ONCE SHARER IN THEIR SERVICE. calm and the death of Wolfe. The several attempts inade to repo the strong hold of Quebec having, in Note to the first American edition. met by discomfiture and disappointm despair, relinquished the contest, and Although the following work has been received with their claims to the Canadas,—an even great favour by the reading public in England, it is in by the capitulation of the garrison this country, where the scene is laid, and where we are manded by the Marquis de Vaudreui more familiar with the Indian character, that its merits arms of General Amherst. Still, tho people, many of the leading men in th can be best tested. Though not without defects, yet, by that jealousy for which they wer taken as a whole, we think it will be pronounced a trived to oppose obstacles to the qu very superior production. For deep interest through-conquest by those whom they seem their hereditary enemies; and in fur out, it has few rivals of the modern school, and the ject, paid agents, men of artful and in style and language are in general excellent. We feel were dispersed among the numerous compelled on a second perusal to consider it highly cre- with a view of exciting them to acts ditable to the author, and an earnest of still higher flights their conquerors. The long and n in a field so successfully trodden by our own Cooper. It dering on the hunting grounds and li sion, by the French, of these countri is the more remarkable as coming from the pen of the with whom they carried on an exten author of Ecarté, or the Saloons of Paris," a work in had established a communionship which the gaming houses of the French capital, and its themselves and those savage and wa failed not to turn to account the vin dissipations were the subjects-scenes which are strongly former. The whole of the province contrasted with those here portrayed. that time possessed but a scanty pop its most flourishing and defensive forts; the chief object of which was sons, consisting each of a few compa den surprise on the part of the native CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY. A few cursory remarks, illustrative of the general features of the country where the scene of the following events is laid, may not be misplaced at the opening of this volume. These stockade forts were never, nearer to each other than from one two hundred miles, so that, in the c alarm, there was little prospect of from without. Each garrison, the Without entering into minute geographical detail, it wholly dependent on its own resourc may be necessary merely to state that the most distant rounded unexpectedly by numerous of the northwestern settlements of America is Michilli-dians, had no other alternative than mackinac, a name given by the Indians, and preserved death. Capitulation was out of the qu by the Americans, who possess the fort even to this hour. the wile and artifice of the natives m It is situated at the head of the Lakes Michigan and Hu-promise mercy, the moment their en ron, and adjacent to the Island of St. Joseph's, where, power promises and treaties were al since the existence of the United States as an independent discriminate massacre ensued. Com republic, an English garrison has been maintained, with was, except during a period of pro a view of keeping the original fortress in check. From impracticable; for, although of late the lakes we descend into the River Sinclair, which, in Canada have been covered with vess turn, disembogues itself into the lake of the same name. them of vast magnitude, and been This again renders tribute to the Detroit, a broad majes-flicts that would not have disgraced tic river, not less than a mile in breadth at its source, and ocean itself, at the pericd to which progressively widening towards its mouth until it is finally flag of England was seen to wave lost in the beautiful Lake Erie. From the embouchure mast of some ill-arined and ill-manne of this latter lake commences the Chippawa, better known rather for the purpose of conveying from the celebrity of its stupendous falls of Niagara, which to fort, than with any serious view t form an impassable barrier to the seaman, and, for a short gression or defence. space, sever the otherwise uninterrupted chain connecting In proportion as the colonies of the remote fortresses we have described with the Atlantic. United States, pushed their course At a distance of a few iniles from the falls, the Chippawa ward, in the same degree did the nu finally empties itself into the Ontario, the most splendid dians, who had hitherto dwelt more of the gorgeous American lakes. At the opposite ex- those of their own countrymen, who tremity of this magnificent and sea like lake, the far-impenetrable forests, had seldom yet famed St. Lawrence takes its source; and after passing European stranger; so that, in the through a vast tract of country, connects itself with the Lake Champlain, celebrated, as well as Erie, for a signal defeat of the British flotilla during the late contest with the Americans. The several forts and harbours established along the central parts of those stupendous w peopled. Hitherto, however, that civil carried beyond the state of New Y countries which have, since the A been added to the Union under the a strong and triple line of pickets, each of about two feet subjects of England, within the few years that had suc-thought of the governor of Detroit were eminently conand a half in circumference, and so fitted into each other ceeded to the final subjection of the Canadas to her vic-spicuous; for, having long foreseen the possibility of as to leave no other interstices than those which were torious arms; and many and sanguinary were the con- such a crisis, he had caused a plentiful supply of all that perforated for the discharge of musketry. They were flicts in which the devoted soldiery were made to succumb was necessary to the subsistence and defence of the gar formed of the hardest and most knotted pines that could to the cunning and numbers of their savage enemies. In rison to be provided at an earlier period, so that, if foiled be procured; the sharp points of which were seasoned by those lone regions, both officers and men, in their re- in their attempts at stratagem, there was little chance fire until they acquired nearly the durability and con- spective ranks, were, by a communionship of suffering, that the Indians would speedily reduce them by famine. sistency of iron. Beyond these firmly imbedded pickets isolation, and peculiarity of duty, drawn towards each To guard against the former, a vigilant watch was conwas a ditch, encircling the fort, of about twenty feet in other with feelings of almost fraternal affection; and the stantly kept by the garrison both day and night, while width, and of proportionate depth, the only communica- fates of those who fell were lamented with sincerity of the sentinels, doubled in number, were constantly on the tion over which to and from the garrison was by means soul, and avenged, when opportunity offered, with a de-alert. Strict attention, morcover, was paid to such parts of a drawbridge, protected by a strong chevaux-de-frise. termination prompted equally by indignation and des- of the ramparts as were considered most assailable by The only gate with which the fortress was provided faced pair. This sentiment of union, existing even between a cunning and midnight enemy; and, in order to prethe river; on the more immediate banks of which, and to men and officers of different corps, was, with occasional vent any imprudence on the part of the garrison, all the left of the fort, rose the yet infant and straggling vil exceptions, of course doubly strengthened among those egress or ingress was prohibited that had not the immelage that bore the name of both. Numerous farm-houses, who fought under the same colours, and acknowledged diate sanction of the chief. With this view the keys of however, almost joining each other, contributed to form the same head; and, as it often happened in Canada, the gate were given in trust to the officer of the guard; a continuity of many miles along the borders of the river, during this interesting period, that a single regiment was to whom, however, it was interdicted to use them unless both on the right and on the left; while the opposite shores distributed into two or three fortresses, each so far re-by direct and positive order of the governor. In addiof Canada, distinctly seen in the distance, presented, as moved from the other that communication could with tion to this precaution, the sentinels on duty at the gate far as the eye could reach, the same enlivening character the utmost facility be cut off, the anxiety and uncer had strict private instructions not to suffer any one to of fertility. The banks, covered with verdure on either tainty of these detachments became proportioned to the pass either in or out unless conducted by the governor shore, were more or less undulating at intervals; but in danger with which they knew themselves to be more in person and this restriction extended even to the offigeneral they were high without being abrupt, and pic- immediately beset. The garrison of Detroit, at the date cer of the guard. turesque without being bold, presenting, in their partial above named, consisted of a third of the ———————— regiment, Such being the cautious discipline established in the cultivation, a striking contrast to the dark, tall, and the remainder of which occupied the forts of Michilli- fort, the appearance of a stranger within its walls at the frowning forests bounding every point of the perspective. mackinac and Niagara, and to each division of this regi-still hour of midnight could not fail to be regarded as an At a distance of about five miles on the left of the town ment was attached an officer's command of artillery. It extraordinary event, and to excite an apprehension the course of the river was interrupted by a small and is true that no immediate overt act of hostility had for which could scarcely have been surpassed had a numerthickly wooded island, along whose sandy beach occa- some time been perpetrated by the Indians, who were ous and armed band of savages suddenly appeared sionally rose the low cabin or wigwam, which the birch assembled in force around the former garrison; but the among them. The first intimation of this fact was canoe, carefully upturned and left to dry upon the sands, experienced officer to whom the command had been in- given by the violent ringing of an alarm bell; a rope attested to be the temporary habitation of the wandering trusted was too sensible of the craftiness of the surround-communicating with which was suspended in the gover Indian. That branch of the river which swept by the ing hordes to be deceived, by any outward semblance of nor's apartments, for the purpose of arousing the slumshores of Canada was (as at this day) the only navigable amity, into neglect of those measures of precaution bering soldiers in any case of pressing emergency. one for vessels of burden, while that on the opposite coast which were so indispensable to the surety of his trust. Soon afterwards the governor himself was seen to issue abounded in shallows and bars, affording passage merely In this he pursued a line of policy happily adapted to from his rooms into the open area of the parade, clad in to the light barks of the natives, which seemed literally the delicate nature of his position. Unwilling to excite his dressing-gown, and bearing a lamp in one hand and to skim the very surface of its waves. Midway be- the anger or wound the pride of the chiefs, by any out- a naked sword in the other. His countenance was pale; tween that point of the continent which immediately ward manifestation of distrust, he affected to confide in and his features, violently agitated, betrayed a source of faced the eastern extremity of the island we have just the sincerity of their professions, and, by inducing his alarm which those who were familiar with his usual named and the town of Detroit, flowed a small tributary officers to mix occasionally in their councils, and his haughtiness of manner were ill able to comprehend. river, the approaches to which, on either hand, were over men in the amusements of the inferior warriors, con- "Which way did he go?-why stand ye here?-fola slightly sloping ground, the view of which could be en- trived to impress the conviction that he reposed alto- low-pursue him quickly-let him not escape, on your tirely commanded from the fort. The depth of this river, gether on their faith. But, although these acts were in lives!" These sentences, hurriedly and impatiently ut now nearly dried up, at that period varied from three to some degree coerced by the necessity of the times, and tered, were addressed to the two sentinels who, stationed ten or twelve feet; and over this, at a distance of about a perfect knowledge of all the misery that must accrue in front of his apartments, had, on the first sound of twenty yards from the Detroit, into which it emptied it to them in the event of their provoking the Indians into alarm from the portentous bell, lowered their muskets to self, rose, communicating with the high road, a bridge, acts of open hostility, the prudent governor took such the charge, and now stood immoveable in that position. which will more than once be noticed in the course of precautions as were deemed efficient to defeat any "Who does your honour mane ?" replied one of the our tale. Even to the present hour it retains the name treacherous attempt at violation of the tacit treaty on the men, startled, yet bringing his arms to recover, in salutagiven to it during these disastrous times; and there are part of the natives. The officers never ventured out, tion of his chief. few modern Canadians, or even Americans, who traverse unless escorted by a portion of their men, who, although "Why, the man-the stranger-the fellow who has the "Bloody Bridge," especially at the still hours of ad-appearing to be dispersed among the warriors, still kept just passed you." "Not a living soul has passed us vanced night, without recalling to memory the tragic sufficiently together to be enabled, in a moment of emer- since our watch commenced, your honour," observed the events of those days, (handed down as they have been by gency, to afford succour not only to each other, but to second sentinel; " and we have now been here upwards their fathers, who were eye-witnesses of the transaction,) their superiors. On these occasions, as a further secu- of an hour." and peopling the surrounding gloom with the shades of rity against surprise, the troops left within were instruct- Impossible, sirs: ye have been asleep on your posts, those whose life-blood erst crimsoned the once pure waters ed to be in readiness, at a moment's warning, to render or ye must have seen him. He passed this way, and of that now nearly exhausted stream; and whose mangled assistance, if necessary, to their companions, who sel- could not have escaped your observation had ye been atand headless corses were slowly borne by its tranquil cur-dom, on any occasion, ventured out of reach of the can- tentive to your duty." rent into the bosom of the parent river, where all traces non of the fort, the gate of which was hermetically of them finally disappeared. closed, while numerous supernumerary sentinels were What Detroit was in 1763 it nearly is at the present posted along the ramparts, with a view to give the alarm if day, with this difference, however, that many of those any thing extraordinary was observed to occur without. points which were then in a great degree isolated and Painful and harassing as were the precautions it was rude are now redolent with the beneficent effects of im- found necessary to adopt on these occasions, and little proved cultivation; and in the immediate vicinity of that desirous as were the garrison to mingle with the natives memorable bridge, where formerly stood merely the oc- on such terms, still the plan was pursued by the govercasional encampment of the Indian war.ior, are now to nor from the policy already named: nay, it was absobe seen flourishing farms and crops, and other marks of lutely essential to the future interests of England that agricultural industry. At the final cession of the Cana-the Indians should be won over by acts of confidence das, the fort was delivered over to England, with whom and kindness; and so little disposition had hitherto been it remained until the acknowledgment of the independ- manifested by the English to conciliate, that every thing ence of the colonies by the mother country, when it was to be apprehended from the untameable rancour hoisted the colours of the republic. with which these people were but too well disposed to repay a neglect at once galling to their pride and inju rious to their interests. CHAPTER II. 66 66 "Well, sure, and your honour knows bist," rejoined the first sentinel; " but so hilp me St. Patrick, as I have sirved man and boy in your honour's rigiment this twilve years, not even the fitch of a man has passed me this blissed night. And here's my comrade, Jack Halford, who will take his Bible oath to the same, with all due difirince to your honour." The pithy reply to this eloquent attempt at exculpation was a brief Silence, sirrah, walk about!" The men brought their muskets once more, and in silence, to the shoulder, and, in obedience to the command of their chief, resumed their limited walk; cross. ing each other at regular intervals in the course that enfiladed, as it were, the only entrance to the governor's apartments. Meanwhile every thing was bustle and commotion among the garrison, who, roused from sleep by the apSuch, for a term of many months, had been the trying palling sound of the alarm bell at that late hour, were It was during the midnight watch, late in September, and painful duty that had devolved on the governor of hastily arming. Throughout the obscurity might be 1763, that the English garrison of Detroit, was thrown Detroit; when, in the summer of 1763, the whole of the seen the flitting forms of men, whose already fully acinto the utmost consternation by the sudden and myste-western tribes of Indians, as if actuated by one common coutred persons proclaimed them to be of the guard; rious introduction of a stranger within its walls. The impulse, suddenly threw off the mask, and commenced while in the lofty barracks, numerous lights flashing to circumstance at this moment was particularly remarka- a series of the most savage trespasses upon the English and fro, and moving with rapidity, attested the alacrity ble; for the period was so fearful and pregnant with settlers in the vicinity of the several garrisons, who were with which the troops off duty were equipping for some events of danger, the fort being assailed on every side cut off in detail, without mercy, and withont reference service of more than ordinary interest. So noiseless, too, by a powerful and vindictive foe, that a caution and vigi- to either age or sex. On the first alarm the weak bodies was this preparation, as far as speech was concerned, lance of no common kind were unceasingly exercised of troops, as a last measure of security, shut themselves that the occasional opening and shutting of pans, and by the prudent governor for the safety of those commit-up in their respective forts, where they were as incapa- ringing of ramrods to ascertain the efficiency of the ted to his charge. A long series of hostilities had been Lle of rendering assistance to others as of receiving it muskets, might be heard distinctly in the stillness of the pursued by the North American Indians against the themselves. In this emergency the prudence and fore-night at a distance of many furlongs. He, however, who had touched the secret spring of all enquiries, however, they received a negative reply, ac- circuit, was carried on in an audible whisper, which the this picturesque movement, whatever might be his grati-companied by a declaration, more or less positive with close approximation of the parties to each other, and the fication and approval of the promptitude with which the each, that such had been their vigilance during the profound stillness of the night, enabled them to hear summons to arms had been answered by his brave watch, had any person come within their beat, detection with distinctness. troops, was far from being wholly satisfied with the must have been inevitable. The first question was put When the conversation dropped, the party pursued scene he had conjured up. Recovered from the first and to the sentinel stationed at the gate of the fort, at which their course in silence. They had just passed the last irrepressible agitation which had driven him to sound point the whole of the officers of the garrison were, with sentinel posted in their line of circuit, and were within a the tocsin of alarm, he felt how derogatory to his mili- one or two exceptions, now assembled. The man at first few yards of the immediate rear of the fortress, when a tary dignity and proverbial coolness of character it might evinced a good deal of confusion; but this might arise sharp "Hist!" and sudden halt of their leader, Captain be considered, to have awakened a whole garrison from from the singular fact of the alarm that had been given, Blessington, threw them all into an attitude of the most their slumbers, when a few files of the guard would and the equally singular circumstance of his being thus profound attention. have answered his purpose equally well. Besides, so closely interrogated by the collective body of his officers: "Did you hear?" he asked in a subdued whisper, after much time had been suffered to elapse, that the stranger he, however, persisted in declaring that he had been in a few seconds of silence, in which he had vainly sought might have escaped; and if so, how many might be dis- no wise inattentive to his duty, and that no cause for to catch a repetition of the sound. posed to ridicule his alarm, and consider it as emanating alarm or suspicion had occurred near his post. The "Assuredly," he pursued, finding that no one answerfrom an imagination disturbed by sleep, rather than officers then, in order to save time, separated into two ed, "I distinctly heard a human groan." "Where?caused by the actual presence of one endowed like them- parties, pursuing opposite circuits, and arranging to meet in what direction?" asked Sir Everard and De Haldimar selves with the faculties of speech and motion. For a at that point of the ramparts which was immediately in in the same breath. moment he hesitated whether he should not countermand the rear, and overlooking the centre of the semicircular the summons to arms which had been so precipitately sweep of wild forest we have described as circumventing given; but when be recollected the harrowing threat the fort. that had been breathed in his car by his midnight visit- "Well, Blessington, I know not what you think of er, when he reflected, moreover, that even now it was this sort of work," observed Sir Everard Valletort, a probable he was lurking within the precincts of the fort young lieutenant of the — regiment, recently arwith a view to the destruction of all that it contained,―rived from England, and one of the party who now trawhen, in short, he thought of the imminent danger that versed the rampart to the right; "but confound me if I must attend them should he be suffered to escape, he would not rather be a barber's apprentice in London, felt the necessity of precaution, and determined on his upon nothing, and find myself, than continue a life of measures, even at the risk of manifesting a prudence this kind much longer. It positively quite knocks me which might be construed unfavourably. On re-entering up; for what with early risings, and watchings, (I had his apartments, he found his orderly, who, roused by the almost added prayings,) I am but the shadow of my formidnight tumult, stood waiting to receive the commands mer self." of his chief. "Desire Major Blackwater to come to me immediately." The mandate was quickly obeyed. In a few seconds a short, thick set, and elderly officer made his appearance in a grey military undress frock. "Blackwater, we have traitors within the fort. Let diligent search be made in every part of the barracks for a stranger, an enemy, who has managed to procure admittance among us: let every nook and cranny, every empty cask, be examined forthwith; and cause a number of additional sentinels to be stationed along the ramparts, in order to intercept his escape." "Immediately opposite to us on the common. But sec, here are the remainder of the party stationary, and listening also." They now stole gently forward a few paces, and were soon at the side of their companions, all of whom were straining their necks and bending their heads in the attitude of men listening attentively. "Have you heard any thing, Erskine ?" asked Cap-. tain Blessington in the same low whisper, and addressing the officer who led the opposite party. "Not a sound ourselves, but here is Sir Everard's black servant, Sambo, who has just riveted our attention, by declaring that he distinctly heard a groan towards the skirt of the common." "He is right," hastily rejoined Blessington; "I heard it also." 66 Hist, Valletort, hist! speak lower," said Captain Blessington, the senior officer present," or our scarch Again a death-like silence ensued, during which the must be in vain. Poor fellow!" he pursued, laughing eyes of the party were strained eagerly in the direction low and good humouredly at the picture of miseries of the common. The night was clear and starry, yet the thus solemnly enumerated by his subaltern;-" how dark shadow of the broad belt of forest threw all that much, in truth, are you to be pitied, who have so recent-part of the waste which came within its immediate ly basked in all the sunshine of enjoyment at home. For range into impenetrable obscurity. our parts, we have lived so long amid these savage "Do you see any thing?" whispered Valletort to his scenes, that we have almost forgotten what luxury, or friend, who stood next him: "look-look!" and he even comfort, means. Doubt not, my friend, that in pointed with his finger. 'Nothing," returned De Haltime you will, like us, be reconciled to the change." dimar, after an anxious gaze of a minute, "but that "Confound me for an idiot, then, if I give myself dilapidated old bomb-proof." "Good heaven, is it possible?" said the major, wiping time," replied Sir Everard, affectedly. "It was only "See you not something dark, and slightly moving, the perspiration from his brows, though the night was five minutes before that cursed alarm bell was sounded immediately in a line with the left angle of the bombunusually chilly for the season of the year:-" how in my ears, that I had made up my mind fully to resign proof?" De Haldimar looked again. "I do begin to could he contrive to enter a place so vigilantly guarded?" or exchange the instant I could do so with credit to my-fancy I see something," he replied; "but so confusedly "Ask me not how, Blackwater," returned the gover- self; and, I am sure, to be called out of a warm bed at and indistinctly, that I know not whether it be not merely nor, seriously; "let it suffice that he has been in this this unseasonable hour offers little inducement for me to an illusion of my imagination. Perhaps it is a stray very room, and that ten minutes since he stood where change my opinion." Indian dog devouring the carcass of the wolf you shot you now stand.” Resign or exchange with credit to yourself!" sullen-yesterday." The major looked aghast.-" God bless me, how sin-ly observed a stout tall officer of about fifty, whose gular! How could the savage contrive to obtain ad- spleen might well be accounted for in his rank of "Enmission? or was he in reality an Indian?" "No more sign" Delme. "Methinks there can be little credit in questions, Major Blackwater. Hasten to distribute the exchanging or resigning, when one's companions are men, and let diligent search be made every where; and left behind, and in a post of danger." recollect, neither officer nor man courts his pillow until dawn." The "major" emphatically prefixed to his name was a sufficient hint to the stout officer that the doubts thus familiarly expressed were here to cease, and that he was now addressed in the language of authority by his superior, who expected a direct and prompt compliance with his orders. He therefore slightly touched his hat in salutation, and withdrew to make the dispositions that had been enjoined by his colonel. 66 "By Jasus, and ye may say that with your own pritty mouth," remarked another veteran, who answered to the name of Lieutenant Murphy; " for it isn't now, while we are surrounded and bediviled by the savages, that any man of the rigiment should be after talking of bating a retrate." 66 "Be it dog or devil, here is for a trial of his vulnerability. Sambo, quick, my rifle." The young negro handed to his master one of those long heavy rifles, which the Indians usually make choice of for killing the buffalo, elk, and other animals whose wildness renders thera difficult of approach. He then, unbidden, and as if tutored to the task, placed himself in a stiff upright position in front of his master, with every nerve and muscle braced to the most inflexible steadiness. The young officer next threw the rifle on the right shoulder of the boy for a rest, and prepared to take his aim on the object that had first attracted his attention. "Make haste, massa,-him go directly,-Sambo see him get up." "I scarcely understand you, gentlemen," warmly and quickly retorted Sir, Everard, who, with all his dandyism and effeminacy of manner, was of a high and resolute spirit. "Do either of you fancy that I want courage to All was breathless attention among the group of offiOn regaining the parade, he caused the men, already face a positive danger, because I may not happen to cers; and when the sharp ticking sound produced by forming into companies and answering to the roll call of have any particular vulgar predilection for carly rising ?" the cocking of the rifle of their companion fell on their their respective non-commissioned officers, to be wheel- Nonsense, Valletort, nonsense," interrupted, in ac-ears, they bent their gaze upon the point towards which ed into square, and then in a low but distinct voice cents of almost feminine sweetness, his friend Lieutenant the murderous weapon was levelled with the most aching stated the cause of alarm; and, having communicated Charles de Haldimar, the youngest son of the governor and intense interest. the orders of the governor, finished by recommending to " Murphy is an eternal echo of the opinions of those "Quick, quick, massa,-him quite up," again whiseach the exercise of the most scrutinising vigilance; as who look forward to promotion; and as for Delme-do pered the boy. on the discovery of the individual in question, and the you not see the drift of his observation? Should you means by which he had contrived to procure admission, retire, as you have threatened, of course another licu. the safety of the whole garrison, it was evident, must depend. The words had scarcely passed his lips, when the crack of the rifle, followed by a bright blaze of light, tenant will be appointed in your stead; but, should you sounded throughout the stillness of the night with exchance to lose your scalp during the struggle with the citing sharpness. For an instant all was hushed; but The soldiers now dispersed in small parties through- savages, the step goes in the regiment, and he, being scarcely had the distant woods ceased to reverberate the out the interior of the fort, while a select body were the senior ensign, obtains promotion in consequence." spirit-stirring cchoes, when the anxious group of officers conducted to the ramparts by the officers themselves, and "Ah!" observed Captain Blessington, "this is indeed were surprised and startled by a sudden flash, the report distributed between the sentinels already posted there, in the greatest curse attached to the profession of a soldier. of a second rifle from the common, and the whizzing of such numbers, and at such distances, that it appeared Even among those who most esteem, and are drawn to a bullet past their ears. This was instantly succeeded impossible any thing wearing the human form could pass wards each other as well by fellowship in pleasure as by a fierce, wild, and prolonged cry, expressive at once them unperceived, even in the obscurity that reigned companionship in danger, this vile and debasing princi- of triumph and revenge. It was that peculiar cry which ple-this insatiable desire for personal advancement-is an Indian utters when the reeking scalp has been When this duty was accomplished, the officers pro- certain to intrude itself; since we feel that over the wrested from his murdered victim. ceeded to the posts of the several sentinels who had been mangled bodies of our dearest friends and companions, "Missed him, as I am a sinner," exclaimed Sir Eveplanted since the last relief, to ascertain if any or either we can alone hope to attain preferment and distinction." rard, springing to his feet, and knocking the butt of his of them had observed aught to justify the belief that an This conversation, interrupted only by occasional rifle on the ground with a movement of impatience. enemy had succeeded in scaling the works. To all their questioning of the sentinels whom they passed in their “Sambo, you young scoundrel, it was all your fault,— around. shot. CHAPTER III. "To your companies, gentlemen, to your companies on the instant. There is treason in the fort, and we had need of all our diligence and caution. Captain de faldimmar is missing, and the gate has been found unlocked. Quick, gentlemen, quick; even now the savages may be around us, though unscen.' Captain de Haldimar missing!-the gate unlocked!" exclaimed a number of voices. แ "Impossible !-surely we are not betrayed by our own men.' ." "The sentinel has Leen relieved, and is now in irons," resumed the communicator of this startling piece of intelligence. It was the adjutant of the regiment. you moved your shoulder as I pulled the trigger. Thank [not merely a prisoner, but a prisoner confined for some places in the square, and sheathing their swords, stepped heaven, however, the aim of the Indian appears to have serious and flagrant offence. into that part of the area appointed as their temporary been no better, although the sharp whistling of his ball This party now advanced through the vacant quarter court. They were now all assembled, and Captain Blesproves his piece to have been well levelled for a random of the square, and took their stations inmediately in the sington, the senior of his rank in the garrison, was precentre. Here the countenances of each, and particularly paring to administer the customary oaths, when the His aim has been too true," faintly pronounced the that of the prisoner, who was, if we may so term it, the prisoner Halloway advanced a pace or two in front of his voice of one somewhat in the rear of his companions. centre of that centre, were thrown into strong relief by escort, and removing his cap, in a clear, firin, but re“The ball of the villain has found a lodgment in my the bright glare of the torches, so that the features of the spectful voice, thus addressed the governor :breast. God bless ye all, my boys; may your fates be prisoner stood revealed to those around as plainly as if it "Colonel de Haldimar, that I am no traitor, as I have more lucky than mine!" While he yet spoke, Lieuten- had been noon day. Not a sound, not a murmur, escaped already told you, the Almighty God, before whom I ant Murphy sank into the arms of Blessington and De from the ranks: but, though the etiquette and strict laws swore allegiance to his majesty, can bear me witness. Haldimar, who had flown to him at the first intimation of military discipline chained all speech, the workings of Appearances, I own, are against me: but, so far from of his wound, and was in the next instant a corpse. the inward mind remained unchecked; and as they re- being a traitor, I would have shed my last drop of blood cognised in the prisoner Frank Halloway, one of the in defence of the garrison and your family. Colonel de bravest and boldest in the field, and, as all had hitherto Haldimar," he pursued, after a momentary pause, in imagined, one of the most devoted to his duty, an irre- which he seemed to be struggling to subdue the emotion pressible thrill of amazement and dismay crept through- which rose, despite of himself, to his throat, "I repeat, I out the frames, and for a moment blanched the cheeks of am no traitor, and I scorn the imputation-but here is those especially who belonged to the same company. On my best answer to the charge. This wound, (and he being summoned from their fruitless search after the unbuttoned his jacket, opened his shirt, and disclosed a stranger, to fall in without delay, it had been whispered deep scar upon his white chest,) this wound I received among the men that treason had crept into the fort, and in defence of my captain's life at Quebec. Had I not a traitor, partly detected in his crime, had been arrested loved him, I should not so have exposed myself, neither and thrown into irons: but the idea of Frank Halloway but for that should I now stand in the situation of shame being that traitor was the last that could have entered and danger, in which my comrades behold me." into their thoughts, and yet they now beheld him covered Every heart was touched by this appeal-this bold and with every mark of ignominy, and about to answer his manly appeal to the consideration of the governor. The high offence, in all human probability, with his life. officers, especially, who were fully conversant with the “Away, gentlemen, to your posts immediately," said With the officers the reputation of Halloway for courage general merit of Halloway, were deeply affected, and Captain Blessington, who, aided by De Haldimar, hastened and fidelity stood no less high; but, while they secretly Charles de Haldimar-the young, the generous, the to deposit the stiffening body of the unfortunate Murphy, lamented the circumstance of his defalcation, they could feeling Charles de Haldimar, even shed tears. which they still supported, upon the rampart. Then not disguise from themselves the almost certainty of his "What mean you, prisoner ?" interrogated the governor, addressing the adjutant," Mr. Lawson, let a couple of guilt, for each, as he now gazed upon the prisoner, recol- after a short pause, during which he appeared to be weighfiles be sent immediately to remove the body of their lected the confusion and hesitation of manner he had ing and deducing inferences from the expressions just evinced when questioned by them preparatory to their uttered. "What mean you, by stating, but for that (alascending to the ramparts. luding to your regard for Captain de Haldimar) you Once more the suspense of the moment was interrupted would not now be in this situation of shame and danger?" by the entrance of other forms into the area. They were The prisoner hesitated a moment; and then rejoined, those of the adjutant, followed by a drummer, bearing but in a tone that had less of firmness in it than before, his instrument, and the governor's orderly, charged with "Colonel de Haldimar, I am not at liberty to state my pens, ink, paper, and a book which, from its peculiar meaning; for, though a private soldier, I respect my form and colour, every one present knew to be a copy of word, and have pledged myself to secrecy." the articles of war. A variety of contending emotions "You respect your word, and have pledged yourself passed through the breasts of many, as they witnessed to secrecy! What mean you, man, by this rhodomontade? the silent progress of these preparations, rendered pain. To whom can you have pledged yourself, and for what, fully interesting by the peculiarity of their position, and unless it be to some secret enemy without the walls? the wildness of the hour at which they thus found them- Gentlemen, proceed to your duty: it is evident that the selvcs assembled together. The prisoner himself was man is a traitor, even from his own admission. On my unmoved: he stood proud, calm, and fearless, amid the life." he pursued, more hurriedly, and speaking in an guard, of whom he had so recently formed one; and under tone, as if to himself, "the fellow has been bribed though his countenance was pale, as much, perhaps, by, and is connected with -." The name escaped "But my poor brother, what of him, Lawson? what from a sense of the ignominious character in which he not his lips; for, aware of the emotion he was betraying, have you learnt connected with his disappearance ?" appeared as from more private considerations, still there he suddenly checked himself, and assumed his wonted asked Charles de Haldimar with deep emotion. "No- was nothing to denote cither the abjectness of fear or the stern and authoritative bearing. thing satisfactory, I am sorry to say," returned the ad- consciousness of merited disgrace. Once or twice a low jutant: "in fact, the whole affair is a mystery which no sobbing, that proceeded at intervals from one of the barone can unravel; even at this moment the sentinel, rack windows, caught his ear, and he turned his glance Frank Halloway, who is strongly suspected of being in that direction with a restless anxiety, which he exerted privy to his disappearance, is undergoing a private cx-himself in the instant afterwards to repress; but this was amination by your father the governor." the only mark of emotion he betrayed. officer." 66 66 That shot which I heard from the common, as I approached, was not fired at random, then, I find," observed the adjutant, as they all now hastily descended to join their men, "Who has fallen ?" Murphy, of the grenadiers," was the reply of one near him. "Poor fellow! our work commences badly," resumed Mr. Lawson:"Murphy killed, and Captain de Haldimar missing. We had few officers enough to spare before, and their loss will be severely felt; I greatly fear, too, these casualties may have a tendency to discourage the Nothing more easy than to supply their place, by promoting some of our oldest sergeants," observed Ensign Delme, who, as well as the ill-fated Murphy, had risen from the ranks. "If they behave themselves well, the king will confirm their appointments." men." "Frank Halloway!" repeated the youth with a start of astonishment; "surely Halloway could never prove a traitor, and especially to my brother, whose life he once saved at the peril of his own." Once more the prisoner addressed the governor in the same clear firm voice in which he had opened his appeal. "Colonel de Haldimar, I have no connection with any living soul without the fort; and again I repeat, I am no traitor, but a true and loyal British soldier, as my services The above dispositions having been hastily made, the in this war, and my comrades, can well attest. Still, I adjutant and his assistants once more retired. After the seek not to shun that death which I have braved a dozenlapse of a minute, a tall martial-looking man, habited in times at least in the regiment. All that I ask is, a blue military frock, and of handsoine, though stern, that I may not be tried-that I may not have the shame haughty, and inflexible features, entered the area. He of hearing sentence pronounced against me yet; but was followed by Major Blackwater, the captain of artillery, if nothing should occur before eight o'clock to vindicate and Adjutant Lawson. "Are the garrison all present, Mr. Lawson? are the officers all present?" The officers had now gained the parade, when the forms were scen slowly advancing into the area already "Are the artillery all present, Captain Wentworth?" my character from this disgrace, I will offer up no further prayer for mercy. In the name of that life, therefore, which I once preserved to Captain de Haldimar, at the price of my own blood, I entreat a resp'te from trial until then." "In the name of God and all his angels, let mercy reach your soul, and grant his prayer!" Every ear was startled-every heart touched by the plaintive, melancholy, silver tones of the voice that faintly pronounced the last appeal, and all recognised it for that of the young, interesting, and attached wife of the prisoner. Again the latter turned his gaze towards the window whence the sounds proceeded, and by the glare of the torches a tear was distinctly seen by many coursing down his manly cheek. The weakness was momentary. In the next instant he closed his shirt and coat, and resuming his cap stepped back once more amid his guard, where he remained stationary, with the air of one who, having nothing further to hope, has resolved to endure the worst that can happen with resignation and fortitude. After the lapse of a few moments, again devoted to much apparent deep thought and conjecture, the governor once more, and rather hurriedly, resumed, "In the event, prisoner, of this delay in your trial |