Captain Rudstone. I crept last night to an emptyroom adjoining his and observed him through a hole in the wall. He hadthe papers out, and was talking to himself; but he could not make up hismind to destroy them. To-night, when I heard him pass my door, I slippedto the room again. I was just in time, for he had made a fire in thestove. I knew he was going to burn the papers. I dashed into his room, snatched them from him, and held him at bay with a pistol. I think Ifired at him in my excitement, but I fortunately missed. And then--thenyou came to my assistance. "

"My darling, can you ever forgive me?" I said to her, in a low voice. "You have given me riches and a title, and how basely I repaid yourefforts in my behalf! To think that I could have suspected you for asingle moment!"

"Hush! it is all forgotten and forgiven, " she replied. "But we hadbetter give each other up, Denzil. You don't want me for your wife--you, a peer of England, with a long line of noble ancestors!"

My answer satisfied her scruples--the others had meanwhile left theroom, and as she lay trembling in my arms, I felt how unworthy I was ofall the gifts Heaven had bestowed upon me. 

It is time to write Finis. A few more words and the curtain will drop onthe story of my life. That night, to my secret delight and to thefactor's great relief, Captain Rudstone effected his escape. He droppedfrom the window of the room in which he was confined, scaled thestockade and vanished in the wilderness. No search was made for him, andI have heard nothing of him from that day to this. I often think of him, and I would give much to see him once again. He is probably dead, for ifhe were living now he would be more than eighty years of age. 

But to return to Fort Garry. Within a week Flora and I were married, anda fortnight later we started for Quebec, accompanied by ChristopherBurley. We reached England toward the close of the summer, and my casewas so clear that in a comparatively short time

I was in full possessionof my father's birthright--the title and estates of the Earl ofHeathermere. The years rolled on, rich in happiness for my wife andmyself, until now three decades separate us from the early life of theCanadas--of that life which we recall so well and love dearly to talkof. 

In conclusion, I may say a word or two about the rival companies. InJune of 1816 a sharp conflict was fought at Fort Douglas, near FortGarry, Governor Semple, of the Hudson Bay Company, and twenty-two of hismen were killed by the Northwest Company's force, who themselvessuffered little loss. The next year Lord Selkirk came to Canada, raiseda force, and arrested most of the leading officials of the NorthwestCompany, sending them to Quebec for trial. And how the Hudson BayCompany held its own against rivalry and intrigue, how it protected itsrights, the reader will find set down in the records of history. 

 THE END. 

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Transcriber's Notes:

1. This text appeared in several publications: "The Cryptogram. A Story of Northwest Canada. " - Army and Navy Weekly No. 27-35 (1897-98) - Half Holiday No. 1-9 (5 Feb-2 Apr. 1898) - New York: Street and Smith (Medal Library No. 26), 1899. - Philadelphia: David McKay, 1899. 2. This text is from the 1899 Street and Smith edition. 3. Punctuation has been normalized to contemporary standards. 4. Printer's errors corrected in text: - the great beast came down with a c[r]ash. (crash) - Capta[i]n Rudstone, who was standing (Captain) - For Miss Hatherston's sake we must not be taken. (Hatherton's) - Baptiste and I ventu[r]ed to lift our heads. (ventured) - A short dis[t]ance below (distance) - here st[r]etched the (stretched) - still ke[e]ping his finger on the trigger (keeping) - "Ay, Pantherfo[o]t, " I replied. (Pantherfoot) - "I will speak of these mat[t]ers later, " (matters) - offi[c]ers of the company (officers) - man[n]erism I had observed (mannerism) - nothing mattered the next ins[t]ant (instant) - we were join[e]d by half a dozen men (joined) - branches lopped off s[h]ort (short) - surpr[i]se, and knelt on the opposite side (surprise) - pour a hund[r]ed braves into the fort (hundred) - and there can be do doubt (no doubt) - but soun-dheaded, " said the factor. (sound-headed) - upperhand of him this time (upper hand) - important dsipatches secretly intrusted (dispatches) - Parchment & Tolliver (Parchmont & Tolliver) - into the the wilderness (repeated word) - speaking of Mackzenie (Mackenzie) - Rallying what strength a could (I could) - but her merely shrugged (he merely shrugged) - Lavinge cried out (Lavigne) - Lavinge's wounded arm (Lavigne's) - doubtless Lavinge's body (Lavigne's) - bceause of the Indian you shot (because) - across the inclossure (inclosure) - will carry everytihng before it (everything) - Northwest people fore for a small trading post (people for a) - fire was blazily cheerily (blazing cheerily) - and, morever, I felt (moreover)------------------------------------------------------------------------