[figure description] Page 152.[end figure description]

We were not long in reaching the point of the Patent in
which the surveyors had been at work, after which we could
have but little difficulty in finding their present actual position.
The marked trees were guides that told the whole
story of their labours. For an hour and a half, however,
we moved rapidly forward, Susquesus on the lead, silent,
earnest, watchful, and I fear I must add, revengeful. Not
a syllable had been uttered during the whole of that time,
though our senses were keenly on the alert; and we avoided
everything like a cover that might conceal an ambush.
Suddenly the Indian halted; at the next instant he was
behind a tree. Each of us imitated him, quick as thought,
for this was our previous training in the event of encountering
an enemy; and we all well knew the importance of a
cover in forest warfare. Still, no foe could be seen. After
examining around us in every direction, for a minute or two,
and finding the woods vacant and silent as ever, Guert and
I quitted our own trees, and joined the Trackless, at the
foot of his own huge pine.

“Why this, Susquesus?” demanded the Albanian, sharply;
for he began to suspect a little acting, got up to magnify the
Indian's usefulness; “here is neither pale-face nor red-skin.
Have done with this folly, and let us go forward.”

“No good — warrior been here; p'rhaps gone, p'rhaps
no; soon see. Open eye, and look.”

As a gesture accompanied this speech, we did look again,
and this time in the right direction. At the distance of a
hundred yards from us was a chestnut, that might be seen
from its roots to its branches. On the ground, partly concealed
by the tree, and partly exposed, was the leg of a man,

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placed as the limb would be apt to lie, on the supposition
that its owner lay on his back, asleep. It showed a moccasin,
and the usual legging of an Indian; but the thigh,
and all the rest of the frame, was concealed. The quick
eye of the Onondago had caught this small object, even at
that distance, comprehended it at a glance, when he instantly
sought a cover, as described. Guert and I had some difficulty
at first, even after it was pointed out to us, in recognising
this object; but it soon became distinct and intelligible.

“Is that a red-skin's leg?” asked Guert, dropping the
muzzle of his rifle, as if about to try his skill on it.

“Don't know,” answered the Indian; “got leggin, got
moccasin; can't see colour. Look most pale-face; leg big.”

What there was to enable one, at that distance, to distinguish
between the leg of a white man and the leg of an
Indian, at first greatly exceeded our means of conjecturing;
but the Onondago explained it, when asked, in his own
usual, sententious manner, by saying:

“Toe turn out—Injin turn in—no like, at all. Pale-face
big; Injin no very big.”

The first was true enough in walking, and it did seem
probable that the difference might exist in sleep. Guert now
declared there was no use in hesitating any longer; if asleep,
he would approach the chestnut cautiously, and capture the
stranger, if an Indian, before he could rise; and if a white
man, it must be some one belonging to our own set, who
was taking a nap, probably, after a fatiguing march. Susquesus
must have satisfied himself, by this time, that there
was no immediate danger; for merely saying, “all go together,”
he quitted the cover, and led down towards the chestnut
with a rapid but noiseless step. As we moved in a body,
all five of us reached the tree at the same instant, where we
found Sam, one of our own hunters, and whem we supposed
to be with Mr. Traverse, stretched on his back, dead;
with a wound in his breast that had been inflicted by a knife.
He, too, had been scalped!

The looks we exchanged, said all that could be said on
the subject of the gravity of this new discovery. Susquesus,
alone, was undisturbed; I rather think he expected what he
found. After examining the body, he seemed satisfied,
simply saying, “kill, last night.”

[figure description] Page 154.[end figure description]

That poor Sam had been dead several hours was pretty
certain, and the circumstance removed all apprehension of
any immediate danger from his destroyers. The ruthless
warriors of the woods seldom remained long near the spot
they had desolated, but passed on, like the tornado, or the
tempest. Guert, who was ever prompt when anything was
to be done, pointed to a natural hollow in the earth; one of
those cavities that are so common in the forest, and which
are usually attributed to the upturning of trees in remote
ages, and suggested that we should use it as a grave. The
body was accordingly laid in the hole, and we covered it in
the best manner we could; succeeding in placing over it
something like a foot deep of light loam, together with several
flat stones; rolling logs on all, as we had done at the
grave of Pete. By this time Guert's feelings were so thoroughly
aroused, that, in addition to the prayer and the
creed, which he again repeated, in a very decorous and
devout manner, he concluded the whole ceremony by a brief
address. Nor was Guert anything but serious in what he
did, or said, on either of these solemn occasions; his words,
like his acts, being purely the impulses of a simple mind,
which possesses longings after devotion and scriptural truths,
without knowing exactly how to express them; and this,
moreover, in spite of the mere animal propensities, and gay
habits of his physical conformation, and constitutional tendencies.

“Deat', my frients,” said Guert, most seriously, becoming
Dutch, as usual, as he became interested; “Deat' is a sutten
visiter. He comes like a t'ief in the night, as you must
all have often he'rt the Tominie say; and happy is he
whose loins are girtet, and whose lamp is trimmed. Such,
I trust, is the case with each of you; for, it is not to be
concealet, that we are likely to have serious work before us.
Here have been Injins, beyont a question; and they are
Injins, too, that are out on the war-path, in search of English
scalps; or, what is of equal importance to Mr. Follock
and myself, Dutch scalps in the pargain; which makes it
so much the more necessary for every man to be on his
guart, and to stant up to his work, when it may come, as
the pull-tog stants up to the ox. Got forpit t'at I should
preach revenge over t'e grave of a frient; but the soltier

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fights none the worse for knowing t'at he has peen injuret in
his feelin's, as has certainly peen the case with ourselves.
Perhaps I ought to say a wort in behalf of the teat, as this
is the last, and only time, that a fellow-creature will ever
have occasion to speak of him. Sam was an excellent
hunter, as his worst enemy must allow; and now he is
gone, few petter remain pehint. He had one weakness,
which, stanting over his grave, an honest man ought not to
try to conceal; he dit love liquor; put, in this, he was not
alone. Nevertheless, he was honest; and his wort might
pass where many a man's pont would be wort'less; and I
leave him in the merciful hants of his Creator. My frients,
I haf but little more to say, and that is this—that life is
uncertain, and deat' is sure. Samuel has gone before us,
only a little while; and may we all be equally preparet to
meet our great account. Amen.”

Did any one smile at this address! Far from it! Singular,
disconnected, and unsophisticated as it may seem to
certain persons, it had one great merit that is not always
discernible in the speeches of those who officiate at the most
elaborate funeral rites. Guert was sincere, though he might
not be either logical or very clear. This was apparent in
his countenance, his voice, his whole manner. For myself,
I will allow, I saw nothing particularly out of place, in this
address, at the time, nor do I now regard it as either irreverent
or unseasonable.

We left the grave of the hunter, in the depths of that interminable
forest, as the ship passes away from the spot on
the ocean where she has dropped her dead. At some future
day, perhaps, the plough-share may turn up the bones, and
the husbandman ruminate on the probable fate of the lonely
man, whose remains will then again be brought to the light
of day. As we left the spot, the Indian detained us a moment,
to put us on our guard.

“Huron do that,” he said, meaningly — “No see difference,
eh? Saw no hang up like Pete.”

“That is true enough, Susquesus,” Guert answered; for
Guert, by his age, his greater familiarity with the woods,
his high courage and his personal prowess, had now assumed,
unresistingly on our part, a sort of chieftainship
over us. “Can you tell us the reason, however?”

[figure description] Page 156.[end figure description]

“Muss, you call him, back sore — that all. Know him
well; don't love flog. No Injin love flog.”

“And you think, then, Jaap's prisoner has had a hand in
this, and that the war-path is open to revenge as well as
public service—that we are hunted less for our scalps than
to put a plaster on the Huron's back?”

“Sartain. T'ree canoe go by on lake—t'at Muss, you
call him—know him, well. He no want sleep till back get
well. See how he use nigger! Hang him on tree — only
kill pale-face and take away scalp.”

“Do you suppose that he made this difference in the
treatment of his two captives, on account of the colour?
That he was so cruel to Petrus because Jaap, another nigger,
had flogged him?”

“Sartain—just so. Back feel better after t'at. Good for
back to hang nigger. Jaap see, some time.”

I will do my fellow the justice to say, that in the way of
courage, few men were his equals. As I have said before,
he only feared spooks, or Dutch ghosts; for the awe he had
of me was so blended with love, as not to deserve the name
of fear. In general, unless the weather happened to be cold,
his face was of a deep, glistening black; coffin-colour, as
the boys sometimes called it; but, I observed, notwithstanding
his nerve and his keen desire to be revenged for the
cruel treatment bestowed on his companion and brother,
that his skin now assumed a greyish hue, such as is seen
only in hard frosts, as a rule, in the people of his race. It
was evident that the Trackless' manner of speaking had
produced an effect; and I have always thought the impression
then made on Jaap was of infinite service to us, by
setting in motion, and keeping in lively activity, every
faculty of his mind and body. I had a specimen of this, as
we moved off, Jaap walking for some distance close at my
heels, in order to make me the repository of his griefs and
solicitude.

“I hopes, Masser Corny, sah,” commenced the negro,
“you doesn't t'ink anyt'ing of what dis here Injin say?”

“I think, Jaap, it will be necessary for you to keep your
eyes open, and by no means to fall into the hands of your
friend Muss, as you call him, or he may serve you even
worse than he served poor Pete. I hope, too, this will be a

[figure description] Page 157.[end figure description]

warning to you, of the necessity of treating your prisoners
kindly, should you ever make another.”

“I don't t'ink, Masser Corny, you consider pretty much,
sah. What good it do a nigger to captivate an Injin, if he
let him go ag'in, and don't lick him little? Only little,
Masser Corny. Ebbery t'ing so handy too, sah—rope all
ready, back bare, and feelin' up, like, after such a time in
takin' 'e varmint, sah!”

“Well, Jaap, what is done, is done, and there is no use
in regretting it, in words. Of one thing, however, you may
be certain; no mercy will be shown you, should this fellow,
Muss, be actually out here, on our heels, and should you be
so unfortunate as to fall into his hands.”

The negro growled out his discontent, and I could see
that his mind was made up to give stout battle, ere his wool
should be disturbed by the knife of a savage. A moment
later, he stepped aside, and respectfully permitted Dirck to
take his proper place, next to me, in the line.

We may have proceeded two miles from the spot where
we had buried Sam, the hunter, when on rising a little hillock,
the Indian tossed his arm, the sign that a new discovery
was made. This time, however, the gesture was rather
made in exultation than in horror. As he came to a dead
halt at the same instant, we all closed eagerly up, and got an
early view of the cause of this exhibition of feeling.

The ground fell away, in a sort of swell, for some distance
in our front; and, the trees being all of the largest
size, and totally without underbrush, the place had somewhat
of the appearance of a vast, forest edifice, to which the
canopy of leaves above formed the roof, and the stems of
oaks, lindens, beeches and maples, might be supposed to be
the columns that upheld it. Within this wide, gloomy, yet
not unpleasant hall, a sombre light prevailed, like that which
is cast through the casements of an edifice of the ancient
style of architecture, rendering everything mellow and grave.
A spring of sweet water gushed from a rock, and near it
were seated, in a circle, Mr. Traverse and his two chain-bearers,
seemingly taking their morning's meal; or, rather,
reclining after it, with the pail, platters and fragments before
them; like men reposing after appeasing their hunger, and

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passing a few minutes in idle talk. Tom, the second hunter
and axe-man, lay asleep, a little apart.

“Here has been even no alarm, thank Got,” said Guert,
cheerfully, “and we are in time to let them know their
danger. I will give the call; it will sound sweetly to their
ears!”

“No call,” said Trackless, quickly; “hollow no good,
now. Soon get there, and tell him, in low voice.”

As this was clearly prudent, we pushed forward in a body,
taking no pains, however, to conceal our approach, but
making somewhat of a measured tread, with our footsteps.
A strange sensation came over me, as we advanced, and I
found that neither of the surveyors stirred! A suspicion of
the dread truth forced itself on my mind; but I can hardly
say that the shock was any the less, when, on getting near,
we saw by the pallid countenances, fixed, glassy eyes, and
fallen jaws, that all our friends were dead. The savage
ingenuity of Indians had propped the bodies in reclining positions,
and thrown them into attitudes that had a horrible
resemblance to the species of indulgence that I have just
described.

“Holy Heaven!” exclaimed Guert, dropping the butt of
his rifle on the ground; “we are too late!”

No one else spoke. On removing the caps, it was found
that each man had been scalped, and that all of those, whom
we had left a few days before, proud of their strength and
instinct with life, had departed in spirit, soon to be seen no
more. Jumper, the other Indian, alone remained to be accounted
for. Rifle-balls had been at work here, each of the
four having been shot; Mr. Traverse, in no less than three
places.

I will confess, that a suspicion of the Oneida crossed my
mind, now, for the first time; and I did not scruple to mention
it to my companions, as soon as either of us had power
to speak, or listen.

“No true,” said Trackless, positively. “Jumper poor
Injin—that so—love rum—no rascal, to kill friend. Musohoeenah
warrior to do so. Just like him. No; Jumper
fool—love rum—no bad Injin.”

Where, then, was Jumper? He alone, of all whom we
had left behind us, remained to be found. We made a long

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search for his body, but without any success. Susquesus
examined the trails, and the bodies, and gave it as his opinion
that the surveyor and chain-bearers might have been
killed about three or four hours; and that the murderers,
for such, in our eyes, they who had done the foul deed were
to be accounted, had not been away from the place more
than twenty minutes, when we arrived. This might well
have happened, and we not hear the rifles; as the distance
from the hut was several miles; and, two hours before, we
must have been not far from the place where we had passed
the night. That the attack occurred after daylight, was
reasonably certain; and, as Pete was surely seized while
alive, some intelligence might have been obtained from him,
that directed the savages to the point where the outlying
party would probably be expecting him. Nevertheless, this
was pretty much conjecture, and we never knew which victim
fell first, or whether the negro was taken at all, near
the spot where he was gibbeted. The infernal cruelty of
his conquerors may have kept him as a prisoner, for some
time before the final catastrophe, and caused them to carry
him about with them as a captive, in order to subject the
wretch to as much misery as possible, for, as Susquesus said,
Muss' `back very sore.'

We buried poor Traverse, and his chain-bearers, near the
spring, using one of the same natural hollows in the earth
as that in which we had interred the hunter. On a search,
it was ascertained that their arms and ammunition had been
carried off, and that the pockets of the dead men had been
rifled. The American Indian is seldom a thief, in the ordinary
sense of the term; but, he treats the property of those
whom he slays as his own. In this particular, he does not
differ materially from the civilized soldier, I believe, plunder
being usually considered as a legitimate benefit of war. The
Hurons had laid their hands on the compass and chains, for
we could discover neither; but they had left the field-book
and notes of Traverse, as things that, to them, were useless.
In other respects, the visit of the savages to this fatal spot
left the appearance of having been hurried.

On this occasion, Guert made no attempts at morals, or
eloquence. The shock had disqualified us all for anything
of the sort, and we discharged our duties with the earnest

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diligence, and grave thoughtfulness, of men who did not
know but the next moment might bring themselves into the
midst of a scene of deadly strife. We worked hard, and a
little hastily, and were soon ready to depart. It was determined,
on a hurried consultation, to follow the trail of the
Hurons, as the most certain method of surprising them, on
the one hand, and of preventing them from surprising us,
on the other. The Indian would have no difficulty in pursuing
the very obvious trail that was left, and which bore
all the proofs of having been left by a dozen men.

The reader, who is unacquainted with the usages of the
American savage, is not to suppose that this party had
moved through the forest, in a disorderly group, regardless
of the nature of the vestiges of their passage left behind
them. The native warrior never does that; usually he
marches in a line of single files, which has obtained the
name of Indian file with us; and, whenever there are strong
reasons for concealing his numbers, it is his practice for
each succeeding man to follow, as nearly as possible, in the
footsteps of the warrior who precedes him; thereby rendering
a computation difficult, if not impossible. In this manner
our foes had evidently marched; but Susquesus, who
had been busy examining the marks around the spring, the
whole time we were occupied in burying the dead, gave it
as his opinion that our enemies could not number less than
a dozen warriors. This was not very pleasing intelligence,
since it would render success in a conflict next to hopeless.
So, at least, I viewed the matter, though Guert saw things
differently. This highly intrepid man could not find it in
his heart to abandon the idea of driving foes so ruthless
out of the country; and, I do believe, he would have faced
a hundred savages at once when we quitted the spring.

The Onondago had no difficulty in following the trail,
which led us, at first, for some distance in a line towards
Ravensnest, then made a sudden inclination in the direction
of the hut. It was probably owing to this circuit, and want
of settled purpose in the Hurons, that we did not encounter
them on our advance towards the “bloody spring,” as the
spot where Traverse was slain has been subsequently
called.

It was not long ere we found ourselves quite near our own

[figure description] Page 161.[end figure description]

trail, though, perhaps fortunately for us, we did not actually
strike it. Had our movement been discovered, doubtless the
enemy would have got into our rear, a position in which
Indians are always most formidable. As it was, however,
we possessed that great advantage ourselves, and pursued
our way with so much the greater confidence, knowing full
well that danger was only to be apprehended in our front,
the quarter on which all our eyes were fixed.

Although our return-march was swift, it was silent as
that of a train of mourners. Mourners we were, indeed, for
it was not possible for human hearts to be so obdurate as to
feel insensible to the amount of misery that our late companious
must have suffered, and to the suddenness of their
fates. No one spoke, and Susquesus had never found us so
close on his heels as we kept ourselves all that morning.
The foot of the file-leader was scarcely out of its place, ere
that of his successor covered the same spot!

The trail led us quite close to the hut, which we reached
as near as might be to noon. On approaching the cabin, we
used the utmost caution lest our enemies might then be in it,
in ambush. The trail did not extend quite to the building,
however, but diverged in a westerly direction, from a point
that may have been a hundred yards distant from our habitation,
though in full view of it. Here we found the signs
of a gathering of the party into a cluster, and we inferred
that a counsel had been held on the subject of once more
going to the hut, or of turning aside to pursue some other
object. Susquesus made a close examination at this spot,
and gave it as his opinion, again, that the hostiles must, at
least, number the dozen he had already mentioned. Leaving
us to watch the signs about our dwelling, from covers we
took for that purpose, he followed the trail for half a mile,
in order to make certain it did not approach the log-house
on its opposite side. So far from this proving to be the
case, however, he ascertained that it led off in a straight
line towards Ravensnest. This was, if anything, more unpleasant
news to Guert and myself, than if the Onondago
had brought back a confirmation of his first suspicion that
the Hurons might be waiting for us, in our own temporary
house. Complaints were useless, however, and we smothered
our apprehensions as well as we could.

[figure description] Page 162.[end figure description]

Susquesus was not a warrior to confide entirely in the
signs of an open march. Experienced woodsmen frequently
left their trails visible expressly to deceive; and the Onondago,
who personally knew Muss, as Jaap called his prisoner,
was fully aware that he had to deal with a profoundly
artful foe. Not satisfied with even what he had seen, he
cautioned us about quitting the cover, except under his
guidance, and then commenced a mode of approach that
was purely Indian, and which, in its way, had much of the
merit of the approaches of more civilized besiegers, by
means of their entrenchments and zig-zags. Our advance
was regulated in this way. Each man was told to select
the nearest tree that led him towards the hut, and to pass
from the old to the new cover, in as rapid and sudden a
manner as his agility would allow. By observing this precaution,
and by using great activity, we had got within
twenty yards of the door of the cabin, in the course of ten
minutes. Guert could not submit to this slow, and, as he
called it, unmanly procedure any longer; but quitting his
cover, he now walked straight and steadily to the door of
the cabin, threw it open, and announced to us that the place
was empty. Susquesus made another close examination
around the building, and told us he felt quite certain that
the spot had not been visited since we had left it that morning.
That was grateful intelligence to us all, since it was
the only probable clue by which our enemies could have
learned our return to the Patent at all.

The question now arose as to future proceedings. Nothing
was to be gained by remaining on the property, while
prudence, and the danger of our friends, united to call us
away. We felt it would be a most hazardous thing to attempt
reaching Ravensnest; though we felt it was a hazard
we were bound to incur. While the matter was talked over,
those among us who had any appetite, profited by the halt,
to dine. An Indian on a war-path, is equally ready to eat,
or to fast; his powers of endurance, both ways, more especially
when the food is game, amounting to something wonderful.

While Susquesus, and Jaap, in particular, were performing
their parts in a very serious manner, in this way, and the
rest of us were picking up a few morsels, more like men

[figure description] Page 163.[end figure description]

whose moral feelings checked their physical propensities, I
caught a distant glimpse of a man's form, as it glided among
the trees, at some distance from us. Surprise and awe were
so strong in me, that I did not speak, but pointed with a
finger eagerly in the necessary direction, in order to let the
Onondago see the same object too. Susquesus was not slow
in detecting the stranger, however; for I think he must have
seen him, even before he was descried by myself. Instead of
manifesting any emotion, however, the Onondago did not
even cease to eat; but merely nodded his head, and muttered,
“Good—now hear news—Jumper come.”

Sure enough, it was Jumper; and his appearance in the
flesh, not only alive, but unharmed, produced a general
shout among us as he came in, on such a long, loping gait,
as usually marked a runner's movement. In a moment he
was among us, calm, collected, and without motion. He
gave no salutation, but seated himself quietly on a log,
waiting to be questioned, before he spoke; impatience being
a womanly weakness.

“Jumper, my honest fellow,” cried Guert, not without
emotion, for joy was struggling powerfully with his organs
of speech, “you are heartily welcome! These devils incarnate,
the Hurons, have not injured you, at least!”

Liquor had rendered Jumper's faculties somewhat obtuse,
in general, though he was now perfectly sober. He gave a
sort of dull look of recognition at the speaker, and muttered
his answer in a low, sluggish tone:

“Plenty Huron,” he said; “clearin' full. Pale-face in
fort send Jumper with message.”

We should have overwhelmed the fellow with questions,
had he not unfolded a corner of his calico shirt, and exhibited
several letters, each of which was soon in the hand of
the individual to whom it was addressed. Guert, Dirck,
and myself, severally got his communication; while there
was a fourth, in the handwriting of Herman Mordaunt, that
bore the superscription of poor Traverse's name. Subsequent
events have placed it in my power to give copies of all
the letters, thus received. My own was in the following
words:

“My dearest father is so much occupied, as to desire me

[figure description] Page 164.[end figure description]

to write you this note. Mr. Bulstrode sent an express, yesterday,
who was bearer of the sad tidings from Tieonderoga.
He also announced his own approach; and we expect him,
in a horse-litter, this evening. Reports are flying about the
settlement, that savages have been seen in our own woods.
I endeavour to hope that this is only one of those idle rumours,
of which we have had so many, lately. My father,
however, is taking all necessary precautions, and he desires
me to urge on you the necessity of collecting all your party,
should you be again at Mooseridge, and of joining us without
delay. We have heard of your safety, and gallant conduct,
through the man sent forward by Mr. Bulstrode; his master
having heard of you all, safe in a canoe on the lake, the
night after the battle, through a Mr. Lee; a gentleman of
great eccentricity of character, though, it is said, of much
talent, with whom papa happens to be acquainted. I trust
this note will find you at your hut, and that we shall see
you all, with the least possible delay.

“Anneke.”

This, certainly, was not a note to appease the longings
of a lover; though I had infinite gratification in seeing the
pretty characters that had been traced by Anne Mordaunt's
hand, and of kissing the page over which that hand must have
passed. But, there was a postscript, the part of a letter in
which a woman is said always to give the clearest insight
into her true thoughts. It was in these words, viz.:—

“I see that I have underscored the `me,' where I speak
of papa's desire that I should write to you, in preference to
another. We have gone through one dreadful scene, in
company, and, I confess, Corny, I should feel far happier,
if another is to occur, that you, and yours, should be with
us, here, behind the defences of this house, than exposed, as
you otherwise might be, in the forest. Come to us, then, I
repeat, with the least possible delay.”

This postscript afforded me far more satisfaction than the
body of the note; and I was quite as ready to comply with
Anneke's request, as the dear girl, herself, could be to urge
it. Guert's letter was as follows:—

“Mr. Mordaunt has commanded Anneke and myself to

[figure description] Page 165.[end figure description]

write to those of your party, with whom he fancies each has
the most influence, to urge you to come to Ravensnest, as
speedily as possible. We have received most melancholy
news; and a panic prevails among the poor people of this
settlement. We learn that Mr. Bulstrode, accompanied by
Mr. Worden, is within a few hours' journey of us, and the
families of the vicinity are coming to us, frightened and
weeping. I do not know that I feel much alarmed, myself;
my great dependence is on a merciful Providence; but, the
dread Being on whom I rely, works through human agents;
and, I know of none in whom I can place more confidence,
than on Guert Ten Eyck.

“Mary Wallace.”

“By St. Nicholas! Corny, these are such summonses as
a man never hesitates about obeying,” cried Guert, rising,
and beginning to replace his knapsack. “By using great
diligence, we may reach the Nest, yet, before the family
goes to bed, and make not only them, but ourselves, so much
the more comfortable and secure.”

Guert had a willing auditor, in me; nor was Dirck at all
backward about complying. The letters certainly much
quickened our impulses; though, in fact, there remained
nothing else to do; unless, indeed, we intended to lie out,
exposed to all the risks of a vindictive and savage warfare.
Dirck's letter was from Herman Mordaunt; and it told the
truth in plainer language than it had been related by either
of the ladies. Here it is.

“Dear Dirck,—The savages are certainly approaching
us, my young kinsman; and it is for the good of us all to
unite our forces. Come in, for God's sake, with your
whole party, as speedily as possible. I have had scouts out,
and they have all come in with reports that the signs of
trails, in the forest, abound. I expect, at least a hundred
warriors will be upon us, by to-morrow, and am making
my preparations accordingly. In approaching the Nest, I
would advise you to enter the ravine north of the house, and
to keep within its cover until you get to its southern termination.
This will bring you within a hundred rods of the
gate, and greatly increase your chances of entering, should

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we happen to be invested when you get here. God bless
you, dear Dirck, and guide you all safely to your friends.

“Herman Mordaunt.

“Ravensnest, July 11th, 1758.”

Guert and I read this letter hastily, before we commenced
our march. Then, abandoning the hut, and all it contained,
to the mercy of any who might pass that way, we set off
for our point of destination, on a quick step, carrying little
besides our arms, ammunition, and the food that was necessary
to assure our strength.

As before, Trackless led, keeping the Jumper a little on
his flank; the danger of encountering foes being now considered
to be greatly increased. It was true, we were still
in the rear of the party that had committed the deeds at
Mooseridge; but the Onondago no longer followed its trail;
pursuing a different course, or one that led directly to his
object.