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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/35203-8.txt b/35203-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..188ada6 --- /dev/null +++ b/35203-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,10336 @@ +Project Gutenberg's In the Van; or, The Builders, by John Price-Brown + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: In the Van; or, The Builders + +Author: John Price-Brown + +Illustrator: F. H. Brigden + +Release Date: February 7, 2011 [EBook #35203] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE VAN; OR, THE BUILDERS *** + + + + +Produced by Marcia Brooks, Ross Cooling and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at +http://www.pgdpcanada.net (This file was produced from +images generously made available by The Internet +Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + + + + + + + + + _In The Van_ + + + + + [Illustration: "The wolf's teeth clutched the young man's leg" + + _Page 116_] + + + + + _In The Van_ + + _Or_ + + _"The Builders"_ + + _BY_ + + _PRICE-BROWN_ + + _(ERIC BOHN)_ + + _Author of "How Hartman Won," Etc._ + + _Illustrated by_ + + _F. H. BRIGDEN, O.S.A._ + + + [Illustration] + + _Toronto_ + + _McLeod & Allen_ + + _Publishers_ + + + + + Entered according to Act of the Parliament of Canada, in + the year one thousand nine hundred and six, at + the Department of Agriculture, by + PRICE-BROWN, + Toronto. + + + [Illustration] + + The Hunter, Rose Company, Limited, Toronto + + + + + ILLUSTRATIONS + + + "The wolf's teeth clutched the young man's leg" _Frontispiece_ + + "Thank you very much!" exclaimed Harold _opp. page_ 80 + + "Strangers and yet not strangers" " 192 + + "That'll be our new home, sweetheart" " 272 + + + + + IN THE VAN + + CHAPTER I. + + Ye Builders, true on land and lake + To name and Nation's glory, + Though time has left you in its wake, + Your stress must tell its story. + + +"Harold Manning: wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live +together after God's ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt +thou love her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health; and +forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her as long as ye both shall +live?" rang out in clear, solemn tones throughout the little chapel of +the Abbey on that still November morning. + +"I will," came the answer. The few who were present heard the words with +a thrill. They knew in his case how much they meant. + +"Helen Brandon: Wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live +together after God's ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt +thou obey him and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and +in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as +ye both shall live?" + +"I will," was again the response, issuing sweetly but firmly from lips +that would not tremble, although the tone brought tears to more than one +pair of eyes fixed upon her as she spoke. + +The ceremony and congratulations were soon over. Then the bride, on the +arm of her husband, led the way down the aisle, while the tones of the +Wedding March filled Grand Old Westminster to its furthest limits. + +November days in London have not changed much in a century of years, +although perhaps the opacity of the air was more penetrating in 1813 +than it is to-day; for when the bridal party passed through the Abbey +archway to the street, the mist of the early morning had developed into +a dense fog, rapidly closing over the city. Hence, the coachmen had to +pilot the way to almost invisible carriages, and then lead their horses +in a tramp of several miles over the return journey, through almost +deserted streets. + +"My darling, mine at last," whispered the young man as he clasped his +bride in his arms under cover of the closed carriage and dense +atmosphere. + +"Yes, Harold, yours forever," was the response; and with their first +long kiss they sealed their marriage vows. + +"Too bad to need such a wedding-day as this!" he exclaimed, looking +fondly into her eyes, and then through the carriage window into the +opaque street. + +"And yet how fortunate that it is so," she answered with a little +ripple of laughter. + +"My sweet philosopher! Once in the Abbey, I never thought of it again." + +"But I did. I looked all round and there was not a single visitor, only +our own party, the clergyman, the organist, and the little, +old-fashioned clerk." + +"'Pon my word, Helen, I don't believe I saw anyone but you, from the +moment we went in until we came out again." + +"You dear old boy! I suppose it was love that kept my eyes open to other +things. Do you know I was actually glad to see the mist to-day, much as +I dislike it." + +"Yes, and after all it has been our friend. Everything seems to have +favored us. Even the fog helped to keep our secret." + +"Where did you say you had the Banns published, Harold?" she asked, +leaning her head against his shoulder. + +"At a little village ten miles out of London, a place I never heard of +before." + +"All the better for us. But now that we are actually married you won't +need to keep the secret much longer, will you, dearest?" she asked, +casting a glance from her big brown eyes up to his face. + +"Not a moment longer than I can help, darling. You know Sir George Head +is my new commanding officer; and I want him to hear the news first from +me." + +"And what will he say?" + +"As I told you before, Helen, he won't like it. There may be no written +law, but there's an unwritten one in the army, that no officer can marry +without his superior officer's consent, particularly if he has been off +duty as long as I have. Still, that terrible wound I got at Badajos is +in my favor; and he can't turn me off, whatever else he does." + +"But he might make it very uncomfortable for you, Harold." + +"Yes, and he can refuse to sanction your going with me to Canada." + +"That's the worst part of it, dearest! How can a wife love, honor and +serve her husband, and keep him in sickness and in health, if she can't +live with him?" she exclaimed, while blushes danced playfully over the +dark beauty of her face. + +"You are the dearest girl that ever lived," he cried, throwing his arms +around her and pressing her again to his heart. "I shall do my best with +the Colonel; and will see him as soon as I can. Perhaps I should have +spoken to him first; but if I had he would have forbidden our wedding, +and to have married after that would have been direct insubordination." + +"Won't he think so as it is?" + +"Perhaps. Still I am willing to run the risk; and I wanted to have you +as my wife, whether I could take you or not. I'm afraid I'm a selfish +fellow, Helen, and not by any means worthy of you." + +"Why, Harold! What a way of speaking--just after our marriage, too!" + +"Forgive me, dearest! I didn't mean anything, but that I love you so +much, that I almost tremble at the responsibility we have undertaken." + +"Is that a brave front for a soldier?" exclaimed Helen, with flashing +eye. + +"I would dare anything for myself, Helen; but it is of you I was +thinking. To leave you behind with no one but your uncle and aunt to +care for you when we sail, and perhaps not come back for years, seems +more than I can bear." + +"If we have to we must, though," she exclaimed, cuddling closer. "Then I +will stay home and wait and watch and pray for the dearest one in all +the world to me; and think of Penetang. Isn't that the name of the +place? and long for the day that I can be with my husband again." + +"What a noble girl you are!" + +"I'm a soldier's daughter"; and she looked up proudly, although a tear +was in her eye. + +"Yes, and your brave father was shot in the heart while leading his men +to victory." + +"And come what will, his daughter shall never disgrace his name. Victory +will yet be ours!" she said courageously. + +"God grant it," was his response. + +For some moments both had solemn faces, while with gentle pressure they +held each other's hands. + +"I am not without hope," Harold continued at last. "Sir George may be +angry at first, and I can't blame him for that. He'll raise a row, of +course--perhaps send me to Hades--but he may give in before the ship +sails. It will be jolly happy for us if he does." + +While he was speaking a critical look came into Helen's face. + +"Do you know," she exclaimed with sudden earnestness, "I really believe +I can help you!" + +"My darling! How in the world can you? You do not even know Sir George +or one of the officers." + +"That may be," she replied, holding his hand in both of hers. "But see, +the carriage is stopping. I cannot tell you now. Just leave it to me," +and at once the expression upon her face inspired him with renewed +confidence. + +Just then they arrived at a little villa on G----e street, and the +whole party alighted. + + + + + CHAPTER II. + + +Two days later, Lieutenant Manning was at the officers' mess at the +quarters of the 100th Regiment. The fact that he had only recently been +transferred, and that he was still on the convalescent list, made his +temporary absence unnoticed. He ran his eye quickly over the faces of +the men who greeted him by nod or word, for he was already a favorite. +But he saw nothing unusual. The secret evidently was not out, and of +this he was glad; for the Colonel could now receive the news directly +from himself and not from officers' gossip. + +They were talking of the prospective trip, and in the absence of Sir +George, with more freedom than usual. + +"Will you be ready, Manning?" Lieutenant Smith asked across the table. +"The Colonel says we start in twelve days." + +"So soon as that!" the young man exclaimed with a start. A lump had +suddenly jumped into his throat. Pulling himself together before any one +could observe, he went on: "Yes; but I thought we were to sail by the +_Challenger_, which does not leave port until a week later." + +"That was the first order," said Captain Cummings from the other end of +the room; "but it had to be changed yesterday, for the _Challenger_ on +examination was found unseaworthy." + +"And by what ship do we sail now?" + +"By the _North King_, one of the best men-of-war in the navy. It is +large, too, and leaves port a week earlier." + +How Lieutenant Manning got through mess and the next two hours' official +duties, before he could see the Colonel, he did not know. Never before +did minutes appear so much like hours. Even when he lay in the trenches +at Badajos, with a slice out of his leg, and could hear his comrades' +cheers amid the din of cannonading, time seemed to pass more quickly. + +At last, Sir George, accompanied by an orderly, crossed the barrack +yard, and entered his office. But there were other visitors ahead of +Manning, and the day was well advanced before his opportunity came. +Finally the last one departed, an orderly opened the door and Harold +entered. + +"Lieutenant Manning, glad to see you," said Sir George in answer to +Harold's salute. "I suppose you are as strong as ever, and ready for +another march." + +There was tone of inquiry in his voice; for it was unusual for the +younger officers to visit him, except on special business. + +"Yes, sir," replied Harold, coloring. "A soldier should always be ready +for orders." + +"There's not much time to lose," was the next comment. "Our men of the +100th go aboard the _North King_ not many days hence, and sail from the +London docks on the 24th. What's the matter, lad? Is there anything I +can do for you?" + +"I came to make a confession, sir," stammered the Lieutenant, his face +remaining red in spite of himself. + +"What, been gambling? You young fellows are always at it." + +"No, sir! It is not that," replied the young man indignantly; while, at +the same time, the utterance of the calumny seemed to relieve the mental +pressure. "The fact is, Colonel, I've been getting married." + +"Getting married, you idiot!" and Sir George fairly jumped off his seat +in amazement. "Are you mad?" and his eyes glared fiercely at Harold. "Do +you know what that means? Rank insubordination; complete separation for +years from the silly woman who has taken you for a husband! Zounds, man, +I thought you had more sense!" + +By this time Harold's excitement had subsided. He was cool again. + +"I am prepared to take the consequences, sir, whatever they may be. I +only ask for the liberty of explanation." + +"Explanation indeed! That should have come before, not afterwards," and +with another angry growl, Sir George settled himself in his chair again. + + +"My wife," said Harold--the Colonel winced--"is willing to endure any +length of separation that is necessary. But I want to say about her that +her father and mother are dead. She is provided for, however, and lives +with her uncle and aunt. What's more, she's a beautiful woman and is +just as brave as she is good." + +"That's all very well, sir, but why did you bluster along at this +infernal speed?" + +"For two reasons, sir." Harold had prepared himself for the fight. +"First, because I understood my stay in Canada would be a long one; and +second, because you said I might have the command of a fort there, some +day." + +"Yet you tell me when too late to stop a silly move that will upset the +whole business." + +"It would have been too late, sir, if I had spoken. A soldier never +disobeys orders." + +"Humph! If I were to report this at headquarters, it would check at once +your chances of promotion, and probably your march to Penetang as well." + +"That is the very point, sir, I was going to ask. I wish you would +report me, together with the request that my wife be allowed to +accompany us to Canada. It need be no expense to the war department, as +she is able personally to defray all the cost." + +"This scheme is just as mad a one as getting married. Do you know what +you ask, sir? We are going out there in the winter, when the frost is +often 25 degrees below zero; and on landing start at once on a tramp of +a thousand miles; not over the prairies and along the roads, but through +the woods and swamps, and over lakes covered with ice and snow two feet +thick or more. Then, on account of the war with the United States, our +road will be straight through the northern country, away from all towns +and settlements. It will be like a tramp through Siberia in winter. No +lady could stand it, sir." + +"She will have to remain at home, then," returned Harold, dejectedly. +"But it will be a severe disappointment to her. She says she can stand +anything and will give no trouble if you will permit her to go. She +would not be the only woman with us, either. The officers at mess were +saying to-day that the wives of Corporals Bond and Jenkins and Private +Hardman have all received orders to be ready." + +"That's true," replied the Colonel, angrily. "But these women are not +ladies; they are used to roughing it, and will do the charing for the +men while the fort is being built. They've been through camp life in the +European wars for years. There's no use talking; the thing can't be +tolerated for a moment. You will have to leave your wife behind you. I +look upon the whole thing as a breach of discipline. Still as your dead +father's friend, and more for his sake than yours, I shall keep silent +upon the subject, so as not to check your promotion. Give this despatch +to Captain Payne as you go out. Strict discipline will be required from +all now until we sail. So remember, you can only be absent from quarters +during authorized hours." + +"Very well, sir." Lieutenant Manning saluted and withdrew. + +The young wife waited the return of her husband that night with much +anxiety. She had often heard that Sir George was a stern man, and +whether he would condone with a junior officer's marriage without his +knowledge or consent, was a very doubtful question. As for the journey +with the troops to Canada, she was determined to go with them if she +could; but to do so the Colonel's consent must be obtained, and she was +prepared to leave no stone unturned in order to accompany her husband. +Harold told her it would be three years at least before he could return +to England; and rather than remain that length of time away from him, +she was willing to endure whatever vicissitudes an overland military +journey in midwinter might bring. How little she knew what such an +undertaking involved! + +"What news, Harold?" was her first question, as he stooped to kiss her +upon his arrival. + +"Several things," was his reply, as he tried to smile serenely. "First, +we sail on the 24th." + +"So soon as that! What else?" + +"Sir George was angry at our marriage without consent." + +"And he will not let me go?" + +"I fear not, dearest." + +"Oh, do not give up hope yet," was the passionate response, as with pale +face and quivering lip she led the way to their own room. + + + + + CHAPTER III. + + +An evening or two later, a carriage containing Sir George and Lady Head +drew up at a little mansion in the West end, the residence of the +retired general, Sir Charles Menzies. The house was not brilliantly +illuminated, a subdued light gleaming only in a few of the windows. +Evidently there would not be many guests that night. As they entered, +the wide door in the deep archway was thrown open, and they were ushered +into the drawing-room, where the General and his wife awaited their +arrival. + +"Just ourselves," exclaimed their host gaily; "a lonely old couple who +have the selfishness to desire you to dine with them _en famille_, +before they send you to the wars again." + +"It is very kind of you," was the cordial response. "We are both of us +delighted to come. But about the wars, General, I am afraid there are no +more wars for me. It is just crossing the ocean to establish a garrison, +and I assure you that I would rather command a troop and fight the +enemy, than perform my allotted task." + +"Still, it is all in your country's service, Colonel; and it sometimes +needs greater courage to build a rampart than to fight a battle." + +"You may well say that, General. Don't know but what my own case is an +instance. It is a cut through the back country with only a couple of +companies for a following, as though one were sneaking through the bush +to escape the foe. After all, that is what it really is; for we could +not in safety carry our garrison stores by the lakes." + +"Yet you may have more than one brush with the enemy before you get +there." + +"If we do it will be all the merrier," returned Sir George with a laugh. +"These Yankees are giving us as much as we can carry just now, and +possibly there may be fighting on Georgian Bay before it ends." + +"How soon do you sail, Sir George?" Lady Menzies asked. + +"In eight days. Fortunately my wife is more contented over it than ever +she was when I went to fight the armies of the Little Corporal. She +always used to vow that I would never come back. Now she believes that I +will." + +"I think he has done fighting enough," was that lady's quick response. +"To march a few hundred miles through the woods to build a garrison, and +then to return home, is all they ask of him; a much better prospect--to +his wife at least--than to have another fight with the French." + +Dinner was announced, and the host led the way with the Colonel's wife +upon his arm. + +"That husband of yours is a brave fellow," was his comment; "and my +lady, you need not be nervous about him. He's as true as steel, a good +disciplinarian, yet one of the kindest men who ever lived." + +"Perhaps you are thinking of Talavera," she answered, her face flushing +with pleasure. "You know he helped some of the wounded French out of the +ditch after the battle was over." + +"Yes, but he made two of his own men stand in the stocks all night for +letting another Frenchman run away," was his laughing answer. + +When seated at the table the conversation became general, but soon +drifted back to Sir George Head's prospective trip. + +"It will be a new experience," exclaimed Sir Charles; "snowshoeing +through Canada in January instead of marching through Spain in July." + +"I have ordered my men a double supply of under garments as a +safeguard," said the Colonel. + +"What about night quarters on the road?" queried the hostess. + +"That is where the rub will come," was his answer. "I believe there are +no stopping places after leaving Montreal. But habitants and half-breeds +are numerous. They are accustomed to the woods, and I intend to take a +picked gang to help the men put up temporary shanties each night on the +road. What is more, abundance of dead timber can be had for the +cutting; and with good fires I have no doubt that we can stand the +journey." + +The ladies were rising from the table when a rap on the knocker +announced the arrival of other guests. + +"Oh, my dear!" exclaimed Lady Menzies to the Colonel's wife. "I want to +introduce my sweet grand-niece to you. She has only just become a bride, +and promised to come in with her husband for an hour this evening." + +"We shall be delighted," was the reply. "You know Sir George still +becomes enraptured over a pretty face. He always did." + +The Colonel placed his hand over his heart and bowed. + +"If the eyes have soul and the mouth character," he exclaimed gallantly, +"I hope I'm not too old a dog, even yet, to lose my heart." + +"Bravo!" cried Sir Charles. "Our little girl has both, but I am sorry to +say we have seen too little of her of late." + +The two ladies left the room, while the gentlemen over another glass of +wine continued to talk over the wars, and the apparently dim prospect of +peace. + +When they entered the drawing-room a quarter of an hour later, +Lieutenant Manning and his bride were there. A flash of astonishment +swept over Sir George's face as he took in the situation. But it was +only for a moment. Gravely, but not unkindly, he offered his greetings +as Lady Menzies introduced Helen to him. + +Her appearance was striking. With broad forehead, dark hair and lustrous +eyes, she carried her two and twenty years very gracefully. She was not +a bashful girl, just out of her teens, but a large-souled woman, who +knew much of the experiences of life, and had made her choice, +determined, by all that was holy, to be a help-meet for the man she had +married. Though scarcely at ease, she looked up into Sir George's face +with a frank smile as she received his greeting. + +"I am glad to have the opportunity of meeting you," he said, looking +steadily into her eyes. "Lieutenant Manning informed me that he was +married; though I assure you it is a surprise to find that his wife is a +relative of my old friend, the General." + +"Harold did not tell you, then," she returned, with a gesture toward her +husband. + +"Unfortunately he did not; but perhaps it was my fault. I was so +astonished that I fear I did not ask him. And how are you, Mr. Manning? +I think you have been stealing a march on me." + +"Is not marching a soldier's duty?" returned Harold, with a merry glance +at his wife. + +"Yes, but countermarching is a different thing." There was a twinkle in +the gallant Colonel's eye, as he gravely shook his head, that was not +discouraging. + +In a veiled way, Sir George watched every movement that Helen made. Her +self-control surprised him, knowing as she must that her own future as +well as that of her husband were in his hands. Soon an opportunity for a +personal talk presented itself. + +Sir Charles had been adding to his collection of paintings, and was +particularly proud of a Reynold's beauty that he had recently purchased, +as well as a French landscape by Turner, who at that time was winning +fame as an artist. While the others were looking intently at the +delicate coloring and divine symmetry exhibited in the portrait by the +Master, Helen had lingered by Turner's picture. It was one of his +"Rivers of France," an illustration of the parting of lovers beneath +stately trees on the banks of the Seine. + +"That is a remarkable picture," said Sir George over her shoulder. "It +is said to be an incident in the artist's own life. I did not know that +Menzies had it, though I have seen it more than once in Turner's +studio." + +"I have heard of it," returned Helen, gravely. "He was, as he seems, +passionately in love; pity it came to such a sad ending." + +"It was her villainous stepmother's fault," said the Colonel. "She +intercepted all his letters, and when the maiden believed herself +forsaken, she took a woman's revenge, and made herself miserable by +marrying another man." + +"A miserable revenge it was," returned Helen warmly, "and one that few +women would take advantage of." + +"I am not so sure about that," was Sir George's grave response. "I am +sorry to say I have known women do that very thing, though I acknowledge +they must have been vastly foolish." + +"If they had married before that long tour of his," said Helen, +earnestly, "when they were both in love, the letters would not have been +intercepted; and of course they would have been happy ever afterwards." + +"Marriage is always a serious business," said Sir George, looking +gravely into her eyes. + +"Yes, I know it is." There was a little tremor in her voice this time. +"But when one does it bravely and with eyes open, it is not too serious +to be borne. + +"And are you sure you can bear it, Mrs. Manning, whatever comes?" he +asked with almost a touch of sternness in his voice. + +"Yes--I believe I can." + +"I too believe it since I have seen you. Still for your sake I am sorry +it has happened. It would have been much better to have waited." + +"For myself I believe I shall never regret it," said Helen, "whatever +happens. It is only the future of my husband that I feel concerned +about." + +"I am glad to be able to relieve your mind on that score"--but there was +sternness still in his voice. "Lieutenant Manning has always been a +brave officer, and his future is certain." + +"Thank you, Colonel, for the word. I know his record; and I assure you +as a soldier's daughter, as well as a soldier's wife, I shall never +stand in his way." + +She stood very erect, but she dashed a tear away as the words flashed +from her lips. + +"Nobly said," was Sir George's comment as the General and the other +ladies joined them. Harold had purposely wandered off to the far end of +the room to inspect some ancient weapons, of which Sir Charles had a +valuable collection. But he returned in time to hear their hostess ask +her niece to sing. + +"I cannot sing to-night as the linnets sing," she replied with a half +sad, half mischievous glance at Harold, "but as my heart tells me." + +"That is what we want, dearest," he whispered. + +Seating herself at the piano, her fingers ran lightly over the keys. +Then, in a rich contralto voice, she poured out Goethe's favorite, "To +the Chosen One." There was the beauty of passion in every line of the +first verse: + + "Hand in hand! and lip to lip! + Oh, be faithful, maiden dear! + Fare-thee-well! thy lover's ship + Past full many a rock must steer; + But should he the haven see + When the storm has ceased to break, + And be happy, reft of thee-- + May the gods fierce vengeance take!" + +There was exultation as she sang the second stanza: + + "Boldly dared, is well-nigh won, + Half my task is solved aright, + Every star's to me a sun, + Only cowards deem it night. + Strode I idly by thy side + Sorrow still would sadden me, + But when seas our paths divide, + Gladly toil I--toil for thee." + +Then with all the tenderness of her impassioned soul she breathed out +the last lines: + + "Now the valley I perceive + Where together we will go, + And the streamlet watch each eve + Gliding peacefully below. + Oh, the poplars on yon spot! + Oh, the beech trees in yon grove! + And behind we'll build a cot + Where to taste the joys of love." + +"You are a brave girl," cried the Colonel as she finished the song, "and +you well merit everything that the gods can give you. Lieutenant Manning +should be proud to have you for his wife--whatever happens." + +Saying which he turned and asked Lady Menzies to be his partner at a +rubber of whist, for which Sir Charles and Lady Head were waiting. +Hence, the four elderly people were soon interested in the game; while +the bride and groom, ostensibly examining curios, were taxing their +souls with a thousand questions relative to the future. + + + + + CHAPTER IV. + + +The European war was drawing to a close, or rather to an intense lull +before the final conflict. Napoleon's arrogance in declining to yield a +jot of German territory to Austria's demand, culminated eventually in +his crushing defeat at Leipzic in the "Battle of the Nations." The +British forces, too, were successful wherever they turned their arms, +and at Vittoria, Wellington routed the legions of Joseph Bonaparte. +Before the close of the year disasters were even more complete, and the +remains of Napoleon's armies were driven out of Germany as well as +Spain. + +British veterans, inured to the discipline and fatigues of campaign +life, were fast returning to their own shores; and it was from these +that Sir George Head's companies were chosen. Already they had spent +months in the rest of barrack life, and tired of inactivity, they +welcomed the call to duty again. + +There was something alluring to the soldier in the thought of service in +America, whether engaged in active warfare or not. The Western continent +was an El Dorado toward which all eyes were turned. It offered +something different from the camp life of Europe, where prospective and +actual battles were looked upon as the be-all and end-all of the +soldier's career. Of emigration to Europe there was none, but of +emigration to America, save for the brief interruption caused by the war +with the States, there was a never-ending stream. + +Hence, when the seared soldiers of Wellington's brigades came home, and +were told to prepare to cross the Atlantic, either to fight the +Americans or to guard the British frontier from invasion, hats went up, +cheers echoed through the air and every man became an enthusiast. + +For many days the _North King_, one of the largest war vessels of the +period, had been undergoing repairs. Her keel was repainted, her hold +thoroughly cleansed, and additional iron girders put in to strengthen +her bulwarks. Her gun-carriages were rearranged, and to meet any +possible contingency new guns were added. Then vast and unusual stores +were loaded upon her, not for the use of the troops only, but for the +building and maintenance of the new fort as well. + +In direct preparation for the prospective voyage, perhaps no man was so +actively engaged as Captain Payne of the Royal Engineers. To him was +assigned the erection of the new fort at Penetang, together with +whatever barracks might be required for the accommodation of the men. +What added much to his difficulties was the selection and packing of +materials to be carried in midwinter over a thousand miles of territory, +three-fourths of the journey being through the woods. + +But Captain Payne was equal to the occasion; and days before the time of +sailing, the holds of the ship were filled with stores. + +In completing and carrying out the arrangements, Harold's time was +largely occupied, so that it was late each evening before he could have +leave of absence to see his wife. These brief interviews were very +precious to them; but to their amazement days passed without a word from +the Colonel. Apparently he had not relented. Still Helen hoped on, while +she devoted her time to preparation. At last a message came: + +"Colonel Head desires an interview with Lieutenant Manning ten minutes +before parade." + +Such were the contents of a note handed to Harold in the early morning +three days before sailing. + +With a convulsive leap the young man's heart seemed to bound into his +throat. What could it mean? Would his wife, after all, be allowed to go? +Then, perhaps for the first time, something like an adequate conception +of the magnitude and danger of the journey to her, forced itself upon +him. Was it right to yield to their mutual desire, to take her with the +troops in midwinter, and while war was still raging? Could it be his +duty to transfer his bride from the comforts of home and the social +world to the conditions which the trip must inevitably bring? He knew +that her desire was just as keen as ever. It had also been his own +passionate wish during the weeks that had elapsed since their marriage; +but as he neared the Colonel's quarters, he found himself actually +hoping that the final edict would forbid his wife to undertake the +journey. + +With many conflicting thoughts Harold joined his fellow officers at mess +that morning. All were there. Even Sir George had walked over from his +private residence to breakfast with them. From his manner, however, he +could surmise nothing. Neither by word nor look did the Colonel indicate +what was passing through his mind. At the appointed time Harold +presented himself. + +"I intended my first reply to your request to be the decisive one," said +Sir George, without prelude. "But my mind may have changed somewhat. Do +I understand that your wife still desires to go with us?" + +"Yes, sir," was Harold's quick response. + +"Has she thought the matter out in all its bearings? And does she +appreciate how much of hardship and privation the trip will involve, to +say nothing of the vicissitudes she will be obliged to endure after we +get to our destination?" + +"She has considered all these, Sir George, and her mind has remained +unchanged," said Harold. + +"It is a big undertaking," muttered the Colonel, and for a minute he +walked up and down the room with his hands behind his back. + +"I know it, sir; but fortunately she has means of her own, as I said, +and can amply defray whatever extra expenditure may be incurred on her +account." + +"That is satisfactory," said the Colonel, "and after all, the objections +may not be insuperable. I have, I must confess, a strong admiration for +your wife; and if we succeed in establishing a fort at Penetang, she +will, if she goes, be its brightest ornament." + +"Thank you very much," exclaimed Harold, his face flushing with +undisguised pleasure. "And am I to take this as equivalent to your +consent?" + +"Well, yes; if she is as firmly convinced as ever that it is the wiser +and better thing for her to do." + +For some moments Harold stood still with his hands pressed upon the desk +in front of him. The old questions were coming back to him. Was it? Was +it not? + +"What is it, lad?" said the Colonel in a friendly tone, although he +observed him keenly. + +"I was just thinking," stammered Harold, "what a terrible thing it would +be when too late, if it should prove to be a mistake." + +"That is possible," returned the Colonel, again walking up and down the +floor. "But, remember, if faint heart never won fair lady, neither did +timid soldier ever win a battle. If you go into the thing at all you go +in to win. Every obstacle must be overthrown. We must guard and keep +that wife of yours--take her right through to the end--and crown her +queen of the little fortress of Penetang which, please God, we shall +build. + +"It is very good of you, Colonel," was all Harold could say. + +"Well, we'll leave it all to the lady herself. Explain everything to +her; but tell her from me that our officers are fine fellows, and from +the Colonel to the last of them, will do what they can to make the +journey comfortable, if she decides to undertake it." + +"I thank you, Colonel, from the bottom of my heart," said Harold, warmly +grasping his chief by the hand. + +"That is all right," was the smiling response. "One more point, as your +wife may need every remaining moment for preparation, you are relieved +from duty from now out. So give her the news and aid her what you can." + +Harold saluted, and in another minute was outside the barracks, +speeding along the street to tell it all to Helen. + + + + + CHAPTER V. + + + 'Eave-oh-haw, 'eave-oh-hoh! + 'Eave-oh-haw, yoh-hee! + Sally come out to the wishing gate, + To the wishing gate with me. + + 'Eave-oh-hie, 'eave-oh-haw! + 'Eave-oh-hie, yoh-hoh! + For after another day 'as run, + Oh Sally I've got to go. + +So sang the jolly tars, as with mighty swing and steady rhythm they +pulled the halyards and set their sails. + +"Did yo' see the leddy, Alf?" + +"Bet yo' six-punce, I did." + +"Ar'n't she a daisy?" + +"Ef she ar'n't, I'd like to know where you'd find on'." + +"It's just jolly to have the real thing aboard--none of your tuppenny' +a'penny pieces but a geno-wine leddy, thro' and thro'." + +"Did you see how she was watchin' and smilin' while we was fixin' the +tackle by the big mast." + +"Yes, we all seed it. She's got the hearts of the chaps already, even if +she be a married 'oman." + + 'Eave-oh-haw, 'eave-oh-hoh! + 'Eave-oh-haw, yoh-hie! + Sally's gone back to the washing tub + And on ocean brine am I. + +"Do you know, Ned, I've been on the _North King_ ever sin' she was +launched at Glasgow, seventeen year ago, and this is the first time a +leddy has ever sailed aboard of 'er." + +"If they're all like this 'un, I hope it won't be the last time, uther." + + But, 'eave-oh-haw, and 'eave-oh-hoh! + Yes, 'eave-oh-haw, yoh-hoo! + For whenever her lad comes home again, + His Sally will all'us be true. + +And so the sailors echoed her praises, while they sang their songs and +adjusted the rigging of the ship, even before they were three days out +at sea. + +Yes, Helen was on the _North King_, and her beauty and strong gentleness +had captured the hearts of everyone, soldiers and marines as well. +Already she was the acknowledged queen--queen of a mighty ship--for the +_North King_ had a splendid record. Never had she been defeated in +battle, and her history dated back beyond the time when she was one of +the vanguard in Nelson's memorable victory on the Nile. + +Now, she had a double mission; first, to carry the two companies of the +100th Regiment to Halifax, together with their stores for a long +overland journey; and then to turn southwards along the coast line, to +join the British squadron in the siege of American cities. + +Like many of the British war vessels of that date, however, she was +built in an antiquated style. While steady in movement and easily +manned, she was a slow sailer; very different from the clipper-built, +light-running American warships which had distressingly harassed the +British during several of their more recent engagements. This fact alone +made a sea-fight probable before Halifax could be reached, for the +American liners were ever on the look-out for incoming vessels. + +The English motto, "Keep your musket polished and your powder dry," +seemed to actuate every man on board; and an extra look-out was +stationed on the top-gallant mast to keep perpetual vigil. + +Helen had never been on a man-of-war before; but she was a good sailor, +and although the passage was stormy, she enjoyed being on deck, clothed +in garments that resisted the penetration even of the December winds. +Her comfort, too, had been well provided for; and Captain Osborne, the +ship-master, out of courtesy to the bride, surrendered his little cabin +to herself and her husband. + +Harold, on the plea of discipline, protested, but the captain insisted, +and gratefully they accepted the situation. The presence of a lady on +his ship softened the heart of the old bachelor, and having no rule to +guide him, he concluded to be a law unto himself. + +While the rough weather did not affect Helen, it did materially affect +the women of the steerage. The compartment assigned to them and their +husbands was beneath the forecastle, at the extreme prow of the boat; +and owing to its forward position, the rocking during a rough sea was +extreme. + +In the middle of the third day of the most prolonged storm of the +voyage, the tempest was at its highest. The ship with frightful lurches +pitched fore and aft--simply a plaything tossed at the caprice of the +untamed sea. Rain for the time was over, but the wind whistled wildly +through the rigging, stretching to their utmost the few sails that were +set. + +Harold had many duties to perform that morning, and was late in +returning to his cabin. Three hours earlier he had parted with his wife, +and the storm not having reached its highest point, she had gone on +deck. Now, to his surprise, she was not to be found. First he scanned +the upper and lower decks, next the large saloon, and finally their own +stateroom; but all without avail. + +He was seriously alarmed. It was the first time during the twenty days +of their voyage that he had missed her. Where could she be? With the +tremendous tip of the vessel, and the swash of the sea, could she have +been swept overboard? Was it possible that the angry waves had stolen +her from him? and unconsciously he wrung his hands in a sharp twinge of +agony. + +Rushing up the gangway again to the upper deck, he met Captain Osborne +of the ship and his own Colonel coming down. + +"You look alarmed, Harold!" cried Sir George. "Ammunition all right?" + +"Yes, sir," he stammered, "but I am looking for my wife. She went on +deck at nine bells, and I've not seen her since." + +"Oh, she's safe somewhere," was the reassuring answer. "You could not +lose a woman on the _North King_." + +"You might lose one off, though, in a storm like this," said the +captain, chaffing the young benedict. "I've known more than one woman to +drop overboard--and men by the dozen." + +"Stuff!" exclaimed Sir George, who saw that Harold was taking it +seriously. + +"Fact," returned the officer. "We just lighted ship after each battle +was over." He laughed merrily, but Harold was off toward the soldier's +quarters. A new idea had seized him; perhaps she had gone to visit the +other women. Only the evening before, she had remarked that they had not +been on deck since the storm began. And he knew that some of them were +ill. + +"Is Mrs. Manning here?" he asked of a seaman, as he rushed down the +stairway to their cabin. + +"Yes, sir; Ahh think so," was the answer. "Corporal Jenkins' wife is +pretty low, and one of the wimmin fetched her. Theer she is at end o' +t' cabin under t' fo'castle." + +Harold hurried on. Owing to the storm the hatchways had been fastened +down for days. The portholes were closed and the air of the densely +peopled compartment was impure. Still a couple of men at the far end +were again singing: + + 'Eave-oh-haw, 'eave-oh-hoh, 'eave-oh-haw, yo-hee! + Sally come out to the wishing gate, + To the wishing gate with me. + +For a moment he felt savage, that his wife should be in a place like +this; but then as a counterfoil there was the shuddering thought, she +might have been overboard. Several men in the long, dark aisle stepped +aside to let him pass. By-and-bye he reached the wretched little cabin +which the women occupied. Helen was there, holding to one of the +uprights for support, and bending over the woman as she applied a +soothing lotion to her head with the other hand. + +Involuntarily she started when she saw her husband approach. + +"Sweetheart, this is no place for you," he muttered as he gently took +her arm. + +"I had to come," she answered, motioning toward the bed. "I did not know +she was so ill until Mrs. Bond came for me an hour ago. She has been +sick ever since we came on board." + +The woman was indeed ill. She seemed almost dying, and the foul air +only helped to aggravate her condition. + +Harold drew Helen to one side. "This fetid place will kill you. You must +come away," he said. + +"Never fear," she replied trying to smile. "I am much needed and can +stand anything. Both the other women are sick; and unless the poor +creature is helped she will die." + +"From her looks," said Harold, "there is no hope even now. You had +better suggest to Mrs. Bond what to do, and then come with me. I will +speak to the Colonel of her condition at once." + +"It is the abominable air that is killing her," said Helen. + +"It is fetid, sure enough; but the storm is abating and the hatches will +soon be opened again," he returned. + +From the centre of the low ceiling hung a lamp, and although mid-day, +its flickering light merely made the darkness visible. On the floor were +a couple of wooden stools; and upon the straw pallet of a lower berth +lay the woman. Covered with a grey blanket she tossed from side to side +with every movement of the ship; while her husband sat by her and wiped +away the saliva that ran from her mouth. + +Helen was reluctant to leave, but she yielded, and Harold led the way to +the upper air. The sky was already clearing, and the waves had ceased to +wash the deck. + +"What a pity we have no doctor on board!" she said, grasping his arm as +they steered for their own gangway. "It does not give the poor woman a +chance." + +"The fact is, the marine surgeon took ill and had to be left behind at +the last moment, so the order came to have his place supplied when we +reach Halifax. Still the captain has a supply of medicines and is +skilful," said Harold. + +"I know," returned Helen. "The women say he has given her calomel every +day since we sailed, and yet she gets worse." + +"Perhaps his doses are not large enough," said Harold. "I know the +doctors call it one of their sheet anchors. I will speak to the Colonel +about it." + +"And shall we have to go all the way to Penetang without a doctor?" +Helen asked with a little tremor in her voice. + +"Oh, no, dearie; that will be arranged for when we reach port." + +"Hello, my lady! So you were playing truant! trying hide-go-seek in the +nether regions, I hear," cried the Colonel with a laugh, as they entered +the saloon. + +"The women sent for me, Sir George," she answered gravely; "that poor +woman Jenkins is very ill." + +"Indeed, so bad as that!" he exclaimed in surprise. "I heard her case +was one of ordinary sea-sickness. Something must be done for her. She is +really the best woman that we have on board. Oh, here's the captain. +We'll see what he has to say." And turning to him: "This is distressing +news about Corporal Jenkins' wife," Sir George continued. "They say she +is terribly ill. Did you know it, Captain?" + +"I am sorry to say it is true," was the answer. "She took ill right +after we left the channel, and should have been bled then; but there was +no one on board to do it, so I applied a dozen leeches and gave her +physic. Spite of all we could do, she got worse when the last storm +came, so I increased the calomel, but I fear it will be of no use." + +"Are you sure you gave her enough?" asked the Colonel, echoing Harold's +question. + +"I think so. It would hardly be safe to give her more. She is salivated +so badly now that she can scarcely swallow. The only thing left to do is +to give her opium." + +"Too bad," returned Sir George. "After her large camp experience she was +a capital woman to have with us. We couldn't bring her children on +account of the overland journey, and now I fear we have made a mistake +all round. Zounds! I wish I hadn't brought her." + +"It is hard to tell what is really the matter," said the captain. + +"My own belief is that it is low fever contracted in Spain three months +ago," said the engineer. "She was not feeling well when we sailed. You +know, Colonel, she was with the Corporal throughout the continental +war, and he was transferred to us on his return." + +"It is unfortunate that the sickness was not discovered sooner," said +Sir George, seriously. "Is there anything at all you can recommend, +Payne? It is a d----d shame that we have no doctor on board." + +"We might try wine and bark, and stop the calomel," was the reply. + +"I'm afraid her mouth is too sore to swallow," was Osborne's comment. + +"Make her try," returned the engineer, "and give her opium afterwards to +soothe her gums." + +And so saying they went down to lunch. + +"I must see her again to-night," whispered Helen to Harold as they +seated themselves at their own little table in the saloon. "I really +must." + +"But, Helen, the danger!" + +"No danger at all, dearie! I may not ask to do it again." And there was +an appealing tone in her voice that Harold could not resist. + +"Well, if you must, I will go too," was his answer. And silently they +finished their meal. + + + + + CHAPTER VI. + + +"She's kinder sleepin', marm," said Mrs. Bond in a whisper, "but she was +ravin' after you left till she got the new medicine. That quieted 'er +like." + +Helen was at the door with Harold by her side. As he had promised, the +hatchways were open and the air purer. + +"I have brought some jelly," said Helen in a low voice. + +"This is the first sleep she's had for a long spell," returned the +Corporal, gazing intently on the face of his wife. "P'raps we'd better +wait a bit." + +For some minutes Helen silently watched the sick woman. She was between +thirty and forty years of age, with face prematurely old. Her ashen grey +features were very thin and her lips swollen and open, while every few +moments she grasped faintly at imaginary phantoms. + +"Won't you take a seat, marm?" whispered Mrs. Bond. "Mrs. 'Ardman has +gone on deck for a breath or two of fresh air." + +But Helen declined. The woman moaned as she slept. Then with a start, +her eyes opened and she peered toward the spot where Helen stood, +grasping feebly with outstretched hand. + +"It's Willie," she cried, in a tone muffled by her swollen tongue. Her +eyes were wide open now. "Why don't they let 'im come to me? And there's +Jimmy and Jenny, too, Oh, my childer! my childer!" And she ended with a +low, tearless wail. Her friends tried to soothe her, but it was no use. +Waving them back, she went on with a gasp: "They won't let 'em--they +won't let 'em--but am deein'--and it don't matter now." + +"Willie's the lad that died last year," Mrs. Bond whispered to Helen. + +Mrs. Jenkins had the only dry eyes in the cramped little room. Women do +not weep when they are dying. Saliva was still drooling from her mouth, +and Mrs. Bond wiped it gently away with a soft rag as she gave her a +spoonful of the jelly. The cordial in it soothed her and she closed her +eyes again. + +"It's the reg'lations about childer," continued Mrs. Bond in a low +voice. "Soldiers' wives cannot take their childer wee 'em on a march." + +"Where are her children?" Helen asked with trembling lips. + +"Wee 'er mother," was the reply. "She was wee 'em hersel' for a week +after she came back from Spain. And they say she cut up awful when she +'ad to leave 'em again." + +"Have you got any children?" was Helen's next question, her mind +becoming unpleasantly familiar with actual facts. + +"Yes indeed, marm! I've three living--please God--they are pretty big +now. I used to leave them when they were little sometimes, an' it was +killing work, I tell you. But now they're big, an' placed; an' its +different when they can take care of theirselves." + +By this time Mrs. Hardman had returned. She was younger than the other +two, and although married for several years, perhaps fortunately for a +soldier's wife, she had no children. + +"She's very low, marm," was her first expression. + +"Has the chaplain been to see her?" Helen asked. + +"Yes, marm, 'ee was here this afternoon, and said 'ee'd come again in +the mornin'." + +"She won't be living then," said the Corporal, wringing his hands. "Oh, +my Betsy, my bonny wife! What'll I do without ye?" + +Her eyes slowly opened and rested upon her husband who was kneeling +beside her. Gradually a rational look came into her face. A faint smile +lit up her features as he clasped her hand. + +"God--bless--you," she whispered. + +"Come, Helen," said Harold, gently drawing his wife away. "I will have +the chaplain sent at once if you like, but I don't see what he can do +now." + +"He might comfort them, perhaps," she whispered as again she followed +him. "What awfully sad lives army women have anyway!" she continued as +she dashed away the tears that would persist in flowing. "Too bad for +her to die. I wonder if it had to be? And that calomel, I hate it. The +women say that pints of water have been running from her mouth for days. +No wonder she could not eat. The poor thing's a mere skeleton." + +"Quite true, darling! But this is something that cannot be helped," said +Harold, slipping his arm around Helen's waist as they walked along the +now quiet deck. "And my sweet wife must not think she knows too much. A +little knowledge is a dangerous thing, you know." + +"I suppose you are right. Captain Osborne is kind-hearted, and it was +very good of him to give up his pretty stateroom to us. But still I +cannot help wondering if it was best to give her so much calomel? +Perhaps she had to die--so many people have. How hard, too, for women to +be separated from their children whenever they go with their husbands on +a campaign." + +"But it is their husband's fault." + +"How so, Harold?" + +"Because soldiers usually marry without the consent of their superior +officers." + +Spite of her tears, Helen smiled as she caught the drift of his words. + +"Often, too, the common soldier enlists when drunk," he continued, "and +then, out of revenge, or because he has to--I knew an officer who had +to--he runs all risks and marries upon the first opportunity." + +"Does that often happen?" she asked demurely. + +"Yes, over and over again," he replied more gravely. "Sometimes a +soldier will be married for years before his captain finds it out. He +has nothing to keep his wife on, so he leaves her with her people or to +potter for herself till he comes home again. Then in the end, if a man +has been steady and seldom in the guardhouse, they give him a chance to +take his wife and children with him, particularly when there is little +marching to be done; but a tramp of a thousand miles is a different +thing." + +"I'm sorry for the poor children." + +"Yes, and I'm sorry for the Corporal; he's a brave soldier and has +promise of promotion. But it will be hard for him with his wife dead and +his children away. What is more, sweetheart, I'm sorry for Mrs. Manning, +who will have one woman less to go with her on her long journey." + +"You foolish fellow, I'm all right." But she tightened her clasp upon +his arm and cuddled closer. + +"Of course you are, and the dearest woman that ever lived. But Mrs. +Jenkins would have been a help to you." + +"Oh, do send the chaplain, please!" she interrupted in trembling +accents. + +"Yes, dearest," and kissing her at the door of their stateroom, he +hastened away on his errand. + + + + + CHAPTER VII. + + +The next day was Sunday, but a sad day on the _North King_; for it was +known by daybreak throughout the long line of bunks in the forecastle, +that the woman was dead. + +The rugged tars, inured to the vicissitudes of warfare and the hardships +of a never ending life on the sea, would have thought nothing of +dropping a man overboard--"for what is a man more than a sheep?" And the +brave soldiers, who time and again had rolled a fallen comrade hastily +into a hole to keep his body from falling into the hands of the enemy, +would only have been putting one more man out of sight. But this was a +woman, the wife of a fellow-soldier, who had dared to leave her children +that she might be with her husband and his comrades through all the +terrors of a long winter march. The conditions were different. In +importance there was no comparison. And when Chaplain Evans, after +reading morning prayers on that still December morning, announced that +the funeral service would be at three o'clock in the afternoon, there +were long lines of compressed lips and rigid features as well. All +hearts were softened. By-and-bye all was over, and the sealed bag was +dropped into the ocean. Then the men lined up and one by one grasped the +Corporal by the hand, mutely telling him of their love and sympathy. It +was all the poor fellow could stand. Perhaps it was bad form. They had +never had a similar experience to guide them. But it told Corporal +Jenkins that their hearts were true; and after the last clasp he strode +away by himself to shed silent tears over his lost wife and motherless +bairns. + + * * * * * + +For two days there was a subdued aspect onboard. The men joked less. +There were fewer guffaws. Even "Sally" was not sung; and all on board, +from the Colonel downward, bore the aspect of men impressed with the +fact that something unusual had happened. + +But soon a change came. Everything in the past was forgotten. The actual +present became of vital moment, for in the early morning, "Sail ahead," +sounded from the look-out. "Three-masted. +West-by-sou'-west-and-over-to-larboard." + +"What flag?" shouted the officer on duty. + +"Too far off. Can't tell yet," was the answer. + +In another minute, Captain Osborne was there too; and in the distance, +brightened by the sunlight, he discerned a little speck of white canvas. +The hull of the vessel was still hidden by the curve of the ocean. +Bringing his glass to bear, he exclaimed to Sir George who stood beside +him: + +"I see it now; and, by heaven, it's the Yankee flag!" + +"What's her course?" he yelled to the man aloft. + +"Bearing down upon us, tacking to nor'-east. Now I see her flag. It's +the Stars and Stripes. Looks like a man-of-war. The black spots must be +her guns." + +"Clear ship for action," shouted the captain in ringing tones. + +Quickly the decks were swept of all but guns, canister and shot. Pikes, +pistols and rifles were ready. Gun tackles were lashed. Every man was at +his post. + +In five minutes the distant vessel loomed up into clearer vision. The +Stars and Stripes were there sure enough. Sweeping down upon them, the +tightly built little craft was full of fight and bent upon the +offensive. + +"She's plucky to attack us," exclaimed the captain, "with the odds in +guns and ship room in our favor." + +"Yes, but look at her speed. How she scoots through the water!" + +"There! She's tacking again," muttered the captain. "When her +larboard-side heaves to, we'll take time by the forelock and open fire. +Be ready, men!" + +In another minute the American vessel gracefully swept around, setting +every sail in good position for the conflict. Then the captain signalled +for a round from the larboard guns. Instantly the big cannon bellowed +forth their messenger of death. But it was none too soon, for at the +same moment smoke issued from the bow of the frigate, and a twenty pound +ball plunged through the ranks on the deck of the _North King_, +shattering one of the boats to pieces. + +"A good shot," said the captain quietly, as his men carried off a dead +seaman and a couple of wounded soldiers. + +"Her name's the _Delaware_," said Sir George, who was using his glass. + +"We've hit her," ejaculated the captain. "There's a hole in her +forecastle and her bowsprit's gone. Give her the rest of the larboard +guns." + +That the _Delaware_ was injured was evident, for although continuing to +fire, she tacked again and put on full sail to increase the distance +between herself and the British ship. + +A fierce yell rang out from the men. The order for chase was given and, +wild with enthusiasm, every stitch of canvas was put on in hope of +overtaking the retreating _Delaware_. The sun shone overhead among +white-cap clouds, and the sea was tossing big waves and foamy jets over +the sides of the ships; while at brief intervals one or other continued +to belch out its thunder and its shot. + +But the distance was too great for many of the balls to be effective. +The Yankee fire did some damage to the rigging and sent a nine-pound +ball through a porthole, making havoc inside, and wounding men; but as +she was creeping further away the fire of the _North King_ did little +service. Over and over again the gunners aimed at her mizzen-mast, but +it didn't budge. They were not sure that the shot even touched the ship. +The fight was discouraging. At last there was a new manoeuvre on the +frigate. + +"They are making desperate efforts over there," commented the Colonel. + +"Yes," exclaimed Captain Payne, who was also closely watching the +_Delaware_, "they are placing their biggest gun in the stern, right +behind the mizzen-mast. Our fire has destroyed the railing and you can +see what they are at." + +"Good Lord! to rake us with their big ball as a parting salute," was +Osborne's comment. "But we'll be even with them," and he hurried forward +to give his command. + +"That gun must be disabled at any cost," he yelled to his men, and with +another shout they tried to do his bidding. + +That the _Delaware_ was determined to carry out her plans was evident. +With her stern to her foe, her men were taking in sail to diminish the +intervening distance and make the shot more telling. + +"If they would only let us get within musket range," suggested Captain +Payne. + +"We might reach her now," exclaimed Sir George. "Give the order, +Captain. Having once fired that d----d cannon they will put on sail +again." + +By Captain Osborne's order half a dozen balls whirled away from the +muzzles of the forward guns, simultaneously with the crash of the +musketry. Through his glass, Sir George saw a gunner at the big cannon +fall, while the main deck of the frigate was torn up by the cannonading. +But the big gun was still uninjured, and the _Delaware_ had its revenge. +Another seaman stepped into place and put a match to the magazine. Then +with terrible force the huge ball crashed above water mark into the prow +of the _North King_. + +A yell could be heard from the Americans, for they saw the damage they +had done; but as another broadside from the liner smashed into their +rigging, they hoisted full sail again and gradually swept out of range. +The exasperating effects of slow sailing could not be helped; and the +battle being over, attention was directed to the dead and wounded, and +the damage done. + +How much the _Delaware_ was injured it was impossible to tell, for she +did not return to the attack. Steadily the distance increased between +the two ships, and before night came, the last trace of the frigate was +discerned from the mast head, disappearing over the horizon. + +Much against her will Helen had remained in her stateroom during the +whole of the contest. She had not appeared on deck that day when the +_Delaware_ was first seen, and the order to clear the decks given. After +the battle, however, she went to the prow of the boat with Harold, in +time to see the clipper's heels gradually disappearing. + +"Are you glad it is over?" he asked, as he slipped his arm around her. + +"I suppose I should be," was her answer, fixing her eyes on the distant +frigate, "but I don't know that I am. It was audacious for a little +thing like that to attack a big war vessel like the _North King_. They +have killed some of our men, too; a pity you didn't give them a +thrashing. Perhaps you couldn't?" + +"Why, Helen, what a fighter you are!" + +"I came by it naturally, I suppose." This time she laughed. "If the +feeling had not been inherited, perhaps I would not have been willing to +have come with you at all." + +"And now you cannot turn back even if you want to." + +"But, dearie, I don't and never did." + +"Not even when the enemy were killing our men?" he asked, looking +earnestly into her eyes. + +"No, not even then," she said; "but I think Sir George might have let me +come on deck." + +"And expose the only lady we've got, and she my wife, to the hellish +dangers of battle. No, indeed, my dear. What do you take us for?" + +"If we have another fight I'll ask him," was her answer. + +"And I suppose you think he will consent?" + +But there were no more battles, in that voyage at least. + +The wounded men progressed favorably, considering that there was no +regular surgeon on the ship; and by the time they reached port they were +almost well again--ready to be transferred to the military hospital as +convalescents. + +Christmas was over, and the New Year had arrived, before they passed +Sable Island. But on the next day, they were in the long harbor, and +passing McNab, they saw in the distance the little city of Halifax. + + + + + CHAPTER VIII. + + +Helen stood on deck, wrapped in seal coat and gauntlets, looking at the +snow-covered town as the _North King_ sailed up the harbor. Many vessels +were already anchored. The bright winter sun showed to advantage the +picturesque little city. The dazzling whiteness of the roofs, the varied +contours of the houses, the glittering pinnacles of church spires, the +little groves of naked trees, backed by the ever-green verdure of pines +and cedars, all helped to make an interesting picture. + +Most of the buildings were of wood, many being simple log cabins; while +others were block-houses of more pretentious mien, whose timbers had +been hewn into shape in the forest. Here and there a more stately +dwelling, built of granite boulders or lime-stone rock, mingled with the +rest. + +What added much to the weird picturesqueness of the outlook, as Helen +gazed upon it, was the glitter of icicles from many of the roofs, as the +dazzling sunlight fell upon them. Then there was the far-reaching canopy +of snow; while over beyond the houses were hills and craggy rocks and +clumps of trees; and back of all, as distant as eye could see, the +wide, interminable forest. + +"How strange!" she exclaimed, drawing closer to her husband. "I never +thought it would be like this." + +"But is it not beautiful?" he asked. + +"Yes; still it looks like a little town at the very end of the world," +said Helen, with a shiver. "Pretty indeed, but where are the Indians? Is +that the Citadel?" + +"Yes, that is the Citadel. Although I see no Indians, there are the +red-coats. Look! yonder is a company at drill." + +"Ah! that is more natural! It makes me like it better. How wonderful it +all is!" + +Suddenly a violent gust of wind carried the snow in drifts from the +roofs of the houses. A grey cloud swept over the sun, and for a brief +space the glittering whiteness of the prospect was over. Gradually the +ship neared the wharf, and protected by heavy sticks of timber hanging +over its side, it ground against the big bulwarks, and with huge ropes +was made fast to the dock. + +Colonel Mason and his staff were waiting for them; and no sooner had the +gangway been laid than they came on board to welcome the officers of the +big warship, as well as the men of the 100th Regiment. Those were not +days of Atlantic cables and telegraphic dispatches; and although word +had been received by the last ship from Liverpool that Sir George Head +was coming out with a small body of troops, the exact date of departure +was not announced. + +"Right welcome!" exclaimed Colonel Mason, as he shook Sir George and +Captain Osborne by the hand. "Long expected, but here at last." + +"Rough voyage! Six weeks of it. Glad it's over," was Sir George's +laconic reply, as with equal heartiness he returned the greeting. + +While introductions were made, Helen and Harold stood in the background, +but the quick eye of Colonel Mason soon noted them. + +"Lieutenant and Mrs. Manning," said Sir George at last. "You did not +know, Colonel, that we had a lady on board." + +"An unusual but a pleasant surprise," was the answer, as the officer +bowed over her hand. "I extend to Mrs. Manning a most cordial welcome." + +Helen looked very handsome that morning. The keen air had given a rosy +tint to her cheek. Her eyes sparkled with interest and her +closely-fitting fur coat set off her beauty to advantage. + +"We never expect ladies to cross the Atlantic in midwinter, particularly +on a man-of-war," Colonel Mason continued, turning to her again. "It +takes rare courage, madam; and it is delightful to find it possessed by +so young and charming a lady." + +Colonel Mason was a courteous and gallant officer of the old school. + +"Thank you, sir," she replied, her face flushing with pleasure. "It was +a little trying to be the only one on board; but the officers were very +good to me. I hope I did not tax their patience too much." + +"She was all right," exclaimed Sir George with a laugh, "until after the +battle--just a little skirmish, you know--when she wanted to install +herself as head nurse to the fellows who were wounded--" + +"Oh, Colonel!" she exclaimed, in amazement, turning suddenly upon him. +"How could you?" + +"Why! isn't it true?" he replied merrily. "But, Mason, what news of the +war?" he continued with more gravity. "Word over the sea travels so +confoundedly slow; I have heard nothing for two months." + +"I am glad to say the report is encouraging," was the reply. "General +Hampton's forces were defeated and driven back by De Salaberry at +Chateauguay Junction; and with Hampton and Wilkinson have gone back to +winter on the American side of the line. Then, too, only a few weeks +ago, Colonel McClure, the terror of the Twenty-Mile Creek, was driven +back by Colonel Murray's regulars, assisted by loyal Indians. Up to +September the invaders were right in the country all along the line; +but, thank God, we can hold our own now, and intend to keep it." + +"That's good news. And how is it on the lakes?" + +"Ah, that is different! So far we have had the worst of it. That naval +battle of Put-in-Bay was a terrible disaster to us. Commodore Perry of +the American fleet was too much for Barclay. It ended in a perfect rout. +In their hands all our officers, and half the crews of our boats, were +either killed or wounded. The fact is, that battle undid all that Brock +accomplished by his great victory at Hull." + +"That's bad, indeed! But what of Michigan? Surely you have better news +from there." + +"Gone from us forever, I fear. We must be satisfied if we can hold our +own territory, but that we're bound to do." + +"To which we all say 'Aye,'" and Sir George's words were echoed by the +little group of men who had gathered round them. + +"You have dispatches for me, I believe," said Colonel Mason, preparing +to lead the way. + +"Yes," replied Sir George. "I will give them to you when we reach the +Citadel." + +Sleighs with broad runners, curled up behind and before, comfortably +cushioned, and well supplied with buffalo robes, awaited them; and +cheers rang out from the crowd on the wharf as the officers, with Helen +by the side of her husband, landed and took their seats. In a few +minutes the sleighs in single file dashed away in the direction of the +Fort. + +"This is just lovely," cried Helen in glee. She had never seen a sleigh +before. The ponies trotted off at a swinging pace, the circlet of bells +around each of them ringing out merrily. + +"First impressions are a sure omen of the future," returned Harold. +"This is my first sleigh ride, too, and like you, I am delighted." + +"Look at those boys and girls," she cried again as they turned a corner. +Handsleighs and toboggans, loaded with children, were shooting down a +neighboring hill at a tremendous speed. "I wonder if some of them won't +be killed?" + +"Not likely," replied Harold. "They are used to it. And use is second +nature. You'll be coasting yourself some day when we get to Penetang." + +"Coasting? Is that what they call it?" + +Soon the sport of the children was out of view. Another turn was made +and, driving along a level street, they ascended the hill to the +Citadel. + + * * * * * + +"These orders are very explicit," said Colonel Mason to Sir George, +three hours later, as the two sat together before a blazing fire. They +were the only occupants of the room. + +"That's Wellington's forte," was the answer. "Emphatic precision in the +smallest detail, as well as the largest. Not a bad policy either, if it +is an iron rule." + +Colonel Mason read on: + +"Two companies of the 100th Regiment, under Sir George Head, to march +from Halifax on snowshoes, or otherwise, through Nova Scotia and New +Brunswick to Quebec. Then on to Montreal and up the Ottawa river to +Hull. From there to travel as nearly due west as possible, on the lines +of the old Jesuit trail, through to Georgian Bay on Lake Huron, which +will be their destination; upon which bay a garrison must forthwith be +erected. All goods, ammunition and garrison effects required, must be +carried on sleighs accompanying the troops; and, when necessary, roads +must be specially made for the purpose. One imperative order of the +march is that the column must arrive at Lake Huron before the winter is +over and the ice broken up--otherwise, the latter part of the march will +be much more difficult to accomplish." + +"And when is the break-up likely to take place?" Sir George asked. + +"About the beginning of April," was the reply. + +"Which means, that in less than three months, in the dead of winter, we +must travel a thousand miles; and that a large part of the journey will +be through forest that has never been broken." + +"A severe undertaking," was Colonel Mason's comment. "But, as the +marshes and lakes will all be frozen, the winter season is in your +favor, Sir George. The only pity is that you were not here before +Christmas; then your time would have been ample." + +"We expected to arrive two weeks ago. It was the storms and not the +skirmish that delayed us." + +"Something you could not avoid. How many men have you, Colonel?" + +"Two full companies with the exception of several killed and half a +dozen wounded." + +"A few men of your regiment were left with us by the Marquis of +Tweeddale, when he went west. What say you to exchanging the sick list +and filling up your number? If I mistake not, you will need every man." + +"Thank you--a good suggestion." + +"What about stores for the journey?" + +"Oh! the _North King_ has a full supply; but it will take some days to +unload, as well as to secure horses and guides; and in this matter we +will have to call upon you for assistance." + +"I had orders from the War Office to that effect some time ago, so you +will have nothing to fear on that score. Both men and horses will be +ready for inspection to-morrow. The enigma to me is: what is Lieutenant +Manning going to do with his wife? I understood from her at lunch that +she expected to go with you." + +"That is the intention," said Sir George, smiling at the amazement of +his host. + +"Ye gods!" cried the latter. "Do I understand that this young and +charming lady is to accompany you through all the hardships of a +midwinter journey across half a continent?" + +"Hardly that, Mason. Say a quarter instead of half. Still the +arrangement is final so far as a woman can make it," was Sir George's +answer. + +"Well it beats me! But you must have other women with you, of the 100th. +She cannot be the only one." + +"We had three soldiers' wives, but unfortunately one of them died on the +way. Under the circumstances is there anything you can suggest that will +make it easier for Mrs. Manning?" + +"Only this, that if the journey for her is irrevocable, when you arrive +at Quebec, pick out one or two first-class habitant women to go with +her. When you secure good ones they are invaluable. They know the +country and can endure anything, are as bright as crickets, and as sharp +as steel traps." + +"A good idea, Colonel, thank you. I'll make a note of it." + +"But what is all this about, Sir George? What do you really expect to do +when you reach Penetang?" + +"The order is to establish a fort, build a ship-yard, and found a +colony; and when the end is accomplished, leave one of my officers in +command and return home." + +"I see, I see; and that officer is to be Lieutenant Manning." + +"I did not say so," said Sir George with a smile. + +A tap at the door interrupted the conversation. Colonel Mason arose and +opened it. + +"May I come in?" was the question, and a sweet, grey-haired lady, with a +troubled face, presented herself. + +"Certainly, my dear," replied her husband. "Sir George and I were just +finishing our conversation." + +"I hope I am not intruding," she answered, looking from one to the +other, "but if at liberty there is something I would like to speak to +you about, while you are together." + +"We are at your service," replied Sir George, "and so far as I am +concerned, you could not have chosen a better moment." + +And so saying, he courteously placed a chair for her. + + + + + CHAPTER IX. + + +"I'm all in a flutter and scarcely know how to begin," commenced Mrs. +Mason, stroking down the folds of her dress, and looking timidly at Sir +George. + +"Well, what is it about, Marion?" Colonel Mason asked, surprised at such +an unusual exhibition of feeling on the part of his wife. + +"Oh! it's about that dear young creature you brought over with you, Sir +George. She tells me that she is going with her husband and the troops +right through that dreadful forest. The idea is terrible. Perhaps I have +no right to; but I beg to intercede. Can not the plan be changed?" + +"Did Mrs. Manning wish you to intercede?" Sir George quietly asked. + +"No, indeed! I did not even tell her what I thought, but waited until I +could obtain your permission to speak." + +"Do you know, Mrs. Mason, that it is by her own desire that she is +going?" said Sir George, gravely. + +"But she doesn't know," protested Mrs. Mason, emphatically. "It would be +a shame to take such a young girl out and let her freeze to death on +that terrible journey." + +"No danger of that, I think," was the smiling rejoinder. "The officers +of the 100th Regiment are too gallant to allow such a thing to occur." + +"Oh! I know you will do what you can," returned Mrs. Mason, changing her +attitude a little; "but when you think of the snow and the ice and the +intense cold, and all the terrors of the trip, would it not be better to +let her stay with us for the winter, and have her go on to the new fort +in the summer after it is built?" + +"Ah! That is an entirely different matter, and very kind of you to +propose it. But if I know Mrs. Manning aright, she will be the last +person in the world to consent to a change in the programme." + +"But may I not speak to her? I know Colonel Mason will consent." + +"Certainly, my dear," assented that gentleman. + +"May I ask her to remain with us for a few months then?" she said again, +turning to Sir George. + +"Undoubtedly you may. And if she is willing to stay in Halifax for the +winter, with her husband's consent, of course, I shall be very happy to +leave her to your care." + +Thanking Sir George for acceding to her request, Mrs. Mason withdrew. + +"It is a dilemma," said Colonel Head, after the door had closed. "And +probably a more serious one than I imagined when I sanctioned it. Still +I think the pros and contras will balance each other. The presence of a +lady in our midst may render our march a little more troublesome, +possibly make our speed a little slower, as well as necessitate greater +care in our appointments on the road. But it will have a good effect, +too. Mrs. Manning is a true lady and is thoroughly in love with her +husband. So it will put the fellows on their honor and make them show a +bit of genuine chivalry as well. She is as bright as a fairy, has lots +of pluck, and what is more, has a capital voice. We can take care of her +and I don't think we'll be out in the end." + +"From your view of the case, I don't think you will," was Mason's +comment. "Still the thing is so unprecedented that it will be impossible +to eliminate the element of risk." + +"Life would not be worth living if we could," returned Sir George. "We +always have it." + +"Well, here's to a successful march and happy ending, whether you take +the lady with you or not." + +And the two gentlemen touched their glasses and drank the toast. + + * * * * * + +By this time Mrs. Mason had returned to her own little parlor where +Helen was still resting. Extending both hands she exclaimed: "I have got +it beautifully arranged, my dear; you are to stay with us for the +winter. Sir George Head has given his consent." + +"But, my dear Mrs. Mason----" + +"Now, no objecting at all," interrupted that lady with great vivacity, +as she held Helen's hands tightly within her own. "You need not say a +word but accept the conditions. The idea of you going in January on that +desolate trip is terrible. It is appalling. Now, you must stay with me +and enjoy Halifax while your husband with the rest of the men cut the +road through the woods and build the fort; then you ----" + +"This will not do, Mrs. Mason," Helen in turn interrupted. Her face was +already flushed with excitement. "It is very good of you; but really you +do not understand the conditions. My going with the troops is +imperative. I am sorry you spoke upon this subject to Sir George, for +the only reason I had in crossing the ocean was to go with my husband +and the soldiers on this journey." + +"But the intense cold?" + +"I have lots of woollen things and furs." + +"For hundreds of miles there is not a house." + +"The men will build shanties and heat them with big fires." + +"But the wolves! In winter they are intensely savage and hunt in large +packs." + +Here Helen discomfited her hostess by a ringing peal of laughter. + +"Pity if two companies of soldiers cannot keep a pack of wolves from +eating up a poor lone woman!" she exclaimed. "No, no, Mrs. Mason, +argument is out of the question. I came to go with them and go I will." + +"I suppose I must give in then," said Mrs. Mason, pensively. "You are +incomprehensible. To think of a girl giving up home and friends and +undertaking such a journey in the dead of winter beats me." + +"Ah! but there's something at the end of it, Mrs. Mason," returned Helen +warmly, "which will repay one for all the difficulties and fatigues by +the way." + +"And what is that, pray?" + +"They say that Penetanguishene, and all the islands there, make one of +the most beautiful pictures in the wide world. The old Jesuit Fathers +used to declare that the rocky islands of the bay were in summer just +like Paradise." + +"And to prove it," exclaimed Mrs. Mason, "they froze to death in the +winter to be sure of the comparison; but never mind, my dear, if you are +determined to go, we must do our best to make the trip comfortable for +you. You shall have a little break in the tedium of travel anyway. Our +annual military ball takes place here on Friday night, and you must be +our honored guest. It will not be as large as usual, for some of our +officers have been killed in the war, and others have been wounded. +Still it will be nice and the Governor, Sir John Sherbrooke, and his +wife will both be there." + +"I am afraid I have not anything to wear," said Helen. "You know I did +not expect to attend balls in my new life in the woods." + +"But what of your wedding dress?" + +"That was of white satin; but, of course, it was high neck and with long +sleeves." + +"Still you must have had lace and ornaments of one sort or another with +you?" + +"Oh, yes! I have some rare old Indian lace of my mother's and a white +crepe veil that my grandmother wore at her wedding." + +"Well, you have the materials. That is very fortunate. And as there are +two more days, we'll see what my own dressmaker can do for you." + +"And where is the ball to be?" Helen asked with growing interest. + +"In the Grand Hall at the Citadel. And let me whisper in your ear: We +will see that you are the belle of the evening." + +"You forget that I am an old married woman!" exclaimed Helen with a +laugh. + +"Perhaps you are," commented Mrs. Mason, raising her eyebrows, "but +nevertheless you will conquer the hearts of the men--every one of them." + +Just then Harold entered the room, and hearing Mrs. Mason's statement, +he laughingly declared that he was already jealous. But when she told +him of the discussion relative to the prospective overland journey, he +folded his wife in his arms and kissed her--not once nor twice--but many +times. Whereupon Mrs. Mason put on her spectacles and commenced to +count over the names of the invited guests. + + + + + CHAPTER X. + + +The old Citadel was brilliantly illuminated. Lights gleamed in every +window. The snow was shovelled clean from the footpaths, and guardsmen +had made smooth the drives for incoming sleighs. The full moon shone +with softened lustre from a cloudless sky, filling the air with +voiceless music, and enveloping with chastened beauty the wide stretches +of ice and snow which mantled the earth. + +Within the citadel a bevy of pretty girls, aided by the junior officers, +had decorated the doors and windows with elaborate care. Festoons of +cedar, sprigs of holly and bunches of red berries, softened by the light +from the candelabra, while innumerable lamps of archaic design added +variety and beauty to the scene. + +The ballroom was decorated with national and colonial flags, those of +the 100th being added to do honor to the occasion; while the Vice-Regal +chair was surrounded with rugs of rich and rare texture. In a +tête-a-tête corner to the left of the main entrance, luxurious, +long-haired, polar bear skins littered the floor; while, on the opposite +side, the feet of the guests sank deep in the furs of buffalo from the +west. + +"What a characteristic room!" exclaimed Helen, as she stood for a moment +at the wide entrance, leaning on the arm of her husband. "I never saw so +many flags and beautiful skins in one room in my life." + +"Nor I either. Still the setting is appropriate--the flags a token of +the present war, and the skins a trophy of the huntsmen's prowess. Furs +are one of the main products of the country, you know." + +"I wonder if it can produce as many women?" said Helen, glancing over +the Hall. "There are few but men here yet." + +"All the more triumph for the women who are," was his answer, as he +looked down with love into her eyes. + +The Governor and Lady Sherbrooke, with Mrs. and Colonel Mason and Sir +George Head, were receiving when they entered. Officers of the garrison +and several from the _North King_ were there, as well as civilians with +their wives and daughters. + +"May I have the honor of the opening quadrille with you?" said Colonel +Mason to Helen after presenting her. + +"I shall be only too happy," was her answer. But a faint flush rose to +her cheek. She would prefer to have danced the opening one with her +husband. + +"The guests are still coming, and our dance will be soon; _au revoir_ +until then." + +Harold and she passed on. More than a dozen ladies had by this time +arrived--most of them young and some very pretty, with white shoulders +and graceful figures. Not a few had flashing diamonds, brought by their +mothers from the old land over the sea, and they sparkled like the eyes +of their winsome wearers as they mingled with the men. + +"How pretty they are!" said Harold, _sotto voce_. "As fresh as if new +from England." + +"I don't see any of the blue noses they talk about," Helen returned. "It +must be a healthy climate, Harold, if it is cold." + +At this moment Judge and the Misses Maxwell were announced. The Judge, a +large and portly man, crowned with periwig, had a keen, intelligent +face. He was accompanied by his two daughters. One was of the large +blonde type with blue eyes and flaxen hair, always smiling in a decided +way of her own. The other, Miss Maud, was of a different type. No one +would have taken them for sisters. Slight in build and quick in +movement, there was a winsome charm about her that was very engaging. +Perhaps the most distinguishing feature in her manner was her strong, +unconscious frankness. Her features were regular and her eyes black, +while her wealth of dark hair and sweet countenance combined to make her +irresistibly charming. One would think from the color of her hair and +eyes that she should have been a brunette; but her skin was exquisitely +white and the petal of a delicate rose seemed to have planted its hue +upon her cheek. + +In attire the two young ladies differed as much as in personal +appearance. The blonde was dressed in white; but Maud had a robe of +chameleon hue, that reflected in changeable lustre every flash of light +that fell upon it from the chandeliers above. The delicate fulness +revealed by the low corsage was partially hidden by a bunch of violets +from her own indoor garden, while a little circlet of pearls and minute +diamonds flashed upon her neck. + +"What character there is in that face!" said Helen to Mrs. Mason a +moment later, as the Colonel joined her for the dance. + +"Yes, there is. Would you like to know her?" + +"I would indeed!" + +"I will introduce her after the quadrille is over." + +"Thank you." + +Sir John Sherbrooke escorted Mrs. Mason to the upper end of the room. +Then came Sir George and Lady Sherbrooke, followed by Captain Osborne +and one of the colonial dames, while Colonel Mason and Helen brought up +the rear. Together they formed the set for the opening quadrille--and +stately and beautiful it was, as Helen remembered long afterwards. + +All eyes were fixed upon the four couples. With elaborate bows and +graceful formality, they stepped through the figures of the dance. The +measured music from the violins and harps beat a slower time in the days +of our forefathers than now; and there was a dignity and solemnity in +the first dance of the period--almost equivalent to the sacred decorum +of a religious rite--that in this rushing age has been forgotten. + +"Mrs. Manning--Miss Maud Maxwell," said Mrs. Mason after the dance was +over. "You young ladies have each expressed a desire to know each +other." + +As they clasped hands and looked into each other's eyes, several moments +passed away; thoughts seemed to be uttered without words. + +"Strangers, and yet not strangers," said Helen. "I could fancy I had +known you for years." + +"It must be the same feeling," said Maud, still holding the extended +hand; "a sweet joy in seeing you, although we never met before." + +"It is all owing to the talk you have made among us," said Mrs. Mason, +taking each young lady by the arm and leading the way to one of the +tête-a-tête corners already referred to. "Maud was always ambitious, +headstrong, wayward. Perhaps a little chat between you two will do each +good. There, I will leave you, but with so many gentlemen and so few +ladies, I cannot guarantee a minute by yourselves." + +"Would you care for a companion in your journey west, Mrs. Manning?" +Maud asked in a swift, low voice, as Mrs. Mason, accepting the arm of +an officer, left them. She must speak while the chance lasted. + +"I know I would," was Helen's startled answer; "but after all that is +said against it, I fear that I could not conscientiously advise." + +"It would be simply glorious to go," said Maud, enthusiastically. "Out +in the starry night with the trees cracking and the wolves howling, +while you are rolled up in your buffalo robes, snug and warm, and safe +from all danger." + +"You young enthusiast! What a splendid companion you would make!" + +"Would I?" and the girl's eyes flashed. "Oh, if I only could!" + +At this moment Mrs. Mason returned to introduce another gentleman. + +"Mrs. Mason," said Helen as they arose from their seat. "Do you know +that Miss Maud Maxwell would like to be one of our party?" + +"That is not surprising," was the answer. "I've known Maud ever since +she was a baby, and she was always a Tom-boy." + +"Why traduce my fair name?" said Maud with a laugh. + +"My dear, is it not true?" + +"Please don't be pathetic. I'd like to go; that is all." + +"And you really mean it?" Helen asked, looking gravely into the girl's +face. + +"Yes, I do. But I suppose there will be little chance. Father would +oppose it, and no doubt Sir George would also. Still I would give +anything to go with you. But I am engaged for this waltz. Mrs. +Manning--Doctor Beaumont." + +And she walked away with him as Harold joined them. Helen followed the +doctor for some moments with her eyes. His face had a French cast, +although his skin was fairer and his hair lighter than is usually found +in that race. + +"The doctor is devoted to Maud," said Mrs. Mason, "although I do not +think she cares for him." + +"Is he the surgeon who is to go with the regiment?" Harold asked. + +"I think not. Dr. Fairchild is the man spoken of," said Mrs. Mason. "I +suppose I should not mention it, but as you are one of the officers it +can do no harm to tell you. I believe that Dr. Beaumont would like to +go. It will however be finally decided to-morrow." + +"Thank you for telling us," said Helen. "I suppose it is out of the +question about Miss Maud going?" + +"Entirely out of the question." returned the elder lady emphatically. +"If they should happen to appoint Dr. Beaumont, she would not dream of +going. H-m, h-m," she continued, wisely shaking her little grey head; +"that throws new light upon it; I do not believe she will really want +to go." + +"My dear, if we do not commence we shall lose our waltz," exclaimed +Harold to his wife, "It is half through already." + +"A thousand pardons, dearie. It is our first since we were married. I +wouldn't miss it for the world," and her winsome smile thrilling him +again, as it had always done, they glided over the floor. + + * * * * * + +The next afternoon Maud visited Helen at the Citadel. + +"Our little chat remained unfinished," were almost her first words. +"There were so many unmarried officers at the ball last night that the +gentlemen outnumbered the ladies, and I did not get a chance to speak to +you again." + +"You were sensibly occupied, and I forgive you," returned Helen. "I know +I danced more than I have done for years, and yet only managed to have +two waltzes with my husband." + +"I like Lieutenant Manning," returned Maud. "I had a polka with him, and +his chivalry took me, for he stopped before our dance was over to escort +old Mrs. Tindall across the room. Most young men would have let the lady +look after herself." + +"I knew what I was doing when I married Harold," said Helen with glowing +face. "You see I think so much of my husband that I am willing to +travel to the ends of the earth with him." + +"I would have to love a man like that or I would never marry," said +Maud. + +"You'll find him some day, if you have not already. And what about +Penetanguishene? Do you still desire to be one of our party?" + +"Yes and no," was the girl's reply, her mouth assuming for the moment a +set expression. "I'm afraid I said too much last night. Much as I would +like to go I find it will be impossible. So there is no use even +thinking about it." + +"Perhaps later when our fort is built and the war is over, you will +come." + +"Possibly," and her eyes melted into a dreamy expression. "Let me thank +you for the suggestion. If I can I will." + +"It is probably better so," said Helen, puzzled at such a speedy change +of attitude. + +At this moment Mrs. Mason entered the room. + +"I have just received the latest news," she said. "It was announced at +the officers' quarters this morning, that Dr. Beaumont has received the +appointment as surgeon to the 100th. Colonel Mason told me only a few +minutes ago." + +Helen involuntarily glanced at Maud, but at this moment the frank +expression was absent. Did she know already? + +"Is not this a surprise?" said Helen. "Of course I know nothing about +the appointment, only that rumor last evening gave the place to Dr. +Fairchild." + +"So it did," said Mrs. Mason; "but his father is not well and can ill +spare him. Perhaps that is the reason of the change." + +"I have just been taking back some of my own foolish talk," said Maud, +looking directly at Mrs. Mason. "My sudden fancy of going west with the +regiment was inspired by the fortitude of this brave lady--just an +enthusiastic idea that cannot be realized." + +"But she has promised to visit me at Lake Huron after the war is over," +said Helen. + +"The very time you ought to go yourself," was her hostess' comment. + +Mrs. Mason was one of those kind-hearted ladies who, having no children +of their own, consider it their duty to interest themselves in the +children of others. She always had two or three of her young lady +friends under her wing, and was never contented unless endeavoring to +pilot them to their destined haven. She must not only guide them aright, +but see also that they did not wilfully go wrong. That Maud Maxwell, in +her estimation the sweetest girl in all Halifax, should be allowed to go +on that desperate western journey was not to be thought of for a moment. +If she could not prevent the newly arrived bride from sacrificing +herself on the altar of a "crazy idea," she certainly could prevent Maud +from following suit. At all events she would try. + +There were more ways of killing a cat than one. Persuasion in one +quarter might have no effect, but a square talk in another, might; and +Maud's incomprehensible coolness with Dr. Beaumont might be turned to +advantage. Socially as well as professionally he was a very estimable +young man; and Mrs. Mason was surprised, knowing how deeply he was in +love with Maud, that a better understanding had not been arrived at +between them. Now, however, when she discovered that Maud intended to +make a special appeal to both Sir George and Colonel Mason to allow her +to accompany Helen on the journey, she concluded to turn the association +between Dr. Beaumont and the maiden to the best account, and in her own +quiet way put an end to the mad "project." + +What passed in the way of a curtain lecture between Colonel Mason and +his spouse after the ball was over, there was no one to tell; but the +celerity with which the medical appointment was discussed, decided upon, +and ratified when morning came, was somewhat remarkable. Sir George and +Colonel Mason were closeted together for half an hour after breakfast; +and then a couple of orderlies were summoned, and messages dispatched to +both of the doctors, containing the results of the decision. As a +consequence, Dr. Beaumont's mind was filled with conflicting thoughts +when he received the message. The first impression was surprise, for he +knew it had been otherwise arranged; but as the decision now was final, +he must obey, and his relation to Maud disturbed him. To leave her at +once might render his unreturned love hopeless. If he could have +remained, possibly he might win her yet; but to go away now and stay +perhaps for years, with the attentions and hearts of other men +continually at her feet, seemed more than he could bear. + +Still there was the other side to view. The post of surgeon to the 100th +was a distinct promotion; for he and Doctor Fairchild were both army +officers, and it flattered the spirit of rivalry which existed between +them to be selected over his fellow. The illness of Dr. Fairchild's +father was quietly hinted to both gentlemen as the probable cause of the +change; but the possibility that Mrs. Mason might have had something to +do with the final appointment, was not thought of, much less mentioned. + +The die was cast however, whatever would come of it, and Dr. Beaumont +realized that he must prepare at once for the journey. The mixed blood +of his parentage had made a strong man of him; for he possessed the +passion and vehemence of the Frenchman from his father, tempered by the +stolidity and integrity of the Scotch race from his mother. + +After reporting himself at headquarters, and rapidly making preparations +for the prospective march, it was late in the evening before he could +spare time to call at the Judge's. He had sent no message to Maud. +Still he hoped and believed that she would be ready to receive him. She +must have heard of his appointment. Would she be glad or sorry? How +would she welcome him? Was it possible that she would rejoice at being +relieved of the attentions of an unwelcome suitor? Or was it imaginable +that she would be glad of his promotion, and reward his devotion by +encouragement on the very eve of his departure? + +At any rate he would see and know the truth; and, after walking past the +house several times to soothe his nerves and check the rapid beating of +his heart, he finally knocked at the door for a final interview with +Maud. + + [Illustration: "Thank you very much!" exclaimed Harold + + _Page 27_] + + + + + CHAPTER XI. + + +Henri Beaumont, although a native of Quebec, was a graduate of an +English university, and it was in London, after obtaining his degree, +that he received his appointment on the medical staff of a British +regiment under orders for Canada. For two years now he had been +stationed in Halifax, and although during the war with the United States +he had seen some active service, his duties had been chiefly confined to +professional work among the troops stationed at the Citadel. + +It was there that Maud met him. Perhaps if she had been less +indifferent, the conquest would not have been so easily accomplished. +But the impression was made at the beginning, and notwithstanding her +apparent coolness, time seemed only to strengthen the one-sided bond +that existed between them. + +His heart was in a tumult as he entered the house that night--hope and +expectation did not balance each other--and minutes elapsed after +meeting Maud before the loud throbs beneath his jerkin ceased. + +"I am sure you heard the news?" he said retaining the hand which she +attempted to withdraw. "I am ordered to be ready to march with Sir +George's men in two days." + +"Yes," she replied, finally retracting her hand, "and I congratulate +you. Your friends, while sorry to lose you, will be glad of your +promotion." + +"That is very kind; but I would give the world to know that some one +really cared." + +He was growing serious already. So she threw back her head and with a +gentle laugh exclaimed: + +"Oh, my dear doctor, you don't know how much we shall miss you!" + +"Mon Dieu, Miss Maud! That is very well. But you know what I mean. When +I go away I can't return for a year at least. It is the time, the +absence, that I think of. Won't you give me a chance at all? You know +how I love you." + +"You have your chance now, Doctor--founding a fort--establishing a +settlement--perhaps building a city. That should be enough for any man +to face." + +"But it is not enough, mon ami." The doctor's face flushed and his eyes +glittered as he drew his chair nearer. "I want my love returned. I have +kept myself straight and pure for love of you, Mademoiselle. Do you care +for me at all? Will you not give me one promise before I go?" + +He was pleading very earnestly, a gleam of intense love illuminating his +face. Maud's manner softened a little, although she felt no responsive +thrill. She was not sure of her own heart, and was too wise to commit +herself when she experienced no warmer feeling than that of friendship. + +"You ask for more than I can give," she said. "If I do not love you, how +can I promise?" + +"Have I a rival then?" he asked with passionate earnestness. + +"How dare you ask such a question!" she answered with flushed face. "I +am in love with no one." + +"Then why not grant my desire? In my heart no one can take your place. +For long months I shall see only one other lady, and she the wife of a +brother officer. But I will found a settlement and build a city, too, if +you will only promise to be my--my sweetheart--when I come back again." + +"Oh, you silly man! I promise nothing. Why not simply wait and see. When +away on your long march (she did not tell him how gladly she would have +undertaken it herself if he had not been going) your mind and time will +be occupied with other things. You will never think of me." + +"Never think of you!" he exclaimed passionately. "Perhaps it would be +better for me if I never did. But I shall think of you every day when on +the march, and every night when in the woods we pitch our camp. When the +smoke arises from the pipes of the men around our fires, my thoughts +will be of you; and when rolled in blanket and buffalo robes, during +the long winter nights, I may see the stars through the tall trees, and +hear the owls hooting in the forest; but beyond the stars I shall see +your face, and in my dreams I shall hear your voice. No, Maud Manning, I +may go away, but you cannot get away from me. You fill my soul, my +heart, my whole being. You are my star, my light, my love--and it will +be the same in Penetang, no matter where you are." + +Spite of herself his words thrilled her, and unconsciously she rose to +her feet. She could not sit still any longer. What manner of man was +this French-Scotchman? This passionate pleader, this determined lover? +This soldierly fellow, who, while he worshipped her, accepted the order +to march to the end of the earth, for time indefinite, without a single +murmur of regret? She had never until now been seriously impressed with +his personality. She had seen the passionate, demonstrative side of his +nature; but its integrity and strength, its staunch chivalry and +unselfish devotion, were something new to her--and it was with a feeling +not unlike reverence that she heard his last words. A species of +humility almost akin to love was gradually stealing over her. + +"I am sorry," she said at last, but her voice this time was low and +sweet. "I should have told you sooner." + +"Told me what?" he exclaimed eagerly. "That you never could love me?" + +"No, not that." His intensity was so great, so real, that she dreaded +the future that seemed imminent in his face. She must give him hope, +however slight, until time could soothe the vivid chords of his being, +and until she could read aright the inmost thoughts of her own heart. + +"What then?" was his question. + +"Can you not suggest something else? We have always been friends," she +said. + +"Promise me to remain free for a year. I will do my best and come back +then," he said. + +"Yes, _Monsieur le Docteur_, for one more year I will not love any one, +for one more year I will be free." And the tone filled his soul with +music. The cloud was raised--the veil was lifted. + +"And I will write," he said. "Will you answer?" + +"Yes," was her quiet response. + +"Oh, Mon Dieu! I thank you," was his comment. His face had lost its +sadness. + +They stood together under the chandelier. He, excited, determined, +passionate, with love in every look and gesture, but controlling himself +by a strong effort. She, introspective, observant, wary; and yet with a +warmer kindliness towards her companion than she had ever felt before. + +"I must go," he said at last. "Just a kiss to seal our promise." And he +threw his arm out to clasp her to him. But with one step backward she +raised the hand that was held in his and the kiss fell upon it instead. + +"Good-bye and God be with you," she said. + +"And may He keep you until I return," was his prayer; "but shall I not +see you again? There may be time enough to-morrow?" + +"It would be better not." + +She stood at the door and watched him descend the steps. Then he turned +and, with a last look and a sweep of his chapeau, he disappeared into +the darkness. + + + + + CHAPTER XII. + + +On the day of the march the temperature was almost down to zero, and the +sky a clear pale blue. The order had been issued for the little column +to be ready at nine o'clock sharp; and cold as it was the whole town was +astir. Union Jacks were flying in honor of the occasion, and many people +were out on the street to witness the departure. The few days that had +elapsed since the arrival of the _North King_ had not passed idly away. +A score or two of teams had been purchased. Long sleighs, bobsleighs, +carryalls had all been secured, and many of them loaded with goods that +Captain Payne had brought over the sea for the building and provisioning +of the prospective fort. Then there were fur robes and blankets, +kettles, pots and tins for the journey, stores of all sorts, and +provisions for the men, fodder and blankets for the horses, as well as +the reserve supply of ammunition, all packed in capacious sleighs, with +drivers ready and horses snorting impatiently for the order to start. + +Punctual to the minute the companies lined up in the square by the +Citadel. + +Sleighs for Sir George and his officers, one for Helen and Harold, and +another for the soldiers' wives, were there in regular order. Then came +the heavy sledges of the commissary department, and last of all the +"bobs" containing the building supplies and ordinance outfit for the new +fort at Penetang. + +As the bell of the little old church on the hill struck nine a salute of +two guns from the Citadel was fired in honor of the event. Adieus had +all been said; hand-shaking was over; and as the shrill tones of the +bugles sounded, the order to march was given. Then the crowd cheered and +the sleighs started upon their long journey; while the soldiers in heavy +overcoats formed a double column and brought up the rear. + +For the commencement of such a journey the day was excellent. The roads +were good, the snow well packed, and soon the procession of ponies and +sledges commenced to swing along at a rapid rate. + +"Put my coat collar higher, please," said Helen to her husband as they +neared the outskirts of the town. Quick driving had made her feel the +cold air more keenly. + +"Will that do?" he asked. + +"Yes," she replied. "It keeps the wind out. These hot bricks for the +feet are delightful. What a glorious day for a ride! But look at that +big snow bank right in front of us! Bateese! don't upset us, please!" + +"Bateese nevare upset. Et is only de dreef," returned the Frenchman, and +with a crack of his whip he circled around the sloping end of the bank +as the other drivers had done before him. + +It was not so nearly an upset as Helen imagined, but she breathed more +freely when the huge pile of snow was behind them. + +"Do we meet many drifts like that?" she asked a little timidly, for it +was her first experience. + +"Oh! dat is noting," replied Bateese, tossing his head; "but dere is a +great big wan, high as yer head, right on de slope by de beeg hill, jess +befor' you cam to de lumber camp--Gar--he be a fine wan." + +And the habitant cackled and cracked his whip again. + +"Still we can pass it all right?" said Harold. + +"Nevare can tell," returned Bateese, shrugging his shoulders. "It ees on +de end of a heel, where two winds meet--an 'eet may be flat as de diable +in de mornin'--an' so big at night dat you couldn't see ovare de top if +you was ten feet high." + +"How then do you manage?" inquired Helen, who, seeing a twinkle in the +eye of Bateese, was regaining courage. + +"Oh, some tam you go roun, some tam over top after deegin' de snow +awa--and some tam," he continued very impressively, "you make a +tunnel--camp all night in de meedle--and deeg out a t'oder side next +day." + +"And what do you do with your horses while camping?" Harold asked with a +smile. + +"Oh! dat's easy," replied Bateese with perfect gravity. "We jess deeg +places for dem beside de camp--don't have go out in de cole to feed 'em. +Dey eat snow for vater, and de leetle fire keep us all warm." + +"That's a pretty good one, Bateese." + +"Oh, no, jess a leetle wan; tell you some more bime-by." + +And the Frenchman's infectious laughter was joined in by both Helen and +Harold as they scudded to the jingle of the sleigh-bells merrily along +the road. + +In a couple of hours the riders had left the heavy sledges and the +soldiers far behind. They had passed the clearings. Open fields became +less frequent, and the stretches of forest more continuous. Sir George +had inquired minutely into the nature and difficulties of the road; and +although he believed that the march for days would be outside of the war +arena, he had sent forward a strong scouting party to reconnoitre. + +The direction they were taking for the first part of the journey was +almost due north, following the sleigh track, which finally joined the +Truro-road along the banks of the Shebenacadie. + +The troops and heavy sledges would come up later, but the order was to +make the first halt at a lumber camp on their line of march, at which +arrangements were already being made by the scouting party for their +reception. By noon the Colonel's sleigh headed the file at the top of a +long hill. Dr. Beaumont was with him. + +"There it is!" he cried. "Yonder are the scouts. + +"You know the place then?" said Sir George. + +"Yes, I've often been here. Mr. Mackenzie has one of the finest lumber +camps in Nova Scotia. See, he is out now talking to Sergeant Banks." + +"A thrifty Scotchman, eh! I hope Banks has managed it. I would like the +whole troop to dine at the camp without touching our rations. You can +settle with Mr. Mackenzie afterwards," he concluded, turning to Captain +Payne. + +"It will be a great relief," returned the latter, "and give us a longer +march this afternoon. Nothing like making a good start on the first +day." + +The sergeant saluted as they drove up. + +"Mr. Mackenzie, this is our Colonel," he said, touching his cap. + +And a tall, massively built Scotchman, with shaggy hair and rugged +features, grasped Sir George's hand warmly. + +"Your men have been telling me about you, sir," he exclaimed. "I am glad +to see you. You must a' be hungry after your cold ride. The cook's doin' +his best to gie ye all a bite. Come right in. Your men can feed the +horses at the stable. Guid sakes, you've got a leddy with ye! and some +women folk, too!" and he finished by doffing his hat gallantly to +Helen. + +"Yes, we are hungry and glad to call a halt, Mr. Mackenzie, and I know +Mrs. Manning will be tired enough to rest." + +Here Harold introduced his wife and the group went inside. The huge +shanty was built entirely of logs, the inside walls hewed flat, the +chinks filled with wood and then covered level with plaster. One side of +the long wall was not more than six feet in altitude, but the opposite +one was twice as high to allow for the sloping slab roof. Scattered +along the two sides were a series of little windows, while in the far +end a pile of dry logs was burning brightly in a huge fireplace. Dining +tables of pine boards, supported on cross sticks, stretched the length +of the room, and were already laden with platters and cups in +preparation for the meal. The cross head table was built in a similar +manner, but instead of benches on either side, there was an array of +chairs, and perhaps in honor of the occasion, clean white sheets were +spread upon it for the coming meal. + +The rough, homely comfort about the place seemed attractive after the +cold drive, and elicited warm compliments from the Colonel. + +"Oh, it will do for the woods," returned Mackenzie, good-humoredly. "We +keep our men warm and comfortable and feed 'em well. The consequence is +that they like the job, and every man of 'em is glad to come back to +the camp when the next season opens." + +"But does not the war interfere with your work and make your men +enlist?" the Colonel asked. + +"Yes, sometimes; but it is a good thing to have a reputation. If peace +was declared to-morrow, I could get twice the men I need. As it is, half +the young men in the colony have listed. And yet I have all I want. But +dinner is almost ready, so Sir George, you and your men might put your +things in my office here; and, Mrs. Manning," he exclaimed with another +bow, "I haven't got a leddy's boudoir, but if you are not afraid of an +old bachelor's quarters, you might fix and rest yourself in my own den." + +"I shall be only too glad," returned Helen. "This big shanty is so +comfortable, I am sure I would be too warm, if I kept my furs on." + +"Well, just make yourself at home. You are welcome to any little thing I +can do for ye. But, ma sakes, what became o' the other weemen?" + +"Oh, they went off to the men's kitchen with their husbands," returned +Sir George. "You know Corporal Bond and Private Hardman were of the +reconnoitring party." + +And closing the heavy door of Mackenzie's den, Helen laid her wraps upon +his bed. A little mirror was hanging by the window and without delay she +arranged her hair. Then she washed in the pewter bowl and sat down in +the arm chair, the only seat in the room. Soliloquizing, she began to +realize what was before her. Through the little window she saw that the +shanty was close to the woods, an impenetrable forest on every side. +Only half a day out from Halifax, and notwithstanding the presence of +her husband, in a certain sense alone. And if alone, when blessed with +the rude comforts of the log camp and the generous cordiality of the +owner, what must it be when out in the forest night after night, through +all the long months of the winter? There could be no shadow of turning +now--no possibility of retreat. Still she did not lament. It was only +that life seemed more tense--more binding--infinitely more positive and +real! + +A little later, Harold came for her, and they joined Mr. Mackenzie, Sir +George and the officers at the head table, in the big hall of the +shanty. Their host placed Helen and Sir George as his guests of honor. +Then the big gong sounded and the shanty-men in smock frock and blue +jean overalls filed in and took their places. + +"That's a motley crowd, Sir George," said Mr. Mackenzie. They could +easily be observed by the Colonel, for his seat commanded a view of the +whole room. + +"Yes, you have many nationalities here: German, English, Scotch, Irish, +French," said Sir George. + +"But Johnny Canucks are on top every time," was the answer. "They stand +the work well, and make fine lumbermen. They have their peculiarities, +though. See how they spread their molasses on their pork instead of +their bread." + +"Like the Dutchman sleeping on straw with his feather bed on top of +him." + +"Or the Irishman with his potatoes and point." + +"Yes, but the French and the Dutch make the most of it, while Pat +contents himself with a joke." + +"And on it he fattens," returned Mackenzie with a laugh. "But I tell you +my men are well fed, the grub's rough but wholesome, and we often eat a +calf or a deer at a meal besides a pile of other stuff. Our table +doesn't differ much from theirs either," he continued, "but to-day in +honor of our guests, particularly Mrs. Manning and yoursel', Sir George, +I told the cook to make it extra fine. By George, he's sending us +griddled tenderloin, roast turkey and stuffed partridges as well." + +Then they had baked potatoes, cranberry sauce, salaratus cakes and tea. + +"We've only got brown sugar, Mrs. Manning, I'm sorry to say," he +continued, turning to Helen. "And unfortunately our coos are all dry." + +"It's a genuine feast," returned Helen, "and I'm thirsty enough to drink +anything." With an effort she controlled the muscles of her face as she +drank the beverage. Lumber-camp tea in those days was a nauseous draft +to any but the woodsmen themselves. + +By-and-bye the meal was over and Helen made a hasty run to the kitchen +department to see what the women were doing. The lumbermen, too, filed +out of the room to make way for the soldiers who at that moment were +marching down the hill. They were hungry after their long tramp, and did +not require a second bidding, when word came that the tables were ready. + +In offering to settle for the meal so freely granted, the response was a +surprise to Sir George. + +"Take pay for a feed!" cried the Scotchman with a laugh. "Not much, I +reckon we can stand it without smashing the camp. Thank ye kindly, +though." + +"This is too generous altogether," was the protest. + +"Not at all," replied Mackenzie. "Scotch bodies are canny, but when they +say a thing they mean it." + +"Well! we'll not forget you," said Sir George, as he grasped the +generous donor by the hand. "Perhaps some day our turn will come." + +Soon the teams were ready again, and several of the marching officers +took the places of those who had ridden. The result was that Chaplain +Evans was assigned to a seat in Helen's sleigh, while Harold walked +with his men. + +"It can't be helped," said the Lieutenant, as he gave his wife a +momentary caress. "I shall have to ride and march turn about until +Quebec is reached. But you are in good company and there is no danger." + +"Well," replied Helen, forcing a laugh, "your absence will make your +presence all the dearer; so good-bye, sweetheart." + +"Until to-night," was his answer, and throwing her another kiss, he +placed himself at the head of his men. + +"How much further do we go to-day?" Helen asked of Sir George, who came +to speak to her for a moment before getting into his sleigh. + +"About fifteen miles, I think. We want to camp at Shebenacadie to-night. +There will be accommodation in a settler's house for you and the women, +but for the rest of us, the men will have to put up shanties, and the +sooner we get away the better. The scouting party went ahead two hours +ago on snowshoes, so they will have them started when we arrive." + +"But what after to-night?" said Helen. + +"I'm afraid we'll have to camp, women as well as men," said the Colonel +with a shrug, and stepping into his sleigh, the cavalcade started. + + + + + CHAPTER XIII. + + +For more than an hour the drive was rapid, the country being less +undulating and the road smoother. Still the way was always through the +woods. Tall pines everywhere stretched skyward, while on the lowlands, +ashes and elms spread out their grey branches, in vivid contrast to the +evergreen above. Scrub oaks on the hillocks still carried the dead red +leaves of the past year; while here and there a beech or a maple added +its varied beauty to the winter landscape. + +Although the road lay for miles along the banks of the Shebenacadie, its +waters could only occasionally be seen. Now and then a wider vista +opened, and a bit of the dashing river, rendered free here and there by +a more rapid current, added picturesqueness to the view. At other places +the bed of the stream was covered with ice, save for an occasional +rollway, where the lumberer had piled his sawlogs upon its broken +surface. + +The drivers had covered more than half the distance to the proposed camp +when they reached the top of a long ridge stretching out on either side. +At the foot of the incline, a stranger sight than they had yet seen +attracted their attention. It was a circle of Indian wigwams, in the +lowest part of the valley, no doubt placed there to protect them from +the winds that prevailed in the uplands. One of the lodges was taller +and broader than the rest, but in other respects they were alike, and of +the usual cone form. + +In the centre of the circle was a huge log fire, around which stood a +promiscuous lot of Indians, squaws and papooses, watching the +approaching sleighs. + +"Are these Indians always friendly?" the Chaplain asked of Bateese, as +they gradually neared the little Indian village. + +"Oui, Monsieur, yees," was the answer. "Dey be Micmacs, and Micmacs goot +Indians. Not like de Hurons, who scalp all de tam. But let white man +cheat a Micmac, or run away wid heem squaw; den by Gar he have revanche. +He follow dat man till he kill him wid his hatchet, den put him in de +ground; and no wan ever hear of him no more." + +"Whew!" exclaimed Helen, with a little shiver. "They must be very good +Indians, indeed, if they kill a man for cheating." + +"Ah, madame! so dey be. Just treat Micmac square, he treat you square +too." + +"How do they build their wigwams?" the Chaplain asked. "They are very +substantial looking." + +"Vell, I tell you. I been in dem manys de time. Dey juss as warm as +Madame's boudoir wid lettle stove in it. Dey make 'em of cedar poles, +tight in groun' and fastened togeder tight at top. Den dey bind dem +roun' all ovare wid strong green bark put on like shingles, and so close +dat water can't get in. Dey make 'em in summare so it dry by wintare. +Nex dey put on straight spruce branches all over de outside and spruce +green branches all over de inside--till it is like de man from de +contree--green all de way tru." + +"Bateese, I didn't know you were so witty," exclaimed the Chaplain. + +"Vell, by Gar, ef a man drive all de tam, day after day all wintare +long, most tam wid no wan to spoke to, an' ees femme or ees fille a +t'ousand miles away, ef ee can't jess tink of somet'ing funny he die." + +By this time the chief with a number of his tribe were out on the road, +and on the approach of Sir George's sleigh he threw up his right arm and +shouted: + +"Kwa." + +"Yer honor, the spalpeen means how do yees do," said Pat, Sir George's +driver, in a low voice. + +"I'm very well, thank you," replied the Colonel, extending his hand. But +the Indian ignored the proffered cordiality. + +"Be jabers, he can talk English, too, for I've heerd him," muttered Pat +in a still lower key. + +"Kwa wenin," next said the Indian, looking straight into the eyes of +Sir George. + +Pat this time remembered more fully, so he turned and spoke aloud: "He +means, who are you? Tell him your name, Sir George, and he'll answer +yees in English." + +"Sir George Head, Colonel of the Soldiers of the Great Father." + +"It is well. White Bear--Chief Micmacum tribum. Always everything two +ways me speakum," replied the Indian in a dignified manner; while this +time he accepted the hand of the Colonel, retaining it firmly in his own +for some moments. The Micmacs, in their association with the whites, had +made a strange jumble of the language. Still, White Bear's English being +intelligible, a few minutes' conversation followed. + +The chief had seen the scouts already, who, after telling him that Sir +George and his soldiers were coming, had gone ahead to prepare for the +night's camp. + +Evidently from the way the chief and his braves strutted around, they +had put on their best costumes in order to meet the representative of +the Great Father. + +White Bear was only armed with a tomahawk, but he was dressed in full +Indian costume, with leggings, moccasins, hunting shirt and wampum belt; +while his head dress, though of mink, was made in civilized style. The +men who stood a few feet in his rear were dressed in more nondescript +fashion. Two or three had muskets, and more than one hatchet and long +knife could be seen beneath the blankets they wore. Further back, but +outside the wigwams, the squaws were huddled together, and beyond them +the children. + +"Great Father send braves, Yankees you fightum?" said the Indian, +feeling proud of his English. + +"Not this time," said Sir George. "The Great Father sends his men to +trade with the Indians up the Ottawa and on the great lakes toward the +setting sun." + +"Takum squaws too?" was the next question, with a side glance at Helen +and the women in the next sleigh. + +"Not many squaws," replied Sir George, gravely. "Just enough to make the +men behave themselves. More will come by-and-bye." + +"When White Bear make bargain squaw nevel speakum," said the Indian, +sententiously. + +"Do you hear that, Mrs. Manning?" cried the Colonel to Helen, who was +near enough to hear the words of the conversation. "But we must drive +on. I am glad to have met you, Chief." + +Again they shook hands; White Bear once more raised his right hand above +his head as before; and, simultaneously, the band of Indians joined in +the parting salutation, "Kwa." + +The tone was so fierce and loud that the women started. It sounded more +like a war-whoop than an expression of good-will; and they were glad to +commence their journey again. But the Indians remained where they were +until the last of the sleighs had passed. Then Sir George raised his +helmet in salute, and in answer to his courtesy, White Bear pulled off +his mink skin and once more yelled "Kwa." Whereupon the sleighs +quickened their speed to make up for lost time, while the Indians +returned to their lodges. + + + + + CHAPTER XIV. + + +The second night of the long march was passed by all in newly made camps +far away from human habitation. It was very different from the first +night, in which a comfortable house was secured for the lodging of the +women, refreshing both Helen and the soldiers' wives for the next day's +travel. But this time they, too, had to abide like the soldiers in the +woods. + +The sun was still above the horizon when the sleighs reached the little +valley in which it was decided to pitch their camp for the night. The +spot was well chosen, being sheltered from the winds. It lay close to a +little tributary of the Shebenacadie. + +Already the scouting party had commenced work. They had felled a big +pine across a narrow ravine, leaving space between it and the earth +sufficient to utilize it as a beam pole for a large improvised wigwam. +Some of the men were chopping off the long branches and leaning them +against the fallen trunk, while others were cutting down saplings for a +similar purpose. + +"That's a good beginning," said the Colonel, as he stepped out of his +sleigh and stretched his limbs after the cramping of the long drive. "A +fine selection, too; lots of water and no wind. Now, every man must do +his best, for it will be dark in an hour, and it will take until then +for the troops to arrive. Chaplain, cannot you and the Doctor fix a +place at one end of that shanty specially for Mrs. Manning, and make it +snug and warm? She will have to camp out with her husband this time." + +"That will be clerical work of a new kind," replied Mr. Evans with a +laugh. "But I can say grace over it while Beaumont does the fixing. How +will that do?" + +"Capital. If you will also arrange the rugs and blankets while attending +to your devotions," responded the Doctor. "I think the wigwam idea +excellent. When hunting in winter I always prefer a shanty to a tent." + +"Come along, then," exclaimed the Chaplain. "I see they've got the poles +up at that end already. If Madame will excuse us, we'll soon fix her +little boudoir; and by the time Lieutenant Manning arrives, he'll find +his castle built and his lady waiting at the gate to receive him." + +"It is very good of you," said Helen. But there was a look of concern +upon her face, for they had hoped when starting to cover five more miles +that day, in which case they would again have found a house for her to +pass the night in. As it was, there was nothing but woods on every side, +and even Harold would not arrive until the darkening. + +Colonel Head's kindly eye noted the distress, which Helen was doing her +best to hide. + +"There is no help for it. We've got to take things as they are," he +exclaimed cheerfully. "It may be a good thing after all that we can't +cover the other five miles. The men are tired enough, and this spot is +simply ideal for a camping ground." + +"I believe it is," returned Helen, who in watching a dozen men swing +their axes to good advantage, was regaining her courage. "The women are +helping and so will I." + +Every one worked hard. Sir George, too, was constantly on the move, +issuing orders and making suggestions to facilitate the completion of +the preparations for the night. The experience in army life, which the +soldiers' wives had learned in Europe, proved of advantage now. It was +on this account they had been selected to accompany the column, and the +wisdom of the choice was proving itself already. What added cheerfulness +to the prospect, too, was the big fire of dead timber built by the +scouts. + +Helen watched with interest the details of the work going on around her. +She was laying in a store of knowledge for future use; and before the +wigwams and tents were ready for the night, she helped not a little to +make them comfortable. + +As the tired men marched down the hill to the camp, some of the wigwams +were ready for occupation. The horses had been provided for in an +enclosure made by the arrangement of the sleighs, and supper was ready. +Caldrons of pork and beans were sizzling on the fire, while tea and +bread from the Halifax supply were there for all. The officers' mess, +too, was a jolly one with its added fresh meat, biscuits and jam. + +"My darling," said Harold to his wife, after the meal was over and they +stood together for a few minutes by one of the blazing fires. "I realize +now more than ever what you have sacrificed for me, and how much you +were willing to endure." + +"Don't talk in that way, please," she returned, pressing his arm, but at +the same time dashing away a tear. "I was very willing to come, Harold, +and I have never been sorry that I did." + +"And a brave little woman you are." + +"I try hard. It will be easier when I get used to it. The worst of all +is the loneliness, but that I knew would come." + +"It is the hardest at the start, dearest," he said, holding her tighter +by the hand. + +"Forgive me, Harold. I know I am silly, but this is the anniversary of +my mother's death. Is it any wonder that I should feel a little blue? +But never mind my foolishness, I will be better to-morrow." + +"Foolishness, indeed! You are the dearest and best woman that ever +lived. I had not forgotten either; and if I could I would have been +with you all day." + +"Well, I'm not going to be disconsolate any more," she exclaimed in a +gayer tone. "You have not seen the dainty little wigwam that the Doctor +and Chaplain have fixed up for us among the pine branches. They have +covered the floor with pine needles. Then our bed is the funniest thing +of all. It is a pile of small pine branches, covered with another of +cedar. Over that are blankets, next a huge buffalo robe and pillows, and +over all some more blankets and another buffalo robe on top. For a door +you shove a slab of wood away and squeeze in. When inside you light a +candle to find a sloping branchy roof, seven feet high on one side and +four on the other, with a floor space that is quite large and green +branches all around." + +"Is that your cozy corner Mrs. Manning is talking about?" said Dr. +Beaumont, who at this moment joined them. + +"Yes, she is giving a graphic description of your skill as a builder," +replied Harold, laughing. + +"We did our best, and the Chaplain said grace over it, too; but it is +not much in the way of a lady's bed-chamber; sans stove, sans windows, +sans crockery, sans everything, but a place to sleep in," said the +Doctor. + +"Well, I only hope that your quarters will be as comfortable," was +Helen's laughing comment. + +"Thank you, we looked after that. What is more, we fixed our own bunk +right next to yours, so that if anything happens to the Queen of our +party, we shall be on hand to attend to her wants forthwith, whether +medical or spiritual," rejoined the Doctor. + +"How kind you are! What's that?" she exclaimed, turning her head to +catch the sounds, for in the distance a long shrill howl was heard. + +"Dem's wolves, Madame," said Bateese, as he brought up another armful of +wood for the fire. "Dere's anoder and anoder, sacré! de'll be lots o' +dem to-night." + +"What a gruesome sound!" returned Helen with a shiver. + +"The pack must be large," said Sir George, as he approached with Captain +Payne. "You had better give orders," he continued to the latter, "to +have big fires kept up all night. They say that when the wolves are +numerous as well as hungry, they will even attack a camp if not well +guarded. What do you know about them, Bateese?" + +"Some tam dey very fierce, Monsieur, and when hongree will chase 'eem +right roun' de fire till 'ee shoot 'eem dead." + +"They are not coming this way," said the Chaplain, who was also +listening. + +"Na, na," said Bateese. "Dey smell long way off, and go 'roun' and +'roun' before ever dey come to camp." + +"You don't say that we are in for fun to-night, do you?" + +"Don't say noffin," replied Bateese with a shrug. "Only dey won't be +here for a long tam anyway." + +"Will you take me to see the other women, Harold, before we go to bed?" +said Helen with another little shiver. + +"You are surely not afraid with such a body of troops around you, Mrs. +Manning?" queried the Colonel. + +"Not a bit, Sir George," was her answer, and she turned upon him a face +that showed no trace of fear, "but I want to visit the women a few +minutes and see how they fare." + +"By jove, we are blest with having such a woman with us!" said the +Colonel to the little crowd about him, as the two moved away. "It gives +us a bit of civilization right in the woods; and God knows we need it. +She's a treasure, and you men must do what you can for her." + +"We will all do that, sir," was the hearty response. + +Helen found the women seated on a log with their husbands beside a fire +near the middle of the men's quarters. They, too, were discussing the +wolf question. + +"Just listen!" exclaimed Mrs. Hardman in alarm. "There must be twenty of +'em. They might come to us when there is such a lot." + +"Let 'em come," said Mrs. Bond, tossing her head. "What's twenty wolves +agin two 'undred men?" + +"That's not it," said the other woman. "They're such sneaks. They say +they can squeeze into any 'ole. I wouldn't want one of them beasts in my +bunk for a bed-fellow." + +"You need not be alarmed," said Lieutenant Manning. "There will be a +fire in front of each camp all night, and plenty of men on guard. If the +women are afraid though, Corporal, it might be better to put in a few +more stakes to block up the bunks more thoroughly." + +"P'raps it would. We'll attend to it, sir." And the two men went off to +cut the stakes and put them in place. + +Helen remained with the women a little longer, while Harold crossing +over to speak to the Colonel, told him of Mrs. Hardman's alarm. Sir +George laughed. Nevertheless, he gave the final order to double the +guard for the night, with relief every two hours instead of three. At +ten o'clock the bugle sounded the men to bed. + +The large fires in front of the camps made them warm and comfortable; +and in another hour the whole camp was still, while the guards on duty +stood and lounged around the blazing fires. Silence and quietude reigned +supreme, save for the crackling of the faggots and the howling of the +wolves. For a time the sounds were very distant, seemingly miles away. + +Hour after hour passed by. Snuggled beneath the blankets the men and +women were sleeping. Suddenly the howling, which had been circling in +the distance the whole of the night, concentrated in one direction, and +gradually the sounds grew louder and the tones clearer. + +Captain Cummings, knowing that the drivers would be familiar with the +country and the habits of the animals, had arranged for two of them to +take part with the pickets on each watch. This time both Bateese and Pat +were on duty. + +"Sacre! de dem wolf comin' straight for us," exclaimed the former. + +"Be jabers! They're on a bee line down the Truro-road," added Pat. "In +foive minutes the howlin' pack 'll be on us as sure as shootin'. Pile on +the dry pine, boys," he called out in a higher key. "Whin ther's a big +pack and a cowld night, it'll take a tremendous fire to keep the +spalpeens from sessling right into us." + +"We'd better call out the men," suggested a private. + +"Holy Peter! we must call the drivers too, or the horses 'll be afther a +stampede," was the answer. + +But both drivers and soldiers had heard the wolves and were up. Captains +Cummings and Payne and Sir George, too, were already out, and the men, +many of them only half dressed, with guns in their hands came tumbling +after them. + +"We may as well see the end of this," cried the Colonel. + +"Heavens! Yonder they come," shouted Cummings; and at the top of the +long incline, leading out of the valley, a dark, surging mass could be +seen clearly in the moonlight. + +On they came straight down the road, filling the air with unearthly +yells. Some in the centre were on a steady run; others at the side +scampered irregularly to the right or left; while a few young and lanky +fellows leapt madly over the backs of others in order to get to the +front. + +"Quick, men! Rifles ready," called out Cummings, as the men got into +position before the unusual foe. The wild rush of the wolves was checked +as they neared the blazing fires. Still, as Pat said, "Numbers made them +bould." There were more than a score of the hungry brutes; and the sight +of fire was not enough to divert their attention from horses and men +that they saw within their reach. + +As they struck the camp they set up a more terrific howl than ever, and +made a sort of momentary halt. The leaders, a couple of huge fellows, +turning grey with age, seemed in a quandary whether to turn to the right +or to the left. Then they made a rush toward the riflemen who stood +nearest, and the whole pack came on. + +"Fire!" cried the Colonel. + +One of the old greys dropped and several others with him. With a +cowardly yell the animals veered; but it was only for a moment. Then, +some savagely turned on their fellow-comrades to tear them limb from +limb, while others scattered to right and left. Again the men fired, and +then charged with fixed bayonets, rushing on the animals with cold +steel. + +By this time the whole force was roused, and clinching their guns +appeared on the scene. But brief as it was, the battle was almost over. +A number of the wolves were killed, some were wounded and others, still +unhurt, retreated into the forest; while one or two, surrounded by the +bayonets of the men, made a wild dash through the camp for the woods on +the further side. + +Helen did not go to sleep early that night. The excitement of the day's +travel, together with the new conditions, had unsettled her nerves. +Consequently, a couple of hours passed away before sleep came, and then +troubled dreams marred her rest. + +The mad yells of the wolves as they neared the camp awoke both her and +Harold. With a suppressed scream, Helen clutched her husband as he +sprang up to don his outer-clothing. Then came the fire of the first +shots. + +"Don't leave me," she pleaded, in momentary terror. "What if a wolf +should squeeze in between the poles!" + +"No fear of that, dearest," he answered, pulling on his boots and tunic +in less time than it takes to tell. "But I won't leave you. There has +been no general call for the men as yet." + +"The only way in or out is through that passage," she cried, calm again, +and busy dressing while she spoke. The shooting continued and the shouts +of the men grew louder, while there was less yelling of the animals. +Then came a wild hurrying and stampeding around the camp. Harold had +stuck a lighted candle in a crotch and a brace of pistols in his belt. +In another moment he was ready for anything. + +"What's that?" exclaimed Helen with a wild shout. + +Harold turned instantly, and by the dim light saw that the slabs at the +entrance were being wriggled. + +"By heavens, it's a wolf!" he shouted, and almost without taking aim he +fired one of his pistols at the head of a monster which was squeezing +between the poles. The bullet grazed his shoulder, but with a gruesome +howl and snapping jaw he continued forcing himself into the narrow cell. +Helen, shrinking to the further end, seized a dirk from the sheath in +which it hung, while Harold fired his second pistol. This time the ball +passed through the wolf's neck into his body. Still he was not killed, +and snapping savagely he floundered into the room. + +Then came the life and death struggle between Harold and the wolf. With +his empty pistol he struck him a fierce blow upon the head, while the +wolf's teeth clutched the young man's leg. + +"Quick, the knife," he gasped, and like a flash the dirk was buried in +the brute's heart. The jaws relaxed. The leg was free again and the huge +wolf rolled over. + +The candle was still alight as Harold staggered, a gory spectacle, to +his couch. Helen, too, was trembling and spotted with blood. Bravely she +had faced it all and had not swooned. + +"How terribly he has bitten you!" she cried with quivering lips. + +"Only a scratch," was his answer. But the shots and Helen's screams had +been heard, and the poles were being forced aside. Sir George, the +Doctor, Cummings and others had come to the rescue. + +"What in heaven's name have you here?" cried the former in consternation +as, in putting his head in, he almost fell over the body of the dead +animal. + +"We've been entertaining a wolf," Harold gasped. + +"And he's been trying to kill my husband," Helen added, bravely keeping +back the tears. + +"You're not dead yet, though," exclaimed the Doctor. "Can you stand up, +old man?" + +"Certainly I can." And Harold, spattered with blood, rose to his feet. +"The rascal nipped my leg, though. Perhaps you had better look at it, +Doctor." + +"Come outside then, if you can walk." He managed to reach the blazing +fire, followed by Helen. And there the Doctor dressed the wound. + +When the other men dragged out the dead animal before putting the place +to order again, they were amazed at their discovery. + +"Why, it's the big she-wolf!" Cummings exclaimed. "The mate of the old +grey that was shot. What a desperate fight Manning must have had!" + +"And his wife," echoed Sir George. "The wonder is that she retained her +senses at all." + +Harold's hurt was not a severe one. Fortunately it was but a dying snap, +and the blood on his clothes was from the wolf. So he cleaned and +changed them; and Helen with water and sponge refreshed herself too. +Half an hour later they returned to their own wigwam. But the men had +not been idle. They had made it over again; and they found their bunk as +good as new. So after each had taken a glass of old wine, which Harold +had fortunately brought with him, they once more retired to rest. The +outside guards were changed, and soon the men of the troop were trying +to sleep again, in preparation for the next day's march. + + + + + CHAPTER XV. + + +Notwithstanding the exciting disturbances of the night, to both men and +beasts, the troops were up by daylight. Breakfast was over, the camp was +struck, and all were ready to march before the sun in the clear winter +sky was much above the horizon. During the last of the preparations, +Helen, wrapped in her furs, was seated on a log by one of the fires. +While waiting for Harold she was busy jotting down notes in a scrap book +that lay on her knee. + +"Well, dearie!" he exclaimed, as he joined her with a slight limp. "We +start in ten minutes. Are you quite ready? But what is this you are +doing?" + +"Just scribbling a bit," she replied. "Commencing my diary. And how is +the leg? It must hurt you." + +"Only a little. The Doctor has dressed it again. He says it is a mere +trifle. The thick folds of my trousers saved me from a bite that might +have been serious. So you are turning historian, are you? Commencing, I +suppose, with a thrilling tale of adventure." + +"Last night's experience should be thrilling enough to make a record +of, don't you think?" was her answer. + +"Well, yes; if you only put it down right. You should commence with an +account of the brave lady who, without fear, seized a dagger and by her +dexterity saved the life of her husband." + +"What do you take me for? Any more nonsense like that?" + +"There is no nonsense about it, my dear. Where would I have been but for +you? Both my pistols empty, clutched by a big wolf, and no knife within +reach until you handed it to me. No, my dear Mrs. Manning, you were +veritably your husband's preserver. Put it down quick, for we have +scarcely a minute to lose." + +"It is too late," she returned with grave perspicacity. "The first +chapter is closed. What I have writ, I have writ, and there's the end +o't." And closing her scrap book she opened her reticule to put it in. + +"But my brave lady," he cried. "My heroine of the midnight battle, won't +you let me see what you have writ?" + +"That is a question," was her laughing answer, putting her bag behind +her back. + +"Why so?" he asked. + +"Because----" + +"Because what?" + +"Because you shouldn't see anything I put down. I just thought I would +write a bit each day until we get to Penetang; but there are things +which a woman would not want to tell to a man, even her husband." + +"I never thought of that," he replied gravely. "Still, there may be +truth in it." + +"I don't want to be mean, Harold," she said relentingly, handing him the +scrap book. "Read it this time, but please let me write what I want +without showing it to you again, until we reach Penetang anyway. I +promise that you may read the whole of it then if you insist." + +"Well, I agree," he replied, stooping to kiss her. "Writing letters to +nobody with nobody to read them." + +"Who else should read them but the nobody for whom they were written," +was her laughing response. + +The horses were harnessed, but he had still time to glance hastily over +the first entry of her diary. It ran thus: + +"Shebenacadie, Nova Scotia, Jan., 1814. + +"Just three days and nights since we left Halifax. The weather sharp, +cold and bright, with scarcely a cloud in the sky at any time, and jolly +long drives they have been. We had great fun at a lumber camp on our +first day out. A good-natured Scotchman was what they call 'Boss' and he +made it very pleasant for us. He gave us an excellent dinner and was +very gallant to us all, but he tried to be funny, too. For instance, he +told me it was lucky I was not going to stay in Nova Scotia, for if I +did, I would become a 'blue-nose' like the rest of the women, for I was +catching the disease already. + +"I laughingly repudiated the charge and told him it was a calumny upon +the Nova Scotia women, for their noses were all a natural color. + +"'My dear woman,' he replied, 'I'm no daft. Their noses are all blue, +but for the sake of effect they just paint 'em pink.' + +"The Doctor heard him and shook with laughter, while Mr. Mackenzie +reiterated: 'Fact, madame, fact! When you come back jess ask Mrs. Mason +and she'll tell you.' I feel sure he was joking, although my nose was a +little blue at the time from the extreme cold. Still the 'Boss' is a +fine specimen of his race; rough, generous and warm-hearted. I wonder if +he has a wife. If not the sooner he gets one the better, for like Harold +he could make a woman happy. + +"That afternoon we passed an Indian camp. Some of the redskins were +armed, and as there were a lot of them, and only a few of us in sleighs, +it didn't seem safe, until we had driven on and they had shouted their +last 'Qua.' + +"But the horror of all was last night, only three or four hours before +dawn, where, if it had not been for a providential candle, Harold would +have been killed. Oh, that blessed candle! I have stowed it away already +among my most valuable belongings in commemoration of the event. The +fiendish eyes of that gaunt wolf made my blood run cold as he wriggled +through the bars into our camp. Harold shot him twice with his pistols +and afterwards stabbed him to the heart with his dagger; still he could +not have done it but for that little candle which he had stuck between +the branches before the fight began. What a terrible scene it was! When +Harold and the brute were locked together and the blood spurted all +over, I felt sure that it was Harold's. I almost fainted. But somehow I +just wouldn't. So I grabbed hold of the wolf's leg and helped to roll +him on his back. It was all the help I could give. The whole thing was +horrible to think of. It made my blood curdle. But I don't care so long +as Harold is all right. I always knew what a good, true man my husband +was, but never before did I know how brave he could be. He's the----" + +But here the record broke off abruptly, caused no doubt by the said +Harold's arrival. "I wonder how you purposed concluding that last +sentence?" he asked with a laugh, as he handed back the book. "Possibly +the dash was merely a happy substitute for something else." + +"On second thought I don't think I'll finish it," she said, dryly. "Just +leave it for you to conjecture." + +"And am I to read no more chapters?" he asked. + +"Not even one," she replied, nodding her head. "A woman's fiat is like +the law of the Medes and Persians--it cannot be altered." + +"So be it," he assented, while he helped her into the sleigh. "I shall +restrain my curiosity until the manuscript is finished. But woe betide +you if you do not let me read it then." And they both laughed. + +The next moment the bugles sounded, the sleighs and troops were already +in order, and on the word of command the journey was resumed. + +Helen's diary continued. + +"Camp, ---- miles northwest of Truro, Jan'y ----, 10 p.m., 1814. + +"I thought I would write a little in my diary every day when I +commenced, but here, on the very start, I have missed a day already. +Perhaps it was because Harold, on account of the wolf's bite, has been +with me ever since. To-day it has been terribly cold, and I was afraid +he might be worse, but thank heaven he is not. The roads are still good +through this mountainous region, and without many drifts either. Bateese +pretends to be disgusted. He says they are not worth a 'tam,' for he has +been doing his best to find a drift to camp in ever since we started. So +we laugh and tell him it is foolish to despair. + +"Last night we were on the lookout for wolves again. We sat on logs +around the camp fires until quite late listening for them; but there was +not a single howl. We did hear something, however, that was at least +more amusing. The men had made our little camp comfortable for us, and +Harold and I were having a chat by ourselves before turning in for the +night. Perhaps I felt moody again in the still air and deep solitude of +the woods. It was so new and strange to me--so different from anything I +had ever experienced. + +"Suddenly we heard singing in the habitants' camp. The drivers were +seated around their own fire and listening to Bateese. I wonder if I can +remember the words of the quaint little song. It ran something like +this: + + Ma luffly gal she ees so neat, + She be ma femme come by-am-bye; + She ope her leetle mouf so sweet + An' all de day sing lullaby. + + Ven she vas baby dress in print, + Her petite nose vas vide an' pug, + So dat it make her eyes go squint + Ven she shut up her leetle mug. + + Her arms so short, her feet so long, + Dey make you tink of kangaroo; + Still, mon devoir, I sing ma song + An' tell de story all to you. + + But she so fair, her hair like gold, + Her bref is like de rose to smell; + An' vat care I for tings I told, + I luff dat leetle gal so well. + + An den who cares vat people say? + Mon Dieu! e'en d'ough de night owls sing, + It ees no mattare. Ve'll be gay + An' Cure'll marry us in spring. + +"Then the men laughed and we laughed too. Somehow it roused my spirits, +and I liked Bateese all the better for singing his foolish little +ditty." + +Diary continued. + +"Miramichi River, New Brunswick, 240 miles from Halifax, Feb. ----, +1814. + +"I intended to write in my diary every day when I started, but, 'The +best laid schemes of men and mice gang aft aglee.' Several weary days +have gone since I used my pencil last. I was more than half sick and did +not feel like writing. But now I am better; so start anew and will try +to keep it up. Harold has been very good to me; and so have the Doctor +and the Chaplain, and the Colonel and everybody. Still travelling twenty +miles a day, no matter how you feel, is no joke, particularly when you +have to camp out in improvised shanties every night, no matter how +intense the cold. Two of the days it stormed furiously and Bateese had +all he could do to keep our sleigh from upsetting in the drifts. Some of +the others did go over much to their discomfort, and we began to prize +Bateese all the more for his dexterity, even if he does brag a bit. When +the blast was the keenest both the women got their noses frozen. That +was two days ago, and their driver discovered it just as we stopped to +camp for dinner. + +"'By gar!' he cried out vehemently, 'de vemen's noses bot' be friz.' + +"Bateese dropped his lines into Harold's hands and almost with a bound +reached the other sleigh. Then the two men commenced at once to rub the +frozen noses with snow, much to the disgust of the women. But opposition +was useless. It was the right thing to do, and at the same time a rare +joke to the Frenchmen who continued to jabber their patois. + +"'Be quiet now, Femme Bond,' cried Bateese. 'You no want your nose drop +off.' + +"'Ardman never look at 'im femme again wid big hole in him face," yelled +the other. ''Old steel I say.' + +"The women realized the truth and slowly the white ivory hardness of the +two noses disappeared, and they became red and soft again. + +"Dey must cover de face wid wraps all de rest of de day" was Bateese's +parting injunction as he left them to return to his own sleigh. + +"We are lucky in having Bateese for a driver. He is usually so amusing +with his stories. At first we used to believe all he said. Now we +discriminate, and laugh at his tales about bears and things as heartily +as he does himself. Speaking of Bruin reminds me that I saw wild bears +for the first time yesterday. Harold was with me. The Colonel's sleigh, +as usual, was just in front of ours; and as our horses slowly ascended a +steep hill on the curve, we saw a big black bear, with two little cubs +some months old, sitting on her haunches right in the road--a most +unusual thing, for bears as a rule hibernate during the winter. + +"Sir George's horses reared, while the men in his sleigh picked up their +guns and fired. The old bear dropped, but the little ones were not hurt, +and instead of running away they cuddled beside their dead mother. Such +a pitiful sight! Some of the men clamored to keep the cubs for mascots; +and the habitants declared that the journey would be lucky if they did. +I was glad when the Colonel gave his consent, for I hated the idea of +killing the cunning little things; and if left without their mother they +would surely die. So some stayed behind to skin and dress the bear, for +it was so much added to our larder; and also to fix a box to put the +little cubs in. Funny, too, that this should happen on what they call +'Bear-day.' + +"And last night we had roast bear for supper. It has a strong taste, but +as I am getting well, and hungry again, I relished it as a change from +our regular diet. + +"Harold was telling me afterwards that one of the cubs is a male and the +other a female; and that the two companies are to have one apiece. The +funniest part of it is that they christened them both with singaree--one +to be called Helen and the other Manning. I knew the officers were very +kind, but I never suspected that the soldiers cared a button for me. +Pshaw! There's a tear on my paper. I wonder where it came from?" + + + + + CHAPTER XVI. + + HELEN'S DIARY CONTINUED. + + +"Restigouche River, Feb. ----. + +Four more days' journey without writing a line: and then the long, long +nights. The same old story; riding all morning, then helping the women +to fix things for dinner in the woods. Then riding all afternoon till +nearly sundown, followed by the excitement and turmoil among the men, in +building camps for the night. It is a strange life to lead. Three weeks +since we left Halifax, and only once inside a house during all that +time. Just think of it. Camping in the woods among the hills every night +no matter how it snows or how it freezes. Still, as long as it has to +be, the woods are better than an open plain; and the denser, the kinder, +for they break the cold winds from the icy northland. There is always a +big fire before each shanty when we retire for the night; but after you +get into bed, the soughing of the winds through the trees of the forest +sounds very weird. Down in the valley where the men pitch the tents may +be still; but away in the tops of the tall pines, a whole legion of +elfs are sounding their harps and scampering through the branches. How +often when you lie still with eyes wide open, waiting for sleep that +will not come, you can see the glittering stars through the chinks above +you, while the fairy imps go by in myriads, blowing their tiny whistles +and twanging their lutes in tune to the elfish music of the night. +By-and-bye, tired nature whiles you to the silent land; but the dirge +goes with you even to the world of dreams. + +"Then by the break of day the bugle sounds. Up you start to make a crude +toilet. You stow away your little bits of goods and chattels, eat your +breakfast of biscuit and bacon and tea, and while men are tearing your +bunk to pieces and packing it for the journey, you in turn take your +place in the caravan, counting the days of the fathomless past and the +inevitable days of the future. + +"But how lucky it is that there are incidents to note. It keeps one +thinking, so I watch the officers and men in their strange methods. +Sunday, Monday and Saturday are alike to them; except that the Chaplain +holds a short service after breakfast every Sunday morning. Just as +battles are fought more frequently on Sunday than any other day, so +soldiers when marching want to cover more ground on that day than any +other. I wonder if it is because they want to follow our Saviour's +teaching? + +"Then all seem to have forgotten the past. They live in the actual +present. Even the Chaplain, whom one would expect to find as grave as a +judge, is, I verily believe, the jolliest man in the whole party. He +doesn't seem to have a single care. One day as we halted for dinner, a +big black squirrel got cornered among some logs; and he was the first to +jump from his sleigh to try and catch him. Of course others followed to +join in the chase. But the squirrel was not to be caught, and he chirped +merrily as he scampered up a beech tree. Captain Cummings was for +shooting him. + +"'Let the poor beggar alone,' cried the Chaplain with a hearty laugh. +'When we run it's our fun, when he runs it's his.' + +"Another time when it was his turn to ride in our sleigh, I happened to +say as we neared the camping ground that I would dearly love to have +venison for supper again. + +"'Do you hear that, Bateese?' he cried to the driver, giving him a punch +in the back. 'Madam says she won't eat a bite of supper unless you +provide her with venison steak.' + +"I looked at him in astonishment; but before I could speak, Bateese +exclaimed: + +"'All right, Padre, we'll get it, me an' you. 'Alf hour early dis time. +Bateese know place well. Pat tend horses, you bring rifle, an' come wid +me. Sacre! Big fonne.' + +"'It's a go,' replied the Chaplain, and jumping from the sleigh, he had +a word with the Colonel. In another minute he was back again. + +"'And what shall be your choice, Madam?' was his question. 'Rump steak, +devilled kidneys, or sirloin?' + +"'When you shoot your deer, Chaplain, I will tell you,' was my laughing +answer, for I had not the remotest idea that the suggestion would be +carried out. + +"But in another minute, Mr. Evans and Bateese, each with a rifle over +his shoulder, plunged into the forest along the winding of the +Wapskeheden river. I was almost sorry then over my suggestion, for I did +not know what might happen before they returned, and, woman-like, felt +nervous. Half an hour later when the sun was setting, and the trees +beginning to snap and crack with the frost of the coming night, we heard +a couple of shots, but they were far away. + +"'They've found their game at last,' said Sir George. 'I suppose Bateese +is a good shot, though I never heard of the Chaplain distinguishing +himself in that line." + +"'He was one of the crack men of the 91st before he was transferred to +the 100th,' said Captain Payne, who with Harold joined Sir George and +myself as we stood by the fire. + +"It was pretty dark before the hunters returned. When within hailing +distance they shouted for help. Then all came in together dragging a big +buck by the horns. + +"'Who shot him?' was the general question. + +"'Oh, de curé he be goot shot,' said Bateese. + +"'I hit his shoulder, but Bateese put a bullet through his heart,' said +the Chaplain. 'Now, Madam,' he continued, turning to me, 'what is your +answer to my question. + +"'Venison steak from the breast,' I answered at random, not knowing one +part from another. + +"'Because it is nearest the heart, and deer-heart at that. But I think +you'll try the rump too,' and he went off to give his orders to the cook +with a ringing laugh. + +"One gets one's eyes strangely opened on a trip like this. I don't know +that meeting so many men, and none but men, is good for one, either. +When you come in such close touch with them day after day, you find them +so different from each other; and so different too, from what you +expected them to be. Sometimes I feel startled, turning with open, arms +to Harold, my one rock of defence. And yet it is needless and foolish to +feel so. They are all so good and kind and yet so free and easy, that I +feel like drawing myself together and being alert for hobgoblins that +never come. They say 'the witches we dread most are those we never +meet.' + +"Still there is one man in Harold's company that I don't like, even if +he is his captain; four times during our journey has he ridden by my +side for the afternoon drive, and each time I liked him less. He is a +bachelor; and it is not that he does or says anything that is +offensive, but there is an insinuating way about him that I cannot bear. +There is not a more courteous or polite man in the two companies; but +then there does not seem to be any sincerity in what he says. He laughs +at religion, and, in a cynical way, scoffs at what he calls the mock +pruderies of the world. I never went a great deal into society; the +sorrows of my girl-life prevented me; but I don't like to have my +respect for what I do know dragged in the dust. I do wish the Colonel +would not put him with me again. Still, I would not have it known that I +dislike him. It would make my position more uncomfortable, and, what is +more, might do Harold harm. A feud between the captain and lieutenant of +the same company over the wife of one of them, might be romantic, but +could never be pleasant. What is more, we have a long future before us, +five or six weeks or more before we can arrive at our journey's end. I +almost shiver at the thought of it. But that won't do. I must brave it +out. If faint heart never won fair lady, neither did timid woman ever +bring a villain to her feet. Fortunately no one will ever see this +screed but Harold, and not even he till we get to Penetang, unless my +position becomes unbearable. Perhaps if I had a lady friend with me I +would not even have writ it down. + +"Lake Temiscouata, Lower Canada, Feb. ---- + +"For the last two days we have been travelling due west, almost close +to the northern limit of the States. On this account Sir George has kept +the troops and sleighs together. Indian scouts have been sent to the +south and front, and we have been travelling more slowly, to be prepared +for any surprise. + +"Runners came in yesterday from the border with the message that the +American forces are at least a hundred miles away, and that there is no +prospect of fighting again before the spring opens. I think our men were +a little disappointed. This is the nearest to the United States that +they will be during all their journey to Lake Huron; and they would like +to have at least one fight just to show their pluck. I believe Harold in +his heart is as keen for action as they are; but on my account he +expresses himself the other way. For my part I am glad to hear that the +Yankees have the good sense to keep to their own side of the lines. + +"For the last three nights, we three women, Mrs. Bond, Mrs. Hardman and +myself, have had houses to sleep in--actual houses. Settlers' log +shanties with board floors; each time with a big log fireplace at one +end of the living room. Oh, it was a luxury to sit down on wooden chairs +at the clean pine tables again; to eat our supper of mush and milk and +buckwheat pancakes; and our breakfast of pork and potatoes, wheaten +cakes and molasses! Then we sat down together just like sisters. There +was no distinction in the backwoodsman's shanty. We were too glad to +get even a glimpse of civilization again to think of hair-splitting +distinctions; and whether we did it outwardly or not, I am sure we +inwardly thanked God for supplying our wants so comfortably on these two +happy nights. There was a strong resemblance in the cabins, although +they are more than twenty miles apart. Each has the Scotchman's +"ben-place" to sleep in, partitioned off from the ordinary living room. +On the first night the two beds occupied by the settler, his wife and +children were vacated for our use, while the family, with generous +hospitality, slept on the floor in the larger room. Last night the +conditions were very similar, and again I had a bed to myself. These +homely people have a warm place in my heart, and I shall never forget +their unselfish kindness. + +"This must be a pretty spot in the summer time. Our officers' and +soldiers' camp is on the banks of the Temiscouata. High hills all around +and little lakes throughout the region. They say they are full of fish; +and through holes in the ice, our men this morning caught a lot of +pickerel and bass for breakfast. But we women in the cabin were quite +satisfied with the good things that the Scotch housewife provided. + +"To-day, as well as yesterday, I left some silver behind me, but it was +interesting to see the perversity with which the good housewife +persisted in declining it. If her husband had been present, his canny +Scotch nature would no doubt have been more reasonable. + +"'Guid sakes, misses,' said our hostess, 'I dinna want no siller. Ye are +aye welcome to the bit I gie ye, an' tho we never see the color o' +English shillin's in these parts, I willna take them frae ye for the wee +pickle ye've taen.' + +"Notwithstanding all my urging, the woman kept her hands behind her +back. So I rolled the money up in a piece of paper and laid it on a +little shelf by the wall. This time there was no demur, and with a +friendly smile she bade me 'guid-bye an' a safe journey through them +awfu' woods.' While I was speaking to our hostess the women slipped away +to be with their husbands for a minute before starting; and Harold came +for me as I left the house. + +"'It is my turn to march this morning, dearie,' he said, 'so Captain +Cummings will take my place.' + +"'But in the afternoon I shall have you to myself,' I returned, +restraining my annoyance as much as I could. 'Still, why Captain +Cummings this time? He was with me only day before yesterday.' + +"'You see, dear, you have them in order.' + +"'Scarcely that, I have had neither the Doctor nor the Chaplain for four +days,' I replied in a low voice. I felt like rebelling, but was afraid +of arousing Harold's suspicion. + +"'I did not think of it in that way, sweetheart,' he exclaimed, while he +laughingly raised my chin. 'Possibly as captain of our company, he +expects greater privileges. You don't dislike him, do you?" + +"'Why should I?' I replied, while carefully buttoning my fur coat. 'He +is always polite. Perhaps I am getting a little bit tired of these long +drives. But I musn't grumble. How long will it take to reach Quebec?' + +"'Several days yet, but Sir George has promised us two or three to rest +when we get there. Keep your heart up, dearie. I expect we can secure +houses for you to sleep in after this all the way through to Montreal. +Good-bye till I see you at noon.' + +"The sleighs were drawn up near the door, and the next minute Captain +Cummings joined me. + +"'This is an unexpected pleasure,' he remarked as he tucked the robes +around me. 'Sir George wanted to have a special talk with Beaumont this +morning about surgical matters, so he requested me to take his place. +There, are you quite comfortable?' he asked, solicitously. + +"'Yes, thank you,' I replied. 'Do we march with the men to-day or go +ahead?' + +"'On ahead,' was his answer. 'We shall be close to the U.S. boundary +line for another day yet, but as they have never had troops in this +region, the Colonel thinks we are perfectly safe in leading the way. We +are off on the trot already.' + +"The road here was smooth, and Sir George's sleigh was spinning ahead of +us. + +"'Still, it would be alarming to be attacked, with the soldiers miles +behind us,' I remarked. + +"'Even if they did,' said the Captain, 'unless the forces were very +strong, we could defend ourselves until the men came up. Every man of us +is well armed.' + +"'That may be,' I volunteered, 'but what of the women?' + +"'Oh! the chivalrous Englishmen will always protect them,' was his +laughing rejoinder, as he extended his gauntletted hand, seemingly with +the intention of placing it over mine. But, suddenly feeling the +chilliness of the air, I withdrew it beneath the buffalo robe. + +"'It is good of you to say so,' I said, 'our officers are always both +gallant and brave. + +"'I am glad you have such infinite faith,' he returned with a light +laugh. + +"'Why shouldn't I have? They say there are none truer than the men of +the Hundredth in the whole of the King's brigades.' + +"'Quite true, and pray God that their history may never be tarnished.' + +"Then with a piercing look he relapsed for a time into silence. The road +was well beaten, winding in and out among the hills, and occasionally +stretching in a direct line over the frozen surface of a lake. Sometimes +a ravine would be crossed or a steep hill climbed; and as we neared +Temiscouata, Mounts Lennox and Paradis loomed up before us. More than +once smoke curled upward among the distant trees, indicative of the +wigwams of Indians or the cottages of settlers. + +"Little of interest occurred, however, until near noon; when suddenly an +Indian, whom Bateese said belonged to the Ottawa tribe, bounded out of +the woods and rushed up to the Colonel's sleigh. The whole line at once +called a halt, and Sir George signalled for Captain Cummings to join +him. I could see from the faces that something serious had occurred, and +that the discussion was one of more than usual significance. + +"But I must break off here, for I have not the heart nor the time to +tell the rest of the happenings of that terrible day. Perhaps I can +later. We shall see." + + + + + CHAPTER XVII. + + +"This Indian brings a bit of genuine news," said the Colonel to +Cummings. "An attack is to be made upon us at Chestnut Hill, two miles +west of here." + +"An attack by whom?" the Captain asked. + +"By a company of recruits made up of Yankees and disaffected Canadians +from the lumber camps. They have heard that we are a squad of soldiers +taking supplies to Quebec, and have undertaken to surprise us and +capture the booty." + +"They will have their hands full," said Cummings. + +"That's what they are aiming at," chimed the Chaplain, with whom +negative virtues were always at a discount. + +"We'll fill more than their hands," sternly responded the Colonel, as he +turned to Cummings. "You had better send orders to Captain Payne to join +us in full force with all possible speed." + +In the meantime Sir George called a halt where they were. The place was +well sheltered, and could readily be protected against attack. He also +sent scouts forward to ascertain the strength and equipment of the +invading force, with instructions to report as soon as possible. + +But another Indian runner had carried the news to the marching force, +and very soon a messenger arrived from Captain Payne. The soldiers were +crossing Pecktawick Lake, only a mile away, and would be with them +immediately. In a few minutes the men of the two companies were in +sight, coming out on a double quick from a turn in the road. + +Sir George acted with alacrity; not a minute was lost. In a few brief +words he explained the situation and gave his orders. Then the men +marched ahead--a small, well-stationed force being left to protect the +women and sleighs. + +On their way they met the returning scouts with the news that the +invaders numbered about a hundred rough-looking, but well-armed fellows. + +It was a bold move for a company of recruits to attempt to arrest the +march of double their number of veterans, notwithstanding the rich booty +at stake. Presumably, however, they did not know the strength of their +opponents, and the prize that might be obtained was a tempting one. + +Sir George now divided his force into right and left flanks, with +central attack. Payne to take the former, and Cummings the latter; each +to push his men quickly over the hard snow, while Sir George himself led +the main force over the beaten road. + +After arranging details, the Colonel gave the final order. + +"We must carry the hill, no matter what it costs. The centre to do the +first firing, then the flanks. Now, right and left, march!" + +The men had been under steady tramp for hours, the last half-mile on the +run, and were going into action without food; but they were eager for +the fray. Allowing the flanks to advance first, on account of the +density of the woods and the unbroken snow, Sir George led on his men. + +A quick march brought them to the foot of the hill, and on the top could +be seen a number of blue coats and peaked hats bobbing among the trees. +Sir George at once widened out, but it was none too soon, for a volley +of bullets whistled through them. Two or three of his men dropped, and +among them Corporal Jenkins. Lieutenant Smith, too, had his arm +disabled. + +"By heaven, this is too much!" exclaimed Sir George. "They shall pay for +it. Double quick; but not a shot must be fired till I give the order." + +The men, scattering wide of each other among the trees, hurried on; +while orderlies took charge of the dead and wounded. + +The Yankees, stimulated by the success of their first shot and meeting +with no response, hurried to the edge of the hill to fire again. Then +came Colonel Head's command: + +"Halt, fire!" + +The aim was well taken. The heavy storm of bullets riddled the men of +the attacking force, and some of them fell. Almost at the same moment +volleys were fired from the right and left flanks. The combined attack +was a surprise and staggered the Southerners. + +"Quick, charge!" cried the Colonel. Then the men bounded forward. The +irregularity of the ground, the up-hill work, the trees and the snow +prevented precision of movement, but with a shout the order was obeyed. +Finding themselves hemmed in on three sides by a larger and better +equipped force than their own, the Americans fired another volley and, +picking up some of their wounded, beat a retreat. + +It was Captain Cummings who commanded the left division, and seeing the +direction that the Yankees were taking, he tried to head them off. But +the ground was too uneven, and he contented himself with a parting +fusilade. + +By this time Sir George had reached the summit of the hill, only to find +it vacated. On it, however, were several dead bodies, as well as a +couple of wounded men whom, in the hurry of retreat, their comrades had +deserted. Soon the main body was joined by the flank divisions, and as +it was unlikely that the attack would be renewed, the order was given to +return to the improvised camp. + +In the list of casualties, Corporal Jenkins and a private were killed, +while several others, including Lieutenant Smith, were wounded; but it +was the loss of Jenkins that grieved his comrades most, for they had not +forgotten the death of his wife on the _North King_. + +With the bodies of their own men waiting for burial, there was not much +mirth at mess that day. Still, they were glad that the fight was over, +and that with so little delay they could continue the march. The grave +being dug, Jenkins and the dead soldier were sorrowfully consigned by +the Chaplain to their last resting-place. + +"What about the dead on the hill?" Captain Payne asked of Sir George. + +"That's for their comrades to say when we are gone," was his answer. + +"But about the prisoner with compound fracture of the leg?" asked Dr. +Beaumont. "He's not in good condition to travel even by sleigh." + +"Oh, but he must!" exclaimed Sir George. "The man's alive, and we've got +to take him, whether we will or no. What of the other fellow and of our +own men?" + +"Lieutenant Smith is the worst; he has a serious flesh wound of the +forearm, but no broken bones. The other Yankee is suffering more from +loss of blood than anything else and able to travel if we can find room +for him." + +"Well, arrange them as best you can, Doctor, but we must start at once. +Bateese tells me that there is another lumber camp twelve miles further +on our way. Perhaps we can reach it to-night." + +"Excellent," returned the Doctor. "We can leave our prisoners there, _et +maintien le droit_." + +The idea was well received by Sir George and, late as it was, they +continued the journey. The sun was already sinking in the west, and it +would take hours after dark to reach the camp. Still, the march could be +accomplished, for the moon was in its second quarter and all danger of +renewed attack was believed to be over. The surprised party of untrained +invaders already regretted their rashness, for they realized the +strength of their opponents as well as the inutility of following them, +as every mile now carried them further into Canadian territory. + +So the order was given for the sleighs to again take the lead and report +as quickly as possible at the lumber camp of the prospective arrival of +the troop. + + + + + CHAPTER XVIII. + + HELEN'S DIARY. + + +"The Citadel, Quebec, Feb. ----, 1814. + +"We arrived at Point Levi two days ago. What a delight it was to be in +the vicinity of civilization again! On the other side of the great St. +Lawrence was the famous old city. And how glad I was to drive over the +frozen river to this haven of rest. The air was keen, for the smooth ice +stretched up and down as far as the eye could see, and the wind from the +east was very piercing, but we didn't mind that. + +"Now, we are all, officers, men and women, as well as horses and +baggage, comfortably lodged and quietly resting. And, although tired, I +am already getting glimpses of this historic and venerable place. What a +fortress, with its massive walls and many gates! What steep ascents! +What quaint churches! What a mighty river, stretched though it be in +ice! + +"Then to think, as I sit here by this high window, far above the crowds +and tinkling sleigh-bells of the lower town, that I am just resting on +an oasis for a day or two, before setting out over the desert of ice and +snow again. + +"Even now the last few weeks are like a dream to me. One of those long, +disturbed visions, in which you have to, whether you want to or not. +Every day a definite number of miles to cover; it mattered not how the +snow fell or the winds blew, or how intense the cold; whether you slept +beneath pine boughs and could see the stars twinkle above you, or +whether you had the luxury of sleeping in a woodsman's shanty; it all +had to be endured. Thank heaven, the first division of our journey is +over, and our little rest will prepare us for the second. + +"Harold tells me that the officers of the Citadel say we have made one +of the quickest winter marches on record. There is satisfaction in that, +even if we did take a month to do it in. I hear, too, that the +Commandant of the Citadel has been congratulating the Colonel on the +despatch with which he defeated the invaders at Temiscouata. For my +part, I think the less said about it the better. It would be a poor +thing if two companies of regulars could not put to flight one of raw +recruits. It was too bad, though, to lose two of our best men. Poor +Jenkins! What a sad fatality! The mother to die and the father to be +killed. The silver lining to the terrible climax is that the children +were left at home. + +"Oh, I must say a word about Lieutenant Smith! He is such a retiring +fellow that I knew little about him, although we had travelled together +all the way from the London docks. But after he was shot, our sleigh +being very comfortable, I proposed to Harold that he should have a seat +with me whenever it was not occupied by himself. The consequence is that +I have only had an occasional word with my particular friend, Captain +Cummings, since the day of the battle, and not a single drive. I was +quietly killing two birds with one stone, though nobody knew it. But Mr. +Smith's arm is better now--and, forsooth, we may return to the old order +of things--unless some other member of the staff should be similarly +unlucky. + +"Smith is so young a fellow that I felt like mothering him. Fortunately, +it was his left arm, and as I sit on the left side of the sleigh the +sore arm was between us, protecting it from the pressure of the buffalo +robe and also from the cold. The boy is of good family, has high ideals, +and wants to win his way to fame. Just the kind of fellow I would like +for a friend. And if I am to make my home in Penetang without a single +lady to stand by me, and without relatives either, except my dear +husband, I may need a true, disinterested friend some time. Who knows? +Yes, and guileless, gentle, brave Lieutenant Smith, the man who was +wounded in our first battle, shall be the man. + +"Talking of men, there is some one else I want to take right through +with us, and that is Bateese. The jolly, genial, conceited, whimsical, +but reliable, habitant. But if we take him we must take his wife also. +For days before we arrived here he could talk of little else than his +'femme,' but there was a sad tone about his musical jargon that was +unusual. + +"'Madame,' he exclaimed one day, after a long silence. 'You not know, +Emmiline, mine vife. She live wid me in Kebeck.' + +"'I didn't know you had a wife, Bateese.' + +"'Oh, oui, married dis two year.' His tone was persuasive. + +"'I would like to know her,' I replied. + +"'Vell, I will bring her to you. She vas ma fille, bootiful, petite, so +young. Den de curé at Kebeck marry us--seem long tam--still only two +year. Den she grow into grand jolie femme. Bime-by she have twins--wan +garçon, wan wee leetle gal, petite an' putty as you nevare see. Mus' I +tell you de story? Eet no laughin', eet sad.' + +"'Yes, tell me,' I could not but acquiesce. + +"'Oh, sacré!' he exclaimed, giving the lazier horse an extra touch of +the whip. 'When de hot summare com, Bateese was away drivin' de carryall +along de revare down by de sea, de leetle Emmile go sick and die. An' +Emmiline was full of broken heart. Den when de fall came, scarlet fevare +steal like de diable after ma leetle Louis--ma cher fils--he die, too. +Ah, mon Dieu! Et nearly kill ma femme, an' it drive Bateese clean +crazee. Didn't care a sacré if Yankees lick Cannayans--didn't care how +soon I die--didn't care for nuffin! But dat no do. Poor Emmiline lay +sick four week in bed--Doctor said nevare get well no more. So Bateese +shake hisself and forget de dead babies to tend his leetle wife--say his +pater nostra ten times a day--go to church every tam de priest tell him, +give medicine all de whole tam. And, by gar, she get well at last. Den +Bateese had to leave her an' go on dis long trip to Halifax--an' has not +seen her again sence wintare cam.' + +"'It is a sad story, Bateese, but you will soon see her now. Where does +she live when you are away?' I asked. + +"'She stay wid her modare, close by de Abraham plain, where de French +General de Montcalm licked de Engleese.' + +"He said this with a sly glance out of the corner of his eye, but with a +very grave face. + +"'I thought it was General Wolfe who licked the French,' was my mild +rejoinder. + +"'Vas eet? mauvais memoree,' he returned, gently tapping his forehead. +'Vell, dey both die, anyway, and bury in de same grave. Et not much +mattare which win. French Cannayans steel have Lower Canady and, by gar, +dey always will.' And in spite of his grief for his dead babies, he +concluded his narrative with a long, low chuckle to himself. + +"It was on this occasion the thought came to me, that if Bateese went +with us to Penetang, Emmiline might go in place of the Corporal's wife. +That would give us three women besides myself. Only a small number at +best, and, if necessary, I would be willing personally to bear the +expense. + +"Well, to-day she came up to see me, and I was quite taken with the +little French woman. She has a sweet face with a wee touch of sadness in +it, owing to the loss of her children. But it is not a face to retain +its melancholy. She has a little turn-up nose, rosy lips and bright +black eyes, and, like most of these habitant women, an abundance of dark +hair. She looks as though she might be very devoted to any one she +liked, and I will speak to Harold about it to-day." + + "Quebec, Feb. ----, 1814." + +"Last night a large party was given in honor of Sir George at the +Commandant's residence. Harold and I, and all our officers, were there, +the Chaplain as well. What a handsome old place it is, just like an old +European castle suddenly planted in the new western world! + +"The first person that interested me there was Sir George Prevost, the +Governor-General of Canada, the most talked-of man in the whole country. +He seems to be such a strange combination of weakness and strength, and +little as I know about such matters, the two opposites seem to be +vividly impressed upon his face. His kindness and courtesy have a +favorable impression upon the social life of which he is the leader; but +the weak chin and irresolute mouth tell a different tale when fighting +his country's battles, and, lackaday, this has been proved over and over +again already. + +"But this is something I suppose I have no right to talk about, even to +you, my little diary. So I will chat of the old place, of its lofty +halls and tapestried boudoirs. What rare old paintings are on the walls, +and so many of them French! It was in fine spirit for the English +conquerors of this old aristocratic colony, to retain so many of the +portraits of the nobles of the French regime. + +"While on our voyage I read a good deal about the country that was to be +my home, and seeing the names of the old French governors under their +pictures only impressed their history more vividly upon my memory. The +strikingly handsome portrait of Baptiste Colbert, Louis the XIV's +minister, was there, too. The man who, a hundred and fifty years ago, +did so much for New France. How well his picture sets off the east hall +near the main entrance! The long, wavy locks of his court headdress well +suit the keen, dark eyes and clear-cut features; while the ruffles and +sword, and gaiters depict him every inch the courtier as well as the +gentleman. + +"De Mezy, De Tracy, De Courcelles and Count de Frontenac, the daring +discoverer and bitter opponent of the English, were all there. What +tales they could tell of the days of the old regime, and of the strife +which lasted for years, until Wolfe and Montcalm fought it out at the +cost of their own lives and buried the hatchet between the nations! + +"The old armor and Indian trophies hanging on the walls of room after +room in this old seigniory are very curious. The peculiar windows, too, +quite took my fancy. They are deeply set within the massive masonry, the +sills standing three or four feet from the floor, with cushions placed +on them to serve as seats, while benches below the sills act as stools +for the feet to rest upon. + +"How well the élite of Quebec filled the old house that night, although +gathered together with such brief notice, and with what pleasantry they +greeted us! All seemed desirous to do what they could to help us to +forget for the time our journeyings. And they were just as courteous as +they were jovial, from our host and hostess down to the youngest of the +beaux and belles of New France. The Quebec girls are even prettier than +those of Halifax. For one thing, there are more of them, and another, +there is a larger French element from the old noblesse, and to me the +educated and cultured Canadienne has a charm of her own that is very +fascinating. + +"Dr. Beaumont seemed to enjoy himself thoroughly. I wonder how much he +really cares for Maud Maxwell? Several times he has sat by my side for +half a day in our drives, but, to my surprise, he rarely mentioned her +name. Being half French I expected his vivacious nature would express +itself more freely. Perhaps it was the canny Scotch overshadowing the +Southern blood that kept him silent. + +"But this time he seemed to have no care. He talks French beautifully, +and several times I heard him in animated conversation with one or other +of the smiling demoiselles in their mother tongue. He seemed to be +enamoured most with one Louise de Rochefort. Several times he danced +with her, and she talked the purest English; sometimes they used the one +language, and sometimes the other. She was quite different from Maud +Maxwell. Although not fair, her face was brilliant with a clear +transparency, and her brown eyes and exquisite mouth, when wreathed in +gentle laughter, made her expression very winning. She had many +admirers, but none were so attentive as he. Late in the evening, when +the Commandant took me in to supper, they were tête-à-tête in a corner +over salad and ice. + +"Harold noticed the little flirtation, too, and said afterwards that it +would have a good effect upon the Doctor in compensation for the +coolness of the winsome Maud. + +"The Commandant's wife was very kind to me. As a strict disciplinarian, +she did not try to dissuade me from completing the journey to Penetang; +but it was evident that she was astonished that I had undertaken it, +and hinted that it would be a wise thing to remain in Quebec until the +war was over--almost another Mrs. Mason. If she had known how determined +I was she would have said less about it, I am sure. + +"Perhaps one-third of the ladies present are Anglo-Canadians. I believe +I was introduced to all of them. They are charming--not so stiff and +stately as society ladies in England--but just as courteous and, +perhaps, kinder in manner. I like them and wish there was a prospect of +having at least one as neighbor in my prospective home in Penetang. + +"These Canadians, both French and English, take great interest in the +war, which is almost at their doors. When not dancing, they continually +discussed it. Still, dancing was the feature of the evening, and I must +have been specially honored, for I never danced so much in my life +before. My first waltz was, of course, with my husband. Then who should +ask me for the next but Captain Cummings. It was odious to dance with +him when my aversion was so strong. I hope I did not show it, and with +all my heart I wish I did not dislike him so much, for he is very +graceful and dances beautifully. Still, he looks at you with those great +black eyes of his, as if he could read your very thoughts. I wonder if +he influences other women as he does me. Of this I have no chance of +knowing. Oh, those eyes! How you have to fight them with all your might, +and yet never say a word! Somehow the fates have given me a hint to +beware, and I pray God to have me take it. I wonder if Harold would +laugh at me if he saw what I am writing. + +"'It is an exquisite pleasure to waltz with you again,' he said, in his +low, penetrating voice, as we made our second circle round the room. I +had heard that he was always chagrined when he had a poor partner, so I +purposely made a misstep, while I replied: + +"'You flatter me. I never was a graceful dancer, and, as you see, I am +out of practice.' + +"'Pardon me, but that was my clumsiness,' was his comment. 'It will not +occur again.' + +"And, if anything, he held me closer. I did not dare to repeat the step. + +"'Not so tight, please,' I whispered, scarcely a minute later. + +"'They have waxed this floor so confoundedly that one cannot help it,' +he returned smoothly, and with a smile that rivalled Mephistopheles. 'We +must not let these French-Canadians surpass the English in their own +waltz.' + +"'In a matter of competition they would be sure to win,' I replied +coldly. + +"'Why so?' he asked. + +"'They are more graceful than we are.' + +"'Free and easy, you mean. They have an abandon which the English girl +does not possess. No, no, Mrs. Manning, I would not exchange a dance +with you for a hundred with these Canuck maidens.' + +"'Again you are flattering.' + +"'Not in the least. You remember our waltz at the Halifax ball. Well, +the one I had with you was worth all the others put together. It will be +so to-night, even if this is the only one you honor me with. Ah! it is +over now. And here comes that odious little Frenchman to claim you for +the next. Bah! I could see him in Hades. But, never mind, I shall +remember that to-night you have blessed me with a few minutes' exquisite +pleasure.' Again his eyes opened wide, and with a quick flash, the look +seemed to penetrate my soul. An unpleasant thrill came over me and +turning away I accepted the arm of Colonel Joquelin for the next +waltz." + + + + + CHAPTER XIX. + + HELEN'S DIARY. + + +"Montreal, Feb. ----, 1814. + +"Another week of hard driving and marching is over. Sometimes we had +night quarters for the men, always for the officers and women. Still, I +was so tired each night, and there were so many little things to attend +to, that my diary has been neglected. Now, however, we are comfortably +quartered at the foot of the mountain, and while Harold is away +attending to matters of the regiment I will try to make up for lost +time. + +"I had a long talk with Sir George at the Commandant's on the night of +the ball at Quebec, and was delighted at his ready consent to have +Emmiline and her husband go with us to Penetang. When he said that she +might be my own special servant I offered to pay the expense of the +journey for her. + +"'That cannot be thought of,' was his reply. 'I always intended to +secure another woman to take the place of the one who died, and I assure +you I am more than pleased that you have found one to suit.' + +"It was very kind of him, and the next morning I told the good news to +Bateese. In his exuberance of spirits he threw his hat up in the air. + +"'By gar!' he exclaimed, 'such fonne to have ma femme. She no spik much +Angleese, but teach soon she quick--tree or four week she spik everyting +goot as Bateese. She bonne scholare an' tak prize when leetle gal at +seminare.' + +"And so she came, and they made room for her in the sleigh with the +other women. I was afraid that the soldiers' wives would quarrel with +the little woman, yet, so far, there is not even an inkling of war among +them. + +"Speaking of war. Montreal is the place for the signs of it. I was +surprised to see so many troops in the city, more by far than there were +either in Halifax or Quebec, regulars and colonials combined. They are a +determined-looking lot of men and well drilled. + +"Harold tells me that everything on the frontier is still quiet and, so +far, the American General Wilkinson has not renewed his attack. Both +sides are making preparations for a final conflict, and it will be fight +to the finish when the summer comes. + +"Our rest here is going to be short, for we have a third of our journey +yet to cover, and, being over the roughest part of the road, it will +take longer to accomplish. Lakes and rivers have still to be crossed, +and all must be done before the ice breaks up. Hence, although we +arrived yesterday, we start again to-morrow. + +"To-night, however, we are invited by the officers of the Montreal +regiment to a toboggan slide at the mountain, with a supper and dance +afterwards. It will be my first ride on one of these swift-running +sledges. They look dangerous as they fly so quickly down the hills, but +if safe for others they should be safe for me, and I am glad to have the +opportunity to try the sport before we make our final parting from +civilization." + +The next day. Diary continued. + +"I must jot down the impressions of last evening while fresh in my mind. +The meet was at a place called 'The Cedars,' almost half-way up the +mountain, and from which there is an irregular decline down to the St. +Lawrence. One of the attractions was that the toboggans, by the long +descent, would be carried far out over the surface of the river. + +"What a jolly lot of people they were! A score of officers in uniform, a +few civilians and a bevy of Montreal's prettiest girls, chaperoned by +officers' wives and matrons of the city. + +"As an Englishwoman, I am loyal to my own land and people. Still, +whether due to the atmosphere, to lighter living, or the freer life they +lead, the young ladies you meet here seem to have more spirit, quicker +movement and clearer skins than the average English girls that I have +known. But this is another digression, Mrs. Diary, and again I say, +'_pecavi_.' + +"We were lucky to have so good a night. The air was cold and still, and +our position at the top of the slide gave a fine view of the lower city, +with its myriads of lights from the houses and streets. Countless stars +covered a sky only slightly dulled in lustre by the pale, half moon; +while on the hillsides far and near clumps of evergreens stood out +clearly upon their background of snow. + +"Introductions, buzz of voices, gay laughter, occupied some minutes as +we collected on the little plateau at the head of the slide. All were +busy, too, getting their rigs in order. Toboggans are funny-looking +things--flat-bottomed, turned up in front like a South Sea Islander's +war canoe. But they are very comfortable when you have cushions to sit +on and robes to put over you. + +"Captain Thompson, of the Montreal Rifles, was our leader, and one would +almost think he was marshalling his troops as he issued his orders. + +"Quickly he had us going, and it was jolly enough as soon as we got used +to it. Off our toboggans sped, one after another, down the mountain, +crackling and whistling over the snow, giving each and all a vivid +pleasure in the swift, exhilarating ride. At first the grade was even +and smooth in its descent, then undulating, then on a level for another +hundred feet, finally down a little abyss, and away for hundreds of +yards over the icy surface of the river, between mighty ships frozen at +their anchorage for the winter. Here, carryalls for the riders and long +sleighs for the toboggans awaited us to take all back again to repeat +the sport. + +"Harold and I sat together on one of the sledges, and I must confess +that when we started to descend the hill at almost lightning speed I +felt terribly frightened and grasped him firmly around the waist. He +only laughed while he whispered: + +"'Don't be frightened, dear; you'll get used to it in another minute,' +and so I did. + +"We had a number of rides and were commencing our last one when an +accident happened. It was on the sled in front of ours, and we were in +the act of starting when I saw a man fall off. + +"'Why, that is Captain Cummings!' I exclaimed, my heart making a +tremendous leap. + +"'Yes, it is,' returned Harold; 'what can have happened?' and he rushed +over to give assistance. + +"He was trying to rise to his feet but could not. + +"'It's that confounded leg of mine,' I heard him say. 'My ankle got +twisted under the runner. I don't think it's broken though. What do you +say about it, Beaumont?' + +"And the Doctor on his knees examined the joint, the Captain being +propped up by another officer. + +"'No bones broken,' was his comment. 'You must have got a terrible +wrench though, the way the joint flaps about. Is it very painful?' + +"'Excruciating,' returned Cummings. 'The joint has been weak ever since +Vittoria. I got it twisted then.' + +"'Well, we'll take you back to quarters and dress it. No dancing for you +to-night, that is certain. Don't know that it will be safe for you to +travel with us to-morrow, either.' + +"'In both of which I differ from you,' said the Captain, with a supreme +effort at self-control, notwithstanding the pain. 'Take me back to the +hotel and dress the joint. Then help me into the ballroom. I can watch +the others even if I cannot waltz. As to going with the troop, why +certainly I'll go,' and for a moment he cast a sharp glance in my +direction. + +"I believe I shivered again. + +"An hour later all our party were at the French hostelry partaking of +prairie chicken, oyster patties and singaree, and when we made our entry +into the ballroom, there sat in state Captain Cummings. He had evidently +preceded us. Of course, he was the lion, and the ladies rivalled with +each other to sit out the different dances with him. Harold told me I +must do it, too, so my turn came with the rest. + +"'I don't know but I'm a lucky dog after all,' he undertoned, as he +squeezed my hand. + +"'It cannot be lucky to be lame,' I replied, as I sat down beside him. + +"'A soldier takes his knocks as he gets them,' was his comment, 'but I +had no expectation of taking Lieutenant Smith's place so soon. + +"'Perhaps you won't need to. A night's rest will do wonders, mayhap the +injury is more imaginary than real,' I said. + +"'I know the effects too well to be deceived. The injury is too devilish +to heal in a week or fortnight, either,' he replied, drily. + +"'Why go with us at all, then?' + +"'Because I'm wanted when I get there. I won't be in anybody's way, +except for the riding instead of walking, and as yours is the most +comfortable sleigh for an invalid, I fear, dear madam, I must crave your +indulgence--Say, Manning!' he exclaimed to Harold, who just then joined +us. 'I was telling your wife that Smith gives such a capital report +about your sleigh that I feel like begging the privilege of occupying a +part of it for the next two or three days.' + +"Harold winced and flushed as well. Was he, too, getting suspicious? + +"'I think that might be arranged satisfactorily, dearie,' he said to me +in somewhat constrained tone. + +"'That depends upon the Captain's meaning,' I replied. 'It would be too +much for me to give up your seat when it is your turn to ride. But for +the rest of the time it is different.' + +"'Thank you,' responded Cummings. 'That is exactly what I mean.' + +"So in order to secure half a loaf he asked for a whole one, and got it +without demur. How could I help it?" + + + + + CHAPTER XX. + + +Dreary enough were the next few days for the adventurous troop, as they +wended their way westward. The sky was heavily clouded, while a gusty +wind blew the pellety snow into the faces of the men and women as they +walked or drove over their destined route. Drifts filled the sleigh +tracks, and the packing of the road by those who took the lead was a +weary business. Progress was slower than ever, accommodations along the +line absent, and general camping again became a feature of the journey. + +"What place have we here?" Sir George asked of his new driver on the +evening of the fifth day from Montreal as they called a halt in the +vicinity of two or three little cabins. + +"They call it Sparksville," was the reply, "after a fellow named Sparks. +He lives in the village of Hull across the river there. They say he +bought it from the Government for a song, and has made his money out of +sales already." + +"So these shantymen are the owners," said the Colonel. + +"No, siree, the lumbermen from Montreal bought from Sparks, these men +only cut the timber." + +"And splendid stuff they've got if these pieces are samples." + +"You bet your last pound," returned the man, with the easy nonchalance +of a westerner, "Montrealers wouldn't put their money into it if there +wasn't a good chance of getting it out again. What's more, they say this +is a splendid site for the building of a big city." + +"Are these shanties the only buildings on this side of the river?" Sir +George asked. + +"Yes, 'cepting a little sawmill down in the hollow and a cabin beside +it." + +"Well, we'll camp here for to-night. They couldn't accommodate us in +yonder village if we did cross." + +And so the order was issued. + +His men by this time were well accustomed to the oft-repeated duty. +Putting up tents, cutting down trees, trimming poles, building temporary +huts, flooring them with boughs of cedar, arranging timber and +evergreens to protect the inmates from prevailing winds, and gathering +dry wood for necessary fires, were matters of detail which they +accomplished with alacrity. It was marvellous how neat and cozy a camp +the two companies, assisted by the trained drivers, could build in an +hour or two of twilight. + +Sir George and the Doctor, leaving Cummings in the rig, joined Harold, +who was helping his wife out of their sleigh. + +"You are not ill, Mrs. Manning, I hope," exclaimed Sir George, who had +never before seen her require so much assistance to alight. + +"Just stiff and cold after the long drive," was her answer, as with a +sudden effort she straightened herself. + +"Madame tired long tam, no let 'em spak," said Emmiline, who on +Bateese's example was learning to speak "Angleese quick." She was +already attached to her new mistress. + +"It is lucky to find houses here, such as they are," said Harold, as he +folded Helen's fur coat more closely around her, while he noticed that +her teeth were chattering. + +"We'll try this shanty," said the Doctor, approaching one. A large dog +jumped out as the door opened, barking vociferously, and followed a +moment later by a half-breed Indian. + +"We have a sick woman with us," said Beaumont, "and want to put her in +your cabin for the night." + +"No come ma shanty," replied the man, fixing himself squarely across the +doorway. "Me trapper--live 'lone." + +"Entre nous, mon ami, voila une femme tres malade," returned the Doctor +in a more conciliatory tone, "et je vous donnera cinq francs." + +"Arjent comptant porte medicine. Oui, oui, monsieur. Entre vous," +returned the trapper, slipping to one side and allowing him to enter. + +A fire was burning on a rude hearth at one end of the floorless shack, +and the ground was packed hard everywhere but around the sloppy doorway. +A wooden settle covered with skins stood at one side, while a couple of +rough benches, together with a kettle or two, completed the outfit. + +By the time the Doctor had made a cursory survey, Harold and Helen, +followed by Emmiline, had joined him. + +"Will you let me have the whole shanty for to-night if I pay you for +it?" Harold asked. + +The cunning eyes of the half-breed glanced rapidly over the whole party. +Then he answered with a drawl, while he looked quizzically into the +officer's face: + +"Yah--pour, say five franc, s'il vous plait." + +"Well, you shall have it." + +"Pay me now." + +"No," replied Harold. "I will give two now--the balance in the morning +if you tell us all we need to know." + +The half-breed shrugged his shoulders, but accepted the money and, after +answering several questions, took his leave. Helen sat down on the bench +by the fire, but her teeth still chattered, while her blue lips and +contracted features indicated the severity of the chill. + +"My dear, what can possibly be the matter?" Harold asked in much alarm. + +"It is an attack of the ague," said the Doctor; in an aside: "Mon Dieu! +it is too bad." + +"Can nothing be done?" he asked again. + +"Yes, and we'll do it at once. Peruvian bark and brandy are our +sheet-anchors." + +So he busily prepared a large dose of the medicine, which she washed +down with half a glass of brandy and water. + +"Fortunately the hut is new, and probably free from vermin," said the +Doctor. + +"It might be better for the women to sleep here," said Harold. "There +will be room enough, and with the fire they can cook what is needed. +What say you, Helen?" + +"Divide the hut and stay with me. Then it will do," she replied. "We +must have a man in the house, even though it is a shanty." + +The bark and brandy were taking effect. The chills soon stopped and +Helen felt warm again. + +Later in the evening a cord was stretched across the long, narrow room, +and quilts thrown over it to form a partition. Harold and his wife took +possession of the end near the fire, while the three women improvised a +bed for themselves in the other half. + +"I hope we are not going to have a sick lady on our hands," said Sir +George to the Doctor, after his final visit. + +"I hope so, too," was the reply. "Ague is difficult to control when once +established, but, taken at the start, it can be broken. Fortunately, +this is her first attack. She will be better to-morrow." + +"Perhaps we had better leave her for a day or two to rest and +recuperate. I will speak to Manning about it. What say you?" + +"Why not let to-morrow's report decide?" said the Doctor. "I could tell +better after seeing her again." + +To this the Colonel assented. + +The spot chosen for the camp was well protected, the temperature mild +for February, and all slept soundly. The bugle sounded at break of day +and the whole camp was astir. It was unusual for the officers to rise as +early as the men, but the keynote of Helen's illness roused them, and +the first question put by each was concerning the condition of the +patient. + +Captain Cummings, with a crutch, was hobbling about for the first time, +and insisted on swinging along with the Doctor to make inquiry. + +The report was favorable. Helen had slept a little. The other women were +up, and a good fire was burning. + +"How is Madam now?" the Doctor asked of Harold. + +"Her head is still aching. You had better see her." + +So he led the way behind the screen. + +"What about resuming the journey?" he asked, after looking closely into +her face. + +"By rule, in the army, all must travel, and I have will enough to abide +by it," she answered, wearily. + +"There is no rule for you unless you are well able to follow it," he +returned with a smile. + +"But how could I possibly remain behind?" + +"You might stay for a time at Hull, across the river." + +"That won't do," she exclaimed, the tears starting. "I am better now, +and can stand it very well. The worst is that my ears buzz and my head +aches, but when out in the air again these will pass away." + +"Don't be alarmed about the ears," said the Doctor, cheerily; "that +comes from the medicine I gave to stop the chill." + +Turning to Harold he had a brief conference with him. + +"I have a plan that might answer," he suggested. + +"Sir George will do anything that is necessary," returned Harold. + +"Well, it is this. The newest sled will hold four people. We can retain +it here with the best team. Madam can lie where she is until noon. Then +you and I and the driver will remain with her and, starting early in the +afternoon, overtake the troops by night." + +"Will our separation from the men be safe?" Harold asked. + +"Perfectly, monsieur," was the reply. "We might meet a few Indians, but +they are all our allies." + +"How do you like the plan?" Harold asked of his wife. + +"Very well, if you are sure we can overtake the men by night," was her +answer, as she closed her eves again. + +"Madam, it shall be done," said the Doctor, and he went out to complete +arrangements. + +"I hope you have a good report," said Cummings, who was still waiting. +Harold told him and then sought the Colonel. + +"The idea is an excellent one," said the latter. "Some of our baggage +sleighs will also be delayed, for I've given orders to purchase an extra +supply of feed for the horses at Hull. Of course during the summer the +order is to supply us by the boats on the lakes--all right if the war is +over, or if we whip the Yankees--but the other way if they beat us." + +Some of the officers were nonplussed. Soldier-like, not bearing +responsibility, they had never given the matter a thought, and the +suggestion opened up a new difficulty. + +"Don't take the thing too seriously, my men," Sir George finally +exclaimed with a laugh. "It will come out all right, as everything does +with the British soldier whichever way it goes. But I want to take a +look at the river from yonder crest for a minute or two while we have +time." + +"Well!" he exclaimed again, as he cast his eye upon the hamlet on the +other side of the Ottawa. "This is the first time I have ever marched +_by_ a _town_ and camped outside." + +"Why not change the name Sparksville[1] to Bytown, and give that as your +reason, sir," suggested Smith. + +"Not so bad," replied the Colonel briskly. "A garrison town could be +built here, with fortifications, and this dashing river at our +feet--providing Hull were in the hands of an enemy." + +"Which can never be," put in the Doctor, "unless the French cut loose +from the British and the Ottawa divides them." + +"In that case we'd build a citadel," said Captain Payne, "and change +Smith's Bytown to Out-away, as our command to the enemy." + +"Which means," said Sir George, who was amused at the play upon words, +"that we'd take the Hull of Ottawa." + +"Sacre!" cried the Doctor with a flush, "that could never be. The Lower +Province is stronger than the Upper one, and could beat it any day. + +"Hoity, toity, man!" exclaimed the Colonel, elevating his eyebrows and +smiling good-humoredly at the irate Anglo-Frenchman. "I should not think +you would care exceedingly which way it went." + +A general laugh followed, and the next moment the bugle sounded. + +[Footnote 1: The original name of Sparksville, after a while, was +changed to Bytown, and finally to Ottawa, capital of the Dominion of +Canada.] + + + + + CHAPTER XXI. + + HELEN'S DIARY. + + +"Roche Lake, Madawaska River, March ----, 1814. + +"One hundred miles yet to face over this weary way! Oh, why did I come? +Harold is well and strong, and could have done without me; while I am a +drag to him and the whole troop besides. It is two weeks since we left +Sparksville, or Bytown, as Lieutenant Smith calls it, and I have had +that miserable ague, in spite of the Doctor's medicine, every two days +since we started. Sometimes I have a funny kind of delirium with it. +While it lasts my head buzzes and whirls, and when I walk I feel as if +travelling with tremendous speed, and keep looking over my shoulder to +see if some hideous object is not chasing me. The sensation is horrible, +and the only relief is stillness. Even the motion of the sleigh affects +me, no matter how quietly I sit. During those long drives along the +Madawaska River the feeling was sometimes terrifying. I stood it while I +could. At last Harold spoke to Sir George, and he promised, if I could +endure it till we arrived at Roche Lake, to have a shanty built for me +in which I could rest until able to finish the journey. The reason he +chose Roche Lake was because we would there leave the smooth surface of +the ice for heavier marching through the forest. + +"It was very good of Sir George. He sent men on ahead to build the +shanty, and now here we are, and a cozy cabin they have made of it, +although isolated at least a hundred miles away from any other white +man's dwelling. But I must jot down how it is built. To my surprise they +put in a little window and a heavy board door they were taking out for +the new fort. The roof is of split logs laid flat and covered with pine +branches, and as it won't thaw for a month there is no danger of the +snow melting and running through. The chimney is built of slabs of green +timber put across one corner, leaving a hole in the roof; and the sides +and back of the fireplace of sheet iron, intended for the smithy. It may +be crude, but we women folk--astonishing how clannish the life is making +us--find it very comfortable, considering the long nights we have so +often spent in the woods with a shelter not quarter so good. + +"The journey from Bytown has been very weird to me, owing to my ague. +Still, I can remember the facts, I think. After Harold, the Doctor and I +started that first afternoon, we drove until nearly dark along the old +Jesuit trail before we overtook the men. They were putting up the camp +for the night, and had taken special care to provide for my comfort, so +that next morning, notwithstanding another chill, I was ready to +continue the journey. After that, for three whole days, we were guided +by Iroquois Indians, cutting our way through the woods to Calabogie +Lake. These red men of the forest are not very picturesque. We saw +nothing of their feathers and wampun and war paint. Perhaps that is +because we are so far from the frontier, where all the battles are +fought. Their dress resembles that of the habitants, and they are +proving themselves both friendly and trustworthy. Nearly every day they +bring in fresh venison or bear meat for sale, and to-day we were +astonished by a present from them of a huge elk. + +"Strange, however, we rarely see the squaws. Perhaps it is because they +know that our men are a body of warriors going through the country, who +would have little use for women. + +"How our soldiers rejoiced on being ordered to march on the ice of the +Madawaska! The river in some places is wide, winding in and out through +a rugged and open country, but the ice is thick and the surface smooth +and without drifts, save occasionally near a sudden bend. So, except +where the rapids interfered, we had steady marching and driving for days +over a road of our own make, and not along the Jesuit trail. The great +drawbacks are the depths of snow to be shovelled away or tramped down, +and the wearisome windings of the river. + +"Harold tells me that a hundred miles as the crow flies on the Madawaska +would be two hundred by the windings of the stream. + +"But my ague is coming back. I must stop my scribbling, and will start +it again to-morrow. It is so lonely out here in the woods that writing +is like talking to an old friend. Oh, those wretched little imps! There +they are again! You infernal bug-a-boos! You think you frighten me, do +you? Oh, I wish Harold was here, but he can't be until night! How my +head aches and swims, too! Still, I hate to give in. There, Emmiline in +the other end is singing. So I will put down what she says, if I can, in +spite of the little fiends who have been chasing me ever since I left +the Ottawa. + + Rock-a-bo babee up de tree + Like vas de early morn, + And ve vill mak de feu de joie + And roast de Ingin corn. + + Rock-a-bo babee, airly an' lat, + Ven sweet de birdies sing; + Petite garçon laugh an' ee grow fat, + An' make de woods to ring. + + Rock-a-bo babee, Patre is come + From drivin' ever so far, + Over de rivare, so glad he's home + To wife and child, by gar. + +"What a mercurial nature! She feels well and can sing a child song, +notwithstanding all her sorrow." + + * * * * * + +Diary continued next day. + +"My ague was not so bad yesterday, though I did see the little devils, +and was disconsolate and blue all day, the bottom for a while being +knocked out of everything. But the long rest helped me, and now that I +feel better and have time, Mrs. Diary, I will have a good long chat with +you. The men finished fixing the shanty this morning. The two women have +a big kettle of water boiling outside and are doing some washing for the +men. They say there is enough to keep them busy every day for a week. +Emmiline--and, by the way, she sang that ditty very sweetly +yestereen--is cooking over the fire at the other end of the room. She's +as happy as a queen and is singing again. This time it's habitant love +song. How good-natured and volatile these French-Canadians are! The loss +of her two babies seem to be entirely forgotten in the joy of travelling +out west with her husband. Outside we can hear the axes of Bateese and +another driver chopping firewood for our camp. Harold, as well as Bond +and Hardman, are all away with the Colonel and his men cutting a new +road in and out among the granite boulders through the woods. They will +be back to-night to remain with their wives until the morning. It seems +an awfully funny arrangement--four married men with their wives to sleep +together in a single shanty. What a terrible thing it would be if any of +them got mixed! + +"Strange, we never think of these things until they come upon us, and +then we take them as a matter of course--simply, I suppose, because we +have to. If I had known what lay before me on leaving England, I am just +as sure as--Still--I would have done a great deal for Harold--God knows +I would--and perhaps, yes, perhaps--What's the use of talking, anyway? +Whatever is, had to be; and whatever lies before us, we must face, +whether we will or no. + +"Still, these men are not a bit rude to me, and our long shanty is so +arranged that our end is cut off from the rest, though what is said in +ordinary talk can be heard all over the room. Then about our bed, I was +going to tell how we make it, but I won't, even to you, Mrs. Diary. + + "'Still keep somethin' to yoursel' + You'd scarcely tell to ony.' + +"But I must say something more about our drive. For three or four days +after leaving Bytown, Captain Cummings was with me the half of each day +while Harold was marching, and I must say he seemed a different man, +just as gentlemanly as he could be, and so kind and thoughtful that I +felt ashamed of having ever entertained suspicions. He was considerate, +too, for on recovering the use of his ankle earlier than he expected, he +suggested a return to the old rôle. I must say I was both glad and sorry +to get some one else now and then in his place. + +"Three days ago, though, one of my off days, in which I had no fever, he +again drove with me the whole afternoon, and as it had occurred more +than once before, I became interested in his conversation. He has read +and travelled so much that his talk is instructive, and before you know +it you are thrown off your guard. You vow to yourself that it shall +never occur again, and yet it does occur, even before you know it. That +afternoon we commenced almost at once to talk about Penetang. + +"'Yes,' he said, 'I have taken the trouble to learn a good deal about +it. It is short for Penetanguishene, the name given to it by the Ojibway +Indians, and is said to be very picturesque.' + +"'Has the name a meaning?' I asked. + +"'Yes, it signifies the rolling sands or the shining shores made by the +gods of the fairies for lovers to bask upon.' + +"'And do the Ojibways still live there?' I asked. + +"Oh, no! Governor Simcoe bought the section twenty years ago from the +Matchedash Indians for garrison purposes, and it is only now, by advice +of the present Governor, Sir George Prevost, that the idea is being +carried out." + +"'And so we are going there to build the fort,' was my response. + +"'Don't you think we are an admirable body for the purpose?' he asked. +'A valiant knight of the Cross, with full complement of officers and men +to establish the quarters and put up the building, and a lady of quality +to preside at our functions and be queen of the realm.' + +"'But what will you do with her in the meantime?' I asked merrily. 'Put +her on the rolling sands and shining shore until the fort is built?' + +"'That's just it,' he returned. 'Turn her into a sea nymph and give her +a tent to adorn until the building is finished.' + +"'You are very kind. But how came it, Captain Cummings, as chief officer +of the company to be stationed, that you did not get married and bring +your own wife to be queen and preside at your functions?' + +"'I had very good reasons,' he blurted out. 'First, the lady to whom I +was engaged flatly declined to come west when I hinted the matter to +her. She was not so brave as you are. Second, she was a hothouse plant, +and would have been out of place in a garrison settlement. Third, I did +not love her enough to bother with her company, even if she had been +willing.' + +"'And did she break the engagement?' + +"'I suppose so, and I am happy to say I'm a free lance again, ready to +gather the luscious fruit whenever opportunity occurs.' + +"'You don't believe then in the adage: 'Once in love, always in love?' + +"'Lieutenant Manning does,' he replied. + +"'And so does his wife,' was my response. + +"'Oh, of course, but I believe in friendship more than love, and you +must count me your staunchest friend when we establish ourselves on the +shining shores of Penetang.' + +"I thanked him, of course, and again I say what else could I do?" + + + + + CHAPTER XXII. + + +Through interminable forest of spruce, pine and hemlock; through scraggy +underwood, through clumps of tamarack poles, through dense cedar hedges; +in and out among boulders of rock hard as adamant, jutting crags and +angry precipices, over mounds of granite and shelving plates of +limestone; over hill and down dale, the men of the 100th slowly made +their way. Cutting down brushwood among rocky masses, made a narrow lane +through which soldiers, two abreast, could force a tortuous march; but +to make sleigh roads for teams to transport goods for settlement and +garrison was a more difficult matter. The way through the frozen +wilderness was unbroken, and Indian guides, as well as their own scouts, +were sent on ahead to locate the road they must cut. Even a deadlock was +possible, and to save interminable journeys around impassable ravines, +teams would be unhitched and horses saddle-bagged and led singly, while +men carried goods in their arms or on their shoulders to the smoother +way beyond. + +Many more days passed away as slowly but surely they forged ahead in a +south-west direction. Monotony of labor, monotony of snow, monotony of +cold, but variety of wilderness. Sometimes troops of squirrels chattered +and scampered around them. Bold, black fellows would run down tall pines +and angrily interrogate the drivers and, having delivered their message, +dart back from tree to tree and disappear in the distance. Mink would +run in and out among the boulders, sometimes brought down by a soldier's +gun, but more frequently lost in a hole in the ice, to reappear next +minute when distance lent safety to the view. Now and then a wild cat +was seen as well as heard, and in the early dawn the tail of the red +fox, as he darted across the smooth surface of a frozen lake and +startled the deer as they lay in sheltered nook or browsed among the +bushes. But of wolves they saw no more, though night was often made +hideous with their unearthly yells, always reminiscent of that one +occasion, so long to be remembered. + +At last, on a bright March morning, they drove out upon a broad, level +plain. Octopus feelers stretched out in every direction. They were on +the Lake of Bays. Next, with all the speed they could muster, they +struck southward along Muskoka River. Then over hill and dale, across +ponds and beyond Muskoka Lake. South and west was still the watchword +till Waubashene was left behind, and finally one day, with the bright +sun shining above them, the terminus was reached. + +"All things come to him who waits and prays the Lord to guide him!" +piously exclaimed the Chaplain. + +"God be praised, we're here at last, thanks to our perseverance," echoed +Sir George. "But waiting would never bring a man to his destined haven. +Egad! this is a fine spot! Looks well in winter, what must it be in +summer?" + +"Mon Dieu!" exclaimed the Doctor, whose expletives were always in +French, "if yonder is not a schooner frozen fast in the ice." + +"Yes, and by my father's ghost, there's a man on her deck taking stock +of us," cried Cummings. + +At this moment the men gave a loud cheer, which was answered by a whoop +from the owner of the boat. + +"The unexpected always happens," said Sir George; "who could imagine +that we should find a brig here? Captain, send down Bond and Hardman to +tell the man I would like to converse with him." + +In a short time the men of the little column, as well as horses and +sleighs, were gathered in an open space above the crest of the hill. On +two sides and behind them the forest extended illimitably, while through +the scattered trees in front, the surface of the bay stretched out for +miles. It was here they purposed camping in temporary shanties and tents +until permanent houses could be built. + +A week's rest at Roche Lake had improved Helen's condition, and now with +joy she welcomed the end of their long march. + +"Home at last," cried Harold, as their sleigh stopped. + +"Even if it is a snowbank," she responded with a laugh. + +"Scarcely that bad," said Sir George, who overheard her. "I see two or +three empty shanties yonder. They can be fixed a bit. And that little +schooner may have accommodation, perhaps. We shall soon know." + +The spot on which they stood was tramped hard by the many feet of the +men, and Helen alighted. + +"I wonder if there is a woman on board of her?" she questioned. + +"If there is, she's had a winter of it," commented Harold, "though not +as hard as you have had, dearie." + +"I can sympathize with any of your sex now, our own women particularly," +exclaimed Sir George, and extending his hand to Helen, he continued, +"and I congratulate you, Mrs. Manning, most cordially, may I say +affectionately, for the brave and noble fight you have put up during the +whole of this terrible journey. We are all proud of you, and when I tell +your uncle, Sir Charles, of the doings of the brave lady we took out to +the west, he will simply be amazed." + +Helen's cheeks flushed, and her eyes drooped as she murmured her thanks, +but her thoughts were wandering off in another direction. + +"You are not going back soon?" she asked, timidly. + +"Certainly not for a while; but when summer comes I may have to, unless +you make the new fort so charming by your presence, that even an old +fellow like myself cannot tear himself away," replied the Colonel, +gallantly. + +"But how could we possibly do without you?" + +"Oh, that can easily be managed, and to save time, preliminaries are +already being arranged." + +"You are cold," said Harold, noticing the sudden whiteness of her face. +"Let us step to the fire." + +Already one was burning, and beside it she stood, silently watching the +men felling trees for the larger camp of the night. + +"This is Mr. Latimer, sir," said the Corporal to Sir George, touching +his hat; with him were Hardman and the shuffling skipper. "He owns the +craft." + +"Good day, sir," exclaimed the man, with a general air of amazement on +his face. + +"Good day to you," Sir George replied, extending his hand. "We were +surprised to find a boat in the ice with a live man on it at this time +of the year." + +"No more'n I was to see youse, sir; an' where the deuce you all comes +from beats me." + +"On sledges straight from the Pole," returned the Colonel with a smile. + +"So I suspect!" a humorous twinkle taking the place of the look of +astonishment, "but I didna think the Yankees could scare red-coats so +far north as that." + +"Not so bad! But who have you on that boat of yours, or are you alone? +In fact, have you any accommodations to spare? Two or three berths, for +instance." + +"There's me an' my old woman. If she's willin' possibly we might take in +two or three womenfolk, if they can put up with our fixings." + +The man took a side glance at Helen, who stood by the fire, and then at +the other women, but his eye immediately reverted to the first face. She +had regained her color and was attentively observing him. + +"Thank you," returned the Colonel, "but how do you happen to be frozen +up in this plight?" + +"That's easy told," returned the man with a nod. He evidently wanted to +have a talk. "Fact is, I'm a trader, dealin' with Indians and whites all +around the Georgian Bay. But you see this war bizness knocked me out a +bit, for it wan't safe to run a craft right in the teeth o' destruction; +so I waited till fall, and when the gunboats laid up for the winter I +pitched in and did a rushing business right up to December. Then the big +gale hit us, and I thought it would blow the _Bumble Bee_ to pieces, but +it didn't. She just drifted right to where she is. Lor! how it did blow +that night! An' it friz, too, like all creation! When mornin' came we +was froze in as solid as a rock, an' here we are yet, and likely to be +for a spell. Turn about's fair play. Straight bizness--none o' yer +foolin'! Where did youse all come from?" + +"From Halifax." + +"How in Sam Hill did you do it?" + +"By cutting our way through the woods." + +"Well, I swa'an!" The man pulled out a jack-knife and began whittling a +stick. Then he expectorated an exceedingly long distance, and finished +by exclaiming: "Golly, but you're bricks--and to think of having a leddy +with you, too!" + +"Thank you," said Sir George. + +"An' how much farther be you going? Clean through to the coast?" + +"No; this is the end." + +"An' you'll stay here?" + +"Yes." + +"An' build a barrack for the sojers?" + +"Yes." + +"By Jehupitee Cripes! If that don't beat all! I must tell my woman. +Won't the _Bumble Bee_ make a fortin'?" + +Latimer clapped his knee in high glee. Then he turned to shuffle down to +the boat to tell his better half the good news. + +"Stay!" called Sir George, and, turning to Harold, he continued: "You +and your wife had better go with Mr. Latimer and see what accommodation +he has to offer. It might save time." + +So, accompanied by Bond, they followed the man in single file down the +footpath through the snow. A steep but straight decline led to the level +of the frozen lake. About twenty yards from the shore lay the _Bumble +Bee_. It was a small craft with two masts and about nine feet beam. The +gunwale stood several feet above the ice, and beside the little midship +cabin the whole of the poop had been boarded in by a railing. A pile of +wood lay beside the boat, and as Helen stepped across the little +gangway, she noticed that the foredeck was cleanly swept. + +With arms akimbo, a middle-aged, stern-faced woman stood in the narrow +doorway, but her thick homespun dress and general air of tidiness and +thrift gave confidence to her visitor, notwithstanding the puzzled look +of inquiry with which she returned Helen's salutation. + +"These people want to know eff we'll tak' in boarders?" said Latimer, by +way of introduction. "What say you, Meg?" + +"He means," said Harold, "that we are stranded, and would like you, if +possible, to accommodate this lady and two or three other women until we +can build our own quarters." + +For a moment or two the woman looked straight into Helen's frank and +kindly eyes. Then her hard expression softened, and a smile lit up her +face as she accepted Helen's hand. + +"I guess I can," was her answer. "It ain't much, but such as I have +she's welcome to. About t'other women I don't know, for I haven't seen +'em yet." + +Helen's eyes filled with tears. + +"Thank you," she said. + +"Step right in, marm; the coop is warm if it is little, and there's a +chair you can sit down in," pointing to a little rocker which Latimer +had made for her. "It's kinder comfortable." + +"I'm sure it is," said Helen, and slowly she rocked herself to and fro, +while she listened to the talk of the woman. + +She felt strangely attracted by her. Some old memory link of the past +was aroused. Had she seen that face before, and if so, when and where? +While talking and asking questions Helen's mind was in an analytical +mood, dissecting, so far as she could, everything associated with her +appearance and life. Who was she? Where had she seen her? Was it +possible that their lives had ever touched each other--this woman, +double her own age and of different station? Yes, there was a link +somewhere. Of this she felt sure. She must solve the mystery, but not +now. To find a spot to rest in was enough for the present. + + [Illustration: "Strangers and yet not strangers" + + _Page 72_] + + + + + CHAPTER XXIII. + + +The few remaining hours of that 31st of March were well occupied by the +men of the 100th. Larger and better camps were pitched to last for many +nights, instead of one, until real barracks could be built. The Indian +wigwams, of which several were standing along the shore, proved to be +useless, but a couple of trapper-forsaken shanties for the time did duty +as officers' quarters. Fortunately, in each was a rough fireplace, and +big fires soon dried the dampness and made them passably habitable. So +with the women on the _Bumble Bee_, and officers and men in their camps, +the first night passed away. + +On the following morning the men strengthened their stakes, while Sir +George and Captain Payne had an earnest consultation over plans for the +future. + +"Of course," said Sir George, "a fort and barracks will have to be built +at once, whatever we do afterwards; the question is, which shall be +first and where shall we put them?" + +"Both important questions," returned the Captain. "There is another +serious one, too. In three or four weeks, perhaps half that time, +winter will break up. The spring thaw and cold rains will come, and +better shelter for our people will then be imperative." + +"True," said the Colonel. "You already have your plans." + +For some moments there was a pause while they scanned the outlook. + +"Yes," said the engineer at last, "beside the men's camp, near the +margin of the hill, will be a good place for the garrison. It commands +the whole length of the bay to its mouth and Beausoliel Island beyond. +You couldn't have a better place for a fort. In it you might have +officers' rooms as well, and later on build your shipyard at the foot of +the hill down by the bay." + +"What about the men's quarters?" + +"Build them right behind the fort." + +"You notice that little narrow island to the south of Latimer's boat?" + +"Yes; it commands the mouth of the harbor direct, and would be a fine +place to build a magazine with a battery of guns." + +"A good idea, Captain. When summer comes perhaps we can manage it with +our light cannon. It is lucky they were no bigger. If they had been it +would have been impossible to portage them so far through the woods." + +"To put up the buildings every man will have to work," said Payne. + +"There need be no reserve on that score," returned George. "How are you +off for tools?" + +"Starting at London and ending at Montreal, we secured a full +complement, including axes, broad-axes, shingle knives, cross-cut saws, +etc. Then all the drivers are skilled woodsmen, and can show our men how +to use them." + +"When will you be ready to start?" + +"Immediately after mess." + +"Another thing, Captain, we must not forget that Mrs. Manning is here to +stay. One of our first buildings must be for herself and her husband." + +"I thought of that. How would it do to put up a house at once big enough +to hold them and the officers, too?" + +"You might throw up a little cottage for them and a larger one for +ourselves. That would be better than the double combination. Then we +could wait a bit. For that matter, we might build the new fort of +stone." + +In another hour a score of axes were at work. Busy hands swung them from +morning until evening for many successive days. Saws were used to cut +the logs into necessary lengths, while the little Frenchmen with their +teams snaked the logs out of the woods into the clearing where the +houses were to be built. + +Some of the men cleared the ground of underwood and dug cellars with +bevelled edges for the coming dwellings; others, discovering a spring, +hollowed out the surface, put in a cedar block curb and turned it into +a flowing well; while another gang felled clear stuff white pines, sawed +them into short lengths and split them into shingles. + +And so, under control of Captain Payne, this complex host of industry +busied itself day after day, from early dawn until the darkening. The +weather was in every way propitious, and though it thawed in day time, +it always froze at night. The sun, in a clear sky, daily reached a +loftier altitude and shed a warmer ray, melting the snow until the water +ran in ripples to the lake. But the tightening each night saved the +situation. Every body knew that warm weather was coming, and with so +much impending, not a moment was lost. So the time passed until one +afternoon a man was squaring the butt-end of a log when Captain Payne +joined him. + +"Can you have all ready for the raising by Monday morning?" he asked. + +"For the first cottage, yes," the man answered, resting for a moment +upon his broad-axe. "It's the little one for the lady. Bateese and +Bouchere are both good hewers, and they will have the logs for the other +by the time we have the first up." + +"That's satisfactory. I'm glad you are prompt. We are going to have +rain." + +"Bateese says it will come inside of two days," replied the man, +glancing at the hazy mist which was gradually darkening the sky. + +"Oui, monsieur, rain sure," cried Bateese from the end of a log he was +hewing. "Dem leetle clouds lak sheep-wool all de sam, wid haze where she +touch de ice sure sign, sure as shooting, sure as de diable." + +"How can you tell? You were never here before, Bateese." + +"Sure all de same. Place make no difference. Jess as it was in Kebec." + +"You had better push things anyway, Blake," said the Captain. "He is +probably right. Come what will, we must have both houses shingled before +the storm breaks." + +"And so we shall, if the good Lord will only keep it off a bit longer. +But there's a pile of work to do yet. The shingles are ready, but the +roof slabs have to be split. We'll need more men, sir." + +"You can have twenty more for the barrack gang," said Payne. + +"That's all we've room for, but they'll be needed. Let us have 'em soon, +sir." + +"All right, my man." + +At this moment there was a wild yell in the woods, following a crash +among the trees, and from different directions men rushed to the spot +from which the sound came; while at the same time a messenger hurried +in. + +"What's the matter?" cried Sir George. + +"Teddy Barnes is killed. He is dead sure! Oh! where is the Doctor?" + +But Beaumont had heard, and with long strides was hastening to the spot. +Though unconscious, the man was not dead. A big shingle tree in falling +had brought down a slanting spruce, pinning Teddy down in the snow +without killing him outright. When the Doctor arrived the men were +trying clumsily to extricate him. + +"Sacré," screamed the Doctor. "Stop, I say! There's only one chance to +save him. The log must be cut. Bateese, you are the man. Swing your axe +for your life. Now, all take hold and lift the tree bodily till he cuts +it loose." + +The shrill words of Beaumont calmed the excitement and brought order out +of chaos. Every one sprang to his post and the mighty effort of the men +in direct line preceptibly raised the upper end of the heavy tree. On +examination, the Doctor was convinced that the deep snow in the hollow +in which he lay had saved the man from instant death. + +With prodigious energy Bateese swung his axe. Every blow sank deep in +the soft, green wood. Quickly the bevelled notch in the one side was +cut, followed in similar fashion on the other. In a few minutes the work +was done, the axe penetrating from side to side through the upper half. + +"Now, reedy--leeft, garçons, leeft!" cried Bateese. "Steddy." + +With a bound the Frenchman was at the Doctor's side, and while the men +lifted till the timber snapped, the two gently drew out the body of the +boy; but an ominous sound jarred upon their ears. The bones grated upon +each other. Then on a stretcher covered with blankets they gently laid +the lad and bore him back to the camp. + +"Will he live?" Sir George asked in deep concern. + +"No," said the Doctor. "The poor fellow's pelvis is smashed. He may not +even become conscious again, for his skull is fractured as well." + +"Pray God he may not, then," said Sir George, fervently. "Better to die +than live in hopeless agony." + +By the time they reached the men's quarters every one in camp knew. They +gathered together in groups and discussed the sad event, the first +calamity since their arrival in Penetang. A more careful examination +corroborated the Doctor's opinion. Consciousness never returned, and by +sundown he was dead. + +"What about the lad's burial?" Chaplain Evans asked of Sir George before +retiring for the night. + +"To-morrow is Sunday, let us have it then," was the sorrowful answer. +"Reveille at eight, breakfast at nine, full parade at ten, funeral at +eleven. Preach the Sunday sermon, Chaplain, and let the boys have a good +one. They deserve it. Then we'll give poor Barnes a full rifle salute +and taps as well." + +"You are right, Colonel," returned the Chaplain; there was moisture +between his eyelids; "but it is too bad to have a death in our ranks so +soon." + + + + + CHAPTER XXIV. + + +They buried the broken body of Teddy Barnes in a little oak grove on the +lower plateau, and the dead leaves on the branches soughed in gentle +requiem to the words: + +"Dust to dust, ashes to ashes," as they fell from the clergyman's lips. + +With serious faces soldiers stood around the open grave. Earth dropped +upon the coffin. The boom of guns echoed over forest and lake, and then, +as the sounds died away, the shrill note of the bugle told of a spirit +that had gone too soon to the God who gave it. The funeral service was +ended. + +"My men," said the deep voice of the Colonel as he glanced at the faces +around him. "This sad duty is over. We have buried a comrade who fell, +not fighting in battle, but doing his duty; and in his burial we have +given him the honors due the bravest soldier when struck down at the +cannon's mouth. + +"But, my men, we do not live for the dead, but for the living. We are +still practically without shelter, and though it is Sunday, I must bid +you work with might and main. Every man must be at his post. The +quarters for the officers, and barracks for the men, must be built and +have the shingles on before the rain comes. Otherwise we must face +disaster. So I ask you to disband until after dinner, and then, at one +o'clock sharp, your work must begin again." + +Standing around the grave of their comrade the two companies of the +100th sent up a rousing cheer for their Colonel, and then, scattering, +each man went where he listed. + +"That Colonel of yours is well named," said Latimer to Helen in the +afternoon, as he entered the little coop of the _Bumble Bee_, where she +was writing. "He's got a mighty good headpiece. Those fellows of his +work like niggers when he tells 'em to." + +"And should they not?" she asked, looking up from her folder. + +"Of course, it's their duty, and all that, but I've often seen fellows +shirk right again orders the moment the captain's back was turned." + +"Perhaps they didn't have the right kind of a captain." + +"That's about it," returned Latimer, nodding his head. "Though it's not +their regular dooty, and it's Sunday, them sojers are workin' like all +possessed--one lot sawin' an' choppin' an' splittin' an' +haulin'--t'other lot havin' a reg'lar raisin' bee. They'll have the +walls o' both them housen up by night, or my name ain't Latimer." + +"I don't think Sir George would have the men working that way to-day if +it were not necessary," said Helen, seriously; but she remembered a note +in her diary, written in the days of their long march. + +"It's necessary, sure enough, or they wouldn't have a shingle laid +before the flood comes. But the funny part of it is that the boys should +put on their best lick to-day. I reckon that speech of the Colonel's did +the bizness. If I'd been one of them, I'd ha' done my best, too." + +For some time Latimer stood beside the little stove without further +comment, and Helen resumed her writing. + +"Say, Mrs. Manning!" he exclaimed at last. "Do you think the Colonel has +any idee how the war's going? In a week or two the snow'll be all gone, +an' the ice broke up, an' to me it 'pears like he must be 'specting the +Yankee ships up to the bay here, or he wouldn't be buildin' a fort." + +"You should ask the Colonel," replied Helen, diplomatically. "I can't +tell you, perhaps he can. But about our buildings, the sooner they go up +the better. This terrible winter seems to have lasted a year at least." + +"Golly, no. It has just been the ordinaire. Still, I'll be glad to have +it open up an' get my boat out agin. Do you know it's jess bootiful out +yon' on the water when the spring comes. The hull east side of the bay +is chuck full o' islands, and they're as purty as a pictur. There are +thousands of 'em, little bits of fellows and great big ones, scattered +up and down like lambs on a pasture field or hickory nuts in the woods. +An' then they're all covered wi' bushes and trees like. What I've seen +of 'em allus looked like the place my old mother told of, where the +fairies lived, and, by jove, nobody but fairies could live there, +anyway, for they're nothin' but solid rock, the hull kit of 'em." + +"Now you're talking sense for the fust time," said Mrs. Latimer, from +the other side of the cribbed little room. "It's one o' the most +dangerous lakes you could find anywheres. Nawthing but rocks, rocks, +rocks, an' many a boat goes to smash on 'em every year, an' no tellin' +how many lives are lost, for they never come back to tell the story." + +"I didn't say they warn't dangerous," returned Latimer, sagely holding +his head to one side. "I jess said they was bootiful, and so they is. It +ain't every one can tell a purty thing when they see it; and more than +that," he added sententiously, "the bay is prolific." + +"Of what?" his wife asked in supreme contempt. + +"Why," he replied in disgust, "of fishes." + +"Awh!" she interjected. + +"I don't think there's a place on the lakes where the fishin's as good +as Georgian Bay. There's whitefish an' salmon trout, an' bass, an' +pickerel, an' sturgeon, an' muskilonge, 'an goodness knows how many +others. Oh, you can talk as you like, but when the sun is settin' in +big gold flashes--green islands all around you--clear water, still as +glass, beneath you--an' then the bass catchin' your hook as fast as you +throw it in, life's jest about worth livin'!" + +"Ned's on one of his tangents again," said Mrs. Latimer, with a shrug. +"If the _Bumble Bee_ ever gets stranded on the rocks it'll teach him +sense, but nothin' else will." + +"Don't be hard on a fellow, Meg," replied the man good-naturedly. +"Many's the time the _Bumble Bee's_ taken in fish by the bushel, an' she +never got stranded on the rocks yet; please God, she never will. She can +run agin the wind as fast as any smack I know of, an' I guess Ned +Latimer understands her gearings." + +"It was runnin' her gearings put us in this blessed hole, I reckon.' + +"We might have been wuss off. Lots o' firewood, lots o' fish and +venison, friendly Injuns for neighbors, an' not so terribly cold after +all, even if we was friz up in the ice." + +And the philosophical skipper went off to take another look at the +progress of the "Raisin'." + +"Latimer's allus easy goin' and onreasonable," said the wife, as she +watched him through the little window, while he ascended the hill. + +"It must have been hard for you to spend the winter locked in here," +said Helen. She felt like reconciling the incongruities between the +ill-mated pair, "but I shouldn't think Mr. Latimer an unreasonable man. +He may have made a mistake in letting his boat drift into the bay so +late in the season. Still, he has made it comfortable for you, and I +wonder what I could have done if your homelike schooner had not been +here, with a kind hostess in it to welcome me." + +"I suppose things is never so bad as they might be," said Mrs. Latimer, +her face relaxing a little. "And I'm glad to do something for ye--even +if it ain't much." + +Again Helen was startled. It was when the hardness wore off the woman's +face that the forgotten expression came back again. She had surely seen +it before, and the softened tone seemed familiar. Could she trace it +back through the years to the days of her childhood? It could not be +black-eyed Susan, who pinched her when she cried, and threatened to +pinch harder if she told? This woman's eyes were grey. Nor red-headed +Molly, who in her afternoon walk invariably left her with her mother to +be stuffed with black toffy, while she went off to gossip with the +barber's son? Her hair was too black ever to have been red. Nor the maid +who frightened her with ghost stories. Nor the namby-pamby one who +cuddled her with kisses and called her beatific names, until in childish +indignation she wrathfully rebelled. + +All these in rapid movement of memory were set aside, but the more she +thought, the more convinced she became that in the big medley of +domestic servitors of the long past, this woman somewhere played her +part. But the cobwebs were lifting. She would find her soon. + +"You have not always lived on the lakes, Mrs. Latimer?" she asked at +last. + +"I never did till I married Latimer." + +"And before that?" said Helen. + +"I was from New York; but that's ten year ago, and Latimer was a British +subject." + +"And did you never cross the ocean? One would think that, living so much +on the water, you would be sure to go over the sea." + +"So I have, mum, so I have. I went over twenty year ago come June as +servant to a New York lady and stayed there for a year, but I didn't +like it, so I come home agin." + +"Twenty years ago. And did you live for some time in South London, near +the Thames?" + +"Yes I did," answered the woman, with a start. + +"And worked as nursemaid for Mrs. Brandon, of Russell Street, near +Battersea Park?" + +"Good gracious alive, yes! Did you know her? Be you--" + +"Yes, I am little Helen Brandon, the child you put straddle-legged +around your neck to run a race with another nurse-girl from Henley +Street, at the other end of the row." + +"Land sake! Be you that child? Who'd a'thought it! An' then to meet you +here out in the wilds o' the wilderness!" The woman rose, and, with +flushed and agitated face, came towards her. + +Helen extended both hands, and Mrs. Latimer grasped them within her own. + +"It was rough play, and weren't the square thing to do, I reckon; still, +I don't think I hurt you, child." + +"You didn't hurt me much, but I was terribly afraid you might fall. If I +remember right, the other little girl screamed frantically at the last." + +"And well she might," returned the woman with a grin, "for Ann did the +very thing you were afraid of. She stumbled and rolled over, and I won +the race." + +"I must have been sadly frightened, for I remember crying over it in my +little bed that night, and my mother insisted upon knowing the cause--so +I told her--and I never saw you afterwards." + +"Oh, she gave me my _congé_ next morning, but I didn't care, for I had +decided to come back to the States as soon as that month's work was up." + +"You did not take another place, then?" + +"No; I sailed on the next ship, and then worked out in New York until I +came across Latimer--and was fool enough to marry him." + +"I hope you don't regret it." + +"Humph! don't I? But I'm glad to know who you are. There won't be no +more races, but I'll do all I can for you, an' help you to fix things, +too, when they get your house built. I took an awful fancy to you when +you was a kid, even if I was a leetle rough." + +"I felt sure I knew you from the first," said Helen earnestly. "I must +again thank you for your kindness, and I am sure we shall be very good +friends." + +"It is just a joy to see you when I think it out. The long ago is only +like yesterday. Just to think that the first white woman's face I should +see in four months should be that of the little rosy-faced darling that +I dangled in my arms and round my neck twenty long year ago. Ah, there +comes Latimer agin!" And her face hardened. "What does he want now, I +wonder? Why can't he let us be?" + + + + + CHAPTER XXV. + + +The woman went out to interrogate her husband, and Helen returned to her +writing, but in a few minutes Latimer came in again. + +"Is them letters you are at?" he asked, as she folded a sheet and +slipped it into her reticule. + +"Yes," she replied. "I hope to send them away when the lake opens." + +"Your post will be long in going," he said, wagging his head. "It may +take a month to clear the ice off the bay, and there ain't a single +post-office anywheres this side o' Little York, and being as the Yankees +fight well on the lakes, it might be dangerous to send letters that way +even when they was open." + +"Letters will keep," replied Helen, serenely, "And the Americans cannot +always have it their own way." + +"I didn't say they could; only what you have writ down will be an old +story before you get it off your hands." + +"Old stories are said to be the best, you know." + +"So I've heerd. It's none of my bizness, anyhow, an' as I tell my old +woman, you can do as you durned please." + +He threw back his head and cackled in apology for his rudeness, while +Helen folded her tablets and put on her wraps to go out. The hazy sun +was still an hour high. On the hill she could see her future home, with +walls up and rafter poles in place, and not far from it sounded the +"yo-heave" of the men who, with long pikes, were raising the logs of the +larger building. + +Gathering up her skirts to keep them out of the melting snow, Helen +hastened over to the scene. Harold was superintending the men on one +side as she joined him. + +"That'll be our new home, sweetheart," he said, nodding toward the +farther building. "How do you like it?" + +"Logs all round, it looks queer," was her answer. + +"Yes, but the shingles have to go on yet." + +"What about doors and windows?" + +"They will cut holes in the sides to-day, and put them in afterwards." + +"What a ninny I am not to think of it! How hard the men work!" + +"Yes; this house, too, has to be up to-night, and made ready for +shingles as well." + +"Oh, if the rain would only keep off!" + +"Yes, that would be grand. In the meantime we are all doing our best." + +Some men were splitting pine logs into slabs and hewing them down for +roof planks, and already they were being laid on the rafters of Helen's +house. Others were preparing shingles, chinking walls and cutting +apertures. Doorways, jamways, chimneys, were all being made. Every one +was busy. + +By the next afternoon much had been accomplished. Each man's coat was +off--work was unabated--no rain had fallen--but heavy clouds covered the +sky--and Bateese's prediction seemed likely of fulfilment. + +The shingling of Helen's house had been finished. A log fire was burning +on the andirons to dry the dampness and take away the green, while men +were doing their best in many ways to make it habitable. + +"Can I have my boxes brought in now?" Helen asked of Harold. "There's +the first drop of rain." + +"Yes, if the rubbish can be cleared out of the way." + +"Emmiline and I will see to that." + +Then Bateese and the soldiers brought over what was personal for Helen's +cottage; while she, her faithful Emmiline and Harold, did the rest. + +In the preparations of the officers' house progress had been slower, but +as it was evident that rain would be upon them heavily by night, the +energies of the men were taxed to their utmost. Bit by bit the place was +put in order, and load after load of goods were brought in and piled at +random even before the roof was closed in. + +"The shingling must be finished, no matter how it rains," cried Captain +Payne, "and every man shall have an extra ration of grog when it is +done. The officers will occupy this house to-night, no matter what +happens." + +The promise of extra liquor, for all were wet, stimulated to greater +exertion, and valiantly the men obeyed orders. By night rain came down +in torrents. Though drenched to the skin, the shinglers continued their +work until the last one was laid, and beneath the sheltering roof of +their new cottage Sir George and his officers gathered together before +the night closed in. + +Still, the walls of the barracks were only partly up, and for that night +the men, notwithstanding the rain, were obliged to return to their old +quarters. So with the women in the _Bumble Bee_, Harold and Helen in +their new cottage, the officers in their house, and the men in their old +camp, the night wore on. + +By-and-bye the east wind veered to the south. With warmer air and rain +the snow and ice melted rapidly away. But toward morning another change +came. The wind swept to the west and increased to a hurricane; savagely +the frozen surface of the bay broke up, toppling huge waves over each +other in fury, and forcing the ice blocks out to the freer space along +the eastern shore. So mad was the wind, so wild the elements, bursting +free from the icy grip of winter--that the lake at Beausoliel tossed +mountains high in a white-capped sea of foam. The trouble, however, was +not in the distance, but at hand. + +During the earlier hours of the night, tired out by their day's work, +the men slept soundly, notwithstanding the tempest. The pine-needle +padding of the roofs of the camp in some measure protected the bunks +from leakage; and, as the soldier heeds not the storm, save when +summoned to duty, on they slept. By-and-bye the wind increased in savage +fury. Stakes loosened, camp poles swayed, and at the earliest dawn the +sentry sounded the alarm. But it was none too soon. The men had scarcely +time to spring to their feet and don their jackets before the crash +came. There were oaths and yells and confusion; clashing of timbers and +popping of heads through the debris; while not a few derisive laughs +rang out above the sound of the screeching wind. + +"What a devilish row!" cried Corporal Bond to Hardman, as they fell over +each other in making their exit. "A complete flattener. Pray God, none +o' the boys are killed." + +"It beats all," returned Hardman, as a flying stick struck him on the +head and knocked him over. But he was up in a moment, vigorously rubbing +the place. "Jimminy Isaacs! Lucky the women are in the boat," he yelled +out. + +"Is it, though?" cried the Corporal, as a wild shout came from the +stormy bay beneath them. + +"Ba gosh! Vat's de matter wid de _Bumble Bee_?" yelled Bateese, who, +after crawling from beneath a stack of pine poles, rushed to their side. +There was commotion down there, no doubt, though what it was the +darkness hid from view. Away went Bateese, running with tremendous +strides and followed by others, realizing that possibly the women might +be in danger. + +Protected from wind and wave by the island already mentioned, the ice +between the latter and the shore withstood the force of the tempest the +longest. At the northern end of the protected channel lay the _Bumble +Bee_, and while stationary in the ice, the storm failed to rouse the +occupants. The sudden veering of the wind, however, changed the +flattened surface into a boiling cauldron. Tumultuously, the ice, worn +thin by the prolonged thaw, was broken into fragments, and the little +ship, frozen solid at her moorings for the whole of the winter, was +suddenly cast loose upon the waters. + +Latimer and his wife were both roused by the lurch of the boat. As an +old seaman, he knew at once what had happened. The rudder, too, was +gone, and he called loudly for assistance. At the same moment the women +screamed, for the boat tossed like a cockle shell beneath them. + +"Be easy, now," cried Latimer. "Don't make fools of yourselves! This +ain't the first sail the _Bumble Bee_ ever made." + +"If it ain't the first, it's the last," retorted his wife, fiercely. + +"Bet your bottom dollar she'll make many another yet. Hello, Bateese! +Ketch this rope when I throw it." + +But the distance was too great. + +"Hold on, wait a meenit," and Bateese ran to a pile of young beeches +that had been cut as pike poles for building. + +"That 'tarnal Frenchman," muttered Latimer. "The rudder's broken, and +we'll drift out of reach before he's back again." + +But Bateese knew better. + +"Tie loop on rope," he yelled as he hurried back. "Den we catch heem wid +pole." + +"Here's one for ye," and with tremendous effort Latimer threw out the +line again. As it uncoiled the end fell between fragments of ice ten +feet from the shore. + +"Dere, I tole you. Him no reach de bank, but nevare min', we catch heem +all de same." And stretching out to his utmost he hooked the fork of the +beech into the open end of the cable and drew it in. Being taut, there +was barely enough to reach the shore. + +"Give us more rope," shouted Bond. Another yard was paid out. + +"Not another inch to spare," cried Latimer. + +But the men had got hold of it and were pulling with all their might. +Still, the force of the current was a match for them, and it was not +until reinforced that they succeeded in drawing the boat in and lashing +it to a tree. + +Necessity for self-control was now over, and Bateese sprung excitedly on +to the _Bumble Bee_. + +"Oh, ma Emmiline. Mon cher ami!" Throwing his arms about his wife: "Mine +sweetheart--vive ma reine." + +"Oui, oui, Bateese!" she replied, the tears running on each side down +her face, "but don't be so fooleesh." + +The Englishmen were not so demonstrative. Hardman extended his hand to +help his wife to terra firma, she vowing that she would "never sleep on +that old thing again"; while Bond chaffed his wife good-naturedly for +"rasin' such a din in the fo'castle of the bloomin' boat." + +By this time it was daylight. The bugle sounded the men to mess, and the +day promising to be fine, orders were given to push the barracks for the +men, and to occupy them the coming night. All of which by diligent +effort they were able to accomplish. + +Having followed our heroine and the officers and soldiers of the two +companies of the 100th through their long and arduous march, locating +them finally at Penetang, and watching with interest their efforts at +the establishment of a fort, we must bid them adieu for a time and +return to the east in order to record other incidents which have an +important bearing upon our story. + + + + + CHAPTER XXVI. + + +Only twice did Maud Maxwell receive letters from Dr. Beaumont during the +months that followed that memorable morning when the companies started +out on their long march. One was from Quebec, in which he gave details +of the journey and an account of the dance at the Citadel, but he made +no mention of his meeting with the beautiful Louise de Rochefort. On the +whole, the letter, to Maud's mind, seemed cool. At this she felt piqued, +more than she cared to acknowledge to herself. The devotion declared by +the ardent lover on leaving, notwithstanding the coolness with which she +had received it, seemed scarcely to be adequately sustained. Why so +sudden a change? Had he forgotten her already? Was he contented to woo +nature in the wild woods of the west, in place of the maiden to whom he +had so recently declared his passion? + +But the next letter from Montreal was more cheering, for although the +canny Scotch, inherited from his mother, seemed, in the first part of +the letter, to have thrown a damper upon his passion, the conclusion was +in better form. There was a warmer ring--a plea for the future--a touch +of genuine sentiment. "You may not think of me," he said, "or if you do, +only as one whose presence is not missed; but I think of you as my +guiding star, my beacon light, urging me onward through the forest--over +ice and snow--along river and lake--to a little spot in the west which +is to be my home and, please God, yours also." Then he signed himself: +"By all that is holy," as one "who will ever be true." + +The coolness of the one letter, followed by the renewed passion in the +other, had a good effect upon Maud. Although she read the latter a +little indignantly and laid it aside, before long she took it up and +read it again. + +"He has no business to write me in that strain," she commented to +herself. "So cool at first, and, then almost as if we were betrothed; +when there is really nothing between us. Still, I do not dislike him. He +is such an independent fellow, and so strong and true." And, although +her eye flashed, she heaved a little sigh. + +It was the beginning of April--the very time that the men were pitching +their first camp on the bay of Penetang, and she speculated much about +the Doctor and Mrs. Manning. + +"If he had only remained in Halifax," she soliloquized, "I would have +done my best to be her companion. I am sure I am strong enough." And +seizing hold of a horizontal bar, placed at the end of her room, she +drew herself up with both hands and placed her chin above it, repeating +the exercise several times until she was tired. "Colonel Mason says I am +a good shot, too." + +"At it again!" exclaimed her sister Eugenia, who at this moment entered +the room. "I consider such exercises exceedingly indelicate for a young +lady. To think of a daughter of Judge Maxwell gesticulating and throwing +her limbs about in such a wild way is simply shocking." + +"You are about the only person who has the opportunity of being shocked +by my gymnastics," said Maud, elevating her eyebrows. "It cannot be such +a dreadful thing or Dad would never have had the bar put up for me." + +"You were a spoilt child, and he just humored you." + +"Bless the dear man for doing it. Come now, Eugenia, just try it once. +You've no idea how delightful it is to pull yourself up on this +cross-bar." + +"How dare you ask me? I couldn't think of such a thing." And the large +blonde tried ineffectually to look severe. + +"Oh, yes you could; and what's more, I've something interesting to tell +you. Still, I shan't say a word unless you try my bar." + +"What impudence!" + +"You know the conditions," said Maud, commencing to put on her hat. +"It's quite easy to try. You can keep your feet so close together that +a cat couldn't see between them. All you have to do is to hold on and +pull yourself up. See, even with my coat on I can chin the bar with one +hand. You surely can with two." + +"Don't be silly!" + +"Bah! it's just the finest exercise." + +"But what's your secret, Maud, without this silly nonsense?" + +"If you try my bar I'll tell you." + +"And won't you if I don't?" + +"Not while water runs nor grass grows," said Maud in mock solemnity, +buttoning on her gloves. + +With an air of resignation Eugenia walked up to the pole. She was taller +and heavier than Maud. Consequently, when she stretched out her long +arms and took hold, her knees bent ungracefully a foot above the floor. +Maud slipped behind her sister to hide her amusement. + +"Now, draw yourself up with all your might," she cried. "You must put +your chin on top of the pole." + +"I can't!" exclaimed Eugenia, who, with all her tugging, could only +raise herself a few inches and then let herself suddenly down again. + +"You must!" said Maud; "any child could do better than that." + +After another strenuous effort Eugenia stopped in disgust. + +"There," she exclaimed, sitting down to rest. "I have humored you in +your childish folly, what have you to say to repay me for my trouble?" + +"Well," returned Maud, unbuttoning her coat and taking a seat opposite +her sister. "It's about Captain Morris. When I was at Pennington's last +night he was there. From pure accident we were alone in the library for +a short time, and he proposed to me." + +"Humph! that's the third young man who has been silly enough to do it +already this year." + +"I can't help that," said Maud, gravely. "If they have no better sense +than to be enamored with my poor face, I am sure I am not responsible." + +"You are not, eh? And what was your decision this time?" + +"Just what you might expect. After declaring the grand passion, instead +of asking for a return of his love, he requested permission to at once +ask father for my hand. I suppose that's the English way of doing it." + +"And what did you say to that?" + +"That my surprise was very great, I couldn't think of such a thing, and +that I was too young and inexperienced even to dream of love." + +"Captain Morris is of good family and very wealthy," said Eugenia, +reflectively. "His father left a fine estate in the south of England, I +understand; and the Captain is his eldest son and heir." + +"I don't care what estates he has," was Maud's quick rejoinder; "if I +ever marry a man it must be for what he is, not what he has." + +"Very true, my dear," returned Eugenia, who viewed things generally from +a material standpoint. "Quite correct sentiments, but I have sometimes +noticed that incidental fortunes are not necessarily a bar to matrimony. +Usually they are the reverse. And Captain Morris himself is +irreproachable." + +"I know that he's nice and all that," said Maud, "and has charming +manners. I expect his regiment will remain here for a long time yet, as +all the troops have been ordered to the front, so I shall have ample +opportunities of seeing him again." + +"Well, my impression is that he is the best of the lot, and when +desirous of winning your hand you should give him the chance----" + +"Of winning my heart?" + +"Certainly. Another thing, it is not a bit fair to entangle so many men, +and then throw them overboard one after another." + +"But, my dear, I don't wish to entangle them. If they cannot control +themselves it is surely not my fault." + +"Don't talk nonsense, Maud. You know very well it is not your face that +does it." + +"'Pon my word, am I so ugly as all that?" interrupted Maud, with seeming +surprise. + +"It is your manner and what they call your character," said Eugenia, +with attempted severity. + +"Well, Eugenia, I wish you'd leave me to myself. I really like them all. +I can tell you candidly that I have not positively refused any of them, +and they are still my friends." + +"And how long is this condition to last?" + +"Ask me a year hence and I will tell you." And with a flushed face Maud +left the room. + + + + + CHAPTER XXVII. + + +From the time he was stationed in Halifax Captain Morris had always been +a welcome visitor at Judge Maxwell's. The possibility of being a suitor +for the hand of one of the daughters only increased the cordiality of +his reception, and notwithstanding Maud's seeming refusal, he still +availed himself of every opportunity to press his suit. Social functions +of one sort or other were also of frequent occurrence, and Maud accepted +his attentions, although she effectually parried any direct renewal of +the offer of marriage. + +Captain Morris had seen a good deal of life. Having abundance of means, +as well as his commission, he had always been lionized on returning home +from the wars. Yet each time he had gone away again heart free. Perhaps +he was getting a little bit blasé. Possibly he overestimated his +importance in his own particular set, when he imagined that much of the +kindness extended to him was with an ulterior object. + +Be that as it may, the first look he had of Maud Maxwell was a beatific +vision to him--a picture that would not be blotted out. It planted +itself on his inner consciousness, leaving an impression that deepened +each time they met. + +There was a freshness, beauty and mental vigor in this young maiden that +were new to him, and the fact that his personal influence over her +matured so slowly, made him all the more desirous to win her love. + +As May opened, Halifax became additionally alive from the arrival of +more troops from England. It was but a little place in those days, not +numbering more than eight thousand people. Consequently, what interested +one interested all, and the whole place was astir to witness the +landing. + +Colonel Battersby, the commanding officer, was under orders to remain in +the Lower Province if necessary, but if not to push on by boat to +Quebec, and from thence to Montreal. The first interview he had with Sir +John Sherbrook and Colonel Mason settled the matter. + +"We are well defended already," said Sir John. "War vessels command our +harbor and coast line, and the regiments stationed here are all the +Citadel needs. No, my dear Colonel, I am glad to say that in the east we +do not require your services; but in the west, particularly in the Upper +Province, we do. That part of the country has a good future before it, +and we must stick to it, for when settled and developed it is destined +to become the garden of Canada." + +"One of the chief reasons why the Yankees want it, and why we are bound +to keep it," returned Battersby. "Will the St. Lawrence be clear of ice +now?" + +"Yes," replied Colonel Mason. "The season is early and the river open. +Molson's steamers can tug you as far as Montreal. If not wanted there, +you can march overland to Kingston." + +"Sir James Yeo has had two new vessels built this winter," said Sir +John. "This will help our Ontario fleet, and when you arrive he will be +able to transfer you to any point along the coastline that may be +necessary." + +"I am glad of that," replied Colonel Battersby. "I have always had a +desire to go west. At home we are just beginning to realize what Canada +is, but before this war commenced you might go from January to December +without hearing the name even mentioned." + +"What you say is true enough," was Mason's comment. "They send us poor +devils out here and then forget us. We might almost thank the Americans +for bringing on the war and opening the eyes of Englishmen to the fact +that we have half a continent here still under the old flag." + +"Is now and ever shall be," said the Governor. + +"To that I say Amen," said Battersby. "But we must not forget that the +fight is not over. The Americans are a strong people--like ourselves of +Anglo-Saxon blood--and they are making a stiff fight to enlarge their +territory. They have not forgotten their victories of '76." + +"I grant that, Colonel, but they will never succeed in this northern +region, whatever they did in the south, if Englishmen can help it." + +"Not while England can send out her continental regiments," said Mason. +"So far this year our men have done well. Witness the defeat of +Wilkinson at the famous old mill of Lacolle." + +"Yes," said Sir John, "but that would not have happened if Major +Handcock had not received timely reinforcements from the Fencibles and +Voltigeurs." + +"What is Sir James Yeo likely to do on the lakes this year?" Colonel +Battersby asked, looking alternately from one to the other. + +"We are too far off the scene of action to know exactly," said Sir John, +"though I believe he intends with his raw recruits, aided by a force +under General Drummond, to attack Oswego as soon as the lake opens. +By-the-way, Mason," he continued, turning to that officer, "could you +not spare Battersby a couple of companies out of one of your regiments?" + +"If he has room on his troopships to take them, we could," was the +answer. + +"Thank you; the more we have the merrier. You know we had several +hundred emigrants in our voyage out. They land here, so we can easily +take your men." + +In the afternoon of the next day, in a field below the fortress, a +review of the troops was held, and it was decided to close by selecting +from the garrison brigade the companies who were to go west. The day was +bright and warm, and the news having got abroad that a division from the +Citadel was to accompany Colonel Battersby's regiment up the St. +Lawrence, many of the townspeople hastened to the commons to witness the +parade, and among them the Misses Maxwell. + +"There is room, young ladies, in our carriage," said Mrs. Mason, who +drove up with another lady, "and with us you will have a better view." + +The offer was a welcome one, and they drove to the top of a little +crescent commanding a full view of the parade ground. Colonels Mason and +Battersby stood a short distance away watching the evolutions, which had +already commenced. + +"Your men have lost nothing of precision by their four weeks at sea," +said Colonel Mason. + +"No," responded Battersby, drily, "they seem to hold their own, even +with troops accustomed to discipline on land." + +"Our garrison men are always well drilled," said Mason, a little +stiffly. + +"Of course! Only I am astonished that soldiers fresh from the ocean +should lose their sea legs so soon." + +"Well," said Mason, in better humor as his own regiment swung around and +marched past over the green sod on the double quick, "your men are a +credit to their Colonel, and I don't see why you should not personally +choose the two companies you want to take." + +"Thank you kindly for the honor," said Battersby. + +"That is all right. Have you a choice?" + +"'Pon my word, of the men, no. They all look like well-drilled fellows, +with clean jibs, straight backs and honest mugs. It would be hard to +make one." + +"Of the officers have you?" + +"Not from the way in which they command their companies. Still, you have +one man I would like to have on my staff, if you can spare him, and +taking him I should expect to take his company also." + +"Who is that, pray?" + +"Captain Morris. He made a record for himself in Spain, and would do +excellent service out west if he had the chance." + +"By George, you have touched the apple of my eye!" exclaimed Mason, who +in making his offer had in mind the efficiency of the companies +themselves, without reference to the officers who led them. "Captain +Morris is the best officer we've got. He has seen the enemy's guns in +many a campaign and, between ourselves, is recommended for promotion." + +"Promotion will come quicker if taken out west than here at the +Citadel," said Battersby. + +"Sure enough. I gave my word and shall stand by it. If you will form the +squares I will speak to Morris now." + +The ladies in the carriage had not been inattentive listeners. The +unexpected announcement startled the Misses Maxwell. By-and-bye, while +the final manoeuvres were being accomplished, Colonel Mason joined them. + +"So you are going to send our brave boys away," said Mrs. Mason. + +"Yes, a few of them. It will prevent the fellows from rusting, and give +those that remain a little more to do." + +"Unfortunately, our brightest man is captain of one of the companies you +are sending off," said Mrs. Mason. + +"That's usually the case. The office seeks the man, and not the man the +office," returned the Colonel, with a glance at the occupants of the +rear seat. "And men of promise are always favorites with the ladies, I +notice." + +"If I were a man I'd like to go, too," said Maud. "I only wish I were +one." + +"I'm afraid you're not tall enough, my dear," said the Colonel, looking +gravely into the flashing eyes of the girl. "Five feet five inches is +the lowest height at which I could enlist a soldier." + +"I would put on high-heeled boots." + +"No use, Miss Maud. Recruits are always measured in their stocking +feet." + +And he went away laughing. + +The troops were formed in lines four deep, facing the crescent; and on a +signal from the Colonel, Captain Morris approached. For a few minutes +the two were in earnest conversation. Then, with a salute, Morris +returned to the head of his column and attention was called. + +"Men of the Garrison Corps," said Colonel Mason, in ringing tones. "We +welcome to our midst the officers and men of Colonel Battersby's column. +We are always glad to see comrades from over the sea. Their stay with +us, however, will be short. To-morrow they sail for the St. Lawrence +River. But they will not go alone. Our garrison is a strong one, and +much as we dislike to part with our men, we can spare some. So I have to +tell you that the officers and men of companies C and D will go with +them to help to fight the battles of our Country and our King. Three +cheers for companies C and D." + +Loud hurrahs followed, and with cheers for the visiting and garrison +corps, the review ended. + +The ladies drove back in the carriage together--Mrs. Mason having +invited the Misses Maxwell to a cup of tea before walking home. +Consequently, on leaving the Citadel, they were overtaken by Captain +Morris and Dr. Fairchilds. The latter already had been captivated by the +blonde and availed himself of the opportunity of leading the way with +her. + +"Were you surprised at the Colonel's announcement?" Maud asked of the +Captain as they dropped into line behind the other two. + +"A soldier learns never to be surprised," was his answer. "We expected +some would be ordered west, for the garrison is so full, but who would +be chosen was an enigma." + +He looked straight into Maud's face. + +"I heard Colonel Battersby give you great praise," she said, "but +perhaps it is a military secret." + +"Not necessarily, if said in public," was his answer. "Still, I may not +specially deserve it. The army is full of brave men." + +"Your name would not have been mentioned unless there had been good +reason." + +"Well, even granting that, what good can come of it, when the maid I +adore cares not a jot or tittle?" + +"Much good," was her answer, but she did not return his look. "A larger +life and promotion would be sure--the very things I would want if I were +a man." + +"Do you wish you were?" + +"What is the use?" + +"Your words should stimulate one, anyway, but can you say nothing more, +Miss Maud? We leave so soon--to-morrow--a soldier's life is in his hand. +Give him something to hope for and fight for as well." + +"Am I not trying?" she replied, with one of those bright flashes which +did such havoc with the men. "Higher rank and future glory!" + +"Fudge!" he exclaimed, impatiently. "I could buy a colonelcy if I wanted +it, without drawing a sword or leading a man to battle, if that is all." + +"The Captain Morris, Colonel Battersby was talking about, could not," +said Maud contracting her eyebrows and looking grave again. "He was a +genuine man, and every inch a soldier." + +"Thank you for your approval," and notwithstanding his effort at +self-control, Morris' face flushed with pleasure. + +Dr. Fairchilds and Eugenia had paused at the doorstep. For a moment the +four chatted on. + +"Will you call again, Captain Morris, before you leave?" Maud asked. + +"I have only to-night, and it may be late, but I shall be very glad to +come." + +The door opened and in another minute, returning the bows of the +gentlemen, the ladies entered. + + + + + CHAPTER XXVIII. + + +"Are you still playing fast and loose with Captain Morris?" Eugenia +asked as she and her sister were dressing for dinner. + +"I never play fast and loose with anyone," was Maud's answer. "I +explained everything to him a month ago, why repeat it again now?" + +"He is devoted to you, surely you must have a preference." + +"Not necessarily, my dear, but that reminds me. This will give me a good +opportunity to send a letter to Mrs. Manning. I promised to write her. +They say the troopships will carry the mail with them; and taking mine +as far as Montreal, perhaps Little York, it can be forwarded overland to +Penetang." + +"Have you written your letter already?" + +"No, but I shall have time immediately after dinner. Captain Morris does +not come until nine." + +The meal over, Maud repaired to her room and took out her tablet, +quill-pen and horn inkstand. For weeks she had been hoping for a second +letter from Helen, but none had come. Still she had much to tell, and +the hour was nearly gone by the time her letter was finished and the +envelope addressed. + +She did not, however, seal it at once. Alone in her room she sat for a +moment tapping her forehead. Then she took out another sheet and +commenced writing again. This time it was to Dr. Beaumont, in reply to +the two she had already received. + +While writing she was in deep thought, carefully weighing her words. She +put them down more slowly than in her longer letter to Helen. As she +finished, the big bell in the church tower struck nine. For another +moment she paused. Then placing the letter in a small envelope, and +addressing it, she put it in the larger one to Mrs. Manning, and sealed +the latter in three places after the manner of the time. As she finished +a message came that Captain Morris had arrived. + +"Montreal will be your headquarters, no doubt," she heard her father say +as she entered the room. + +"It will be farther west than that, I hope," was his answer. "Still we +are willing to go anywhere. My men are quite excited over it. Being +veterans, one would think they would be indifferent; but it is so long +since they were in battle, that they are just itching for a fight." + +"Human depravity--human depravity!" exclaimed the judge. "It can't be +over a year since you left Europe. Surely they had enough of it then." + +"You forget, sir," said Morris, "that it is the soldier's life. His +daily occupation--his meat and drink--and that a long interruption from +everyday occurrences only gives zest to a return to old conditions." + +"Still it is lamentable! however essential to our glory," said the +Judge, shaking his head. + +"It should not be lamentable when the cause is just. For that matter +empire was always maintained by the sword and always will be." + +"No, no!" said the Judge. "The arts of peace are winning their way. We +may not do without the cannon yet, but please God the time will come +when 'The lion shall eat straw like the ox, and the wolf and the lamb +shall lie down together at the cockatrice den, and a little child shall +lead them.'" + +"Will that time ever come?" said Maud, her brows contracting. "I suppose +it would be grand if it did." + +"Not in our time," said Morris. "But the strength of the sword may +hasten it." + +"The inevitable paradox." + +"Paradoxes are the truest lessons of life." + +"The soldier's life is an instance. He fights that peace may reign." + +"He is an enigma," said Maud. + +"No, he is the most human of men," said the Captain. "Though true +hearted, he can love as well as hate. He can face the cannon's mouth +without flinching an inch, and the next moment shed tears over a +comrade's grave. When storming a stronghold, he can see his best friend +shot down by his side, and step over his body without even giving him a +look." + +"I can understand that," said Maud gravely, "and a woman could do it, +too, if it had to be." + +"I know one woman who could," said Morris, and Maud's face flushed as +she turned away. + +At this moment the knocker sounded and Miss Maxwell ushered in Dr. +Fairchilds. + +"Knowing how fond you are of whist, Captain," she said, "I asked the +Doctor over for another rubber before you go. I hope you and Maud are +both agreeable." + +"Eugenia is fond of surprises," said Maud with a sharp glance at her +sister; "but I shall be glad to have you for my partner, Captain, if you +can spare the time." + +"Thank you, but our game must be short. I am due at the Citadel at +eleven, and a soldier has to obey orders to the minute, you know." + +Soon the table was arranged and the young people sat down to play. + +In cutting for deal the choice fell to Maud; and when she turned up +Queen of Hearts, Eugenia smiled significantly. By-and-bye the first two +games were over, each side scoring one. + +"Now for the rubber," said the Captain. Again it was Maud's deal, and +again Queen of Hearts was trump. + +"Extraordinary!" exclaimed Fairchilds. "Your hands have been red all +evening." + +"Not only that," said Morris, smiling across the table, "but my +partner's have always been hearts." + +"Peculiar," said the Doctor. + +"Very," said Eugenia. + +Maud bit her lip. + +For a while the game was played in silence, she and the Captain +gradually winning. Finally, his deal came, and cutting, the King of +Hearts turned up. + +"I score you one better!" he exclaimed to Maud. Their eyes met and a +ripple went round the table. The game was soon finished. They had won +the rubber. + +Refreshments were served, and half an hour later the gentlemen rose to +go. + +"My Queen of Hearts," said the Captain to Maud in a low voice as she +accompanied him to the hall. + +"To-night you were my King," she replied with a little laugh. "King of +Hearts in our little game." + +"And what is life but a game," he answered, "with hearts for trumps, +which we all try to win?" + +"Oh Maud!" exclaimed Eugenia, coming out of the drawing-room with Dr. +Fairchilds. "Could not Captain Morris take your letter for Mrs. Manning? +He could put it in with the rest of the mail." + +"I shall be delighted," said the Captain, turning again to Maud; "and +for that matter will post it at Montreal instead of here." + +"Really, I wouldn't put you to that trouble for anything," said Maud, +casting a glance of annoyance at her sister. "The post will go by the +same boat as you do, and if I take it to the office in the morning it +will be sure to be in time." + +"I am not certain of that," said Fairchilds. + +"It takes twice as long to send a letter to Quebec or Montreal by mail +as it does to go in person. Putting it in the office will not guarantee +a quick delivery, I assure you." + +"Still it is unimportant," persisted Maud, who shrank from making the +Captain the unconscious bearer of a message to Beaumont. "I am sure +Captain Morris will have quite enough to attend to without burdening +himself with my paltry despatch." + +"No trouble at all," reiterated the Captain. "I have a number of +documents to take care of anyway, and I will just put yours with the +others in safe keeping." + +While the rest were discussing, Eugenia had gone for the letter, and now +handed it to Morris. Maud saw that further resistance was useless, +without being disagreeable. The address ran: + +"Mrs. Manning, + Wife of Lieutenant Manning, + Under command of Sir George Head, + Harbor of Penetanguishene, + Georgian Bay, + Upper Canada." + +In those days letters were matters of importance even to persons +unconcerned, and outer wrappings were the public property of all. Hence, +the reading aloud of the address caused no comment. + +"Yes, Miss Maud, I am delighted to take charge of it, and shall forward +it to the end of its journey as soon as I possibly can. While in my +possession it will be a reminder of the one who wrote it; and the moment +it leaves my hands I shall send you word, telling how soon I expect it +to reach its destination." + +Maud with throbbing heart murmured her thanks. + +The Captain tried unavailingly to secure another minute to themselves, +and with an indefinite understanding that they might speak with each +other the next day he took his leave. + +But circumstances were not favorable. Every moment of his time was +occupied, and it was from the deck of the ship that he again saw her in +the distance. The vessel had parted from her moorings and was floating +out into the harbor when he discovered her among the crowd on the wharf. +Instantly his helmet was raised--a little handkerchief fluttered for a +moment in the breeze, and gradually the distance widened between them. + + + + + CHAPTER XXIX. + + +On a bright May morning, later in the month than the sailing of the +ships out of the Halifax Harbor, the sun shone at Penetang in vivid +warmth and splendor. The people were glad. Earth was putting on her +newest garb of green. The trees of the forest, tired of monotonous +nudity, were clothed in many tints; and even the tardy ones, the annual +laggards, were being roused from their lethargy. + +Part of the barracks had been finished and made comfortable for +habitation, and the foundations of the fort had already been laid. By +judicious division of labor in the soldier settlement, men were +portioned off in accordance with their special aptitudes, and every one +was busy. Blacksmith and carpenter shops stood side by side, and in them +forge, hammer, saw and chisel, did their work persistently from morning +until night. Under habitant direction, too, the first fallow had been +cleared, the brushwood and timbers piled up to dry for burning, and the +land made ready for the seed. + +In front of the cottage on this special morning, Helen was busily +arranging her little garden. Harold had dug the ground for her and +planted the seeds she had brought from England. She was examining the +little shoots that had already appeared very tenderly, as a link to the +far-away beyond the sea. + +"Good morning, Mrs. Manning," said Sir George Head as he approached. +"Your little flower beds are full of promise." + +"My fear is that the sun will burn the plants before they have a chance +to develop," said Helen; "the English climate is so different." + +"That depends," said the Colonel. "My gardener used to say that if +plants were watered at night, and shaded during the heat of the day, +they would stand the change from a cool to a hot climate very well." + +"Thank you, Sir George. I am glad to know. These little plants are very +dear to me." + +"You must not make too much of them," he said gently. "And how do you +like your new house?" + +"Better every day. The floors of those rip-saw planks have all been +laid, and it is such a comfort. I don't know how to thank you for having +the carpenters make them for us." + +"My dear, they are just getting their hands in. They may have to rip the +floor boards for the fort for all we know. Latimer tells me that the +nearest sawmill is on the east side of the lake a hundred and fifty +miles away; and when we can get them by boat from there is a question." + +"I may consider myself very fortunate, then." + +"Indeed you may." + +"And the _Bumble Bee_ sails--" + +"To-morrow, I think. It was badly damaged in that ice storm, and our men +have repaired it in return for Latimer's services." + +At this moment Dr. Beaumont joined them. + +"Latimer tells me," he said, "that the wind indicates a brisk land +breeze, and he purposes sailing to-night." + +"A sensible idea," echoed the Colonel. "The sooner he starts now the +better. I have engaged him to bring in fresh supplies if he can get +them. He wants to take our mail matter, too, but it is too risky a +venture. We must send it by help of Indian guides overland to Little +York." + +"Latimer has great faith in his own ability," said Beaumont. "He thinks +he can run down the whole coast line without being caught." + +"Perhaps he might, the eastern shore being out of the war arena, but +toward St. Clair and Detroit, unless they are again in the hands of the +English, his boat would be sure to be captured." + +"Would they attack a little boat like his?" Helen asked in surprise. + +"An enemy will take any prize he can get, whether great or small," said +the Colonel. "Still Latimer may secure supplies of some kind from the +shore settlements; and I will see that he does not run too much risk." +With these words Sir George returned to his quarters. + +"Shall you send a letter to Miss Maud this time?" the Doctor asked, +pulling his moustache first on one side and then on the other. + +"I think I shall. Not being official I might risk it with Latimer. I +have written a long one for her. She's a charming girl, and in the short +time that I had the opportunity I grew very fond of her," she replied, +looking up into his face. "Unfortunately I did not remain long enough in +Halifax to get acquainted with many of the ladies; but I had more than +one long talk with Maud, and I assure you I admire her very much." + +"You do not overestimate her, Mrs. Manning, and I am glad you like her." + +"I could not help it," she responded as she bent again to arrange her +plants. "She has high ideals and wonderful self-control, a true index of +noble character." + +"Yes, and she is as beautiful as she is good," said Beaumont +impressively. "One of the women men rave over, but cannot win." + +"They might as well cease their ravings--but not every one." + +"Do you think so, Madame? Strange that you should learn in days what has +taken me years to discover." + +"Perhaps one woman can read another woman's heart quicker than a man +can." + +"Mon Dieu! Je ne sais quoi. I would give a fortune to read hers." + +"Spare your ducats, Monsieur," said Helen with a light laugh. "But I can +tell you something without money. In one of our talks she said she would +never marry a man unless she loved him so much that she would gladly go +to the ends of the earth with him; but that he must rise to her ideal +before she would think of him at all." + +"Is that ideal very high? Can no one reach it? Mon Dieu! I know one man +who will do his best, give him only the opportunity." + +"Make the opportunity. Make the effort," said Helen earnestly. +"Remember, she is the only woman, he the only man. Both seek ideals, and +the divine is still above them." + +"Dear Madame, how good you are! You give me hope. Heaven knows how I +love her!" + +She had never heard him talk so before, and as they reached the cottage +she held out her hand. + +"Thank you, Dr. Beaumont, for your confidence. I wish you well. Yes, and +I believe, also, that you are worthy to win." + +The Doctor had the gallantry of his race, and bowing low, he raised her +fingers to his lips. + +"Harold is busy with his men at the new bridge," she said, looking over +in the direction of the island. + +"Yes," he assented. "He and Captain Cummings will be there with a large +force all day." + +"Please tell him, when you go down, that I shall be at the wharf to see +him before they leave for dinner." + +As the Doctor withdrew she entered the cottage. Emmiline was busily +preparing wheaten dough for the oven. Her sleeves were turned up, her +neck bare, and her dress fastened loosely at the girdle. A bright fire +burned in the open fireplace, and in it a square sheet-iron oven had +been placed to heat for the baking. + +"How is the bread, Emmiline?" she asked as she opened the window a +little wider. + +"Oh, 'tees bon, Madame. Salt risin' good to-day. Yesterday mauvais bad. +Oven nice heat. Put right in now." And she dropped the dough into a +square tin, patted it on the back, and placed it on the shelf in the +oven. + +"Now," she went on, "Je vatch de fire--not too 'ot--not too cole--jes' +de tres meedle." + +"You must not work too hard, Emmiline." + +"No fear, Madame. No fear 'tall. You jes' like Bateese; he al'us say +tak' car', Emmiline, tak' car'. I only laugh. I strong an' work all de +same." + +"Still I want you to be wise. Mrs. Hardman will do any heavy lifting for +you; and we cannot have you hurt yourself." + +"I know dat--an' it ees nice to have de vemin's house so close. Dey be +goot fellahs, bot'." + +"When are they going to finish the room upstairs for you, Emmiline?" + +"Oh, vere soon. De floor all right, de leetle window all right, and de +laddare work goot. Bateese say not much mattare for more, now summare +tam come." + +Emmiline's cheeks were rosy again. She had not the sallow complexion so +often seen; and moving so freely about the room, Helen's care for her +seemed almost groundless. + +The internal arrangements of the cottage were very simple. At one end +were two rooms; the one, Harold and Helen's bedroom, the other, the +store room, and in it the ladder to the upper story. The balance of the +floor space made the living apartment; and, in the meantime, Emmiline +and Bateese would occupy the upper room until after the event was over. + +After giving directions about dinner, Helen put on a Quaker sunbonnet, +and tripped over the green turf down to the edge of the water, where men +were driving cedar posts to support the crossbeams of the island bridge. +One gang were working close to the shore, another from a raft on the +water, while a third were at similar work on the island beyond. + +Captain Cummings had charge of the shore gang and Harold the island one. +Helen did not know it until almost on the spot. If she had, she might +have turned back. + +"This is cheering, to be visited by the lady of the fort!" exclaimed +Cummings, lifting his hat, "a delightful and unlooked-for compliment." + +"Thank you," returned Helen, lightly; "but I'm afraid the compliment was +unintended. I thought Harold was on this side, and ran down to have a +word with him." + +"What? to have words with your husband? Lucky for him he is so far +away," returned the Captain with a laugh. + +"Oh, they will keep till he comes to dinner!" said Helen, declining to +see his meaning. + +"Madame!" exclaimed Bateese at her elbow, "I tak' you ovare in mine +leetle canoe. See!" and he pointed to a birch-bark that he had bartered +with an Indian for a few days before. + +"Won't that be fine?" she returned, as she hastened to its side. "Are +you sure you won't upset me?" + +"Bateese nevare upset canoe, no nevare." + +"Oh, I remember, you are the man that never upsets anything!" + +Bateese's eyes twinkled. He remembered too. + +In another minute they glided over the water to the spot where the men +were working. + +"'And Helen--alluring comes across the briny deep!'" exclaimed her +husband. + +"Quite a mistake, Harold! I tasted the water and there isn't a bit of +brine in it." + +"How intensely practical! Don't you know that canoeing in Penetang +should be poetic?" + +"So it is," she replied. "Coming over made me dream of canoeing with you +in the long evenings over this very bay." + +"Yes, dearest. That's one of the delights in store for us. But come and +see where Sir George has decided to build the magazine." + +Parting the underwood they were soon upon a little hill, the highest +spot of the island. To the north was the mouth of the harbor; while to +the south, over the tops of Chippewa wigwams, lay the upper end of the +long, narrow bay. + +"Can those Indians be trusted?" Helen asked. + +"Yes, perfectly. They arrived and put up their tepees a few days ago. +They come here to fish every spring and go away again in the summer." + +"So they will remain for a while," said Helen with a slight shiver. + +"Probably. But they are nomadic and may go any time. Some bright morning +before you even think of it, they will fold their tents and glide away." + +"What a lot of them there are!" said Helen, prosaically. + +"Yes, there must be fifty at least, counting braves, squaws, papooses +and all. Latimer says the men will be very useful to us, while they +stay, as runners and guides." + +"I suppose Sir George meant these Indians this morning when he spoke of +sending the mail through the woods to Little York. But did you know +that the Latimers intend to sail to-night?" + +"Not positively, though I suspected as much." + +"That is one reason that I came to see you. Would it be safe to send one +of my letters on the boat; or must they all go by Little York?" + +"It would be safer by land than water, even if slower. Still a +non-committal letter might be risked if you are careful in the wording." + +"It is just a little message to Maud Maxwell and could not implicate any +one. I do so want to send a few words and get news from there. It seems +like an age since we left; and if it is lost it will not matter much. I +only sent one before, and that was from Montreal. + +"Well, do as you like, dearest. But my men are wanting me. They don't +know how to place that plank." + +They parted the bushes and in another minute were at the water's edge +again. + +"V'eell Madame go back right vey?" Bateese asked. + +"Wait a moment; those squaws want to speak to me." + +Two Indian women, clothed in blanket, short skirt and moccasins had been +waiting her return. The older one, with long black hair loose over her +shoulders, resembled the tall handsome girl beside her, and looked old +enough to be her mother. She touched Helen on the arm. + +"Pale-face squaw want moccasins?" she asked, holding out a pair +decorated with beads and quills. + +A strange thrill went through Helen as she felt the touch, and saw the +dark, fierce face of the Indian woman so close to hers. But with an +effort she controlled herself and answered: + +"Yes, I want moccasins. These will fit me. How much are they?" + +"Waupatheca not know. Pale-face tell her," said the squaw throwing up +her hand. + +"What shall I give her?" Helen asked of Harold, who turning from his men +watched the scene with amusement. + +"A piece of cloth, some needles and thread would be better than money," +he said. + +"But I haven't them with me." + +"Give the moccasins back and tell her you will come again this +afternoon. The Indians must not come to the house. Not so soon at any +rate." + +A dissatisfied expression came into the squaw's face; but she nodded and +turned away, as her daughter, also unsatisfied, pulled at one of the +strings of Helen's bonnet. + +"Little Moon want it!" she exclaimed eagerly. + +"Little Moon can't have it," returned Helen, arranging her hood and +shaking her head, "but I will bring you something too." + +The girl clapped her hands and laughed. + +"Where did you learn English?" Helen asked. + +"In Detraw," was her answer. + +"How did you get there?" she questioned. + +"'Jibway Indians and squaws go in canoes every summare," was the answer; +"sell skins, sell wampum, sell moccasin, sell fish, too." + +The black eyes of the girl wandered restlessly toward the men who were +working. + +"What is your name?" Helen asked. + +"Metsemee. It means Little Moon," she replied. + +"What a beautiful name!" + +"Pale-face squaw like it?" questioned the girl with a smile. + +"Yes, it is like the silvery moon itself. And your mother's name, she +did not tell me its meaning?" + +"Waupatheca means White Swan; she came from the setting sun--the +daughter of a Shawanee chief by the Wabash." + +"And your father?" + +"He is Big Thunder, Chief of the Ojibways. My mother calls him +Pepapaunway-Nenimkee, because the lightning flashes when he is angry." + +"Well, good-bye Metsemee," said Helen. "I will not forget my promise." + +Little Moon again flashed a look at the men. Then turning she followed +her mother to the tepees; while Helen, taking her seat in the canoe, was +paddled across the channel by her faithful servitor. + + + + + CHAPTER XXX. + + +In plain clothes, without letters or despatches but well supplied with +funds, Corporal Bond was chosen by Sir George to accompany Latimer and +his wife on the first trip of the _Bumble Bee_. The order was to go no +farther than was necessary, but to purchase provisions from the settlers +living along the shore of the lake; and to return with the proceeds to +the fort with all possible speed. This was outside of the ordinary scene +of conflict, and the trip could be accomplished, Latimer declared, with +safety. + +Mrs. Bond, accustomed to the vicissitudes of military life, took the +parting from her husband philosophically. She was proud of his selection +for the trust, and hoping for his early return wished him God-speed, +almost without a tear. + +Perhaps of the two women, Helen was the sorrier. She betrayed more +feeling, and with much reluctance parted with her old nurse again. When +the women were so few, the absence of one, particularly this one, seemed +like a desolation to her. + +"I shall soon be back again," said Mrs. Latimer, as Helen wrung her +hand. "So do not worry, child." She was thinking of the London days of +long ago, when she nursed her and carried her so often on her shoulders. + +"I wonder if she'll ever come back or is this the last I'll see of her?" +was Helen's thought as she brushed away a tear. + +The little brig spread its canvas, and by the darkening was speeding +outside the harbor into the open lake. + +A day or two later preparations were completed to forward official +despatches and letters overland to Little York--the party to consist of +Nenimkee, one of his Indians and two men of the regiment; and by +arrangement the chief reported himself at Sir George's quarters, the +evening previous to their departure, to receive final instructions. + +The sun had just set among pillars of sapphire and gold. The day had +been hot but the leaves were rustling upon the trees, for a gentle +coolness was coming. Still the mosquitoes were too many to be blown +away, and a smoke fire helped to nullify their ardor. Around it Sir +George and his officers seated themselves to await the arrival of the +chief. + +Nenimkee was a typical Indian--tall, middle-aged, with high cheek bones +and restless black eyes. To do honor to the occasion and his mission he +dressed in native costume that night with wampum belt, girdle, tomahawk +and knife. + +"Glad to see you," said Sir George, extending his hand. "These are my +officers, and this is Big Thunder, Chief of the Ojibways--one of his +Gracious Majesty's most loyal chiefs." + +Gravely and silently the Indian shook hands with the men as they rose. +Then he seated himself on a block by Sir George's side, and Lieutenant +Manning handed him a pipe well filled with tobacco. The smoking was +general and for some moments there was silence. + +"Good tobacco," was Nenimkee's first comment. + +"Yes," said the Colonel. "We always give the best to our friends." + +"Nenimkee take some on his journey?" were his next words. + +"Yes, you shall." + +"White chief good--always good to Indians." + +"Thank you, Nenimkee," said Sir George. "Are you long back from the war +path?" + +"Seven moons," was the answer. The Indian shrugged his shoulders and for +some moments again there was silence. + +"Tell us about it," said the Colonel. + +"Does Sir George want to know how the English were beaten, and driven +back, and the Indian Prince and his men slain?" Big Thunder asked with +flashing eyes. + +"Yes," said Sir George. "The story must be a sad one. The English +soldier does not like to hear of being beaten, but if true it is better +for him to know it." + +"And tell you about Tecumseh, and how Tecumseh fell?" + +"Yes. Tell it all." + +For some moments the Indian pulled vigorously at his pipe, and the men +around the fire could hear his heavy breathing, as he drew in the fumes +of the tobacco, and expelled them with every breath through his +distended nostrils. + +The last rays of the setting sun had disappeared, the wind had ceased, +and the air was silent again, save for the croak of the lake frogs and +the twang of a whip-poor-will in a neighboring tree. By-and-bye the +Indian laid his pipe to one side, and fixing his eye on a bright star in +the west far above the horizon, he commenced his story: + +"The Ojibways are of the Algonquin race," he said; "a people that +roamed, before the white man came, from the rising to the setting sun. I +will not tell you of our wars with the Iroquois and Hurons, and with the +people of the Great Father--which made the number of our braves less and +less, and our women so few that you could count them like tassels on a +little field of corn. But twenty moons ago, war sprang up from a little +cloud no bigger than a man's hand; and the people to the south of the +lakes dug up the hatchet and hurled it against the white men and the red +men of the north. So the Indians in council buried the hatchet among +themselves, and chose Tecumseh, the greatest warrior of the six nations, +to be their chief, and swore by the Great Spirit, that they would stand +side by side with their white brothers. Then it was that Algonquins and +Hurons and Iroquois united as they never did before; and with the pale +face Britons fought the common foe. + +"Tecumseh led three thousand Indians to the fight, while White Chief +Proctor led the British. For a while the enemy was driven back, their +warriors fell by hundreds, and many of their scalps hung at the belts of +Indian braves. + +"Then the foe got mad and gathering more men together drove our people +back to Amherstburg, where we fought them to the teeth. But the Great +Spirit forgot that we were his people--our day turned into night--our +victories into mourning. The Great Father's warships melted like snow +beneath the sun, and American cannons mowed down our men like grass." + +The Indian was growing excited. He sat erect, with hands gripping the +block beneath him, and eyes fixed afar off as if in a vision. + +"Did I say the Yankees whipped the English?" he commenced again in +hollow tones, forgetful of everything but the graphic outlines of his +terrible story. "Yes, but the big white chief was a coward and a squaw, +or it would not have happened. Tecumseh said so, and Tecumseh never +lied. Nenimkee stood by him when the news came that all the captains and +half the men on the lakes were dead, and the ships gone to the bottom. +Then the Great Chief's heart shed drops of blood in anguish, but his +eyes were dry, for an Indian never drops a tear. + +"For a time the war-whoop was over. White men and red men fled back to +the woods. Night and day they tramped through the forest back from the +lake and on by the river. But the Yankees were after them, and scorning +to die like dogs the Indians turned to meet their foe. Although the +coward Proctor forsook him, Tecumseh shouted the war-whoop of the +nations, and surrounded by his warriors with their tomahawks, met the +horsemen from the south. Man after man did Tecumseh slay. Covered with +blood and his body full of bullets he sprang at last upon Chief Johnson, +the Yankee foe, and dragged him to the ground. Then he drew his knife to +strike him to the heart--but it was too late--he had gone to the spirit +land and half his warriors went with him." + +"This is horrible!" exclaimed Sir George with a strong effort at +self-control, for excitement was depicted upon every face. "I knew +nothing of it. Not a word has reached me. But it is terrible to lose so +brave a chief as Tecumseh." + +"There was no one like Tecumseh," continued Nenimkee in tones like the +thrilling blast of distant thunder. "No arm so strong, no eye so true, +no heart so soft when his little ones and his Laughing Fawn were with +him. His bullet went straight to the bull's eye, and his arrow to the +heart of the moose. His tomahawk never wavered, but as lightning from +the eagle's eyrie strikes the tepee of the Indian, so his axe cleaved +the skulls of his enemies, while his knife spilled their life blood at +his feet. Now it is all over, and while the red man's blood cries for +vengeance, his heart bleeds for his chief." + +"How did you escape when so many were slain around you?" asked the +Colonel. + +"The sun went down as Tecumseh's war-whoop ended and Nenimkee led his +warriors deeper into the woods." + +"Did you lose many men?" + +"Forty braves went--only twenty came back." + +"You did not join the troops again?" + +"What use? All is quiet in winter. The Ojibways went straight to their +wigwams." + +"Do you know how the war goes this year?" + +"Only that the fight is toward the rising sun." + +"You will bring more news when you return?" + +"It will not take many days," said the Indian. "But the woods are thick, +the rocks many, and part of the way there is no trail." + +"Still you will find the nearest road?" + +"Does the crow fly crooked, or the nighthawk backward?" Big Thunder +asked, sedately resuming his pipe. + +"Nor does the Indian forget his cunning, nor the white man to reward his +friend," said the Colonel, gravely. "You are going on the business of +the Great Father, and he will expect his red brother of the forest to do +his best." + +"It is well. We will go quickly, and blaze the trees on the road, so +that a fool, though blindfold, could find his way back again." + +"Could not a bridle path be made through the woods to carry provisions +overland from Little York to Penetang?" suggested the Chaplain. + +"A good idea," returned Sir George. "We need them badly enough, and it +will not do at present to depend upon securing supplies by water." + +"A good trail can be made, but it will take two or three suns longer," +was Nenimkee's comment. + +"We will leave it in your hands, then," said Sir George, rising to close +the interview. + +"The white chief shall be satisfied." With this, Nenimkee left them, and +at sunrise on the following morning he started with his party for +Little York. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXI. + + +If it had not been for the game shot in the woods and the abundance of +bass and pickerel caught in the bay, provisions would have been scarce +at the new fort before summer opened. The heavy stock brought overland +during the long march had served them well, but it was drawing near to +an end, and all awaited with interest, not to say anxiety, the return of +the messengers from York. When they did come, they reported that the +trail was open for pack horses, and that supplies already purchased +would soon be on the way. + +In the meantime progress went on in the little settlement. The soldiers' +quarters were completed and made comfortable; the pile-driving for the +prospective bridge was finished, and even the stone walls of the new +fort were in progress of erection. In agriculture something had also +been done, for Indian corn and potatoes were growing well in the +habitants' clearings. + +What little they heard of the progress of the war was satisfactory, and +during the long, bright evenings, the day's work being done, the +stringency of discipline was often relaxed. Then officers and men, with +the exception of those on duty, would give themselves up to relaxation +and pleasure. + +Canoes had been purchased from the Indians, and swimming in the bay, as +well as spinning over its waters, soon became of nightly occurrence, and +none among the men enjoyed the sport better than Harold. So one evening, +when the woods were green, he took Helen for their first long paddle. +Captain Cummings and the Chaplain occupied a second canoe, while Sir +George and Captain Payne enjoyed a quiet smoke as they strolled along +the shore. The two birch-barks struck out past the northern end of the +island and paddled abreast toward the mouth of the harbor. In the west +the sun was setting in a golden flame behind the trees, while above them +the blue vault was dotted with little grey clouds, fretted with spangles +of silver. Scarcely a ripple disturbed the lake. Now and then a white +gull flew from side to side, and a sportive pickerel splashed the water +as he rose above the surface. + +In a little while, Lieutenant Smith and the Doctor joined them, paddling +over from the opposite shore. They had been hunting for partridge. + +"What success?" called out Harold. + +"Only two brace," was the answer. + +"Why not come with us for an hour's run?" + +"All right," and they dropped to the opposite side of Harold's canoe. + +"What a solitary outlook!" said Helen, casting her eye from shore to +shore. "Not another boat to be seen, and on land nothing but woods." + +"It's a mighty picturesque spot, though," said the Chaplain, who was +using his paddle a few yards to the right. "It is like the sea of glass +spoken of in Revelations, reflecting the sky of the Orient." + +"Or like the paradise of the houries," cried Captain Cummings, "where +the wood nymphs bathe in the lake and bask in the golden sunlight." + +"It is the promise of a fertile country," said Lieutenant Smith, "which +needs the woodsman's axe to clear it, and the toil of the settler to +cover it with happy homes." + +"Yes, and to make it yield its thirty, sixty and a hundred fold," echoed +the Chaplain. + +"Mon Dieu! but you are all wrong," exclaimed Beaumont, taking off his +hat and shaking his curly head. "It is just the forest of Penetang, +where the Iroquois and Hurons fought for ages, and where the Jesuits of +my people shed their life's blood and died among a race of unbelievers." + +"That means, Doctor, that it resembles itself," chimed in Helen, with a +laugh. "You are echoing ancient history--I would say it is like a +Quaker's hood, the water is the face of the wearer, the tall trees all +round it are the edge of the bonnet, the mouth of the harbor is the +chin, and the little islands beyond are the untied strings." + +A general laugh followed. + +"Bravo!" shouted Cummings. "But what are you going to do with my nymphs +in your Quaker bonnet?" + +"Put them behind the island where they cannot be seen," was her answer. + +"There are nymphs there already," cried the Doctor, "but instead of +behind the island, they are in front of it." + +And, glancing back, they could see the Indian women bathing. + +"I suppose the time will soon come when this little harbor will have +ships on it," said Helen, to change the subject. + +"Yes," returned Harold. "Sir George brought instructions with him from +England to build here the first brig." + +"And when will he commence?" + +"As soon as a saw mill can be built--not long to wait." + +"So there are lots of things in store for us, Mrs. Manning," put in the +Chaplain, with a laugh, "even if we have taken up our abode in a wooden +country." + +"Not a wooden country, Mr. Evans, but a country of woods." + +"And pray, what is the difference?" + +"As much difference as there is between a horse chestnut and a chestnut +horse." + +Again a ringing laugh was carried far out over the waters. + +"We men should always have you with us, Mrs. Manning, to keep away the +blues!" exclaimed the Chaplain, "and to that end I am just praying for +that castle of ours to be speedily finished." + +"One would think," returned Helen, elevating her eyebrows, "when the +builders work so hard, that the castle does not need your prayers. Would +it not be better to pray for the arrival of a lady companion for the +only lady in the camp, lest she might get the blues?" + +"That's what I say," cried the Doctor, energetically. "It's a deuced +shame to have Madame alone at the fort without a single lady friend, and +the sooner we secure a suitable companion for her the better." + +"Rather rough on you, Manning!" exclaimed Cummings, serenely. + +"'Pon my word, Doctor, I'll have to call you out, even if you are a +Frenchman," said Harold, with a laugh. + +"You know what I mean," returned the young man, his face flushing. "It +was a Frenchman's thought. I cannot think fast in English, you know." + +"Worse and worse!" exclaimed Cummings, with a laugh. + +Harold bit his lip. + +"How pretty that sunset is, with its deep golden yellow, so different +from England!" said Helen, who did her best to repress a sigh. With all +these men around her, even with her husband by her side, she was still +alone. + +"Yes, and with forest and lake, and sky and island, there is a +fascinating beauty." + +"The Indians say that to the north and west throughout the Georgian Bay +the islands are like the leaves of the forest, they cannot be counted," +Smith remarked. + +"Still new fields to conquer," added Harold. + +"New beauties to explore," said the Chaplain. + +The canoes had almost reached the "glittering sands" to the right of the +mouth of the harbor. The sun had set, and the gloaming was coming upon +them with the placid stillness of a summer night. + +"Suppose we return," suggested Helen. "It will be dark by the time we +reach the shore." + +"Paddle gently," ejaculated Smith in a low voice. "Let us wait a bit. +You see those bushes beyond the sandy beach. Three deer come down there +every evening to water--a buck with growing antlers and two does. If you +sit still and do not speak they will not notice you. The Doctor and I +will creep up a little nearer." + +Smith, who was the crack shot of the party, picked up his rifle, while +Beaumont, the skilled canoeist, paddled noiselessly toward the shore. +The former had only time to creep under cover of the bushes to a spot +where an open view could be obtained, when the deer, with heads erect +and led by the stag, marched slowly down to the water's edge. + +Not a paddle of the watchers moved, and scarcely a muscle. Beaumont sat +in his canoe grounded on the beach, with eyes fixed on the deer, for he +could just discern them beyond a stretch of sand. But Smith was +invisible. A few moments of silence and suspense. . . with head bent +forward the stag waded into the water, a doe on either side. Bang! went +the rifle. The stag reared and fell forward with a splash. Quick as +lightning his mates turned and fled to the woods, while a cheer rang out +from the men in the canoes, as they paddled over to the spot. + +"It was pitiful to see the poor does," said Helen, sensitively. + +"But it was a capital shot," returned Harold. "I was doubtful if Smith +could do it in the gathering darkness. It will make a good addition to +our vanishing larder." + +When they drew near Beaumont and Smith had dragged the handsome buck +further on to the beach. + +"Will it be safe to leave him here until the men come for him?" Smith +asked, as he received the congratulations. + +"I doubt it," said Beaumont. "Hark! yonder are wolves howling already. +They must be hungry to be out so soon." + +"The buck is too heavy to take in our canoe," said Smith, "unless the +Doctor, the lighter man, can return in one of yours." + +"Have him come with us," said Helen, turning to Harold. + +"Certainly," was his answer. "There will be no danger with such a +perfect canoeist." + +In a few more minutes they were paddling homeward. The half-moon was +hovering directly above them, and its sheen glowed in silvery light upon +the water. + +"Give us a French boat song, Doctor," said the Chaplain, who knew that +he had a rich tenor voice. + +"Not before miladi," was his answer. "If Madame will favor us first, I +will follow." + +"What will you have?" said Helen. + +"A song of the chase or a boat song, we don't care which," said Smith. + +"Well," replied Helen, with a smile at the ardor of the men. "If you can +imagine it is morning instead of evening, perhaps Scott's 'Hunting Song' +will do." + +The paddles almost ceased plying, and in the still night, her sweet +contralto voice filled the air from shore to shore. + + "'Waken lords and ladies gay, + The mist has left the mountain gray, + Springlets in the dawn are steaming, + Diamonds on the brake are gleaming; + And foresters have busy been + To track the buck in thicket green. + Now we come to chant our lay, + 'Waken lords and ladies gay. + + "'Waken lords and ladies gay! + To the greenwood haste away. + We can show you where he lies, + Fleet of foot and tall of size; + We can show the marks he made + When 'gainst the oak his antlers frayed. + You shall see him brought to bay, + 'Waken lords and ladies gay. + + "Louder, louder, chant the lay, + 'Waken lords and ladies gay! + Tell them youth and mirth and glee + Run a course as well as we; + Time! stern huntsman! who can balk, + Staunch as hound, and fleet as hawk? + Think of this and rise with day, + Gentle lords and ladies gay!" + +Sweetly the echoes died away over the water, thanks of appreciation were +murmured, and they were calling upon Beaumont to fulfil his promise when +another song was wafted from the shore towards them. + +"Why, that's Bateese," cried the Doctor. "He can sing better than I can. +Listen to him to-night, mine will keep for another day." + +"Hearken!" whispered Helen. "How quaint it is!" + + Plus jolie femme ees nice an' neat, + I sorry ven I leave 'er, + Mit eyes so blue an' lips so sweet + She's cunnin' as de beaver. + + She love me well, dis gal of mine, + For her I toe de scratch, sir; + Ba gosh! her name is Emmiline + An' I will be her match, sir. + + For she was reeche, wid pater's gold + An' farm down by de rivare; + But mon cheval, it had be sold + An' all my tings, pis aller. + + But now I work so hard again + To make up for my losses; + An' nevare more will give her pain + But cover her wid kisses. + + An' from dis time I'll work and wait + As never yet did lover; + An' pray Mon Dieu to bless our fate + An' make her mine forever. + + Den my sweet vife, ma fille so true, + Wid my fond arms around her, + Vill bless ma life, sweet entre nous, + An' make me still de fonder. + + An' when de leetle garçon come + An' fille so p'tite an' jolie, + We bless de Lord an' for de same + Will give him all de glory. + +The last verse almost took Helen's breath away, and, forgetting all +about Beaumont's song, she bade the officers good-night, and with +Harold hastened on shore to their own dwelling. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXII. + + +It was July before Colonel Battersby's column, after a long march from +Montreal, reached Kingston and joined the forces of General Drummond, +and none too soon, for word had been forwarded of the disastrous +invasion of the Niagara frontier under Brigadier-Generals Scott and +Ripley. Fort Erie had been taken, and Commander-in-Chief Brown, with a +heavy force, had advanced against Major-General Riall and defeated the +British forces at Chippewa. The country was ravaged, St. Davids burned, +Niagara threatened. + +With all possible speed General Drummond pressed forward his troops, but +it was the 25th of the month before Niagara was reached and Riall +reinforced. Part of Colonel Battersby's command was left with the +veterans stationed at Queenston, to oppose the landing of American +troops there; while the balance, including Battersby himself, as well as +Captain Morris and his company, continued with the main force in the +advance toward Lundy's Lane. + +At six o'clock of that memorable night, when Drummond's forces met +Riall's at the junction of Queenston Road and Lundy's Lane, they were +retreating before the superior force of the enemy. Countermanding the +retreat, the Generals at once placed their guns in strong position on +the hill. Eight hundred soldiers, however, added to the British troops +still came short of balancing the forces. Nevertheless, the famous +battle of Lundy's Lane commenced, and before night it was fiercely +raging. As it progressed, reinforcements were received on both sides. +This only added fuel to the flame, and it was not until midnight that +the battle ceased. + +Among orchards laden with fruit on hillside and summit, in little copses +of woodland, in open plain, throughout that long twilight, until the +pale moon sank in the west: + + "Roar of baleful battle rose + And brethren of a common tongue + To mortal strife like tigers sprung." + +What gave enthusiasm to Canadians and British in the contest was that +they were fighting for home and country. The attitude of defender and +invader can never be the same. The struggle of heart and soul against +mere mentality cannot be equal. The one has virile force in every fibre +of its being, ready to sacrifice life and limb to principle; the other +mere elusive energy, begotten of baser metal. + + [Illustration: "That'll be our new home, sweetheart" + + _Page 210_] + +Still, the American infantry fought with gallant determination. With +unfailing energy they made charge after charge to capture the British +guns. General Riall, now second in command, was wounded and captured, +and at nine o'clock it seemed as though the Americans would win. Then +reinforcements poured in on either side. Though tired from long marches +on that hot summer day, they at once rallied to the support of their +respective commanders, and lighted only by the faint moonlight and the +flash from the rifles, the struggle continued with redoubled fury. + +The English gunners stood manfully at their posts and swept with deadly +fire the lines of Brown's battalions. The carnage was terrific. White +men of the same blood, the same language, the same religion, nay, in the +highest ethics of the same race, shot each other down by hundreds, as if +life were of no moment, bayonetting each other to death in the light of +the silvery moon. + +At last, spurred on by the determination to carry the battery at any +cost, Colonel Miller, of the Twenty-first, made an impetuous rush, and +for a time captured the British guns. + +Now began the wildest scene of all--a hand-to-hand and +bayonet-to-bayonet struggle for mastery. General Drummond's men rallied +on every side, determined to fight to the bitter end, and hour after +hour the slaughter continued. Everywhere the fight went on. The shouts +of command, the thunder of artillery, the continual flashing of powder, +the clashing of steel, mingled with the roar of Niagara and the groans +of the dying, made it seem as though the demons of hell had been let +loose to ravage the earth. + +But six hours of mortal conflict were enough. Seventeen hundred men, +Britons and Americans, lay side by side, dead or wounded, on that field +of battle. The position of the British was too strong to be taken and +held, and the invaders, realizing the futility of further effort, +withdrew from the field, returning to Fort Erie, which they had already +captured, and where they more adequately intrenched their position. + +Left to themselves, the British were not long in making a change. Lights +were lit, and at once men were dispatched to examine the field and +search for missing comrades. + +Colonel Battersby, although he had led his men in the thickest of the +fight, had come off unscathed, but he knew that some of his officers had +been slain or wounded. To his horror, Captain Morris, the man of his own +selection, was missing. Eager to know the truth, accompanied by +orderlies, he went carefully over the field. Headless trunks, +disembowelled bodies, the dead, the dying, the wounded, were everywhere. +Agonizing groans came from the fallen, both English and Americans, while +side by side with them, stoic Indians with impassive faces did not utter +a sound. + +As they passed on, limbs were straightened, a comfortable position given +or a wound staunched, while now and then a few drops from a pocket +flask were poured between the lips of a life fast ebbing away. + +"Colonel, here's a captain's epaulets," ejaculated one of his men at +last. A light was thrown upon a body whose face was hidden in the moss +beneath an oak shrub. The man, though unconscious, still breathed, as he +lay in a pool of blood. Wiping his face, they gently turned it upwards. + +"My God! It is Captain Morris," exclaimed the Colonel. + +Tenderly they placed him in an easier position. Blood from the scalp and +side and leg were freely flowing. + +"Tell one of the surgeons to come at once," was the Colonel's order, +while he knelt to loosen his clothing. + +In a few minutes the doctor came and made an examination. + +"Suffering from concussion, as well as loss of blood," were his words. +"Let us lay him on a stretcher and carry him to quarters." + +In a few minutes they reached a vacant house on the lower side of the +hill, which they purposed using as a temporary hospital. + +"Who is it?" enquired General Drummond, as they approached. + +"Captain Morris, sir." + +"Ah, another brave man! One of our best officers! How many we have lost +in this terrible fight! Will he live, doctor?" + +"I hope so. He is not conscious, but he opened his eyes just now." + +"Thank God! You must do your best for him." + +"I will, sir." + +They placed him on a settee on one side of the room, and the doctor +dressed his wounds. + +"I saw him fall," came in a low tone from a man in the opposite corner, +whose foot had been shot off. He had fainted from loss of blood and the +leg had been bound up until it could be properly dressed. "I belong to +his company. Twice we were driven back--half our men had fallen--but he +drew his sword and rushed on again, calling us to follow him--then a +Yankee officer struck at him, so he knocked his sword back and ran him +through--but a couple of sogers came at the Captain with their +bayonets--that's the last I saw, for I got dizzy and fell--I didn't +think I was hurt." + +"You've said enough," said the doctor sharply. "We don't want you to +faint again." + +"All right, sir." + +There was a deep flesh wound in Captain Morris' thigh and a bayonet +thrust in his body, while the top of his scalp had been torn to the +skull by a bullet. + +"Pretty badly knocked out," said the doctor, "but not hopeless. His +pupils are still sensitive." + +The General expressed satisfaction as with Battersby he left the house. +Several other shanties near by were being utilized for the wounded. + +"I suppose the owners all fled on the approach of battle," said the +General to Colonel Scott, who had charge of the relief department. + +"Yes," was the answer. "This battle has been impending for days, and +orders were issued to the people to escape to the back districts without +delay." + +"They may as well stay away now," said Drummond. "There are hundreds of +wounded, and our first care must be for them. We may have beaten the +enemy, but it has been at terrible cost." + +"Your arrival, General, was a God-send. If your men had not come I don't +know where we would have been." + +"Your own vanguard helped to save us though. But the horror of it all--a +thousand men have bit the dust." + +"If we have fights like this, thousands more may do it yet before we are +through." + +"True, but it is a fight to the finish. We must hold our own. Never +relinquish an inch." + +For more than an hour Captain Morris remained unconscious. His continued +insensibility caused much concern, and Sergeant Dennis, his faithful +subaltern, was placed beside him to watch. + +After a while, he opened his eyes and looked vacantly around him through +the dim light. Gradually he took in the situation. + +"Ah!" he exclaimed at last, fixing his eyes on Dennis and looking at +his bandages. "I got hurt--did I?" + +"Yes, Captain, a trifle," was the answer. + +"And the battle--is it over?" + +"Yes, Captain; keep still." + +"Thank heaven!" + +For a time there was a pause, and the Sergeant put some whiskey and +water to his lips. + +"I must be badly knocked out," he ventured again, after a while. + +"Not so bad as some," was the answer. + +"Bad enough." + +"I will call the doctor or Colonel Battersby," said the sergeant. "I had +orders to report." + +"Wait a minute, Sergeant, it can't be three yet." + +"It is, nearly." + +"There is something you can do for me." + +"I will do anything in the world for you, Captain." + +"Thanks--you will be with me all night, won't you?" + +"Yes, till daylight." + +"Well, I'll tell you later--after the doctor comes." + +"He's here now." + +So the communication was delayed. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXIII. + + +Half an hour later, the Sergeant again had charge of the Captain. He was +weak and pallid, but his mind was clear, and he fixed his eyes on the +Sergeant's face. + +"Now, I can tell you," he said at last, with some difficulty. + +"You had better not," returned the man. "The doctor says you must sleep +before you try to talk again." + +"It will only take a minute--I've got to say it now," said Morris. + +"Very well," said the Sergeant, bending over him. "Speak low, Captain. +Don't say more than you can help." + +"It is only about two letters--they are in my wallet, and I want you +without fail to send them on. One is directed to Penetang--I intended to +forward it from York--but it was in the bottom of my wallet--and in the +hurry of leaving I did not do it. The other is one of my own to Halifax. +It, too, should have been sent on before we crossed the lake--but the +order to march was so sudden that I had not time. Do you understand?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I might have given them to the Colonel--but I did not want to bother +him. Whether I get well or not, I want this off my mind." + +"All right, sir. I will have them forwarded by the very first chance. +You may depend upon that." + +"Thank you, Sergeant." + +The Captain pressed his hand and closed his eyes. Soon he was asleep. + +The Sergeant, while he decided to carry out his instructions faithfully, +thought it singular that so trifling a matter should occupy the +attention of so sick a man. + +"Well, I have something for you at last," said Miss Maxwell to her +sister, one bright morning, several weeks earlier than the tragic events +of the last chapter. She had just returned from the Citadel, and holding +two letters high above her head, shook them gaily at Maud. + +"I am so glad," returned that young lady, holding out her hand. "Who are +they from? One from Mrs. Manning, I am sure." + +"Who do you suppose the other is from? Which of your lovers has written +you a letter?" + +Handing over one she still held the other aloft. + +"How foolish you are, Genie! This is the one I want to read first +anyway." + +Sitting down she broke the seal and commenced reading Mrs. Manning's +letter, apparently unconscious that the other was waiting for perusal. +The letter was a long one, and Maud's face glowed with pleasure as her +eyes ran rapidly over its pages. Parts of it she read aloud, and other +parts to herself. By-and-bye, when she had finished, she put it back +within its cover, and held out her hand for the other one. + +This was from Dr. Beaumont, and a slight flush suffused her cheek as she +perused its contents. Gravely she read it through to the end without +speaking a word. + +"Are you not going to read it to me?" Eugenia asked as she sat opposite, +quietly watching her sister's face. + +"You may read all of Mrs. Manning's letter and welcome," said Maud, "but +this from Dr. Beaumont I must keep to myself, for the present at least"; +and she slipped it into her pocket. "Was not Mrs. Manning brave?" she +continued. + +"Indeed she was. She tells all about the journey and the new settlement, +and the trials she had to endure." + +"Yes," said Maud, "but there's an undertone through it all--even in her +account of that terrible march along the Madawaska." + +Maud turned to the window and looked dreamily out, while unconsciously +she took the Doctor's letter from her pocket again and tapped the sill +with it, as if to keep time to her thoughts. + +"Dr. Beaumont comes in for his share of praise," said Eugenia as she +read on. "I don't see how they could have done without him." + +"Would not Dr. Fairchilds have done as well?" Maud asked in a low voice. + +"He did not get the chance," was Eugenia's quick response. + +"I always had doubt as to the real reason of that," said Maud. + +"Mrs. Manning says," continued Eugenia, "that she sent a letter a few +days before this one by a man in a sailboat, round by Lake Huron, but +that this would be sent through the woods by Little York. Did you get +the first one?" + +"No. Possibly it may not come at all, and if it does it will be later, +as the way by Georgian Bay would be much longer than the overland +route." + +"Have you been studying geography lately?" Eugenia asked, drawing down +the corners of her mouth. + +"It is not long since I left school, Miss Inquisitive." + +That afternoon they called upon Mrs. Mason, and as they expected, found +her loquacious upon the subject of Penetang. She said that Sir John +Sherbrooke and Colonel Mason had both received despatches from Sir +George. + +"I understand that you are a favored one, also," she continued +good-humoredly, turning to Maud. "Two letters all for yourself from the +little new garrison, while not another lady in Halifax has received +one." + +"All owing to my fortunate meeting with Mrs. Manning," returned Maud +with a slight flush. "Nearly all the troops were fresh from England, so +their letters would naturally be sent home instead of here. Mrs. +Manning's letter is very interesting. I brought it over for you to see." + +"Thank you, and may I read it to Colonel Mason?" + +"Certain parts, but not all. You will know what I mean." + +"I'll take care, my dear. Trust me for that--but was there not another +letter?--ah, ah, my lady--but I will ask no more questions"; and Mrs. +Mason, with twinkling eyes, laughed softly to herself. + +"Did not a ship come in to-day?" Eugenia asked. + +"Yes," replied Mrs. Mason, "with another regiment. The Colonel says it +is imperative for it to leave at once for Montreal as the war is not +over yet, and it has important letters to carry." + +"When will it sail, or did you hear?" Maud asked. + +"To-morrow, I believe." + +Maud's candle burned late that night again, and when the ship left for +Montreal the next evening the mail bag contained two letters for +Penetang, one to Mrs. Manning, the other to Dr. Beaumont. + +More than a month passed away. The fortunes of war had been ebbing and +flowing first on one side, then on the other--the belligerents on +neither being as yet satisfied. Still the conflict was nearing the end. +News travelled slowly then; but word of battle, even when three weeks +old, was just as interesting as it is now when the happening was only +yesterday. + +The news of Lundy's Lane had arrived. The Citadel and all Halifax were +excited over it, for although the British claimed the victory, yet two +of the companies that had served in the fort for years, had been in the +heat of the fight, and had lost more than half their men. + +In small garrison towns, stationary troops soon become identified with +the people, and the results of battle fill them with intense interest. +Having once heard the rumour of the conflict, the people were anxious to +hear more, and soldiers off duty were asked repeatedly for the latest +details. At every street corner the battle was discussed; while in the +homes it was the one absorbing theme. + +With the news also came that letter to Maud forwarded by the Sergeant, +but as already noted, written before the conflict. + +"Captain Morris' name is in everybody's mouth," said Judge Maxwell to +his daughters that evening. "The people are wild over him. They say he +is one of the bravest officers in the service. What a pity he was so +nearly killed!" + +"Nearly killed! Is it so bad as that, father?" Maud asked with trembling +voice. + +"The news is three weeks old, and we cannot tell what may have happened +in that time, but he was shot in the scalp and bayonetted in the body +and the leg. What is more, he was leading what remained of his men for +the third time, and struck down his opponent with his sword the very +moment that he fell. If that is not bravery you will have to search the +pages of history to find it." + +Maud's eyes flashed, and she shot into her father's face a look of +mingled exultation and anguish. + +"But his wounds, father, are they dangerous?" + +"Colonel Mason says, from the despatches, that he would not anticipate +serious trouble from one of them by itself--but from the whole combined, +particularly with midsummer heat, there might be. Still, without doubt, +all will be done for him that is possible." + +"Where are they keeping him, father?" + +"In a cottage near the battlefield, on the Niagara River. If they can +hold the place they will retain the settlers' houses for the use of the +wounded until they are well enough to be removed." + +"Who nurses the men, I wonder?" was Maud's next question. + +"There won't be much nursing," replied the judge. "The men will do what +they can to carry out the doctors' orders, but the poor fellows will +have a tough time of it no doubt. It is always the case in a military +campaign, no matter where you go or who is injured." + +"And can we do nothing?" + +"Nothing whatever, my dear. It is beyond the pale of civilization, one +might say. Throughout that region there are few settlements and no good +roads. Supplies are taken in with great difficulty, and often have to be +carried in on the backs of the soldiers. As for people here going over +to help, by the time they got there, the whole place might be deserted." + +"You are a Job's comforter, father." + +"Father's quite right," said Eugenia. "But it is terrible to think of +poor, brave Captain Morris suffering so frightfully. I wish those +dastardly Yankees were in----." + +"Not in Halifax," interrupted the judge with a smile. "We don't want +them here even if we could whip them, which I am not so sure about. But +you are on the wrong tack Genie. The Yankee soldiers are not dastardly. +They are just as brave as ours are, and in that very battle lost as many +men as we did." + +"But when the battle was over, and the Americans retreated," said +Eugenia, "who looked after their wounded?" + +"The British, of course." + +"And dressed the wounds of their enemies just the same as those of their +own men?" + +"Certainly. That's the only bit of civilization in it." + +"And what would the Americans do if they were the victors?" + +"Just as the English do." + +"There's Christianity in war after all," said Maud. + +"Another paradox," said the judge. "It is always the Christian nations +that do the most fighting." + +"Were not Napoleon's wars an exception?" + +"Not by any means. It was the Christian nations that opposed him; and +half of his own men professed the faith." + +"But how soon do they expect to hear again of the wounded?" Maud asked +somewhat impatiently. + +"The way is open now and word will come every week," replied her father. +"And thank God the war will soon be over!" + +Captain Morris' letter affected Maud differently to Dr. Beaumont's. It +stirred the martial enthusiasm in her nature to know that he had been a +hero in the fight. But the feeling changed as she thought on. He had +fallen bravely, probably without a murmur, but it was weeks ago. How was +he now? and in any case how intensely he must have suffered! And then to +know that he had written that letter, the only one she had ever received +from him, only a day or two before the fight that may have cost him his +life. Over and over again she read it; every word seemed to have a new +meaning. Was it not sad in tone--premonitory of coming evil? Was there +not a shadow behind the hand rendering dark the future, filling his +life with the elusiveness of love, and producing in his heart passionate +disdain? + +She shivered when she thought of what might have happened to him there, +and while proud that such a man should give her his confidence, she was +carried away with a passion of feeling that at the time she could +neither analyze nor understand. + +Would a letter reach him? If it only could? At any rate she must do her +part and send him a message. This time she wrote rapidly. She seemed to +be under physical obligation to do her most and her best, without a +thought of anyone but the wounded captain. After a while she finished +the letter and went to bed. + +Notwithstanding the restless tossing and wakefulness that followed, she +rose early to post it. Then her mind wandered off beyond Niagara to +Penetang; and, taking out another letter which she had often read +before, she thoughtfully perused it again. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXIV. + + +The ebb and flow of battles on sea and land in the War of 1812 and '14 +do not belong to this story. Sir John Sherbrooke's despatch of men fresh +from the European wars to Eastport, Castine, Bangor and Machias, Maine, +and the retention of the _Penobscot_ and _St. Croix_ by the British till +the war was over, are matters of history. So also is the victory of the +American General Macomb at Plattsburg, where with five ships of war and +fifteen hundred men he drove back twice as many British vessels and +troops under the command of their weak and incapable head. No wonder +that officers broke their swords and vowed they would never fight again +under such a leader. But on the war dragged, sometimes with success on +one side, sometimes on the other; and if it had not been for the +harassing blockade of the Atlantic seaboard, when Britain's navy, let +loose from European conflict, came over to fight the battles of her +colonies, it is hard to tell where the fratricidal war would have ended. + +Month after month passed by. Villages were pillaged; forts were captured +and recaptured; cities were bombarded and wasted; York was ransacked; +Niagara was burned; Washington was stormed by shot and shell and its +buildings set on fire. Even after peace was declared, the final battle +of New Orleans still had to be fought, where two thousand of the flower +of the British troops were lost within the trenches, their general slain +and the remainder put to flight, while only a handful of the American +defenders in their entrenched position were either wounded or slain. + +Such is war with its mighty agony, its seas of flowing blood, its +tumultuous passion, its frenzied rage, the most inhuman of all human +things; and yet withal, the purifier and ennobler of the races of men, +who would not do without it, and thank God that it was abolished? And +yet, when rights are trampled on, when liberty is invaded, when +oppression is rampant, with Empire in the van, who would not draw the +sword again, and thank God that by its glitter and fury, wrong could be +righted and truth made plain? + +At last peace was declared, and the tired people of both nations but of +the one race, wondered what they had been fighting about. + +Without solving the question they smoked the calumet, offering up the +fumes as incense while they fervently prayed that the tyrannies of life +should never again force them to draw swords against each other. + +To Penetang, however, the din of battle did not come. Month after month +during that first long summer, the troops revelled in the ways of +peace; and it was astonishing what progress they made in the practice of +the mechanical arts. In Captain Payne's engineering corps were +carpenters, masons, blacksmiths, saddlers, tailors, and men who had +followed a dozen other trades--all useful, aye, more than useful--in the +founding and establishment of the new garrison. + +By the end of August the walls of the stone fort were up and an army of +men were working with energy towards its completion. The design was to +have it ready for occupation before winter arrived. The trail cut +through to Little York had also proved of service, for as the months +passed by, mail matter and goods were carried regularly over to +Penetang. + +While all else denoted prosperity, the non-return of the _Bumble Bee_ +caused much anxiety; for throughout the long summer nothing was heard of +it, not a single word came from either Corporal or Skipper. Many were +the conjectures, and night after night was the subject discussed around +the camp fires of the little garrison. + +Mrs. Bond had a little room in Mrs. Hardman's quarters, and from her +larger experience and fuller confidence in her husband, she was the more +hopeful of the two. + +"Whatever has happened to Latimer, Peter Bond will be sure to come back. +He's the honestest man alive, and he'd die before he'd turn traitor," +were her words. + +"That's true; but suppose the Yankees 'ave shot the men and cabbaged the +boat?" suggested her pessimistic friend. + +"It might be," returned Mrs. Bond, tightly drawing in her lips, "but the +_Bumble Bee_ wasn't a fighting craft. Yankees might steal her, and all +she 'ad aboard, but it wouldn't be natural for 'em to kill the men. +They'll both turn up sometime. I'll warrant that." + +"She's just right," returned Private Hardman. "They may 'ave taken 'em +prisoners and looted the craft, but that's the worst that could 'ave +'appened 'em." + +"An' vat about de voman?" asked Bateese, who had just come down from +Helen's cottage. + +"They'd set her free, and she's hanging round till her ole man gets +off," said Hardman. + +"Mebbe," commented his wife. + +"Yes, mebbe," said Hardman. "They're not dead anyway. The Corporal will +come back again in time, but Latimer and his wife mayn't. Why should +they? They're gone three months. What 'ud be the use?" + +"We'll miss the woman worst," said his wife. "She's like one of +ourselves. It's too bad, when there's so few of us." + +"If my man turns up I won't care much about the rest," said Mrs. Bond. +"Though I did hear Mrs. Manning say that if it hadn't been for Latimer's +wife, when she first come, she didn't know what she would 'a done. But +my! She had a sperit. She kep' the ole fellow in his place I tell you." + +"Vas she de boss?" Bateese asked. + +"Inside that little box cabin of hers she was." + +"What about the obeyin' bizness, as the prayer book says?" enquired +Hardman. + +"Inside he did the obeying--outside, she did." + +"By Gar, dat's about vat it should be!" exclaimed Bateese. "Now, my +Emmiline she boss me inside alvays. She say, 'Bateese, you come here.' I +come. 'You go dere.' I come too. She say, 'Bateese, vous garçon, vat you +make dat splash on de floor?' I say, 'Pardonnez moi, mon ami,' She say, +'All right,' an' I don't make it no more. Den I go outside and make +splash all over eff I want to." + +"And do you want to?" said Hardman. For answer Bateese shrugged his +shoulders. + +"How is Emmiline tonight?" Mrs. Hardman asked. "I 'aven't seen her since +morning. + +"She be nice--but I stay 'most too long--she vant you to come and see +her again right away." + +"And how is the boy?" + +"Fine! Oh, mon fils, he beeg bouncing garçon. Doctare say he weigh ten +pound--an' he so goot he almost laff." + +"Bateese, you're crazy." + +"Veil! he open his eye and try to laugh--den--cause he can't, he cry." + +And Bateese hurried off, after his long wait, to tell Emmiline that Mrs. +Hardman was coming. + +One Sunday morning several weeks later, the Chaplain was waited on by +Bateese. Breakfast was over, and having arranged his books and notes, he +was putting on his surplice in preparation for the service he was about +to hold in the barrack yard. + +"Good morning, Bateese," said the Chaplain. + +"Goot mornin', Padre," replied the habitant, pulling his forelock. + +"What can I do for you?" + +The exceeding gravity of Bateese's countenance made his mission very +uncertain. + +"Nothing wrong, I hope. Is Madame Bateese well?" + +"Oui, oui, Padre." + +"And that big bouncing boy of yours?" + +"Yes, he tres bien, Monsieur." + +"Well, my man, I'm glad to hear it. Tell me now what you want. You see I +haven't much time to lose. The men are gathering for the service." + +"Veil, Monsieur, it ess about de boy. Ve call him George after de +Colonel, and Emil after me, and Emmiline want to have him baptize, vat +you call christen." + +"I'll be glad to do it, but you are too late for this service." + +"Dat all right--we don't vant no service--ve vant it done all by +hisself." + +"But the Church does not baptize its children that way. They are done in +the congregation before the people." + +"But, Padre, me an' Emmiline goot Cat'liques. Ve no Engleese. Only no +priest in de troop--and Emmiline go clean crazy if ve no get it done. +You know, Padre, ve loss our dear petite babees. Ve no vant to loss dis +wan too." + +"I see," said Mr. Evans. "You want me to christen the child privately." + +"Yees, Padre." + +"Well, bring him over to my quarters at three o'clock and I will do it +then." + +Bateese, while expressing his thanks for the Chaplain's kindness, still +appeared nervous and stood twisting his hat as before. + +"One more ting, Padre, Emmiline alvays goot Cat'lique. Alvays go to +church, alvays count her beads at night. Vell she see de curé before she +leave Kebec, and he say--if she ever have child again, an' leeve vere +dere is no priest--she must burn holy candles and have holy vater--an' +den some minister of some oder church could baptize de boy all de sam." + +"And have you got the candles and the holy water?" the Chaplain asked +with a smile. + +"Oh, yees--Emmiline bring everyting." + +"So she got them from the priest six months ago and brought them with +her to celebrate the christening." + +"Oui, Padre, she did." + +"She's a good woman," returned the clergyman, laughing heartily, "and +although its against the rule to use holy water and candles at a +christening, tell her I will do my best--and shall baptize the boy as +well as any priest could do it in Quebec--and to please her I will use +both." + +A halo of light spread all over the little Frenchman's face, and happy +as a king he hastened away to tell the good news to Emmiline. + +So that Sunday afternoon was celebrated the first christening among the +troops at Penetang. It was made memorable, too, in more ways than one, +for at the request of Emmiline, Mrs. Manning acted as godmother, while +in honor of its priority and from the fact that the child was named +after himself, Sir George accepted the position as godfather; both of +which events delighted not only the parents of the child but the whole +garrison as well. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXV. + + +The first summer at Penetang was full of new experiences for Helen. The +feminine loneliness was very trying, and if it had not been that her +hands and mind were always busy working and planning, she would have +felt the solitude even more than she did. The summer was half gone +before the first letters came; and the monotony of waiting was broken +only twice afterwards before the season was over. Fortunately, however, +they never came singly, and each bore reading again and again, before +the succeeding budget arrived. + +The absence of congenial companionship of her own sex was what she felt +most keenly. Still the presence of the little French woman, Emmiline, +gave a break to the monotony. Her lively chatter whiled away many an +hour; and with little Emil came new life; for Helen was deeply +interested in the welfare of her little godson. Possibly, also, the best +substitute for an absent friend may be the presence of that friend's +lover; and as Maud Maxwell was the one who had expressed a desire to be +with her in her western home, she longed for her the most. + +After Dr. Beaumont made Helen his confidant, they had many long talks, +and the more they talked the more she became convinced of his genuine +devotion. One afternoon this was particularly impressed upon her. It was +the day of the regular drill, and she was seated alone under an oak tree +in front of her cottage, re-reading one of her letters. Everything was +still around her, when being deeply absorbed, she was startled by the +approach of footsteps. + +"I beg your pardon, Madam!" exclaimed the Doctor. He had just returned +with a string of bass from the bay. "I am sorry if I have disturbed +you." + +"Don't mention it," she replied with a smile. "Everything was so still. +Why, what a catch you have had!" + +"They bite well to-day. Aren't they beauties? Two of them will weigh +three pounds apiece. Why is it so quiet here? Are all the men away?" + +"The soldiers, as you know, are drilling, and the habitants are +finishing the fallow." + +"I thought it peculiar to find you entirely alone." + +"None but the women and the sentinels are about." + +"I saw you reading a letter," said Beaumont, laying his fish behind a +log in the shade, and taking a seat beside them. "Is it a new one, may I +ask?" + +"No, I am sorry to say. I am foolish enough to read all these old ones +more than once." + +"More than once," he echoed. "Why, I read mine every day, sometimes over +and over again." + +"You extravagant man! You will wear them all out before the next supply +arrives." + +"Ah, but I am careful!" he laughingly replied, "and then I have only had +two from her. They both came with yours." + +"I hope another will come soon," she returned, following his wistful +gaze over the water. + +"Oh, yes, mon ami," he cried passionately. "Eight months since we left +Halifax, and only two letters." + +"It is three since our first ones went over the York trail, so we are +sure to receive others soon; and I know from the way Maud writes she is +interested in Penetang." + +"Interest is one thing and love is another," said the Doctor, dubiously. +"If I felt sure that the first would develop into the second, I would +praise the gods. But what is there to make it possible? A thousand miles +between us! I did not think an _affaire du coeur_ could be so serious; +but now I know it. When so distant she may never care." + +"You do not know the ways of a woman's heart, Doctor. She might not love +you then, but she loved no other; and before another man could win her +heart he would be weighed in the balance with yourself. Although absent, +rest assured you are not forgotten." + +"But to be remembered is not to be loved," said Beaumont again, "and a +present suitor may win what an absent one has lost." + +"Did it never strike you that distance itself might fan the flame of +love. My mother used to say that 'absence is the furnace in which true +love is tried! It tries the man but it tries the woman also.'" + +"If absence has increased hers as it has mine, I shall be more than +satisfied," said the Doctor. + +"Something in you appealed to her, that I know," said Helen. + +"Ah! She is divine," cried Beaumont, again becoming ecstatic. "I can +never forget her." + +"Did you never forget her?" asked Helen, demurely. + +"No, never." + +"Not even when dancing at the Citadel with Louise de Rochefort?" she +asked mischievously. + +Beaumont's face flushed. + +"Pardonnez, Madam, that was a little break--an hour's amusement--une +petite Mademoiselle of my own people, and in my own old city! What harm? +Surely you will not ask a Frenchman to stand at one side and allow all +the beauty and élite sweep past him in the gay valse without saying a +word. No, no, Madam, that would never do"; and he finished by shaking +his curls in a merry laugh. + +"And you think you are deeply, earnestly, sincerely in love with Maud?" + +"I swear it. She is divine, I say. Her glorious eyes, her ravishing +beauty, her inflexible will, her exquisite soul, make me her slave, and +I cannot help myself. Madam, I adore her. She is my patron saint, my +heavenly jewel on earth!" + +"You deserve to win her," said Helen, gravely. "Why not press your suit +by letter more strongly than you have ever done?" + +"That I cannot do. I gave her my word not to attempt it any more until I +see her. Of course I write; my letters are full of love. Mon Dieu! How +can I help it? But I am never to ask her to be mine until I see her." + +"In that case you must keep your promise, and as a true woman she will +think all the more of you. But there is one thing I wanted to ask. Have +you anything to keep a wife upon besides your salary as surgeon? You see +how practical I am." + +"Thank the Holy Virgin, I have. My father left me independent of any +income I may receive from the army." + +"One other point, Doctor. As your confidant you must excuse my queries. +How can you, a Roman Catholic, expect so staunch a Churchwoman as Maud +Maxwell to consent to be your wife?" + +"Truly a serious question--and one that I have not forgotten, but do you +know that religion is much more to a woman than it is to a man?" + +"It ought not to be." + +"That is true, though I am sorry to say it was not so in my mother's +case. My father was a French seigneur of Lower Canada and a Catholic, +while my mother was a Scotch Presbyterian. Why she joined my father's +Church I could never tell, except that my father was a dominant man, and +that there was no Presbyterian church within fifty miles of where we +lived. Consequently, my brothers and sisters and myself were all brought +up in the Catholic faith. What is more, Agatha, my sister, being +disappointed in love, entered a cloister, and is now a nun in a Montreal +convent." + +"That is sad." + +"Perhaps it is. Yet I would not say a word against the sisterhood or the +Romish Church. They are both maligned. But I am sorry that my only +sister, a bright and beautiful girl, should be hopelessly consigned to +the life of the cloister." + +"I appreciate your feelings, Doctor. But will this influence your own +future?" + +"It may. A sensible man should look to the future as well as the +present. If Maud Maxwell should ever become my wife, I would never ask +her to renounce her faith; I might even be willing to espouse +Protestantism, for which so many of my mother's ancestors died." + +"And if you don't marry Maud Maxwell?" + +"There's the rub!" exclaimed the Doctor, shrugging his shoulders. "I +shall probably stay where I am, for as I said, religion is not so much +to a man--I am broad enough to believe that if a man lives up to the +best that is in him--an upright and honorable life, and acknowledges the +eternal Fatherhood of God with Christ as his Saviour--whether he +believes in the Blessed Virgin or not--he is all right. He can follow +any creed he likes, from the simple Quaker faith of New England, right +up to that of the great Roman Church--the mother of them all." + +"I congratulate you on the breadth of your creed, Doctor." + +"A man's life is his creed." + +"That will be in the doctrines of the future, but it is not now, +unfortunately," said Helen. + +"Ah, hear the rifles, the target practice has commenced." + +"Yes, and it is time my fish were looked after; bon jour, Madam," and he +took them off to the cookhouse at the officers' quarters. + +In a few minutes Sir George and Captain Cummings came up from the target +field, leaving the other officers in charge; and as Helen had not yet +returned to her cottage, they joined her. + +"And how goes the shooting, gentlemen?" she asked, looking at the +Colonel. + +"Oh, bravely!" returned Sir George. "Your husband is one of the best +shots among the officers. They all take a round at it, you know." + +"What of Lieutenant Smith? Some one told me he was a capital shot." + +"So he is, the best in the regiment." + +"Hurrah for the two lieutenants!" exclaimed Helen, with a laugh. "What +of your own success, Captain Cummings?" + +"I don't profess to be an expert," he replied evasively; "if an officer +keeps his men up to the mark, he adequately fills the bill--Smith and +Manning have both done excellently, though." + +Cummings was smiling serenely, but there was an accentuation in his +words that grated on Helen's ear. + +"Do you know, my dear?" said Sir George, turning towards her, "that our +Fort will be ready in a week, and that we must have a grand opening to +do honor to the occasion?" + +"With torchlight procession, grand ball and finest orchestra of the +season?" suggested Helen. + +"Yes, more than that. We expect every lady within fifty miles at least +to accept our invitation." + +"I' faith, that will be fine"; but her animation was gone. There was dew +upon her eyelids. + +"I was joking," exclaimed the Colonel, "pray forgive. It is solitary +enough for you now, but it won't be for long. 'Twill be better +by-and-bye." + +"Please excuse my foolishness," returned Helen, bravely keeping back the +tears, "but do you really mean to open the Fort then?" + +"Yes, and joking aside, we intend to celebrate it with all éclat +possible, and we want you to do what you can to assist us." + +"You may rest assured of that, Sir George," she replied, "however little +that may be." + +"And I take this opportunity," he continued, swinging off his helmet +with a graceful bow, "to invite the first Lady of the land to be my +partner at the opening quadrille?" + +Helen had conquered her emotion and, although amazed, was equal to the +occasion. With a sweeping courtesy, she replied: + +"Your request is granted, sire." Although what in the world he could +mean by such an invitation she could scarcely imagine. + +Captain Cummings gave the Colonel a sharp glance and bit his lip. Helen +noticed it and so did the senior officer. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXVI. + + +Two afternoons later Helen went with the women Bond and Hardman to +gather blackberries, which were ripening in rich profusion upon bushes +scattered along the southern border of a copse of hemlock. The women had +been gathering the fruit for days, and on this occasion Helen had +arranged to go with them. For a while all laughed and chatted and picked +the berries side by side; but as the good patches became more scattered, +they drifted apart, each working on in silence. + +Helen's pail was almost full, and she was on the point of hailing her +companions to return to the garrison, when the report of a gun in the +adjacent woods startled her. There was a tramping, a rustling, a +dividing of the bushes, and the huntsman appeared. + +"This is a surprise! I hope my shot did not frighten you," exclaimed +Captain Cummings, who carried a brace of partridges in one hand and his +fowling-piece in the other. "I had no idea that there was anyone so +near. It was lucky that I was not shooting in this direction." + +"I am as much surprised as you are," replied Helen. "I thought all the +officers were in consultation this afternoon at the island." + +"Oh, yes! we gathered together for an hour. Sir George wanted to +discuss the arrangement of the guns and port-holes of the magazine. Then +some of us were detailed to duty; Lieutenant Manning to the men at the +bridge, Captain Payne to planting the guns, Smith to the fort works, and +myself, for a wonder, for an hour's sport. Don't you think I'm doing +pretty well for an amateur? This bird was not by any means near, yet I +took his head clean off." + +Helen acquiesced. She had not forgotten the conversation of the previous +day, but was gathering herself together, while thoughts innumerable +chased each other through her mind. + +"That magazine block-house will be a credit to Captain Payne," she +commented. "Its timbers are so large and square and smooth. One would +think they should last a century." + +"So they will. The funny point about the little island, just now, is the +presence of Indians at one end, while the building of the citadel is +going on at the other." + +"But the Indians are friendly." + +"Yes, and the chief has the reputation of being as great a warrior as +his daughter, Little Moon, has of being a beauty. Some of our men are +wild over her." + +"I wish they would leave Little Moon alone!" exclaimed Helen, angrily. +"She is a sweet girl, and I sincerely hope she has sense enough to keep +them in their place." + +"I am sure she has," returned Cummings, with a laugh. "It would not be +safe for any of them to trifle with his daughter's affections while +Chief Nenimkee is around. But one of the fellows is in genuine earnest, +and has already asked the Colonel if he could make her his wife." + +"Who is that, pray?" + +"Oh, that handsome young Irishman, Patrick O'Neil." + +"Did Sir George grant his request?" + +"Yes, conditionally, on good behavior during the next two months, +coupled with the consent of the chief." + +"And what about Little Moon herself? Does she care for him?" + +"I think she does, but she is a proud girl, and will need winning--a +part of the bargain Pat is ready for." + +"My pail is full now," said Helen. "Will you call the women, Captain? It +is time to return." + +"Wait a moment, please," said Cummings. + +Helen turned a questioning look toward him. Again she met that peculiar +expression in his eyes which she had seen so often. It was furtive yet +piercing, and gave her a little thrill. + +"I just want to talk with you a moment," he said lightly. "I so rarely +get a chance that I feel like thanking my stars when one does come in my +way." + +"Well, what is it?" she asked, reverting her gaze to the women, and +regretting to herself that they were nearer to the Fort than she was. + +"In the first place," he said with another laugh, "I wouldn't bother the +women about the pail. I can carry it myself until we catch up to them. +And in the next, why do you always take me so seriously? What have I +done to offend you? I am the captain of your husband's company, yet +apart from Sir George, with whom I often see you chatting, you talk with +the Doctor, or the Chaplain, or Captain Payne, or even Lieutenant Smith, +on the freest terms, while you almost avoid myself. Come, Madam," he +exclaimed, with a forced attempt at gaiety, "give an account of +yourself." + +Helen felt those piercing black eyes fixed upon her, although she was +not looking in his face, while a soothing, dreamy influence seemed to be +stealing down from her brain over her body and limbs, which required all +her strength of will to resist. + +"Well," she replied, with a supreme effort to control herself and keep +her eyes from involuntarily meeting his. "In the first place, I am +picking berries to assist the women, and must insist upon them taking +charge of my pail. In the second place, am perfectly aware that you are +the captain, and that my husband is only the lieutenant, but I have +never had the slightest desire to be discourteous to you. It would be +unreasonable for me to be so." + +"Nevertheless, by my faith, you might have been kinder," he returned, +with a deep modulation in tone, that was much akin to his look. + +"I am sorry if I have not been." There was a slight tremor in her voice. +"But I am sure the officers should not expect too much from the only +lady among them." + +"Do not mistake me, my dear Mrs. Manning," were his next words, in the +same deep undertone. "Give me, I beseech you, an equal chance with the +rest, and I shall be more than satisfied." + +Helen could scarcely control herself. His manner and bearing, some inner +potentiality, were producing an agitation upon her that would have been +impossible from the words only. + +Cummings saw this and was satisfied, and to add gratitude to the other +effects of the interview, he waved for the women to join them. They had +been expecting the signal for some time and hastened to obey, but were +too far off to have any idea of what was passing between Captain +Cummings and the sweet lady whom they all loved. + +"Mrs. Manning wants you to carry her pail of fruit," he explained to +them. "It is very full and she is tired. Good-bye, Madam," he continued, +again lifting his hat. "I want to get another brace before I return if I +can." + +In another minute he had disappeared. + +Helen's face was calm again, although her heart thumped wildly, and +forcing herself to speak to the women, she talked to them about the +berries. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXVII. + + +To Helen Captain Cummings was an enigma. She could not understand him, +and in search of a solution her mind persistently returned to the +interview in the woods, and the conversation that passed between them. +The more she thought of it, however, the more convinced did she become +that there was truth in the Captain's contention, and the question of +exhibiting equal cordiality in her relations with the officers of the +garrison presented itself to her mind in a new light. Possibly, she had +been less impartial than the conditions called for, and if so she was +willing to make amends. + +Yet there was another side to the question: the other officers were +spontaneous and candid in their dealings with her, while obscurity and +indefiniteness always seemed to have been impelling forces with +Cummings. There was something in his actions and manners that she could +not comprehend. Still, the fault might be in herself. All men were not +open-minded; and with a desire to be just, she determined to conquer, if +she could, that peculiar nervous tension which his presence when alone +with her always produced. + +There are things which every true woman fights out for herself. As a +complete entity, she does her own thinking, unguided and unaided, +revealing her inmost thoughts to none. Helen told Harold of the shot she +heard in the woods, and of Cummings' appearance immediately afterwards +in the berry patch beside her--even of his offer to carry her pail--and +then of his return to the woods to resume his shooting. But, paradoxical +as it may seem, she said nothing of the real nature of her difficulty +with Cummings. Of mental impressions received, she alone had the record. +Then why sow distrust between her husband and the Captain? No good could +possibly come of it. So unless matters became worse, she would refrain +from letting him, as she still refrained from showing him her diary. + +In a few more days, amid general rejoicing, the stone Fort was ready for +occupation. Order out of chaos had come at last, and it presented a fine +appearance on that memorable first of October, when its wide door was +thrown open for the first time to admit its future occupants. Above the +roof the Union Jack unfurled before the breeze, while the bugle boy, +with shrill piping, summoned all--officers and men--to join in the +celebration. + +Here and there around the building were little groups of soldiers, while +the Indians had gathered in front of the Fort to see how white men +conducted themselves on occasions like this. + +Early in the day, the last of the goods from Helen's house and the +officers' quarters were carried in and arranged, for it had been decided +by the Colonel that she must be queen of the citadel from the first, so +when three o'clock arrived, and Sir George took his place on a little +stand in front of the Fort to address the people, everything was in +order, and loud and prolonged cheers greeted him. + +"Officers and men of the 100th, French-Canadians and Indian brothers," +he commenced. "We may all congratulate ourselves on the progress made +since we came to Penetang. You have done your best. You have worked with +a will, and we have every reason to be satisfied with what we have +accomplished. Right through the summer we have had comfortable quarters +to live and sleep in, and now through the management of Captain Payne, +after six months of working and waiting, we open our garrison--our +little stone castle--of which every one of us is proud. Here we have a +home for the officers of our troops, and the upper storey, when supplied +with arms and ammunition, will enable us to defend our harbor against +any foe who may dare to invade us. As you know, too, to strengthen our +position we have built a bridge across to the island. On that island +stands our newly erected magazine, armed with the cannon which we +dragged through the woods all the way from Halifax--and over that little +magazine floats our country's flag (loud cheers). + +"Right in front of me, too, I am glad to see so many of the warriors of +the Ojibway tribe. To their brave chief Nenimkee we owe much. I would +have them remember that the white men never forget their red brothers, +and the Great Father across the sea thinks of them still. When word was +sent to him of the death of the brave Tecumseh, the Prince of the Six +Nations, while fighting the battles of the King, the command came back: +'Build me a ship at Penetang; make its masts strong; let its timbers be +of the best woods of the forest; let its braces be of the toughest iron; +let its cords be of the purest hemp, and its sails of the finest flax. +Then it shall be manned with the guns that I will send you, and it shall +be called by the name of the mightiest of all warriors, Tecumseh.'" + +A wild yell filled the air, every Indian bounded off his feet, and for a +few moments the terrific war-whoop of the Ojibways deafened the ears of +the astonished listeners. The unexpected announcement was only +understood by the chief and a few of his men, but the effect upon them +was magical. They forgot their accustomed reserve, and in the excitement +of the moment showed their appreciation by a note, the most intense that +they could utter, and every other Indian took the utterance as the +command of his chief. Quiet, however, soon returned, and Sir George +concluded his speech. + +"In the name of the Great Father," he continued, "I thank our red +brothers for their approval. A ship will be commenced very soon. Captain +Payne will build it, and next summer it will be launched." + +"Of one other thing I would remind our officers and men. A sweet lady, +whom you have all learned to love, will be mistress of our castle, and I +know you will treat her with that courtesy and kindness which she so +richly deserves. She will adorn the office with grace and dignity, and +it will be our pleasure to make her life happy, and to show our +appreciation of her bravery in so willingly casting in her lot with her +husband and ourselves." + +Again the applause was long and loud, and in this even the Indians +joined. + + * * * * * + +Night came. A score of candles lit up the white timbers of the entrance +chamber of the Fort. All the ladies within fifty miles of Penetang had +honored the Colonel's invitation by a kindly acceptance, but they +numbered only one. + +Painted wooden chairs, imported by Indian trail from Little York, stood +around the walls of the room, and the oaken table, hewn out of wood from +the forest, and covered with damask from England, had been lifted to +another room to clear the floor for the opening quadrille. + +The bugle boy, who had played his violin for years in the old land +across the sea, had brought it with him, and with his old boots +polished and buttons shining, stood ready to play again; while officers +in full regimentals were chatting over the event, awaiting the entrance +of the lady who was to adorn their citadel. + +But Harold and Helen, in their own little room, were slow in coming. The +former had finished his toilet and was affectionately fastening a +necklet of pearls around his wife's neck. + +"I am sorry you are so nervous, dear," he said, noticing that her hand +trembled. + +"How can I help it, Harold?" she asked. "It is no light ordeal to be the +only lady, and Sir George tells me he wants to open the Fort in the old +English fashion with a quadrille." + +"If you cannot bear it, darling, I will ask him to omit the dance." + +"Oh, no, not for the world! I will be all right after we start. How do I +look?" + +"Just as you are--the dearest and sweetest woman that ever lived," was +his answer, as he pressed upon her lips a passionate kiss. + +Helen threw her arms around his neck, and something like a sob broke the +stillness, but it was only for a moment. + +"I am better now," she said, looking up with a smile. A couple of +glittering tears were hanging between her lashes, but he kissed them +away. + +As Helen and Harold entered the large room, all the gentlemen arose. But +there were only seven in the whole company--the two lieutenants, the +two captains, the doctor, the chaplain and the commander of all. + +Sir George was attired with rigid punctiliousness, as though attending a +ball at St. James. A massive gold chain, which he rarely wore, encircled +his shoulders above his epaulets, while medals presented by his +Sovereign, for services in eastern wars, adorned his breast. With the +gallantry of an old courtier he bowed to Helen and offered his arm. + +"Permit me to have the honor," he said, and accepting his escort, +together they walked around the room. + +"Our pictures have not yet arrived," he continued gaily. "You know our +London artists are slow coaches, and I will have to prod them to their +duty when I get over there." + +"That will be very kind," said Helen, with glistening eyes. "But just +now we are very glad to get the white walls without the pictures." + +"Very true," was his comment. "Even glorious old Rome was not built in a +day; but I will not forget. Gentlemen," he continued, with a bright +smile around the room, "choose your partners for the opening quadrille +of Penetang." + +Immediately the officers took their places. It had been prearranged. +Captain Cummings and the Chaplain were their vis-a-vis; the Doctor and +Harold to their right; Captain Payne and Lieutenant Smith to their +left. + +The twang of the violin was the signal for the first step, and with +their hands on their hearts the gentlemen bowed to their ladies fair. +Soon a ripple of laughter went around the room, and Helen was herself +again. + +Since meeting Captain Cummings in the berry patch she had been careful +to be cordial with him, and this evening was particularly gracious. As +his vis-a-vis, she smiled up in his face as he took her hand, and did +her best to meet his piercing look of admiration without shrinking. +Perhaps it was in recognition that he pressed hers, retaining it for a +moment. Then, with stately dignity, following the example of Sir George, +they stepped through the figures of the dance. + +But it was soon over and, leading Helen to the best seat in the room, +Sir George exclaimed: + +"Now I declare the Fort duly opened for the honor and defence of our +King and country." + +"And let all the people say 'Amen'!" cried the Chaplain. + +And a chorus of "Amens" echoed through the room. + +A couple of games of whist followed, and songs were sung by Helen and +Dr. Beaumont. Then they had coffee and cake, and a glass or two of old +Madeira. But by midnight the revelries were over, and the opening of the +Fort which for so many years overlooked the bay of Penetang, was +successfully concluded. + +After all was over, some of the men went out for a smoke before turning +in for the night, while Helen and Harold retired to their own room, but +Lieutenant Smith, the accurate shot, the daring soldier, the interested +observer, wandered away by himself. Since Helen's care for him when +wounded in the beginning of the long march, he had cherished an almost +filial affection for her, and the events of the past months had not been +unnoticed by him. + +Moodily, he wandered down to the water's edge and away along the shore. + +"She's an angel on earth," he muttered to himself, "and he's a miserable +hound. I wonder her husband don't see it. By my faith, I'll not forget +her goodness to me, and rather than see her wronged, I'll call him out +whatever comes of it." + +The young man stopped speaking, but went thundering along the shore, as +if to stifle the anger he could with difficulty repress. By-and-bye he +quieted down and turned to walk home again, but the muttering came back +and was bound to have its say. + +"The devil of it is," he soliloquized, "Cummings is to be the captain of +the Fort, of higher rank than Manning, while both are to live under the +one roof; but never mind, Tom Smith, keep your eyes open, and remember +that truth and right are high as heaven." Then, whistling softly to +himself, he went in to pass his first night with the rest of the +officers in the new Fort. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXVIII. + + +By November the war was over in Canada, and the declaration of peace +heralded far and wide. Moreover, it was whispered among officers and men +at Penetang that Sir George would soon be leaving them, and that the wet +earth, due to the fall rains, was the chief cause of his delay. He had, +in fact, received orders to transfer himself and body-guard over land to +Little York as soon as the road was favorable for the march. + +This matter, however, he kept for a time to himself. In some things he +consulted his staff before acting, while in others, perhaps equally +important, he kept his own counsel. It was this trait in his character +that gave him the reputation of possessing a bit of the will of the Iron +Duke. Possibly for the same reason he had been chosen to lead the +midwinter march to Penetang. Hence the officers of his staff rarely +questioned him concerning his plans for the future; although they talked +among themselves pretty freely about any prospective change. + +In the meantime Helen did her best to fill her position to the +satisfaction of all at the new Fort. Sometimes the strain was very +severe upon her, notwithstanding the kindness and courtesy of the men. +In this regard Cummings surpassed them all. He hovered around longer, +was the first to come and often the last to go; would read her thoughts, +forestall her actions, and often, when unobserved, that piercing look of +his would appear for a moment. Still, agitation would not have time to +occur, as with bow and smile he would pass on. + +Gradually the aversion which Helen felt for him became less poignant. +Yet, as the weeks followed each other in quick succession, she felt more +and more unhappy. + +Harold was much concerned about her, and dreading the approach of +illness desired her to consult the Doctor; but she only laughed, and +declared that it was the extra duty of being Lady Bountiful that was +wearing upon her, and that when winter arrived, she would be well and +strong again. + +Sir George also watched her keenly. In a bantering way he often tried to +read her thoughts, but his efforts usually ended in the relation of some +amusing tale to make her laugh and forget. + +But Sir George was not the only observer. Lieutenant Smith had his eyes +open, and at last, seizing an opportunity when alone with the Colonel, +he decided to have his say. + +"May I have a private talk with you this morning, Sir George?" he asked, +with some trepidation. It was a bold thing to interview his superior +officer upon such a subject--and this he well knew. + +The Colonel gave him a keen glance for a moment before he answered: + +"Yes, but not until noon. This morning I want you to summon all the +officers to my room immediately after drill. I have something important +to communicate." + +There was much speculation among them during the next hour or two, and +punctually at twelve o'clock they were all present. + +Sir George cast his eye over each as he entered. + +"Gentlemen," he said in a decisive tone, as he took his seat, "the time +has come when it is advisable to make a change in our arrangements here. +I find that to carry out orders from England it will not be necessary to +maintain quite so large a force at Penetang. The war is over. We have +not had any fighting since we arrived, and a smaller body of men will be +sufficient to man our garrison. It must be remembered also, that one of +the main objects to which Penetang will be devoted will be ship-building +for the lake service. Our engineer, Captain Payne, will require to +remain, and in the coming year his force will be increased. But as our +garrison is now in a satisfactory condition, we can afford to part with +some of our men without in any way sacrificing its interests. After +thinking the matter out carefully, I have finally decided to leave the +Fort under the command of Captain Payne. The rest of the officers will +remain with him, with the exception of Captain Cummings, who, with +fifty men, will accompany me by trail to Little York, and from there to +Montreal. Weather being favorable, we shall march in three days." + +"Egad, sir!" exclaimed Captain Cummings, "I always understood that I was +to have command of the Fort whenever you left. Why so sudden a change?" + +"I have already explained," said the Colonel, coldly. "The movements of +a body of infantry are never regulated by cast iron rules, neither are +those of its officers." + +"Can no change be made, sir?" said Cummings, his face flushed and angry. +"I would much rather remain and do what I can for the growth of the +place than go east again." + +"My orders are decisive," said the Colonel, rising to his feet, +indicating that the conference was over. "In three days everything must +be ready for the march of fifty men under the command of Captain +Cummings for Little York, now known as Toronto. I shall also march with +the company. As many details have to be attended to, all officers will +require to assist at once in carrying out the arrangements." + +In a very few minutes Sir George was alone in his room. He folded his +papers, put them away and, opening the door, said to Emmiline: + +"Tell Mrs. Manning that I wish to speak with her." + +Helen soon appeared. She suspected nothing of what had occurred. Still, +her eyes were bloodshot. She had been weeping. + +"My child," said the Colonel, taking her hand. "Come into my room for a +moment." As he closed the door, she looked up into his face with +questioning surprise. + +"You are a brave girl," he said, "and if you were my own daughter I +should be proud of you; but there are some things even you cannot bear. +As you know, I have decided to place the care of the Fort in younger +hands, but I am not going away alone. Captain Cummings will return to +the east with me. + +"Oh, thank God, thank God!" she exclaimed with a sob, and unable to +restrain her feelings any longer, her face flooded with tears. + +"Hoity, toity, my dear. I didn't expect all this," cried the Colonel in +distress. "If I had known things had come to such a pass I would have +sent the rascal away long ago." + +With a strong effort Helen controlled herself. + +"Oh, do not mention it again, please," she pleaded, "or his name either. +Harold even does not know it. I just thought it was something I had to +bear, but it was killing me. How can I ever thank you enough?" + +For answer the good old Colonel stooped down and kissed the weeping +woman. + +Three days later, the fifty men with Sir George and Captain Cummings at +their head started for Toronto. Adieux were said, but somehow Lieutenant +Smith did not find it necessary to have his conference with the +Colonel. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXIX. + + +It was a beautiful day in the autumn when the frigate _Beaver_ passed +McNab Island and sailed up the long harbor to Halifax. Wonderful tints +of the forest, from russet brown through red, orange and yellow, to the +dark green of the juniper, stretched out beyond the little city, while +orchard trees laden with fruit, pasture lands cropped by the cows, and +stubble fields still golden from the harvest, added zest to the outlook +of the tired soldiers coming home from the war. + +On the deck of the frigate sat Captain Morris, surrounded by a number of +men. The sick, the wounded, the well, were there; but they numbered all +told scarcely a third of the force that went out hale and buoyant for +the conflict only a few months before. + +It had been heralded that the Halifax column was returning, and people +gathered at the dock to welcome them as they neared the landing. Among +the little groups of red-coats standing close together many a face was +recognized, and when Captain Morris, aided by a subaltern, rose to his +feet, the whole company were greeted with an enthusiastic cheer. + +"Another for Captain Morris," called out a soldier fresh from the +Citadel. And they gave it. + +"A tiger," was the next shout. + +Again the yell was loud and long. This time the Captain, with long beard +and haggard face, limped forward, and with his left hand raised his +helmet in acknowledgment. + +"It is good to have you home again," said Colonel Mason, whose carriage +was waiting for him. "You've lost in flesh, Morris, but, egad, you've +got it back in glory." + +"How many of my men are dead, though," returned Morris, with a ghastly +smile, "and the poor devils who were wounded. See yonder man with both +legs shot off by a cannon ball, and the two at the side there, each +minus an arm." + +"True enough," said Mason. "I'd rather be shot off the face of the earth +than maimed as that poor fellow is. But it's been rough on yourself, +Captain." + +"I was lucky to get off as well as I did," said Morris, more cheerily. +"A month or two's rest and a sea voyage will do wonders for a man." + +"Are you going so soon?" + +"It won't be long." + +That afternoon the Misses Maxwell called to see him. Maud wanted to +postpone the visit to the following day, but Eugenia insisted that it +was the right thing to do, and she would go alone, if Maud would not +accompany her. + +"You have written to him twice," she said, decisively, "and as a +friend, if nothing more, it would be heartless to defer the visit." + +Colonel and Mrs. Mason were with him when the young ladies were +announced. They were both shocked at his attenuated form, although +heightened color improved his appearance for the moment. + +"You will excuse my rising," he said, as they shook hands. "The doctors +tell me that this pitiable limb of mine should not be moved more often +than I can help. I am a sorry scarecrow, too, and a left-handed one at +that." + +"We are glad you are home again, and in Mrs. Mason's care," said Maud. +Her voice trembled and her face flushed, for his thin fingers held her +hand tightly. + +"We'll feed him on the fat of the land," said Mrs. Mason, who had the +reputation of being an excellent purveyor for the sick. + +"Captain Morris deserves all we can do for him," echoed the Colonel, +with a smile, "and what is more, I have it on good authority that his +name will appear in the next issue of the _Gazette_." + +At this moment there was a rap on the door and the maid handed in a +paper. + +"Here it is," said the Colonel, adjusting his spectacles. "First on the +list of promotions--'To the rank of Major, Albert Edward Morris, of C +Company, of the ----th Royals, for distinguished bravery in the +Anglo-American campaign.'" + +"This is news to me," was Morris' comment. + +Maud's eyes flashed, but they were looking out of the window and not at +him. + + * * * * * + +But the Major made slow progress toward recovery. The diversity and +extent of his wounds prevented rapid healing, and Christmas was long +past before the pain and the limp were gone. By March, however, he was +well again. Even the cicatrix on his scalp was invisible, for his hair +was made to cover it. Then he commenced to visit his friends as of old, +and there was no house in Halifax that he went to more frequently, or in +which he was more welcome than that of Judge Maxwell. + +That he was a devoted admirer of Maud the whole family knew, but their +progress as lovers did not seem to be rapid. At least so thought +Eugenia. + +"You have no heart," she said to Maud one day, indignantly. "You know +that he loves you, and yet you never give him an opportunity to declare +himself." + +"If he desires he can surely make one," returned Maud, "but he is too +wise for that. What is the use of doing useless things?" + +"Do you mean you really do not care for him?" + +"Caring is not loving." + +"You might say the same of Dr. Beaumont, and yet you correspond?" + +"But I gave him a promise--" + +"That you would not become engaged to anyone for a year," interrupted +her sister. + +"Yes." + +"That year expired months ago. You are free now to do as you please." + +"Yes, and free to remain as I am. Is it not my own affair?" + +Eugenia looked perplexed. + +"But has Dr. Beaumont pressed his suit in his recent letters?" she +asked. + +"He certainly has not. He is biding his time, nothing more." + +"Surpassing his time, you mean. If in earnest he should have been here +before now, or at least have given good reason for delay." + +"Don't be absurd, Eugenia, I did not say he hadn't given a reason." + +"Well, reason or no reason, Major Morris is the better man of the two--a +brave soldier--a gallant officer--beloved by his men--of fine old +family--a good Churchman--and owner of a beautiful estate. Goodness +gracious! what has Dr. Beaumont to show in comparison with Major Morris +as an eligible match?" + +"My dearest sister, you might be a scheming mamma, selling off your +daughter to the highest bidder!" exclaimed Maud, with a laugh. "'Pon my +word, though, it must be something else. Has Dr. Fairchilds so tied you +up that you are afraid another medico might do the same with me? Would +the double 'Vis Medicatrix,' as they call it, be too much for us, +altogether? Is that the issue?" + +"Don't be unreasonable, Maud. You acknowledge that there is nothing +serious between you and Beaumont. He's a thousand miles away, living in +a little garrison in the woods without prospect of change. Major Morris, +on the other hand, is right here, and, although devoted to you, will be +ordered home again on one of the first ships. Now is an opportunity for +you that will never occur again." + +"It is a serious question," said Maud, once more becoming grave. "When +is your marriage to take place? I have forgotten the exact date." + +"The last Thursday in May." + +"I doubt very much if the companies of the --nth Royals will sail before +then. There is still time enough, and rest assured, Genie, I despise a +woman who willingly entangles a man in order to throw him overboard." + +"The very thing you are doing, though." + +"Genie, you are unjust to me." + +"The deed may not be wilful but the end is the same," persisted her +sister. + +And Major Morris did not remit his attentions. Being off duty he +frequently doffed his uniform and appeared at the Judge's in laced coat, +knee breeches and silk stockings. Sometimes he had a spicy bit of news +to relate, a story from the camp, or an item from over the sea. It was +always interesting. He did not often find Maud alone; and he soon +discovered that he succeeded better in strengthening her regard by not +being too exclusive in his attentions. + +He knew well that he had a rival; and although a touch of jealousy might +have been the real cause of his retention of that letter until reaching +Lundy's Lane, for he suspected that there was another one inside; yet, +he was too true a gentleman to make unwarranted capital at the expense +of the absent lover. If he could honorably win her hand and heart, and +carry Maud back to England on his return voyage as his wife, he would be +the happiest man alive; but to accomplish this by attempting to weaken +her regard for Beaumont, was not in his line. He must make her affection +for himself grow stronger. That was all. + +When both he and Beaumont were away from Halifax, honors were easy, and +each could strive alike. But actual presence gave him the advantage, and +if he could not succeed in winning her love fairly, now that he had the +field to himself, Morris felt that he deserved to be vanquished. + +Men do not die of broken hearts, however. The wound may be deep, but in +time it will heal; and he was willing to abide by the truth of his +philosophy. + +"What luxuriant tulips, Miss Maud!" said the Major. This time he found +her alone, gathering them from a bed by the lilacs in her garden. + +"Yes," she said, laughingly. "They stand shoulder to shoulder like +soldiers on a battlefield. You see how ruthlessly I am slaying them." + +"Scarcely that," was his comment; "you are simply carrying off the +wounded." + +"Ah!" she said, shaking her head; "but how many of the wounded will +live?" + +"All of them; judging by your habit, they will simply die a natural +death." + +"How do you make that out?" she asked, looking up quickly. + +"Simply, that by putting them in water in the shade, as is your custom, +the flowers will live as long as when left on their stems in the +garden." + +"Have you found the philosopher's stone yet?" she questioned with an +arch look. + +"No," he replied, "only the observer's; but have you heard the latest +news? It only came an hour ago." + +"No, what is it, please?" + +"Sir George Head, who has been stationed with the men in Montreal all +winter, will be here in a week; and, with what remains of the --nth +Royals, will sail at once for England." + +The announcement dropped very quietly from the Captain's lips, pregnant +though it was with so much to himself. Maud started and turned pale. The +mention of Sir George and the Captain's company in the same breath, +placed the Doctor and the Major in a relationship that she had +heretofore declined to realize. Something seemed imminent, she hardly +knew what. + +"Which means that you will go with him," she said at last avoiding his +eye. + +"Yes, Miss Maud, that is what it means; and besides the gruesome and +terrible things that have happened, the beautiful and happy days I have +spent in Halifax will be at an end." + +"If the gruesome things have surpassed the pleasant ones, you will +rejoice when all is over," said Maud gently, regaining her self-control. +"In such case I know I should." + +"Women are different from men," was his comment. "Perhaps men do not +balance things so clearly. With us I fear every experience of life +stands alone. The terrible reality of the slaying of a thousand men in a +night may be one thing; but the presence of a single thread of sunshine +which enthralls you and penetrates your whole being is another." + +"You are very poetic as well as practical, Major Morris, and I think you +are right," said Maud, determined not to understand him. "What you say +of the soldiers is terribly sad; but about the sunshine, we have many +threads of sunshine here. I was born in Halifax and never even crossed +the ocean; but from all I hear we have five times as much sunshine in +Nova Scotia as you have in England." + +"Egad! I suspect you are right," was his answer, as she went off in a +little ripple of laughter, her cheeks aglow with color. "It must be the +sunlight that freshens your beauty and puts that damask upon your +skin." + +"Now you flatter. But 'pon my word it is a good thing. It makes you +brown as a berry in March, red as a rose in June, and blue as a plum in +November." + +"I thought it was the wind that did the first as well as the last," he +said, watching her ever-changing face. + +"It helps," she replied demurely. "But Old Sol always does his share." + +"Well," he said dryly, "in my case the order will have to be changed. I +expect to go into the plum business in June." + +"It is said to be a very fine industry," she said, looking downwards and +pulling the petals from the twig of lilac that she had broken from a +neighboring bush; "but in all conscience, I always thought you army men +looked down upon trade." + +"No, indeed," he returned, smiling broadly, as he took in the humor of +the situation. "I don't believe in looking down upon any honest calling, +even raising plums." + +And they both went off in a peal of laughter, though before she was +through, Maud's eyelids glistened with tears. + + + + + CHAPTER XL. + + +"So he thinks that a flower severed from the soil and placed in the +shade will flourish as well as in its native sunlight," Maud mused after +he went away that morning. "Had he a special meaning I wonder?--and +about balances, his words contained one sure enough. What is that +English home of his like, anyway? And his people, sedate and +punctilious, just as my mother says hers were? No wonder he talked about +the shade. They say over there it rains seventy days and shines seven. +If I had let him he would have asked me to give up our glorious sunshine +again. Ah, me, life is a funny problem anyway! There's the east and the +west, and here I am in the middle. Gadzooks! as my father would say, I +wish I knew what to do. I suppose the Doctor will be coming back +soon--to buy new clothes of course! Funny, how he took me at my word +when I set him down last year. Since then, although endearing enough, he +never talks out and out of love--waiting till he comes, I suppose--and +not very definite upon that either. Perhaps some dusky maiden in the +west may yet steal the young man's heart away. What of Little Moon, the +Ojibway chief's daughter, that he raved about in one of his letters? +Pshaw! She would never suit Beaumont! Well! I like Major Morris with his +English drawl, his bravery, his knee breeches, and his shade out of +sunlight. And I like Dr. Beaumont with his passion, his Mon Dieu's, his +life in the glorious west, and his controlled faithfulness. But by my +faith, do I love either well enough for marriage? Ah, there's the rub, +Maud Maxwell! What a little minx you are anyway, not to know your own +mind better than that!" + +Impatiently she tossed off her hat and finished fixing her tulips. But +she did it with unusual care that morning, and an hour afterwards her +mother said she never saw them so beautifully arranged before. + +The preparation for Eugenia's wedding monopolized the long hours during +those May days; and Maud did not have much time for thought. There were +clothes to select, gowns to make, milliners and dressmakers to see, +boots and gloves fresh from England to be examined and selected with a +connoisseur's eye; and in all Maud did her part. + +Eugenia, too, had set her heart on seeing her sister marry the Major, +and having settled all the preliminaries of her own nuptials in her own +decided and placid way, she was prepared during the little time that +remained to devote herself to furthering her sister's interests. Hence, +instead of retreating to a quiet corner each evening with her lover, the +Major and Maud invariably made two of her party; and so intense was Dr. +Fairchilds' devotion, that anything that Genie suggested immediately +became law. + +In the evenings they played whist, or visited the Art Loan Exhibition, +which the good people of Halifax had got up for the benefit of the +orphans and widows of Canadian soldiers. Or they went to the music hall +to see amateur artists, officers of the garrison, and the young people +of Halifax, perform in the name of the same good cause. And so each +evening the four inseparables were almost invariably together. + +Maud enjoyed it too, for the Major's visits would soon be over; and by +judicious fencing she succeeded in parrying anything like a direct +declaration again. Each night she went to bed thankful that the end had +not yet come; and yet suspicious of what the future day might bring to +pass. + +One evening, however, fortune favored Morris. He had gotten himself up +with elaborate care, for this was the last night they could devote to +whist; and probably the last evening that he would be off duty, for Sir +George's ship had been sighted and would be in harbor that night. + +"It grieves me to disappoint you," said Maud, after the usual greeting. +"My sister and Dr. Fairchilds are out driving. They expected to be back +early, but a messenger has just arrived with the news that the Doctor +was detained professionally on account of an accident, and it will be +impossible for them to return for an hour yet." + +"Ah! I am sorry for ourselves as well as the injured," said the Major, +smiling. "But can we not utilize the time? Just the chance for a talk, +the very thing that I have been praying the gods to grant us this long +time." + +"I did not know that your prayers were so earnest," she laughingly +returned, as she picked up a trifle of needlework to help her thoughts +run smoothly. + +"Yes, and I must speak again," he continued. "We can be serious as well +as jolly." + +"My dear Major!" exclaimed Maud with a light laugh. "We have the +jolliest talks every time we meet. Don't talk of seriousness, please." + +"One cannot be merry forever," was his answer. + +"Genie says we should always pursue the even tenor of our way," was her +quick response. "So I propose that while I use my needle you read aloud +either 'Young's Night Thoughts,' or Gray's Elegy,' as a tonic to our +gaiety. + +"Not a bad idea," said the Major, picking up a book at random. "Perhaps +this will do as well." + +And he commenced to read Burns's sonnet: + + "'Oh, wad some power the Gifty gie us + To see ourselves as ithers see us.'" + +"That's just it," interrupted Maud. "Now I'll express your sentiments +with which I entirely agree. 'She's a rollicking, jolly girl, full of +dash and nonsense, doesn't care a fig for anybody; as for falling in +love, that's impossible, for she hasn't a heart any bigger than a +chipmunk.' How will that do for a commencement?" + +"Only fairly well. Pray go on." + +A spark of fire flashed from her eyes as she continued: + +"'She's got the crazy idea that she lives in a glorious country, where +the sun shines ten months in the year, and she'd rather die an old maid +in it than go to another one for all the wealth of Ind.'" + +"How eloquent you are!" he said, stroking his moustache over compressed +lips and looking toward the ceiling. "Should my rendition come next?" + +"That would be delightful!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands in +well-assumed mirth. "You tell me what I think of you, which will be your +own sentiment of yourself." + +"Well," he said reflectively, "he's an arrant fool, filled with the +old-fashioned notion that men were brave and women true--that love +nestled in the heart of every woman, and that it only required the right +man and the right place to make it blossom as the rose. He fondly +imagined that old England was the Queen of the Seas, and that her homes +were the freest, the fairest, the loveliest in the wide world, and he +dreamed of wooing and winning a fair damsel with flashing eyes, +generous impulses, daring heart, and making her the wife of his bosom, +the goddess of his love, the mistress of his home in the mansion and +groves of his forefathers. But he was a daft and silly wight, and didn't +know what he was doing." + +What answer Maud would have made to the flowing speech it is difficult +to tell, but there was a rap at the outer door, a hurrying along the +hall and a mingling of voices that riveted her attention. + +"An officer wants to see you, Miss Maud," said the maid. + +"Show him in, Catharine," was her astonished answer, for the hour was +already late. + +"Dr. Beaumont!" she exclaimed, with flushed face, as she quickly rose to +meet him. + +"Maud Maxwell," was his only answer, as he grasped her hand in both of +his, and looked down into the face that was ever near him, and of which +he had dreamed so often. + +In another moment she remembered that they were not alone. + +"Major Morris--Dr. Beaumont"; and the two men clasped hands. Morris' +expression was one of honest but pained surprise; Beaumont's, one of +pleasure that needed no questioning. Maud's eyes told him that he was +welcome. That was enough. + +The Doctor's old regimentals had stood long and hard service, while his +face was bronzed with travel and his hair unkempt. Still Maud +thought--as he stood in careless attitude, so different from the dapper +young man of long ago--that he was handsomer than ever. The contrast +with the Major was marked. His clean-cut features, lace coat and silk +stockings would have ornamented a drawing-room in London; while anyone +could see that Beaumont had been a denizen of the woods. + +He might have waited until his tailor had made him new again, but he +would not; and with the wild freedom that the west had given, must be +taken for himself, or not at all. Standing there, quick as a flash, he +had taken a fresh grasp of life and knew his bearings. + +The two men met again as old friends. + +"I am proud of you, Morris," said the Doctor. "Slow as news travels in +the west, word came at last, and your name was in everybody's mouth." + +"Thank you," said the Major, forcing a smile. "But it's an old story +now. When did you arrive?" + +"Less than an hour ago. As luck would have it, I reached Quebec just as +Sir George Head was leaving for Halifax on the _North King_." + +"The ship he came out on with the 100th Regiment," said Maud. + +"Yes," said Beaumont, "and he returns home to England on the same +vessel." + +"It will surprise the people here as much as your arrival," said Maud. +"Did no one know you were coming?" + +"No one in Halifax knew until I landed," said the Doctor. "My +opportunities were so uncertain that I took advantage of the first one +that offered." + +"And who is looking after your patients while you are away?" the Major +asked. + +"Oh, we don't have many! It is a healthy place, and as luck would have +it, Dr. Sparling, of Little York, came over the trail with a party of +friends, so the officers being willing, I persuaded him to take my place +for a couple of months, and here I am." + +"How delightful!" said Maud, "and what of the brave, devoted Mrs. +Manning?" + +"She's the queen of our colony, loved by everyone; the same forever. And +I must not forget, she sent her warmest love to you, and with it this +letter." + +"I will write her to-morrow, and tell her how well you have delivered +her message." + +"Well, I'm glad to see you, Beaumont," said the Major, rising and +extending his hand. "I shall be at the old quarters for a day or two +yet, but it will not be for long, as my company sails with Sir George +when he leaves for the east. But come and see me any time, and welcome +until then." + +Maud accompanied him to the door. He took her hand without a word, and +for a moment their eyes met. + +"Believe me," she said earnestly, "I did not know it." + +"I do believe you," he replied in a low voice, "but what of my faith in +women?" + +"Surely you have not lost it?" she said, grasping his hand in both of +hers, and looking earnestly into his eyes. + +"What else can one do? Wounds of the flesh are nothing, but what of the +heart--the spirit of the man?" + +"I am sorry," she spoke in a still lower tone, and her voice trembled. +"But you will not give way. Your soul is as brave as your heart is, and +you will live to love and win a woman more worthy of you far than I +could ever be." + +Suddenly, he threw his arm around her, pressed a kiss upon her cheek, +and was gone. + + + + + CHAPTER XLI. + + +A lump rose in Maud's throat, and a spasm crossed her features as she +closed the door. Then she stopped to put a tray in order, making a noise +in getting it even. It took her more than a minute to arrange it +properly, but when she entered the parlor again her face was as though +nothing had happened. + +For a moment Beaumont looked at her keenly, but her features told no +tale. The human heart is inscrutable, and a true woman never tells +everything, even to her dearest. So, hidden in Maud's bosom was a little +story of man's devotion, which ever after remained unspoken, and +unforgotten, too. + +Beaumont bowed over her hand and led her to a seat again. + +"For months and months I have longed for this hour," he said. "Even +after I started, three weeks of a journey seemed almost like years; but +now that I see you, I know that I have not come in vain." + +"Please don't talk in that way," said Maud, with a half-frightened look +in her face. "Speak of anything, but not of that to-night." + +"Mon Dieu! Surely I am not wrong?" + +"Oh, something else, just for to-night," she pleaded. "You came so +unexpectedly, without a moment's warning," and then she added archly, +"You expect too much, sir, you must remember that I am the same Maud +Maxwell that I was a year ago." + +"Mon ami, forgive me!" he exclaimed, penitently. "I will do whatever you +say." + +And they talked of many things, but chiefly of Penetang, of the journey +to York by trail, then by schooner to the St. Lawrence, down the rapids +in a rowboat, guided by Indians, to Montreal; schooner again to Quebec, +and then on the _North King_ with Sir George. + +"The dear old Colonel! I quite learned to love him through Mrs. +Manning's letters," said Maud. + +"He's a brave commander, as well as gallant gentleman," returned the +Doctor, "and we missed him terribly after he left. Still, our Fort was +established, and taking fifty men away from the new quarters gave the +rest more room." + +"The winter would be the hardest upon you," said Maud. + +"On the whole, we did well though. The frost was keen but we learned how +to meet it, and another winter we'll be better prepared." + +"How did you secure supplies?" she asked. "You are so far away from the +east." + +"They were brought chiefly by trail from Little York, except fish and +game, which our own men always secured." + +"It must be the hunter's paradise," said Maud, enthusiastically. + +"The whole northern country is like a preserve," replied Beaumont, +keenly watching her animated face. "When you come to Penetang you, too, +must learn to follow the chase." + +"Oh, what became of Corporal Bond?" she suddenly asked. "Did he ever +return?" + +"Yes, he came back at last. Latimer's craft was captured by an American +gunboat when entering the St. Clair River, and everything was +overhauled. Corporal Bond was retained a prisoner until the war was +over, while Latimer, who declared himself to be an American, was allowed +with his wife to go free and keep the boat." + +"Under what plea did they retain the Corporal?" Maud asked. + +"On the ground that they knew he was an English soldier, notwithstanding +his plain clothes. Still, they treated him well, and after the treaty +was declared, gave him a pass to Little York." + +"There would be great rejoicing when his wife met him again." + +"Yes; and there was throughout the garrison, for Bond is a genuine +soldier." + +"One other thing I want to ask. It is about the pretty little Indian +maiden you wrote of so charmingly." + +"Oh, Little Moon is now a soldier's wife--growing contented and +civilized in a little cottage which the two have to themselves." + +"How romantic!" + +They chatted for a while longer. Then they parted--but her last words +were like her first: + +"Not to-night--not to-night--you must wait until to-morrow." + + * * * * * + +Three days later the white wings of the _North King_ unfurled as they +swept out to sea. Good old Sir George had come and gone. On the bridge +beside him stood the Major, whose brave face, kindly eyes and compressed +lips told of nothing but the brave and gallant officer. Silently they +watched the receding shore. + +"Another chapter of life closed," said Sir George at last; "though full +of story, it will never be opened to me again." + +"Yours was a chapter worth living," said Morris. "You have founded a +fort and established a colony, which will go on growing, and may last +forever." + +The Colonel shook his head. + +"Simply my duty," was his answer. "And what will become of the place in +the end, God only knows. So far as military fame is concerned, you beat +my record. That fight at Lundy's Lane was the turning point in the war, +and your valor there is too well known to be forgotten." + +"Pshaw, Colonel! I was only one of the many. Every man did his duty, and +with all that, the bloody horror of it takes away the glory." + +"We'll turn the leaf down, anyway," said the Colonel, wheeling around +and looking out to sea. "Now, blow ye winds for Old England, where wife +and children await with eagerness the old man's return." + +"Oh, yes," assented Morris, "and I don't think my dear old mother has +forgotten her soldier boy." + +By night the shore was out of sight, for the wind was from the west and +they were far out at sea. + + * * * * * + +The good town of Halifax was not by any means dull during those closing +days of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and +fifteen, for the double wedding was in everybody's mouth. Judge +Maxwell's daughters were both to be married on the same day. + +The bell of the little English church rang merrily out on that bridal +morning, and for hours before the ceremony fair maids were decorating +with spring flowers and evergreens the aisles and chancel; for never +before had the marriage of two sisters been celebrated within its walls +at the one time. + +Major Morris, though now far out at sea, had not forgotten the brides, +for that very morning was delivered to each a little package bearing his +name. Eugenia's gift was a resplendent ornament of sapphire and gold, +which enriched the beauty of her golden hair. But Maud's, though less +brilliant in its setting, was more unique. She was alone when she +unpacked the parcel and read the enclosed note. It ran thus: + +"Miss Maud. I do not expect to see you again; but as I leave, there is +something you can do for me. I desire you to accept with my sincerest +wishes this little necklace as a token of my love. It was made of jewels +of India in the days of Clive. It bears a noble and honorable history, +and I know by your acceptance, its record will go on untarnished. God +bless you! Farewell." + +Without looking at the costly trinket, Maud with glistening eyes read +and re-read the words. Then she kissed them passionately over and over +again. Another moment was spent in thought--but only a moment, for time +was precious--then with decisive hand she tore the little letter into a +thousand fragments and dropped them into the open grate. + +Beneath the letter was a card containing the congratulations of the +donor. Then she picked up the dainty little gift. It was a beautiful +circlet of jewels and golden beads, with carved clasps of wonderful +formation. In the centre was a large translucent opal, and as Maud +looked into its silent depths, she fancied she could read its hidden +history through the long generations of the past. + +For a few minutes before leaving for church Beaumont was with her. + +"See," she said, as she handed him the card and necklet, "I have +something else to show you. It is a pretty little thing that came this +morning. May I wear it?" + +"Certainly, my darling. How unique it is! Mon Dieu! Where could it come +from? Possibly from the banks of the Nile. Mayhap from India. How very +handsome it is! Morris was always a good fellow. Pity he couldn't have +stayed for our wedding." + +"Pity, indeed," said Maud, contemplatively, as the bridegroom fastened +the jewels about her neck. + + * * * * * + +Six weeks later there was rejoicing at Penetang. The Doctor had +overstepped his time, but as he brought his winsome bride with him, the +_locum tenens_, as well as the garrison, were willing to forgive. They +had come out with tourists from York, and Maud, for the first time in +her life, had the satisfaction of camping for a couple of summer nights +in the woods. + +The experience of this western trip was full of joy for her, and with +the eagerness which was part of her nature, she looked for new pleasure +in each day's journey. Beaumont had told her the wolf story in which +Helen and Harold were the heroes of the hour, and during the second +night from York, while the wolves were howling in the distance, she lay +awake for awhile actually longing for a similar experience. + +Of all the denizens of that little northern garrison none yearned for +Maud's arrival as did Helen Manning, and when the two women met they +stood for minutes in a long and close embrace, while tears ran down +their faces. + +"This is foolishness," said Helen. + +"Is it?" said Maud. + +"But how good of you to come." + +"Of Henri to bring me." + +"Yes, you both deserve credit," said Helen, laughing--laughter and tears +are very near akin--"but how could he help it, when Harold set him so +good an example?" + +"I once told you I would go to the ends of the world with a man if I +loved him--just like yourself." + +"So that is your reason. A very good one, too." + +"Yes, I came first for my husband, second for you, dear, and third," her +eyes flashed as she looked around, "well, for the people of Penetang." + +Then they all clapped hands and laughed, settling her place forever in +the hearts of the little community. + +The afternoon's sun was nearing the horizon, and the little bay lay +before them surrounded by trees of wondrous tints--a thing of beauty. + +"Oh, how delightful!" exclaimed Maud; "and this is to be my home--a +veritable fairyland." + +"We will make it one for you if we can," returned Helen, with a bright +smile. + +Maud's eyes wandered quickly over the quaint buildings which already +stood here and there upon upland and shore, until finally they rested +upon the island. + +"And what is that little white house standing among the trees?" she +asked. + +"That is our magazine," said Harold, who stood hand in hand with his +wife. "The little citadel that guards our bay." + +"And that scaffolding down at the water's edge. It looks as if they were +putting up the masts of a ship." + +"So we are," said Captain Payne. "The war is over, and we may never have +to fight again, but in memory of a great chief and brave warrior, we are +building the _Tecumseh_." + +"And you see that pretty cottage," said Beaumont, gently taking his +wife's arm and pointing towards it. "That is our own little home. La +bonne madame has made it ready for us. Won't you come to it, darling; +you need a rest." + +"Yes, Henri, I shall be glad to; I am very happy, but very tired." + + + =Transcriber's Notes:= + original hyphenation, spelling and grammar have been preserved as in + the original + Page 4, "heart. I shall do" changed to "heart. "I shall do" + Page 12, "it would would be" changed to "it would be" + Page 48, 'watching the Delaware,"' changed to 'watching the Delaware,' + Page 73, "conscientiously ad vise" changed to "conscientiously advise" + Page 86, 'prayer; but shall' changed to 'prayer; "but shall' + Page 89, "with a smile," changed to "with a smile." + Page 97, "miles, I think," changed to "miles, I think." + Page 112, "tremenduous fire" changed to "tremendous fire" + Page 112, "call the dhrivers" changed to "call the drivers" + Page 118, "up by daylight," changed to "up by daylight." + Page 126, "''Ardman never look" changed to "'Ardman never look" + Page 155, "known-how determined I was she-would" changed to + "known how determined I was she would" + Page 160, "a oboggan slide" changed to "a toboggan slide" + Page 163, differ from you," changed to differ from you,' + Page 169. "s'ill vous plait" changed to "s'il vous plait" + Page 172, "hold four people," changed to "hold four people." + Page 188, from'beats me.' changed to from beats me." + Page 190, 'to the coast?' changed to 'to the coast?"' + Page 192, "past was aroused" changed to "past was aroused." + Page 203, "an' sturgeon an'" changed to "an' sturgeon, an'" + Page 219, 'You are about changed to "You are about + Page 244, "noble character?" changed to "noble character." + Page 246, 'she went on,"' changed to 'she went on,' + Page 250, "a little messsage" changed to "a little message" + Page 265, "end I I am" changed to "end I am" + Page 266, '"Smith, who was' changed to 'Smith, who was' + Page 268, 'a perfect canoeist.' changed to 'a perfect canoeist."' + Page 268, "Hunting Song' changed to 'Hunting Song' + Page 269, "her match, sir;" changed to "her match, sir." + Page 279, "Its is only" changed to "It is only" + Page 281, "within its cover." changed to "within its cover," + Page 294, 'pulling his forelock."' changed to 'pulling his forelock.' + Page 295, '"Bateese, while expressing' changed to 'Bateese, while + expressing' + Page 297, "The femnine" changed to "The feminine" + Page 300, 'the woman also."' changed to 'the woman also.'"' + Page 303, "Fatherhood of of God" changed to "Fatherhood of God" + Page 307, "while the buildng" changed to "while the building" + Page 320, "although the talked" changed to "although they talked" + Page 324, "Adienx were said" changed to "Adieux were said" + Page 338, "trifle of needlewok" changed to "trifle of needlework" + Page 339, "agree. "'She's a" changed to "agree. 'She's a" + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's In the Van; or, The Builders, by John Price-Brown + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE VAN; OR, THE BUILDERS *** + +***** This file should be named 35203-8.txt or 35203-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/5/2/0/35203/ + +Produced by Marcia Brooks, Ross Cooling and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at +http://www.pgdpcanada.net (This file was produced from +images generously made available by The Internet +Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: In the Van; or, The Builders + +Author: John Price-Brown + +Illustrator: F. H. Brigden + +Release Date: February 7, 2011 [EBook #35203] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE VAN; OR, THE BUILDERS *** + + + + +Produced by Marcia Brooks, Ross Cooling and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at +http://www.pgdpcanada.net (This file was produced from +images generously made available by The Internet +Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<br /><br /> +<h1><i>In The Van</i></h1> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<a name="WOLF_TEETH" id="WOLF_TEETH"></a> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 80%;"> +<img src="images/frontis.jpg" width="377" height="573" alt="" title="" /> +</div> +<h4>"The wolf's teeth clutched the young man's leg"</h4> + +<div class="blockquot"><div class="blockquot"><p class="right"><i>Page 116</i></p></div></div> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h1><i>In The Van</i></h1> +<h4><i>Or</i></h4> +<h4><i>"The Builders"</i></h4> +<br /> +<h4><i>BY</i></h4> +<h3><i>PRICE-BROWN</i></h3> +<h4><i>(ERIC BOHN)</i></h4> +<h4><i>Author of "How Hartman Won," Etc.</i></h4> +<br /> +<h4><i>Illustrated by</i></h4> +<h4><i>F. H. BRIGDEN, O.S.A.</i></h4> +<br /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 80%;"> +<img src="images/p0013.jpg" width="138" height="93" alt="" title="" /> +</div> +<br /> +<br /> +<h3><i>Toronto</i></h3> +<h2><i>McLeod & Allen</i></h2> +<h3><i>Publishers</i></h3> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h4>Entered according to Act of the Parliament of Canada, in<br /> +the year one thousand nine hundred and six, at<br /> +the Department of Agriculture, by</h4> +<h3>PRICE-BROWN,</h3> +<h4>Toronto.</h4> +<br /> +<br /> + +<h4>The Hunter, Rose Company, Limited, Toronto</h4> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> + +<table summary="Illustrations" width="70%"> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"><a href="#WOLF_TEETH">"The wolf's teeth clutched the young man's leg"</a></td> +<td class="tdr"><i>Frontispiece</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"><a href="#THANK_YOU">"Thank you very much!" exclaimed Harold</a></td> +<td class="tdr"><i>opp. page</i> 80</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"><a href="#STRANGERS">"Strangers and yet not strangers"</a></td> +<td class="tdr">" 192</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"><a href="#NEW_HOME">"That'll be our new home, sweetheart"</a></td> +<td class="tdr">" 272</td> +</tr> +</table> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h1>IN THE VAN</h1> + +<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Ye Builders, true on land and lake</span> +<span class="i2">To name and Nation's glory,</span> +<span class="i0">Though time has left you in its wake,</span> +<span class="i2">Your stress must tell its story.</span> +</div></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap"><small><small><sup>"</sup></small></small>H</span>arold +Manning: wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live +together after God's ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt +thou love her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health; and +forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her as long as ye both shall +live?" rang out in clear, solemn tones throughout the little chapel of +the Abbey on that still November morning.</p> + +<p>"I will," came the answer. The few who were present heard the words with +a thrill. They knew in his case how much they meant.</p> + +<p>"Helen Brandon: Wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live +together after God's ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt +thou obey him and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and +in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as +ye both shall live?"</p> + +<p>"I will," was again the response, issuing sweetly but firmly from lips +that would not tremble, although the tone brought tears to more than one +pair of eyes fixed upon her as she spoke.</p> + +<p>The ceremony and congratulations were soon over. Then the bride, on the +arm of her husband, led the way down the aisle, while the tones of the +Wedding March filled Grand Old Westminster to its furthest limits.</p> + +<p>November days in London have not changed much in a century of years, +although perhaps the opacity of the air was more penetrating in 1813 +than it is to-day; for when the bridal party passed through the Abbey +archway to the street, the mist of the early morning had developed into +a dense fog, rapidly closing over the city. Hence, the coachmen had to +pilot the way to almost invisible carriages, and then lead their horses +in a tramp of several miles over the return journey, through almost +deserted streets.</p> + +<p>"My darling, mine at last," whispered the young man as he clasped his +bride in his arms under cover of the closed carriage and dense +atmosphere.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Harold, yours forever," was the response; and with their first +long kiss they sealed their marriage vows.</p> + +<p>"Too bad to need such a wedding-day as this!" he exclaimed, looking +fondly into her eyes, and then through the carriage window into the +opaque street.</p> + +<p>"And yet how fortunate that it is so," she answered with a little +ripple of laughter.</p> + +<p>"My sweet philosopher! Once in the Abbey, I never thought of it again."</p> + +<p>"But I did. I looked all round and there was not a single visitor, only +our own party, the clergyman, the organist, and the little, +old-fashioned clerk."</p> + +<p>"'Pon my word, Helen, I don't believe I saw anyone but you, from the +moment we went in until we came out again."</p> + +<p>"You dear old boy! I suppose it was love that kept my eyes open to other +things. Do you know I was actually glad to see the mist to-day, much as +I dislike it."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and after all it has been our friend. Everything seems to have +favored us. Even the fog helped to keep our secret."</p> + +<p>"Where did you say you had the Banns published, Harold?" she asked, +leaning her head against his shoulder.</p> + +<p>"At a little village ten miles out of London, a place I never heard of +before."</p> + +<p>"All the better for us. But now that we are actually married you won't +need to keep the secret much longer, will you, dearest?" she asked, +casting a glance from her big brown eyes up to his face.</p> + +<p>"Not a moment longer than I can help, darling. You know Sir George Head +is my new commanding officer; and I want him to hear the news first from +me."</p> + +<p>"And what will he say?"</p> + +<p>"As I told you before, Helen, he won't like it. There may be no written +law, but there's an unwritten one in the army, that no officer can marry +without his superior officer's consent, particularly if he has been off +duty as long as I have. Still, that terrible wound I got at Badajos is +in my favor; and he can't turn me off, whatever else he does."</p> + +<p>"But he might make it very uncomfortable for you, Harold."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and he can refuse to sanction your going with me to Canada."</p> + +<p>"That's the worst part of it, dearest! How can a wife love, honor and +serve her husband, and keep him in sickness and in health, if she can't +live with him?" she exclaimed, while blushes danced playfully over the +dark beauty of her face.</p> + +<p>"You are the dearest girl that ever lived," he cried, throwing his arms +around her and pressing her again to his heart. "I shall do my best with +the Colonel; and will see him as soon as I can. Perhaps I should have +spoken to him first; but if I had he would have forbidden our wedding, +and to have married after that would have been direct insubordination."</p> + +<p>"Won't he think so as it is?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps. Still I am willing to run the risk; and I wanted to have you +as my wife, whether I could take you or not. I'm afraid I'm a selfish +fellow, Helen, and not by any means worthy of you."</p> + +<p>"Why, Harold! What a way of speaking—just after our marriage, too!"</p> + +<p>"Forgive me, dearest! I didn't mean anything, but that I love you so +much, that I almost tremble at the responsibility we have undertaken."</p> + +<p>"Is that a brave front for a soldier?" exclaimed Helen, with flashing +eye.</p> + +<p>"I would dare anything for myself, Helen; but it is of you I was +thinking. To leave you behind with no one but your uncle and aunt to +care for you when we sail, and perhaps not come back for years, seems +more than I can bear."</p> + +<p>"If we have to we must, though," she exclaimed, cuddling closer. "Then I +will stay home and wait and watch and pray for the dearest one in all +the world to me; and think of Penetang. Isn't that the name of the +place? and long for the day that I can be with my husband again."</p> + +<p>"What a noble girl you are!"</p> + +<p>"I'm a soldier's daughter"; and she looked up proudly, although a tear +was in her eye.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and your brave father was shot in the heart while leading his men +to victory."</p> + +<p>"And come what will, his daughter shall never disgrace his name. Victory +will yet be ours!" she said courageously.</p> + +<p>"God grant it," was his response.</p> + +<p>For some moments both had solemn faces, while with gentle pressure they +held each other's hands.</p> + +<p>"I am not without hope," Harold continued at last. "Sir George may be +angry at first, and I can't blame him for that. He'll raise a row, of +course—perhaps send me to Hades—but he may give in before the ship +sails. It will be jolly happy for us if he does."</p> + +<p>While he was speaking a critical look came into Helen's face.</p> + +<p>"Do you know," she exclaimed with sudden earnestness, "I really believe +I can help you!"</p> + +<p>"My darling! How in the world can you? You do not even know Sir George +or one of the officers."</p> + +<p>"That may be," she replied, holding his hand in both of hers. "But see, +the carriage is stopping. I cannot tell you now. Just leave it to me," +and at once the expression upon her face inspired him with renewed +confidence.</p> + +<p>Just then they arrived at a little villa on G——e street, and the +whole party alighted.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>wo days later, Lieutenant Manning was at the officers' mess at the +quarters of the 100th Regiment. The fact that he had only recently been +transferred, and that he was still on the convalescent list, made his +temporary absence unnoticed. He ran his eye quickly over the faces of +the men who greeted him by nod or word, for he was already a favorite. +But he saw nothing unusual. The secret evidently was not out, and of +this he was glad; for the Colonel could now receive the news directly +from himself and not from officers' gossip.</p> + +<p>They were talking of the prospective trip, and in the absence of Sir +George, with more freedom than usual.</p> + +<p>"Will you be ready, Manning?" Lieutenant Smith asked across the table. +"The Colonel says we start in twelve days."</p> + +<p>"So soon as that!" the young man exclaimed with a start. A lump had +suddenly jumped into his throat. Pulling himself together before any one +could observe, he went on: "Yes; but I thought we were to sail by the +<i>Challenger</i>, which does not leave port until a week later."</p> + +<p>"That was the first order," said Captain Cummings from the other end of +the room; "but it had to be changed yesterday, for the <i>Challenger</i> on +examination was found unseaworthy."</p> + +<p>"And by what ship do we sail now?"</p> + +<p>"By the <i>North King</i>, one of the best men-of-war in the navy. It is +large, too, and leaves port a week earlier."</p> + +<p>How Lieutenant Manning got through mess and the next two hours' official +duties, before he could see the Colonel, he did not know. Never before +did minutes appear so much like hours. Even when he lay in the trenches +at Badajos, with a slice out of his leg, and could hear his comrades' +cheers amid the din of cannonading, time seemed to pass more quickly.</p> + +<p>At last, Sir George, accompanied by an orderly, crossed the barrack +yard, and entered his office. But there were other visitors ahead of +Manning, and the day was well advanced before his opportunity came. +Finally the last one departed, an orderly opened the door and Harold +entered.</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Manning, glad to see you," said Sir George in answer to +Harold's salute. "I suppose you are as strong as ever, and ready for +another march."</p> + +<p>There was tone of inquiry in his voice; for it was unusual for the +younger officers to visit him, except on special business.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied Harold, coloring. "A soldier should always be ready +for orders."</p> + +<p>"There's not much time to lose," was the next comment. "Our men of the +100th go aboard the <i>North King</i> not many days hence, and sail from the +London docks on the 24th. What's the matter, lad? Is there anything I +can do for you?"</p> + +<p>"I came to make a confession, sir," stammered the Lieutenant, his face +remaining red in spite of himself.</p> + +<p>"What, been gambling? You young fellows are always at it."</p> + +<p>"No, sir! It is not that," replied the young man indignantly; while, at +the same time, the utterance of the calumny seemed to relieve the mental +pressure. "The fact is, Colonel, I've been getting married."</p> + +<p>"Getting married, you idiot!" and Sir George fairly jumped off his seat +in amazement. "Are you mad?" and his eyes glared fiercely at Harold. "Do +you know what that means? Rank insubordination; complete separation for +years from the silly woman who has taken you for a husband! Zounds, man, +I thought you had more sense!"</p> + +<p>By this time Harold's excitement had subsided. He was cool again.</p> + +<p>"I am prepared to take the consequences, sir, whatever they may be. I +only ask for the liberty of explanation."</p> + +<p>"Explanation indeed! That should have come before, not afterwards," and +with another angry growl, Sir George settled himself in his chair again.</p> + + +<p>"My wife," said Harold—the Colonel winced—"is willing to endure any +length of separation that is necessary. But I want to say about her that +her father and mother are dead. She is provided for, however, and lives +with her uncle and aunt. What's more, she's a beautiful woman and is +just as brave as she is good."</p> + +<p>"That's all very well, sir, but why did you bluster along at this +infernal speed?"</p> + +<p>"For two reasons, sir." Harold had prepared himself for the fight. +"First, because I understood my stay in Canada would be a long one; and +second, because you said I might have the command of a fort there, some +day."</p> + +<p>"Yet you tell me when too late to stop a silly move that will upset the +whole business."</p> + +<p>"It would have been too late, sir, if I had spoken. A soldier never +disobeys orders."</p> + +<p>"Humph! If I were to report this at headquarters, it would check at once +your chances of promotion, and probably your march to Penetang as well."</p> + +<p>"That is the very point, sir, I was going to ask. I wish you would +report me, together with the request that my wife be allowed to +accompany us to Canada. It need be no expense to the war department, as +she is able personally to defray all the cost."</p> + +<p>"This scheme is just as mad a one as getting married. Do you know what +you ask, sir? We are going out there in the winter, when the frost is +often 25 degrees below zero; and on landing start at once on a tramp of +a thousand miles; not over the prairies and along the roads, but through +the woods and swamps, and over lakes covered with ice and snow two feet +thick or more. Then, on account of the war with the United States, our +road will be straight through the northern country, away from all towns +and settlements. It will be like a tramp through Siberia in winter. No +lady could stand it, sir."</p> + +<p>"She will have to remain at home, then," returned Harold, dejectedly. +"But it will be a severe disappointment to her. She says she can stand +anything and will give no trouble if you will permit her to go. She +would not be the only woman with us, either. The officers at mess were +saying to-day that the wives of Corporals Bond and Jenkins and Private +Hardman have all received orders to be ready."</p> + +<p>"That's true," replied the Colonel, angrily. "But these women are not +ladies; they are used to roughing it, and will do the charing for the +men while the fort is being built. They've been through camp life in the +European wars for years. There's no use talking; the thing can't be +tolerated for a moment. You will have to leave your wife behind you. I +look upon the whole thing as a breach of discipline. Still as your dead +father's friend, and more for his sake than yours, I shall keep silent +upon the subject, so as not to check your promotion. Give this despatch +to Captain Payne as you go out. Strict discipline will be required from +all now until we sail. So remember, you can only be absent from quarters +during authorized hours."</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir." Lieutenant Manning saluted and withdrew.</p> + +<p>The young wife waited the return of her husband that night with much +anxiety. She had often heard that Sir George was a stern man, and +whether he would condone with a junior officer's marriage without his +knowledge or consent, was a very doubtful question. As for the journey +with the troops to Canada, she was determined to go with them if she +could; but to do so the Colonel's consent must be obtained, and she was +prepared to leave no stone unturned in order to accompany her husband. +Harold told her it would be three years at least before he could return +to England; and rather than remain that length of time away from him, +she was willing to endure whatever vicissitudes an overland military +journey in midwinter might bring. How little she knew what such an +undertaking involved!</p> + +<p>"What news, Harold?" was her first question, as he stooped to kiss her +upon his arrival.</p> + +<p>"Several things," was his reply, as he tried to smile serenely. "First, +we sail on the 24th."</p> + +<p>"So soon as that! What else?"</p> + +<p>"Sir George was angry at our marriage without consent."</p> + +<p>"And he will not let me go?"</p> + +<p>"I fear not, dearest."</p> + +<p>"Oh, do not give up hope yet," was the passionate response, as with pale +face and quivering lip she led the way to their own room.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">A</span>n evening or two later, a carriage containing Sir George and Lady Head +drew up at a little mansion in the West end, the residence of the +retired general, Sir Charles Menzies. The house was not brilliantly +illuminated, a subdued light gleaming only in a few of the windows. +Evidently there would not be many guests that night. As they entered, +the wide door in the deep archway was thrown open, and they were ushered +into the drawing-room, where the General and his wife awaited their +arrival.</p> + +<p>"Just ourselves," exclaimed their host gaily; "a lonely old couple who +have the selfishness to desire you to dine with them <i>en famille</i>, +before they send you to the wars again."</p> + +<p>"It is very kind of you," was the cordial response. "We are both of us +delighted to come. But about the wars, General, I am afraid there are no +more wars for me. It is just crossing the ocean to establish a garrison, +and I assure you that I would rather command a troop and fight the +enemy, than perform my allotted task."</p> + +<p>"Still, it is all in your country's service, Colonel; and it sometimes +needs greater courage to build a rampart than to fight a battle."</p> + +<p>"You may well say that, General. Don't know but what my own case is an +instance. It is a cut through the back country with only a couple of +companies for a following, as though one were sneaking through the bush +to escape the foe. After all, that is what it really is; for we could +not in safety carry our garrison stores by the lakes."</p> + +<p>"Yet you may have more than one brush with the enemy before you get +there."</p> + +<p>"If we do it will be all the merrier," returned Sir George with a laugh. +"These Yankees are giving us as much as we can carry just now, and +possibly there may be fighting on Georgian Bay before it ends."</p> + +<p>"How soon do you sail, Sir George?" Lady Menzies asked.</p> + +<p>"In eight days. Fortunately my wife is more contented over it than ever +she was when I went to fight the armies of the Little Corporal. She +always used to vow that I would never come back. Now she believes that I +will."</p> + +<p>"I think he has done fighting enough," was that lady's quick response. +"To march a few hundred miles through the woods to build a garrison, and +then to return home, is all they ask of him; a much better prospect—to +his wife at least—than to have another fight with the French."</p> + +<p>Dinner was announced, and the host led the way with the Colonel's wife +upon his arm.</p> + +<p>"That husband of yours is a brave fellow," was his comment; "and my +lady, you need not be nervous about him. He's as true as steel, a good +disciplinarian, yet one of the kindest men who ever lived."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you are thinking of Talavera," she answered, her face flushing +with pleasure. "You know he helped some of the wounded French out of the +ditch after the battle was over."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but he made two of his own men stand in the stocks all night for +letting another Frenchman run away," was his laughing answer.</p> + +<p>When seated at the table the conversation became general, but soon +drifted back to Sir George Head's prospective trip.</p> + +<p>"It will be a new experience," exclaimed Sir Charles; "snowshoeing +through Canada in January instead of marching through Spain in July."</p> + +<p>"I have ordered my men a double supply of under garments as a +safeguard," said the Colonel.</p> + +<p>"What about night quarters on the road?" queried the hostess.</p> + +<p>"That is where the rub will come," was his answer. "I believe there are +no stopping places after leaving Montreal. But habitants and half-breeds +are numerous. They are accustomed to the woods, and I intend to take a +picked gang to help the men put up temporary shanties each night on the +road. What is more, abundance of dead timber can be had for the +cutting; and with good fires I have no doubt that we can stand the +journey."</p> + +<p>The ladies were rising from the table when a rap on the knocker +announced the arrival of other guests.</p> + +<p>"Oh, my dear!" exclaimed Lady Menzies to the Colonel's wife. "I want to +introduce my sweet grand-niece to you. She has only just become a bride, +and promised to come in with her husband for an hour this evening."</p> + +<p>"We shall be delighted," was the reply. "You know Sir George still +becomes enraptured over a pretty face. He always did."</p> + +<p>The Colonel placed his hand over his heart and bowed.</p> + +<p>"If the eyes have soul and the mouth character," he exclaimed gallantly, +"I hope I'm not too old a dog, even yet, to lose my heart."</p> + +<p>"Bravo!" cried Sir Charles. "Our little girl has both, but I am sorry to +say we have seen too little of her of late."</p> + +<p>The two ladies left the room, while the gentlemen over another glass of +wine continued to talk over the wars, and the apparently dim prospect of +peace.</p> + +<p>When they entered the drawing-room a quarter of an hour later, +Lieutenant Manning and his bride were there. A flash of astonishment +swept over Sir George's face as he took in the situation. But it was +only for a moment. Gravely, but not unkindly, he offered his greetings +as Lady Menzies introduced Helen to him.</p> + +<p>Her appearance was striking. With broad forehead, dark hair and lustrous +eyes, she carried her two and twenty years very gracefully. She was not +a bashful girl, just out of her teens, but a large-souled woman, who +knew much of the experiences of life, and had made her choice, +determined, by all that was holy, to be a help-meet for the man she had +married. Though scarcely at ease, she looked up into Sir George's face +with a frank smile as she received his greeting.</p> + +<p>"I am glad to have the opportunity of meeting you," he said, looking +steadily into her eyes. "Lieutenant Manning informed me that he was +married; though I assure you it is a surprise to find that his wife is a +relative of my old friend, the General."</p> + +<p>"Harold did not tell you, then," she returned, with a gesture toward her +husband.</p> + +<p>"Unfortunately he did not; but perhaps it was my fault. I was so +astonished that I fear I did not ask him. And how are you, Mr. Manning? +I think you have been stealing a march on me."</p> + +<p>"Is not marching a soldier's duty?" returned Harold, with a merry glance +at his wife.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but countermarching is a different thing." There was a twinkle in +the gallant Colonel's eye, as he gravely shook his head, that was not +discouraging.</p> + +<p>In a veiled way, Sir George watched every movement that Helen made. Her +self-control surprised him, knowing as she must that her own future as +well as that of her husband were in his hands. Soon an opportunity for a +personal talk presented itself.</p> + +<p>Sir Charles had been adding to his collection of paintings, and was +particularly proud of a Reynold's beauty that he had recently purchased, +as well as a French landscape by Turner, who at that time was winning +fame as an artist. While the others were looking intently at the +delicate coloring and divine symmetry exhibited in the portrait by the +Master, Helen had lingered by Turner's picture. It was one of his +"Rivers of France," an illustration of the parting of lovers beneath +stately trees on the banks of the Seine.</p> + +<p>"That is a remarkable picture," said Sir George over her shoulder. "It +is said to be an incident in the artist's own life. I did not know that +Menzies had it, though I have seen it more than once in Turner's +studio."</p> + +<p>"I have heard of it," returned Helen, gravely. "He was, as he seems, +passionately in love; pity it came to such a sad ending."</p> + +<p>"It was her villainous stepmother's fault," said the Colonel. "She +intercepted all his letters, and when the maiden believed herself +forsaken, she took a woman's revenge, and made herself miserable by +marrying another man."</p> + +<p>"A miserable revenge it was," returned Helen warmly, "and one that few +women would take advantage of."</p> + +<p>"I am not so sure about that," was Sir George's grave response. "I am +sorry to say I have known women do that very thing, though I acknowledge +they must have been vastly foolish."</p> + +<p>"If they had married before that long tour of his," said Helen, +earnestly, "when they were both in love, the letters would not have been +intercepted; and of course they would have been happy ever afterwards."</p> + +<p>"Marriage is always a serious business," said Sir George, looking +gravely into her eyes.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know it is." There was a little tremor in her voice this time. +"But when one does it bravely and with eyes open, it is not too serious +to be borne.</p> + +<p>"And are you sure you can bear it, Mrs. Manning, whatever comes?" he +asked with almost a touch of sternness in his voice.</p> + +<p>"Yes—I believe I can."</p> + +<p>"I too believe it since I have seen you. Still for your sake I am sorry +it has happened. It would have been much better to have waited."</p> + +<p>"For myself I believe I shall never regret it," said Helen, "whatever +happens. It is only the future of my husband that I feel concerned +about."</p> + +<p>"I am glad to be able to relieve your mind on that score"—but there was +sternness still in his voice. "Lieutenant Manning has always been a +brave officer, and his future is certain."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Colonel, for the word. I know his record; and I assure you +as a soldier's daughter, as well as a soldier's wife, I shall never +stand in his way."</p> + +<p>She stood very erect, but she dashed a tear away as the words flashed +from her lips.</p> + +<p>"Nobly said," was Sir George's comment as the General and the other +ladies joined them. Harold had purposely wandered off to the far end of +the room to inspect some ancient weapons, of which Sir Charles had a +valuable collection. But he returned in time to hear their hostess ask +her niece to sing.</p> + +<p>"I cannot sing to-night as the linnets sing," she replied with a half +sad, half mischievous glance at Harold, "but as my heart tells me."</p> + +<p>"That is what we want, dearest," he whispered.</p> + +<p>Seating herself at the piano, her fingers ran lightly over the keys. +Then, in a rich contralto voice, she poured out Goethe's favorite, "To +the Chosen One." There was the beauty of passion in every line of the +first verse:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Hand in hand! and lip to lip!</span> +<span class="i2">Oh, be faithful, maiden dear!</span> +<span class="i0">Fare-thee-well! thy lover's ship</span> +<span class="i2">Past full many a rock must steer;</span> +<span class="i0">But should he the haven see</span> +<span class="i2">When the storm has ceased to break,</span> +<span class="i0">And be happy, reft of thee—</span> +<span class="i2">May the gods fierce vengeance take!"</span> +</div></div> + +<p>There was exultation as she sang the second stanza:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Boldly dared, is well-nigh won,</span> +<span class="i2">Half my task is solved aright,</span> +<span class="i0">Every star's to me a sun,</span> +<span class="i2">Only cowards deem it night.</span> +<span class="i0">Strode I idly by thy side</span> +<span class="i2">Sorrow still would sadden me,</span> +<span class="i0">But when seas our paths divide,</span> +<span class="i2">Gladly toil I—toil for thee."</span> +</div></div> + +<p>Then with all the tenderness of her impassioned soul she breathed out +the last lines:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Now the valley I perceive</span> +<span class="i2">Where together we will go,</span> +<span class="i0">And the streamlet watch each eve</span> +<span class="i2">Gliding peacefully below.</span> +<span class="i0">Oh, the poplars on yon spot!</span> +<span class="i2">Oh, the beech trees in yon grove!</span> +<span class="i0">And behind we'll build a cot</span> +<span class="i2">Where to taste the joys of love."</span> +</div></div> + +<p>"You are a brave girl," cried the Colonel as she finished the song, "and +you well merit everything that the gods can give you. Lieutenant Manning +should be proud to have you for his wife—whatever happens."</p> + +<p>Saying which he turned and asked Lady Menzies to be his partner at a +rubber of whist, for which Sir Charles and Lady Head were waiting. +Hence, the four elderly people were soon interested in the game; while +the bride and groom, ostensibly examining curios, were taxing their +souls with a thousand questions relative to the future.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>he European war was drawing to a close, or rather to an intense lull +before the final conflict. Napoleon's arrogance in declining to yield a +jot of German territory to Austria's demand, culminated eventually in +his crushing defeat at Leipzic in the "Battle of the Nations." The +British forces, too, were successful wherever they turned their arms, +and at Vittoria, Wellington routed the legions of Joseph Bonaparte. +Before the close of the year disasters were even more complete, and the +remains of Napoleon's armies were driven out of Germany as well as +Spain.</p> + +<p>British veterans, inured to the discipline and fatigues of campaign +life, were fast returning to their own shores; and it was from these +that Sir George Head's companies were chosen. Already they had spent +months in the rest of barrack life, and tired of inactivity, they +welcomed the call to duty again.</p> + +<p>There was something alluring to the soldier in the thought of service in +America, whether engaged in active warfare or not. The Western continent +was an El Dorado toward which all eyes were turned. It offered +something different from the camp life of Europe, where prospective and +actual battles were looked upon as the be-all and end-all of the +soldier's career. Of emigration to Europe there was none, but of +emigration to America, save for the brief interruption caused by the war +with the States, there was a never-ending stream.</p> + +<p>Hence, when the seared soldiers of Wellington's brigades came home, and +were told to prepare to cross the Atlantic, either to fight the +Americans or to guard the British frontier from invasion, hats went up, +cheers echoed through the air and every man became an enthusiast.</p> + +<p>For many days the <i>North King</i>, one of the largest war vessels of the +period, had been undergoing repairs. Her keel was repainted, her hold +thoroughly cleansed, and additional iron girders put in to strengthen +her bulwarks. Her gun-carriages were rearranged, and to meet any +possible contingency new guns were added. Then vast and unusual stores +were loaded upon her, not for the use of the troops only, but for the +building and maintenance of the new fort as well.</p> + +<p>In direct preparation for the prospective voyage, perhaps no man was so +actively engaged as Captain Payne of the Royal Engineers. To him was +assigned the erection of the new fort at Penetang, together with +whatever barracks might be required for the accommodation of the men. +What added much to his difficulties was the selection and packing of +materials to be carried in midwinter over a thousand miles of territory, +three-fourths of the journey being through the woods.</p> + +<p>But Captain Payne was equal to the occasion; and days before the time of +sailing, the holds of the ship were filled with stores.</p> + +<p>In completing and carrying out the arrangements, Harold's time was +largely occupied, so that it was late each evening before he could have +leave of absence to see his wife. These brief interviews were very +precious to them; but to their amazement days passed without a word from +the Colonel. Apparently he had not relented. Still Helen hoped on, while +she devoted her time to preparation. At last a message came:</p> + +<p>"Colonel Head desires an interview with Lieutenant Manning ten minutes +before parade."</p> + +<p>Such were the contents of a note handed to Harold in the early morning +three days before sailing.</p> + +<p>With a convulsive leap the young man's heart seemed to bound into his +throat. What could it mean? Would his wife, after all, be allowed to go? +Then, perhaps for the first time, something like an adequate conception +of the magnitude and danger of the journey to her, forced itself upon +him. Was it right to yield to their mutual desire, to take her with the +troops in midwinter, and while war was still raging? Could it be his +duty to transfer his bride from the comforts of home and the social +world to the conditions which the trip must inevitably bring? He knew +that her desire was just as keen as ever. It had also been his own +passionate wish during the weeks that had elapsed since their marriage; +but as he neared the Colonel's quarters, he found himself actually +hoping that the final edict would forbid his wife to undertake the +journey.</p> + +<p>With many conflicting thoughts Harold joined his fellow officers at mess +that morning. All were there. Even Sir George had walked over from his +private residence to breakfast with them. From his manner, however, he +could surmise nothing. Neither by word nor look did the Colonel indicate +what was passing through his mind. At the appointed time Harold +presented himself.</p> + +<p>"I intended my first reply to your request to be the decisive one," said +Sir George, without prelude. "But my mind may have changed somewhat. Do +I understand that your wife still desires to go with us?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," was Harold's quick response.</p> + +<p>"Has she thought the matter out in all its bearings? And does she +appreciate how much of hardship and privation the trip will involve, to +say nothing of the vicissitudes she will be obliged to endure after we +get to our destination?"</p> + +<p>"She has considered all these, Sir George, and her mind has remained +unchanged," said Harold.</p> + +<p>"It is a big undertaking," muttered the Colonel, and for a minute he +walked up and down the room with his hands behind his back.</p> + +<p>"I know it, sir; but fortunately she has means of her own, as I said, +and can amply defray whatever extra expenditure may be incurred on her +account."</p> + +<p>"That is satisfactory," said the Colonel, "and after all, the objections +may not be insuperable. I have, I must confess, a strong admiration for +your wife; and if we succeed in establishing a fort at Penetang, she +will, if she goes, be its brightest ornament."</p> + +<p>"Thank you very much," exclaimed Harold, his face flushing with +undisguised pleasure. "And am I to take this as equivalent to your +consent?"</p> + +<p>"Well, yes; if she is as firmly convinced as ever that it is the wiser +and better thing for her to do."</p> + +<p>For some moments Harold stood still with his hands pressed upon the desk +in front of him. The old questions were coming back to him. Was it? Was +it not?</p> + +<p>"What is it, lad?" said the Colonel in a friendly tone, although he +observed him keenly.</p> + +<p>"I was just thinking," stammered Harold, "what a terrible thing it would +be when too late, if it should prove to be a mistake."</p> + +<p>"That is possible," returned the Colonel, again walking up and down the +floor. "But, remember, if faint heart never won fair lady, neither did +timid soldier ever win a battle. If you go into the thing at all you go +in to win. Every obstacle must be overthrown. We must guard and keep +that wife of yours—take her right through to the end—and crown her +queen of the little fortress of Penetang which, please God, we shall +build.</p> + +<p>"It is very good of you, Colonel," was all Harold could say.</p> + +<p>"Well, we'll leave it all to the lady herself. Explain everything to +her; but tell her from me that our officers are fine fellows, and from +the Colonel to the last of them, will do what they can to make the +journey comfortable, if she decides to undertake it."</p> + +<p>"I thank you, Colonel, from the bottom of my heart," said Harold, warmly +grasping his chief by the hand.</p> + +<p>"That is all right," was the smiling response. "One more point, as your +wife may need every remaining moment for preparation, you are relieved +from duty from now out. So give her the news and aid her what you can."</p> + +<p>Harold saluted, and in another minute was outside the barracks, +speeding along the street to tell it all to Helen.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Eave-oh-haw, 'eave-oh-hoh!</span> +<span class="i2">'Eave-oh-haw, yoh-hee!</span> +<span class="i0">Sally come out to the wishing gate,</span> +<span class="i2">To the wishing gate with me.</span> + +<span class="i0">'Eave-oh-hie, 'eave-oh-haw!</span> +<span class="i2">'Eave-oh-hie, yoh-hoh!</span> +<span class="i0">For after another day 'as run,</span> +<span class="i2">Oh Sally I've got to go.</span> +</div></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">S</span>o sang the jolly tars, as with mighty swing and steady rhythm they +pulled the halyards and set their sails.</p> + +<p>"Did yo' see the leddy, Alf?"</p> + +<p>"Bet yo' six-punce, I did."</p> + +<p>"Ar'n't she a daisy?"</p> + +<p>"Ef she ar'n't, I'd like to know where you'd find on'."</p> + +<p>"It's just jolly to have the real thing aboard—none of your tuppenny' +a'penny pieces but a geno-wine leddy, thro' and thro'."</p> + +<p>"Did you see how she was watchin' and smilin' while we was fixin' the +tackle by the big mast."</p> + +<p>"Yes, we all seed it. She's got the hearts of the chaps already, even if +she be a married 'oman."</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Eave-oh-haw, 'eave-oh-hoh!</span> +<span class="i2">'Eave-oh-haw, yoh-hie!</span> +<span class="i0">Sally's gone back to the washing tub</span> +<span class="i2">And on ocean brine am I.</span> +</div></div> + +<p>"Do you know, Ned, I've been on the <i>North King</i> ever sin' she was +launched at Glasgow, seventeen year ago, and this is the first time a +leddy has ever sailed aboard of 'er."</p> + +<p>"If they're all like this 'un, I hope it won't be the last time, uther."</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But, 'eave-oh-haw, and 'eave-oh-hoh!</span> +<span class="i2">Yes, 'eave-oh-haw, yoh-hoo!</span> +<span class="i0">For whenever her lad comes home again,</span> +<span class="i2">His Sally will all'us be true.</span> +</div></div> + +<p>And so the sailors echoed her praises, while they sang their songs and +adjusted the rigging of the ship, even before they were three days out +at sea.</p> + +<p>Yes, Helen was on the <i>North King</i>, and her beauty and strong gentleness +had captured the hearts of everyone, soldiers and marines as well. +Already she was the acknowledged queen—queen of a mighty ship—for the +<i>North King</i> had a splendid record. Never had she been defeated in +battle, and her history dated back beyond the time when she was one of +the vanguard in Nelson's memorable victory on the Nile.</p> + +<p>Now, she had a double mission; first, to carry the two companies of the +100th Regiment to Halifax, together with their stores for a long +overland journey; and then to turn southwards along the coast line, to +join the British squadron in the siege of American cities.</p> + +<p>Like many of the British war vessels of that date, however, she was +built in an antiquated style. While steady in movement and easily +manned, she was a slow sailer; very different from the clipper-built, +light-running American warships which had distressingly harassed the +British during several of their more recent engagements. This fact alone +made a sea-fight probable before Halifax could be reached, for the +American liners were ever on the look-out for incoming vessels.</p> + +<p>The English motto, "Keep your musket polished and your powder dry," +seemed to actuate every man on board; and an extra look-out was +stationed on the top-gallant mast to keep perpetual vigil.</p> + +<p>Helen had never been on a man-of-war before; but she was a good sailor, +and although the passage was stormy, she enjoyed being on deck, clothed +in garments that resisted the penetration even of the December winds. +Her comfort, too, had been well provided for; and Captain Osborne, the +ship-master, out of courtesy to the bride, surrendered his little cabin +to herself and her husband.</p> + +<p>Harold, on the plea of discipline, protested, but the captain insisted, +and gratefully they accepted the situation. The presence of a lady on +his ship softened the heart of the old bachelor, and having no rule to +guide him, he concluded to be a law unto himself.</p> + +<p>While the rough weather did not affect Helen, it did materially affect +the women of the steerage. The compartment assigned to them and their +husbands was beneath the forecastle, at the extreme prow of the boat; +and owing to its forward position, the rocking during a rough sea was +extreme.</p> + +<p>In the middle of the third day of the most prolonged storm of the +voyage, the tempest was at its highest. The ship with frightful lurches +pitched fore and aft—simply a plaything tossed at the caprice of the +untamed sea. Rain for the time was over, but the wind whistled wildly +through the rigging, stretching to their utmost the few sails that were +set.</p> + +<p>Harold had many duties to perform that morning, and was late in +returning to his cabin. Three hours earlier he had parted with his wife, +and the storm not having reached its highest point, she had gone on +deck. Now, to his surprise, she was not to be found. First he scanned +the upper and lower decks, next the large saloon, and finally their own +stateroom; but all without avail.</p> + +<p>He was seriously alarmed. It was the first time during the twenty days +of their voyage that he had missed her. Where could she be? With the +tremendous tip of the vessel, and the swash of the sea, could she have +been swept overboard? Was it possible that the angry waves had stolen +her from him? and unconsciously he wrung his hands in a sharp twinge of +agony.</p> + +<p>Rushing up the gangway again to the upper deck, he met Captain Osborne +of the ship and his own Colonel coming down.</p> + +<p>"You look alarmed, Harold!" cried Sir George. "Ammunition all right?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," he stammered, "but I am looking for my wife. She went on +deck at nine bells, and I've not seen her since."</p> + +<p>"Oh, she's safe somewhere," was the reassuring answer. "You could not +lose a woman on the <i>North King</i>."</p> + +<p>"You might lose one off, though, in a storm like this," said the +captain, chaffing the young benedict. "I've known more than one woman to +drop overboard—and men by the dozen."</p> + +<p>"Stuff!" exclaimed Sir George, who saw that Harold was taking it +seriously.</p> + +<p>"Fact," returned the officer. "We just lighted ship after each battle +was over." He laughed merrily, but Harold was off toward the soldier's +quarters. A new idea had seized him; perhaps she had gone to visit the +other women. Only the evening before, she had remarked that they had not +been on deck since the storm began. And he knew that some of them were +ill.</p> + +<p>"Is Mrs. Manning here?" he asked of a seaman, as he rushed down the +stairway to their cabin.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; Ahh think so," was the answer. "Corporal Jenkins' wife is +pretty low, and one of the wimmin fetched her. Theer she is at end o' +t' cabin under t' fo'castle."</p> + +<p>Harold hurried on. Owing to the storm the hatchways had been fastened +down for days. The portholes were closed and the air of the densely +peopled compartment was impure. Still a couple of men at the far end +were again singing:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Eave-oh-haw, 'eave-oh-hoh, 'eave-oh-haw, yo-hee!</span> +<span class="i0">Sally come out to the wishing gate,</span> +<span class="i0">To the wishing gate with me.</span> +</div></div> + +<p>For a moment he felt savage, that his wife should be in a place like +this; but then as a counterfoil there was the shuddering thought, she +might have been overboard. Several men in the long, dark aisle stepped +aside to let him pass. By-and-bye he reached the wretched little cabin +which the women occupied. Helen was there, holding to one of the +uprights for support, and bending over the woman as she applied a +soothing lotion to her head with the other hand.</p> + +<p>Involuntarily she started when she saw her husband approach.</p> + +<p>"Sweetheart, this is no place for you," he muttered as he gently took +her arm.</p> + +<p>"I had to come," she answered, motioning toward the bed. "I did not know +she was so ill until Mrs. Bond came for me an hour ago. She has been +sick ever since we came on board."</p> + +<p>The woman was indeed ill. She seemed almost dying, and the foul air +only helped to aggravate her condition.</p> + +<p>Harold drew Helen to one side. "This fetid place will kill you. You must +come away," he said.</p> + +<p>"Never fear," she replied trying to smile. "I am much needed and can +stand anything. Both the other women are sick; and unless the poor +creature is helped she will die."</p> + +<p>"From her looks," said Harold, "there is no hope even now. You had +better suggest to Mrs. Bond what to do, and then come with me. I will +speak to the Colonel of her condition at once."</p> + +<p>"It is the abominable air that is killing her," said Helen.</p> + +<p>"It is fetid, sure enough; but the storm is abating and the hatches will +soon be opened again," he returned.</p> + +<p>From the centre of the low ceiling hung a lamp, and although mid-day, +its flickering light merely made the darkness visible. On the floor were +a couple of wooden stools; and upon the straw pallet of a lower berth +lay the woman. Covered with a grey blanket she tossed from side to side +with every movement of the ship; while her husband sat by her and wiped +away the saliva that ran from her mouth.</p> + +<p>Helen was reluctant to leave, but she yielded, and Harold led the way to +the upper air. The sky was already clearing, and the waves had ceased to +wash the deck.</p> + +<p>"What a pity we have no doctor on board!" she said, grasping his arm as +they steered for their own gangway. "It does not give the poor woman a +chance."</p> + +<p>"The fact is, the marine surgeon took ill and had to be left behind at +the last moment, so the order came to have his place supplied when we +reach Halifax. Still the captain has a supply of medicines and is +skilful," said Harold.</p> + +<p>"I know," returned Helen. "The women say he has given her calomel every +day since we sailed, and yet she gets worse."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps his doses are not large enough," said Harold. "I know the +doctors call it one of their sheet anchors. I will speak to the Colonel +about it."</p> + +<p>"And shall we have to go all the way to Penetang without a doctor?" +Helen asked with a little tremor in her voice.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, dearie; that will be arranged for when we reach port."</p> + +<p>"Hello, my lady! So you were playing truant! trying hide-go-seek in the +nether regions, I hear," cried the Colonel with a laugh, as they entered +the saloon.</p> + +<p>"The women sent for me, Sir George," she answered gravely; "that poor +woman Jenkins is very ill."</p> + +<p>"Indeed, so bad as that!" he exclaimed in surprise. "I heard her case +was one of ordinary sea-sickness. Something must be done for her. She is +really the best woman that we have on board. Oh, here's the captain. +We'll see what he has to say." And turning to him: "This is distressing +news about Corporal Jenkins' wife," Sir George continued. "They say she +is terribly ill. Did you know it, Captain?"</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to say it is true," was the answer. "She took ill right +after we left the channel, and should have been bled then; but there was +no one on board to do it, so I applied a dozen leeches and gave her +physic. Spite of all we could do, she got worse when the last storm +came, so I increased the calomel, but I fear it will be of no use."</p> + +<p>"Are you sure you gave her enough?" asked the Colonel, echoing Harold's +question.</p> + +<p>"I think so. It would hardly be safe to give her more. She is salivated +so badly now that she can scarcely swallow. The only thing left to do is +to give her opium."</p> + +<p>"Too bad," returned Sir George. "After her large camp experience she was +a capital woman to have with us. We couldn't bring her children on +account of the overland journey, and now I fear we have made a mistake +all round. Zounds! I wish I hadn't brought her."</p> + +<p>"It is hard to tell what is really the matter," said the captain.</p> + +<p>"My own belief is that it is low fever contracted in Spain three months +ago," said the engineer. "She was not feeling well when we sailed. You +know, Colonel, she was with the Corporal throughout the continental +war, and he was transferred to us on his return."</p> + +<p>"It is unfortunate that the sickness was not discovered sooner," said +Sir George, seriously. "Is there anything at all you can recommend, +Payne? It is a d——d shame that we have no doctor on board."</p> + +<p>"We might try wine and bark, and stop the calomel," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid her mouth is too sore to swallow," was Osborne's comment.</p> + +<p>"Make her try," returned the engineer, "and give her opium afterwards to +soothe her gums."</p> + +<p>And so saying they went down to lunch.</p> + +<p>"I must see her again to-night," whispered Helen to Harold as they +seated themselves at their own little table in the saloon. "I really +must."</p> + +<p>"But, Helen, the danger!"</p> + +<p>"No danger at all, dearie! I may not ask to do it again." And there was +an appealing tone in her voice that Harold could not resist.</p> + +<p>"Well, if you must, I will go too," was his answer. And silently they +finished their meal.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap"><small><small><sup>"</sup></small></small>S</span>he's +kinder sleepin', marm," said Mrs. Bond in a whisper, "but she was +ravin' after you left till she got the new medicine. That quieted 'er +like."</p> + +<p>Helen was at the door with Harold by her side. As he had promised, the +hatchways were open and the air purer.</p> + +<p>"I have brought some jelly," said Helen in a low voice.</p> + +<p>"This is the first sleep she's had for a long spell," returned the +Corporal, gazing intently on the face of his wife. "P'raps we'd better +wait a bit."</p> + +<p>For some minutes Helen silently watched the sick woman. She was between +thirty and forty years of age, with face prematurely old. Her ashen grey +features were very thin and her lips swollen and open, while every few +moments she grasped faintly at imaginary phantoms.</p> + +<p>"Won't you take a seat, marm?" whispered Mrs. Bond. "Mrs. 'Ardman has +gone on deck for a breath or two of fresh air."</p> + +<p>But Helen declined. The woman moaned as she slept. Then with a start, +her eyes opened and she peered toward the spot where Helen stood, +grasping feebly with outstretched hand.</p> + +<p>"It's Willie," she cried, in a tone muffled by her swollen tongue. Her +eyes were wide open now. "Why don't they let 'im come to me? And there's +Jimmy and Jenny, too, Oh, my childer! my childer!" And she ended with a +low, tearless wail. Her friends tried to soothe her, but it was no use. +Waving them back, she went on with a gasp: "They won't let 'em—they +won't let 'em—but am deein'—and it don't matter now."</p> + +<p>"Willie's the lad that died last year," Mrs. Bond whispered to Helen.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Jenkins had the only dry eyes in the cramped little room. Women do +not weep when they are dying. Saliva was still drooling from her mouth, +and Mrs. Bond wiped it gently away with a soft rag as she gave her a +spoonful of the jelly. The cordial in it soothed her and she closed her +eyes again.</p> + +<p>"It's the reg'lations about childer," continued Mrs. Bond in a low +voice. "Soldiers' wives cannot take their childer wee 'em on a march."</p> + +<p>"Where are her children?" Helen asked with trembling lips.</p> + +<p>"Wee 'er mother," was the reply. "She was wee 'em hersel' for a week +after she came back from Spain. And they say she cut up awful when she +'ad to leave 'em again."</p> + +<p>"Have you got any children?" was Helen's next question, her mind +becoming unpleasantly familiar with actual facts.</p> + +<p>"Yes indeed, marm! I've three living—please God—they are pretty big +now. I used to leave them when they were little sometimes, an' it was +killing work, I tell you. But now they're big, an' placed; an' its +different when they can take care of theirselves."</p> + +<p>By this time Mrs. Hardman had returned. She was younger than the other +two, and although married for several years, perhaps fortunately for a +soldier's wife, she had no children.</p> + +<p>"She's very low, marm," was her first expression.</p> + +<p>"Has the chaplain been to see her?" Helen asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, marm, 'ee was here this afternoon, and said 'ee'd come again in +the mornin'."</p> + +<p>"She won't be living then," said the Corporal, wringing his hands. "Oh, +my Betsy, my bonny wife! What'll I do without ye?"</p> + +<p>Her eyes slowly opened and rested upon her husband who was kneeling +beside her. Gradually a rational look came into her face. A faint smile +lit up her features as he clasped her hand.</p> + +<p>"God—bless—you," she whispered.</p> + +<p>"Come, Helen," said Harold, gently drawing his wife away. "I will have +the chaplain sent at once if you like, but I don't see what he can do +now."</p> + +<p>"He might comfort them, perhaps," she whispered as again she followed +him. "What awfully sad lives army women have anyway!" she continued as +she dashed away the tears that would persist in flowing. "Too bad for +her to die. I wonder if it had to be? And that calomel, I hate it. The +women say that pints of water have been running from her mouth for days. +No wonder she could not eat. The poor thing's a mere skeleton."</p> + +<p>"Quite true, darling! But this is something that cannot be helped," said +Harold, slipping his arm around Helen's waist as they walked along the +now quiet deck. "And my sweet wife must not think she knows too much. A +little knowledge is a dangerous thing, you know."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you are right. Captain Osborne is kind-hearted, and it was +very good of him to give up his pretty stateroom to us. But still I +cannot help wondering if it was best to give her so much calomel? +Perhaps she had to die—so many people have. How hard, too, for women to +be separated from their children whenever they go with their husbands on +a campaign."</p> + +<p>"But it is their husband's fault."</p> + +<p>"How so, Harold?"</p> + +<p>"Because soldiers usually marry without the consent of their superior +officers."</p> + +<p>Spite of her tears, Helen smiled as she caught the drift of his words.</p> + +<p>"Often, too, the common soldier enlists when drunk," he continued, "and +then, out of revenge, or because he has to—I knew an officer who had +to—he runs all risks and marries upon the first opportunity."</p> + +<p>"Does that often happen?" she asked demurely.</p> + +<p>"Yes, over and over again," he replied more gravely. "Sometimes a +soldier will be married for years before his captain finds it out. He +has nothing to keep his wife on, so he leaves her with her people or to +potter for herself till he comes home again. Then in the end, if a man +has been steady and seldom in the guardhouse, they give him a chance to +take his wife and children with him, particularly when there is little +marching to be done; but a tramp of a thousand miles is a different +thing."</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry for the poor children."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I'm sorry for the Corporal; he's a brave soldier and has +promise of promotion. But it will be hard for him with his wife dead and +his children away. What is more, sweetheart, I'm sorry for Mrs. Manning, +who will have one woman less to go with her on her long journey."</p> + +<p>"You foolish fellow, I'm all right." But she tightened her clasp upon +his arm and cuddled closer.</p> + +<p>"Of course you are, and the dearest woman that ever lived. But Mrs. +Jenkins would have been a help to you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, do send the chaplain, please!" she interrupted in trembling +accents.</p> + +<p>"Yes, dearest," and kissing her at the door of their stateroom, he +hastened away on his errand.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>he next day was Sunday, but a sad day on the <i>North King</i>; for it was +known by daybreak throughout the long line of bunks in the forecastle, +that the woman was dead.</p> + +<p>The rugged tars, inured to the vicissitudes of warfare and the hardships +of a never ending life on the sea, would have thought nothing of +dropping a man overboard—"for what is a man more than a sheep?" And the +brave soldiers, who time and again had rolled a fallen comrade hastily +into a hole to keep his body from falling into the hands of the enemy, +would only have been putting one more man out of sight. But this was a +woman, the wife of a fellow-soldier, who had dared to leave her children +that she might be with her husband and his comrades through all the +terrors of a long winter march. The conditions were different. In +importance there was no comparison. And when Chaplain Evans, after +reading morning prayers on that still December morning, announced that +the funeral service would be at three o'clock in the afternoon, there +were long lines of compressed lips and rigid features as well. All +hearts were softened. By-and-bye all was over, and the sealed bag was +dropped into the ocean. Then the men lined up and one by one grasped the +Corporal by the hand, mutely telling him of their love and sympathy. It +was all the poor fellow could stand. Perhaps it was bad form. They had +never had a similar experience to guide them. But it told Corporal +Jenkins that their hearts were true; and after the last clasp he strode +away by himself to shed silent tears over his lost wife and motherless +bairns.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>For two days there was a subdued aspect onboard. The men joked less. +There were fewer guffaws. Even "Sally" was not sung; and all on board, +from the Colonel downward, bore the aspect of men impressed with the +fact that something unusual had happened.</p> + +<p>But soon a change came. Everything in the past was forgotten. The actual +present became of vital moment, for in the early morning, "Sail ahead," +sounded from the look-out. "Three-masted. +West-by-sou'-west-and-over-to-larboard."</p> + +<p>"What flag?" shouted the officer on duty.</p> + +<p>"Too far off. Can't tell yet," was the answer.</p> + +<p>In another minute, Captain Osborne was there too; and in the distance, +brightened by the sunlight, he discerned a little speck of white canvas. +The hull of the vessel was still hidden by the curve of the ocean. +Bringing his glass to bear, he exclaimed to Sir George who stood beside +him:</p> + +<p>"I see it now; and, by heaven, it's the Yankee flag!"</p> + +<p>"What's her course?" he yelled to the man aloft.</p> + +<p>"Bearing down upon us, tacking to nor'-east. Now I see her flag. It's +the Stars and Stripes. Looks like a man-of-war. The black spots must be +her guns."</p> + +<p>"Clear ship for action," shouted the captain in ringing tones.</p> + +<p>Quickly the decks were swept of all but guns, canister and shot. Pikes, +pistols and rifles were ready. Gun tackles were lashed. Every man was at +his post.</p> + +<p>In five minutes the distant vessel loomed up into clearer vision. The +Stars and Stripes were there sure enough. Sweeping down upon them, the +tightly built little craft was full of fight and bent upon the +offensive.</p> + +<p>"She's plucky to attack us," exclaimed the captain, "with the odds in +guns and ship room in our favor."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but look at her speed. How she scoots through the water!"</p> + +<p>"There! She's tacking again," muttered the captain. "When her +larboard-side heaves to, we'll take time by the forelock and open fire. +Be ready, men!"</p> + +<p>In another minute the American vessel gracefully swept around, setting +every sail in good position for the conflict. Then the captain signalled +for a round from the larboard guns. Instantly the big cannon bellowed +forth their messenger of death. But it was none too soon, for at the +same moment smoke issued from the bow of the frigate, and a twenty pound +ball plunged through the ranks on the deck of the <i>North King</i>, +shattering one of the boats to pieces.</p> + +<p>"A good shot," said the captain quietly, as his men carried off a dead +seaman and a couple of wounded soldiers.</p> + +<p>"Her name's the <i>Delaware</i>," said Sir George, who was using his glass.</p> + +<p>"We've hit her," ejaculated the captain. "There's a hole in her +forecastle and her bowsprit's gone. Give her the rest of the larboard +guns."</p> + +<p>That the <i>Delaware</i> was injured was evident, for although continuing to +fire, she tacked again and put on full sail to increase the distance +between herself and the British ship.</p> + +<p>A fierce yell rang out from the men. The order for chase was given and, +wild with enthusiasm, every stitch of canvas was put on in hope of +overtaking the retreating <i>Delaware</i>. The sun shone overhead among +white-cap clouds, and the sea was tossing big waves and foamy jets over +the sides of the ships; while at brief intervals one or other continued +to belch out its thunder and its shot.</p> + +<p>But the distance was too great for many of the balls to be effective. +The Yankee fire did some damage to the rigging and sent a nine-pound +ball through a porthole, making havoc inside, and wounding men; but as +she was creeping further away the fire of the <i>North King</i> did little +service. Over and over again the gunners aimed at her mizzen-mast, but +it didn't budge. They were not sure that the shot even touched the ship. +The fight was discouraging. At last there was a new manoeuvre on the +frigate.</p> + +<p>"They are making desperate efforts over there," commented the Colonel.</p> + +<p>"Yes," exclaimed Captain Payne, who was also closely watching the +<i>Delaware</i>, "they are placing their biggest gun in the stern, right +behind the mizzen-mast. Our fire has destroyed the railing and you can +see what they are at."</p> + +<p>"Good Lord! to rake us with their big ball as a parting salute," was +Osborne's comment. "But we'll be even with them," and he hurried forward +to give his command.</p> + +<p>"That gun must be disabled at any cost," he yelled to his men, and with +another shout they tried to do his bidding.</p> + +<p>That the <i>Delaware</i> was determined to carry out her plans was evident. +With her stern to her foe, her men were taking in sail to diminish the +intervening distance and make the shot more telling.</p> + +<p>"If they would only let us get within musket range," suggested Captain +Payne.</p> + +<p>"We might reach her now," exclaimed Sir George. "Give the order, +Captain. Having once fired that d——d cannon they will put on sail +again."</p> + +<p>By Captain Osborne's order half a dozen balls whirled away from the +muzzles of the forward guns, simultaneously with the crash of the +musketry. Through his glass, Sir George saw a gunner at the big cannon +fall, while the main deck of the frigate was torn up by the cannonading. +But the big gun was still uninjured, and the <i>Delaware</i> had its revenge. +Another seaman stepped into place and put a match to the magazine. Then +with terrible force the huge ball crashed above water mark into the prow +of the <i>North King</i>.</p> + +<p>A yell could be heard from the Americans, for they saw the damage they +had done; but as another broadside from the liner smashed into their +rigging, they hoisted full sail again and gradually swept out of range. +The exasperating effects of slow sailing could not be helped; and the +battle being over, attention was directed to the dead and wounded, and +the damage done.</p> + +<p>How much the <i>Delaware</i> was injured it was impossible to tell, for she +did not return to the attack. Steadily the distance increased between +the two ships, and before night came, the last trace of the frigate was +discerned from the mast head, disappearing over the horizon.</p> + +<p>Much against her will Helen had remained in her stateroom during the +whole of the contest. She had not appeared on deck that day when the +<i>Delaware</i> was first seen, and the order to clear the decks given. After +the battle, however, she went to the prow of the boat with Harold, in +time to see the clipper's heels gradually disappearing.</p> + +<p>"Are you glad it is over?" he asked, as he slipped his arm around her.</p> + +<p>"I suppose I should be," was her answer, fixing her eyes on the distant +frigate, "but I don't know that I am. It was audacious for a little +thing like that to attack a big war vessel like the <i>North King</i>. They +have killed some of our men, too; a pity you didn't give them a +thrashing. Perhaps you couldn't?"</p> + +<p>"Why, Helen, what a fighter you are!"</p> + +<p>"I came by it naturally, I suppose." This time she laughed. "If the +feeling had not been inherited, perhaps I would not have been willing to +have come with you at all."</p> + +<p>"And now you cannot turn back even if you want to."</p> + +<p>"But, dearie, I don't and never did."</p> + +<p>"Not even when the enemy were killing our men?" he asked, looking +earnestly into her eyes.</p> + +<p>"No, not even then," she said; "but I think Sir George might have let me +come on deck."</p> + +<p>"And expose the only lady we've got, and she my wife, to the hellish +dangers of battle. No, indeed, my dear. What do you take us for?"</p> + +<p>"If we have another fight I'll ask him," was her answer.</p> + +<p>"And I suppose you think he will consent?"</p> + +<p>But there were no more battles, in that voyage at least.</p> + +<p>The wounded men progressed favorably, considering that there was no +regular surgeon on the ship; and by the time they reached port they were +almost well again—ready to be transferred to the military hospital as +convalescents.</p> + +<p>Christmas was over, and the New Year had arrived, before they passed +Sable Island. But on the next day, they were in the long harbor, and +passing McNab, they saw in the distance the little city of Halifax.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">H</span>elen stood on deck, wrapped in seal coat and gauntlets, looking at the +snow-covered town as the <i>North King</i> sailed up the harbor. Many vessels +were already anchored. The bright winter sun showed to advantage the +picturesque little city. The dazzling whiteness of the roofs, the varied +contours of the houses, the glittering pinnacles of church spires, the +little groves of naked trees, backed by the ever-green verdure of pines +and cedars, all helped to make an interesting picture.</p> + +<p>Most of the buildings were of wood, many being simple log cabins; while +others were block-houses of more pretentious mien, whose timbers had +been hewn into shape in the forest. Here and there a more stately +dwelling, built of granite boulders or lime-stone rock, mingled with the +rest.</p> + +<p>What added much to the weird picturesqueness of the outlook, as Helen +gazed upon it, was the glitter of icicles from many of the roofs, as the +dazzling sunlight fell upon them. Then there was the far-reaching canopy +of snow; while over beyond the houses were hills and craggy rocks and +clumps of trees; and back of all, as distant as eye could see, the +wide, interminable forest.</p> + +<p>"How strange!" she exclaimed, drawing closer to her husband. "I never +thought it would be like this."</p> + +<p>"But is it not beautiful?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes; still it looks like a little town at the very end of the world," +said Helen, with a shiver. "Pretty indeed, but where are the Indians? Is +that the Citadel?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, that is the Citadel. Although I see no Indians, there are the +red-coats. Look! yonder is a company at drill."</p> + +<p>"Ah! that is more natural! It makes me like it better. How wonderful it +all is!"</p> + +<p>Suddenly a violent gust of wind carried the snow in drifts from the +roofs of the houses. A grey cloud swept over the sun, and for a brief +space the glittering whiteness of the prospect was over. Gradually the +ship neared the wharf, and protected by heavy sticks of timber hanging +over its side, it ground against the big bulwarks, and with huge ropes +was made fast to the dock.</p> + +<p>Colonel Mason and his staff were waiting for them; and no sooner had the +gangway been laid than they came on board to welcome the officers of the +big warship, as well as the men of the 100th Regiment. Those were not +days of Atlantic cables and telegraphic dispatches; and although word +had been received by the last ship from Liverpool that Sir George Head +was coming out with a small body of troops, the exact date of departure +was not announced.</p> + +<p>"Right welcome!" exclaimed Colonel Mason, as he shook Sir George and +Captain Osborne by the hand. "Long expected, but here at last."</p> + +<p>"Rough voyage! Six weeks of it. Glad it's over," was Sir George's +laconic reply, as with equal heartiness he returned the greeting.</p> + +<p>While introductions were made, Helen and Harold stood in the background, +but the quick eye of Colonel Mason soon noted them.</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant and Mrs. Manning," said Sir George at last. "You did not +know, Colonel, that we had a lady on board."</p> + +<p>"An unusual but a pleasant surprise," was the answer, as the officer +bowed over her hand. "I extend to Mrs. Manning a most cordial welcome."</p> + +<p>Helen looked very handsome that morning. The keen air had given a rosy +tint to her cheek. Her eyes sparkled with interest and her +closely-fitting fur coat set off her beauty to advantage.</p> + +<p>"We never expect ladies to cross the Atlantic in midwinter, particularly +on a man-of-war," Colonel Mason continued, turning to her again. "It +takes rare courage, madam; and it is delightful to find it possessed by +so young and charming a lady."</p> + +<p>Colonel Mason was a courteous and gallant officer of the old school.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir," she replied, her face flushing with pleasure. "It was +a little trying to be the only one on board; but the officers were very +good to me. I hope I did not tax their patience too much."</p> + +<p>"She was all right," exclaimed Sir George with a laugh, "until after the +battle—just a little skirmish, you know—when she wanted to install +herself as head nurse to the fellows who were wounded—"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Colonel!" she exclaimed, in amazement, turning suddenly upon him. +"How could you?"</p> + +<p>"Why! isn't it true?" he replied merrily. "But, Mason, what news of the +war?" he continued with more gravity. "Word over the sea travels so +confoundedly slow; I have heard nothing for two months."</p> + +<p>"I am glad to say the report is encouraging," was the reply. "General +Hampton's forces were defeated and driven back by De Salaberry at +Chateauguay Junction; and with Hampton and Wilkinson have gone back to +winter on the American side of the line. Then, too, only a few weeks +ago, Colonel McClure, the terror of the Twenty-Mile Creek, was driven +back by Colonel Murray's regulars, assisted by loyal Indians. Up to +September the invaders were right in the country all along the line; +but, thank God, we can hold our own now, and intend to keep it."</p> + +<p>"That's good news. And how is it on the lakes?"</p> + +<p>"Ah, that is different! So far we have had the worst of it. That naval +battle of Put-in-Bay was a terrible disaster to us. Commodore Perry of +the American fleet was too much for Barclay. It ended in a perfect rout. +In their hands all our officers, and half the crews of our boats, were +either killed or wounded. The fact is, that battle undid all that Brock +accomplished by his great victory at Hull."</p> + +<p>"That's bad, indeed! But what of Michigan? Surely you have better news +from there."</p> + +<p>"Gone from us forever, I fear. We must be satisfied if we can hold our +own territory, but that we're bound to do."</p> + +<p>"To which we all say 'Aye,'" and Sir George's words were echoed by the +little group of men who had gathered round them.</p> + +<p>"You have dispatches for me, I believe," said Colonel Mason, preparing +to lead the way.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Sir George. "I will give them to you when we reach the +Citadel."</p> + +<p>Sleighs with broad runners, curled up behind and before, comfortably +cushioned, and well supplied with buffalo robes, awaited them; and +cheers rang out from the crowd on the wharf as the officers, with Helen +by the side of her husband, landed and took their seats. In a few +minutes the sleighs in single file dashed away in the direction of the +Fort.</p> + +<p>"This is just lovely," cried Helen in glee. She had never seen a sleigh +before. The ponies trotted off at a swinging pace, the circlet of bells +around each of them ringing out merrily.</p> + +<p>"First impressions are a sure omen of the future," returned Harold. +"This is my first sleigh ride, too, and like you, I am delighted."</p> + +<p>"Look at those boys and girls," she cried again as they turned a corner. +Handsleighs and toboggans, loaded with children, were shooting down a +neighboring hill at a tremendous speed. "I wonder if some of them won't +be killed?"</p> + +<p>"Not likely," replied Harold. "They are used to it. And use is second +nature. You'll be coasting yourself some day when we get to Penetang."</p> + +<p>"Coasting? Is that what they call it?"</p> + +<p>Soon the sport of the children was out of view. Another turn was made +and, driving along a level street, they ascended the hill to the +Citadel.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>"These orders are very explicit," said Colonel Mason to Sir George, +three hours later, as the two sat together before a blazing fire. They +were the only occupants of the room.</p> + +<p>"That's Wellington's forte," was the answer. "Emphatic precision in the +smallest detail, as well as the largest. Not a bad policy either, if it +is an iron rule."</p> + +<p>Colonel Mason read on:</p> + +<p>"Two companies of the 100th Regiment, under Sir George Head, to march +from Halifax on snowshoes, or otherwise, through Nova Scotia and New +Brunswick to Quebec. Then on to Montreal and up the Ottawa river to +Hull. From there to travel as nearly due west as possible, on the lines +of the old Jesuit trail, through to Georgian Bay on Lake Huron, which +will be their destination; upon which bay a garrison must forthwith be +erected. All goods, ammunition and garrison effects required, must be +carried on sleighs accompanying the troops; and, when necessary, roads +must be specially made for the purpose. One imperative order of the +march is that the column must arrive at Lake Huron before the winter is +over and the ice broken up—otherwise, the latter part of the march will +be much more difficult to accomplish."</p> + +<p>"And when is the break-up likely to take place?" Sir George asked.</p> + +<p>"About the beginning of April," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Which means, that in less than three months, in the dead of winter, we +must travel a thousand miles; and that a large part of the journey will +be through forest that has never been broken."</p> + +<p>"A severe undertaking," was Colonel Mason's comment. "But, as the +marshes and lakes will all be frozen, the winter season is in your +favor, Sir George. The only pity is that you were not here before +Christmas; then your time would have been ample."</p> + +<p>"We expected to arrive two weeks ago. It was the storms and not the +skirmish that delayed us."</p> + +<p>"Something you could not avoid. How many men have you, Colonel?"</p> + +<p>"Two full companies with the exception of several killed and half a +dozen wounded."</p> + +<p>"A few men of your regiment were left with us by the Marquis of +Tweeddale, when he went west. What say you to exchanging the sick list +and filling up your number? If I mistake not, you will need every man."</p> + +<p>"Thank you—a good suggestion."</p> + +<p>"What about stores for the journey?"</p> + +<p>"Oh! the <i>North King</i> has a full supply; but it will take some days to +unload, as well as to secure horses and guides; and in this matter we +will have to call upon you for assistance."</p> + +<p>"I had orders from the War Office to that effect some time ago, so you +will have nothing to fear on that score. Both men and horses will be +ready for inspection to-morrow. The enigma to me is: what is Lieutenant +Manning going to do with his wife? I understood from her at lunch that +she expected to go with you."</p> + +<p>"That is the intention," said Sir George, smiling at the amazement of +his host.</p> + +<p>"Ye gods!" cried the latter. "Do I understand that this young and +charming lady is to accompany you through all the hardships of a +midwinter journey across half a continent?"</p> + +<p>"Hardly that, Mason. Say a quarter instead of half. Still the +arrangement is final so far as a woman can make it," was Sir George's +answer.</p> + +<p>"Well it beats me! But you must have other women with you, of the 100th. +She cannot be the only one."</p> + +<p>"We had three soldiers' wives, but unfortunately one of them died on the +way. Under the circumstances is there anything you can suggest that will +make it easier for Mrs. Manning?"</p> + +<p>"Only this, that if the journey for her is irrevocable, when you arrive +at Quebec, pick out one or two first-class habitant women to go with +her. When you secure good ones they are invaluable. They know the +country and can endure anything, are as bright as crickets, and as sharp +as steel traps."</p> + +<p>"A good idea, Colonel, thank you. I'll make a note of it."</p> + +<p>"But what is all this about, Sir George? What do you really expect to do +when you reach Penetang?"</p> + +<p>"The order is to establish a fort, build a ship-yard, and found a +colony; and when the end is accomplished, leave one of my officers in +command and return home."</p> + +<p>"I see, I see; and that officer is to be Lieutenant Manning."</p> + +<p>"I did not say so," said Sir George with a smile.</p> + +<p>A tap at the door interrupted the conversation. Colonel Mason arose and +opened it.</p> + +<p>"May I come in?" was the question, and a sweet, grey-haired lady, with a +troubled face, presented herself.</p> + +<p>"Certainly, my dear," replied her husband. "Sir George and I were just +finishing our conversation."</p> + +<p>"I hope I am not intruding," she answered, looking from one to the +other, "but if at liberty there is something I would like to speak to +you about, while you are together."</p> + +<p>"We are at your service," replied Sir George, "and so far as I am +concerned, you could not have chosen a better moment."</p> + +<p>And so saying, he courteously placed a chair for her.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap"><small><small><sup>"</sup></small></small>I</span>'m +all in a flutter and scarcely know how to begin," commenced Mrs. +Mason, stroking down the folds of her dress, and looking timidly at Sir +George.</p> + +<p>"Well, what is it about, Marion?" Colonel Mason asked, surprised at such +an unusual exhibition of feeling on the part of his wife.</p> + +<p>"Oh! it's about that dear young creature you brought over with you, Sir +George. She tells me that she is going with her husband and the troops +right through that dreadful forest. The idea is terrible. Perhaps I have +no right to; but I beg to intercede. Can not the plan be changed?"</p> + +<p>"Did Mrs. Manning wish you to intercede?" Sir George quietly asked.</p> + +<p>"No, indeed! I did not even tell her what I thought, but waited until I +could obtain your permission to speak."</p> + +<p>"Do you know, Mrs. Mason, that it is by her own desire that she is +going?" said Sir George, gravely.</p> + +<p>"But she doesn't know," protested Mrs. Mason, emphatically. "It would be +a shame to take such a young girl out and let her freeze to death on +that terrible journey."</p> + +<p>"No danger of that, I think," was the smiling rejoinder. "The officers +of the 100th Regiment are too gallant to allow such a thing to occur."</p> + +<p>"Oh! I know you will do what you can," returned Mrs. Mason, changing her +attitude a little; "but when you think of the snow and the ice and the +intense cold, and all the terrors of the trip, would it not be better to +let her stay with us for the winter, and have her go on to the new fort +in the summer after it is built?"</p> + +<p>"Ah! That is an entirely different matter, and very kind of you to +propose it. But if I know Mrs. Manning aright, she will be the last +person in the world to consent to a change in the programme."</p> + +<p>"But may I not speak to her? I know Colonel Mason will consent."</p> + +<p>"Certainly, my dear," assented that gentleman.</p> + +<p>"May I ask her to remain with us for a few months then?" she said again, +turning to Sir George.</p> + +<p>"Undoubtedly you may. And if she is willing to stay in Halifax for the +winter, with her husband's consent, of course, I shall be very happy to +leave her to your care."</p> + +<p>Thanking Sir George for acceding to her request, Mrs. Mason withdrew.</p> + +<p>"It is a dilemma," said Colonel Head, after the door had closed. "And +probably a more serious one than I imagined when I sanctioned it. Still +I think the pros and contras will balance each other. The presence of a +lady in our midst may render our march a little more troublesome, +possibly make our speed a little slower, as well as necessitate greater +care in our appointments on the road. But it will have a good effect, +too. Mrs. Manning is a true lady and is thoroughly in love with her +husband. So it will put the fellows on their honor and make them show a +bit of genuine chivalry as well. She is as bright as a fairy, has lots +of pluck, and what is more, has a capital voice. We can take care of her +and I don't think we'll be out in the end."</p> + +<p>"From your view of the case, I don't think you will," was Mason's +comment. "Still the thing is so unprecedented that it will be impossible +to eliminate the element of risk."</p> + +<p>"Life would not be worth living if we could," returned Sir George. "We +always have it."</p> + +<p>"Well, here's to a successful march and happy ending, whether you take +the lady with you or not."</p> + +<p>And the two gentlemen touched their glasses and drank the toast.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>By this time Mrs. Mason had returned to her own little parlor where +Helen was still resting. Extending both hands she exclaimed: "I have got +it beautifully arranged, my dear; you are to stay with us for the +winter. Sir George Head has given his consent."</p> + +<p>"But, my dear Mrs. Mason——"</p> + +<p>"Now, no objecting at all," interrupted that lady with great vivacity, +as she held Helen's hands tightly within her own. "You need not say a +word but accept the conditions. The idea of you going in January on that +desolate trip is terrible. It is appalling. Now, you must stay with me +and enjoy Halifax while your husband with the rest of the men cut the +road through the woods and build the fort; then you ——"</p> + +<p>"This will not do, Mrs. Mason," Helen in turn interrupted. Her face was +already flushed with excitement. "It is very good of you; but really you +do not understand the conditions. My going with the troops is +imperative. I am sorry you spoke upon this subject to Sir George, for +the only reason I had in crossing the ocean was to go with my husband +and the soldiers on this journey."</p> + +<p>"But the intense cold?"</p> + +<p>"I have lots of woollen things and furs."</p> + +<p>"For hundreds of miles there is not a house."</p> + +<p>"The men will build shanties and heat them with big fires."</p> + +<p>"But the wolves! In winter they are intensely savage and hunt in large +packs."</p> + +<p>Here Helen discomfited her hostess by a ringing peal of laughter.</p> + +<p>"Pity if two companies of soldiers cannot keep a pack of wolves from +eating up a poor lone woman!" she exclaimed. "No, no, Mrs. Mason, +argument is out of the question. I came to go with them and go I will."</p> + +<p>"I suppose I must give in then," said Mrs. Mason, pensively. "You are +incomprehensible. To think of a girl giving up home and friends and +undertaking such a journey in the dead of winter beats me."</p> + +<p>"Ah! but there's something at the end of it, Mrs. Mason," returned Helen +warmly, "which will repay one for all the difficulties and fatigues by +the way."</p> + +<p>"And what is that, pray?"</p> + +<p>"They say that Penetanguishene, and all the islands there, make one of +the most beautiful pictures in the wide world. The old Jesuit Fathers +used to declare that the rocky islands of the bay were in summer just +like Paradise."</p> + +<p>"And to prove it," exclaimed Mrs. Mason, "they froze to death in the +winter to be sure of the comparison; but never mind, my dear, if you are +determined to go, we must do our best to make the trip comfortable for +you. You shall have a little break in the tedium of travel anyway. Our +annual military ball takes place here on Friday night, and you must be +our honored guest. It will not be as large as usual, for some of our +officers have been killed in the war, and others have been wounded. +Still it will be nice and the Governor, Sir John Sherbrooke, and his +wife will both be there."</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I have not anything to wear," said Helen. "You know I did +not expect to attend balls in my new life in the woods."</p> + +<p>"But what of your wedding dress?"</p> + +<p>"That was of white satin; but, of course, it was high neck and with long +sleeves."</p> + +<p>"Still you must have had lace and ornaments of one sort or another with +you?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes! I have some rare old Indian lace of my mother's and a white +crepe veil that my grandmother wore at her wedding."</p> + +<p>"Well, you have the materials. That is very fortunate. And as there are +two more days, we'll see what my own dressmaker can do for you."</p> + +<p>"And where is the ball to be?" Helen asked with growing interest.</p> + +<p>"In the Grand Hall at the Citadel. And let me whisper in your ear: We +will see that you are the belle of the evening."</p> + +<p>"You forget that I am an old married woman!" exclaimed Helen with a +laugh.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you are," commented Mrs. Mason, raising her eyebrows, "but +nevertheless you will conquer the hearts of the men—every one of them."</p> + +<p>Just then Harold entered the room, and hearing Mrs. Mason's statement, +he laughingly declared that he was already jealous. But when she told +him of the discussion relative to the prospective overland journey, he +folded his wife in his arms and kissed her—not once nor twice—but many +times. Whereupon Mrs. Mason put on her spectacles and commenced to +count over the names of the invited guests.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>he old Citadel was brilliantly illuminated. Lights gleamed in every +window. The snow was shovelled clean from the footpaths, and guardsmen +had made smooth the drives for incoming sleighs. The full moon shone +with softened lustre from a cloudless sky, filling the air with +voiceless music, and enveloping with chastened beauty the wide stretches +of ice and snow which mantled the earth.</p> + +<p>Within the citadel a bevy of pretty girls, aided by the junior officers, +had decorated the doors and windows with elaborate care. Festoons of +cedar, sprigs of holly and bunches of red berries, softened by the light +from the candelabra, while innumerable lamps of archaic design added +variety and beauty to the scene.</p> + +<p>The ballroom was decorated with national and colonial flags, those of +the 100th being added to do honor to the occasion; while the Vice-Regal +chair was surrounded with rugs of rich and rare texture. In a +tête-a-tête corner to the left of the main entrance, luxurious, +long-haired, polar bear skins littered the floor; while, on the opposite +side, the feet of the guests sank deep in the furs of buffalo from the +west.</p> + +<p>"What a characteristic room!" exclaimed Helen, as she stood for a moment +at the wide entrance, leaning on the arm of her husband. "I never saw so +many flags and beautiful skins in one room in my life."</p> + +<p>"Nor I either. Still the setting is appropriate—the flags a token of +the present war, and the skins a trophy of the huntsmen's prowess. Furs +are one of the main products of the country, you know."</p> + +<p>"I wonder if it can produce as many women?" said Helen, glancing over +the Hall. "There are few but men here yet."</p> + +<p>"All the more triumph for the women who are," was his answer, as he +looked down with love into her eyes.</p> + +<p>The Governor and Lady Sherbrooke, with Mrs. and Colonel Mason and Sir +George Head, were receiving when they entered. Officers of the garrison +and several from the <i>North King</i> were there, as well as civilians with +their wives and daughters.</p> + +<p>"May I have the honor of the opening quadrille with you?" said Colonel +Mason to Helen after presenting her.</p> + +<p>"I shall be only too happy," was her answer. But a faint flush rose to +her cheek. She would prefer to have danced the opening one with her +husband.</p> + +<p>"The guests are still coming, and our dance will be soon; <i>au revoir</i> +until then."</p> + +<p>Harold and she passed on. More than a dozen ladies had by this time +arrived—most of them young and some very pretty, with white shoulders +and graceful figures. Not a few had flashing diamonds, brought by their +mothers from the old land over the sea, and they sparkled like the eyes +of their winsome wearers as they mingled with the men.</p> + +<p>"How pretty they are!" said Harold, <i>sotto voce</i>. "As fresh as if new +from England."</p> + +<p>"I don't see any of the blue noses they talk about," Helen returned. "It +must be a healthy climate, Harold, if it is cold."</p> + +<p>At this moment Judge and the Misses Maxwell were announced. The Judge, a +large and portly man, crowned with periwig, had a keen, intelligent +face. He was accompanied by his two daughters. One was of the large +blonde type with blue eyes and flaxen hair, always smiling in a decided +way of her own. The other, Miss Maud, was of a different type. No one +would have taken them for sisters. Slight in build and quick in +movement, there was a winsome charm about her that was very engaging. +Perhaps the most distinguishing feature in her manner was her strong, +unconscious frankness. Her features were regular and her eyes black, +while her wealth of dark hair and sweet countenance combined to make her +irresistibly charming. One would think from the color of her hair and +eyes that she should have been a brunette; but her skin was exquisitely +white and the petal of a delicate rose seemed to have planted its hue +upon her cheek.</p> + +<p>In attire the two young ladies differed as much as in personal +appearance. The blonde was dressed in white; but Maud had a robe of +chameleon hue, that reflected in changeable lustre every flash of light +that fell upon it from the chandeliers above. The delicate fulness +revealed by the low corsage was partially hidden by a bunch of violets +from her own indoor garden, while a little circlet of pearls and minute +diamonds flashed upon her neck.</p> + +<p>"What character there is in that face!" said Helen to Mrs. Mason a +moment later, as the Colonel joined her for the dance.</p> + +<p>"Yes, there is. Would you like to know her?"</p> + +<p>"I would indeed!"</p> + +<p>"I will introduce her after the quadrille is over."</p> + +<p>"Thank you."</p> + +<p>Sir John Sherbrooke escorted Mrs. Mason to the upper end of the room. +Then came Sir George and Lady Sherbrooke, followed by Captain Osborne +and one of the colonial dames, while Colonel Mason and Helen brought up +the rear. Together they formed the set for the opening quadrille—and +stately and beautiful it was, as Helen remembered long afterwards.</p> + +<p>All eyes were fixed upon the four couples. With elaborate bows and +graceful formality, they stepped through the figures of the dance. The +measured music from the violins and harps beat a slower time in the days +of our forefathers than now; and there was a dignity and solemnity in +the first dance of the period—almost equivalent to the sacred decorum +of a religious rite—that in this rushing age has been forgotten.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Manning—Miss Maud Maxwell," said Mrs. Mason after the dance was +over. "You young ladies have each expressed a desire to know each +other."</p> + +<p>As they clasped hands and looked into each other's eyes, several moments +passed away; thoughts seemed to be uttered without words.</p> + +<p>"Strangers, and yet not strangers," said Helen. "I could fancy I had +known you for years."</p> + +<p>"It must be the same feeling," said Maud, still holding the extended +hand; "a sweet joy in seeing you, although we never met before."</p> + +<p>"It is all owing to the talk you have made among us," said Mrs. Mason, +taking each young lady by the arm and leading the way to one of the +tête-a-tête corners already referred to. "Maud was always ambitious, +headstrong, wayward. Perhaps a little chat between you two will do each +good. There, I will leave you, but with so many gentlemen and so few +ladies, I cannot guarantee a minute by yourselves."</p> + +<p>"Would you care for a companion in your journey west, Mrs. Manning?" +Maud asked in a swift, low voice, as Mrs. Mason, accepting the arm of +an officer, left them. She must speak while the chance lasted.</p> + +<p>"I know I would," was Helen's startled answer; "but after all that is +said against it, I fear that I could not conscientiously advise."</p> + +<p>"It would be simply glorious to go," said Maud, enthusiastically. "Out +in the starry night with the trees cracking and the wolves howling, +while you are rolled up in your buffalo robes, snug and warm, and safe +from all danger."</p> + +<p>"You young enthusiast! What a splendid companion you would make!"</p> + +<p>"Would I?" and the girl's eyes flashed. "Oh, if I only could!"</p> + +<p>At this moment Mrs. Mason returned to introduce another gentleman.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Mason," said Helen as they arose from their seat. "Do you know +that Miss Maud Maxwell would like to be one of our party?"</p> + +<p>"That is not surprising," was the answer. "I've known Maud ever since +she was a baby, and she was always a Tom-boy."</p> + +<p>"Why traduce my fair name?" said Maud with a laugh.</p> + +<p>"My dear, is it not true?"</p> + +<p>"Please don't be pathetic. I'd like to go; that is all."</p> + +<p>"And you really mean it?" Helen asked, looking gravely into the girl's +face.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do. But I suppose there will be little chance. Father would +oppose it, and no doubt Sir George would also. Still I would give +anything to go with you. But I am engaged for this waltz. Mrs. +Manning—Doctor Beaumont."</p> + +<p>And she walked away with him as Harold joined them. Helen followed the +doctor for some moments with her eyes. His face had a French cast, +although his skin was fairer and his hair lighter than is usually found +in that race.</p> + +<p>"The doctor is devoted to Maud," said Mrs. Mason, "although I do not +think she cares for him."</p> + +<p>"Is he the surgeon who is to go with the regiment?" Harold asked.</p> + +<p>"I think not. Dr. Fairchild is the man spoken of," said Mrs. Mason. "I +suppose I should not mention it, but as you are one of the officers it +can do no harm to tell you. I believe that Dr. Beaumont would like to +go. It will however be finally decided to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Thank you for telling us," said Helen. "I suppose it is out of the +question about Miss Maud going?"</p> + +<p>"Entirely out of the question." returned the elder lady emphatically. +"If they should happen to appoint Dr. Beaumont, she would not dream of +going. H-m, h-m," she continued, wisely shaking her little grey head; +"that throws new light upon it; I do not believe she will really want +to go."</p> + +<p>"My dear, if we do not commence we shall lose our waltz," exclaimed +Harold to his wife, "It is half through already."</p> + +<p>"A thousand pardons, dearie. It is our first since we were married. I +wouldn't miss it for the world," and her winsome smile thrilling him +again, as it had always done, they glided over the floor.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>The next afternoon Maud visited Helen at the Citadel.</p> + +<p>"Our little chat remained unfinished," were almost her first words. +"There were so many unmarried officers at the ball last night that the +gentlemen outnumbered the ladies, and I did not get a chance to speak to +you again."</p> + +<p>"You were sensibly occupied, and I forgive you," returned Helen. "I know +I danced more than I have done for years, and yet only managed to have +two waltzes with my husband."</p> + +<p>"I like Lieutenant Manning," returned Maud. "I had a polka with him, and +his chivalry took me, for he stopped before our dance was over to escort +old Mrs. Tindall across the room. Most young men would have let the lady +look after herself."</p> + +<p>"I knew what I was doing when I married Harold," said Helen with glowing +face. "You see I think so much of my husband that I am willing to +travel to the ends of the earth with him."</p> + +<p>"I would have to love a man like that or I would never marry," said +Maud.</p> + +<p>"You'll find him some day, if you have not already. And what about +Penetanguishene? Do you still desire to be one of our party?"</p> + +<p>"Yes and no," was the girl's reply, her mouth assuming for the moment a +set expression. "I'm afraid I said too much last night. Much as I would +like to go I find it will be impossible. So there is no use even +thinking about it."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps later when our fort is built and the war is over, you will +come."</p> + +<p>"Possibly," and her eyes melted into a dreamy expression. "Let me thank +you for the suggestion. If I can I will."</p> + +<p>"It is probably better so," said Helen, puzzled at such a speedy change +of attitude.</p> + +<p>At this moment Mrs. Mason entered the room.</p> + +<p>"I have just received the latest news," she said. "It was announced at +the officers' quarters this morning, that Dr. Beaumont has received the +appointment as surgeon to the 100th. Colonel Mason told me only a few +minutes ago."</p> + +<p>Helen involuntarily glanced at Maud, but at this moment the frank +expression was absent. Did she know already?</p> + +<p>"Is not this a surprise?" said Helen. "Of course I know nothing about +the appointment, only that rumor last evening gave the place to Dr. +Fairchild."</p> + +<p>"So it did," said Mrs. Mason; "but his father is not well and can ill +spare him. Perhaps that is the reason of the change."</p> + +<p>"I have just been taking back some of my own foolish talk," said Maud, +looking directly at Mrs. Mason. "My sudden fancy of going west with the +regiment was inspired by the fortitude of this brave lady—just an +enthusiastic idea that cannot be realized."</p> + +<p>"But she has promised to visit me at Lake Huron after the war is over," +said Helen.</p> + +<p>"The very time you ought to go yourself," was her hostess' comment.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Mason was one of those kind-hearted ladies who, having no children +of their own, consider it their duty to interest themselves in the +children of others. She always had two or three of her young lady +friends under her wing, and was never contented unless endeavoring to +pilot them to their destined haven. She must not only guide them aright, +but see also that they did not wilfully go wrong. That Maud Maxwell, in +her estimation the sweetest girl in all Halifax, should be allowed to go +on that desperate western journey was not to be thought of for a moment. +If she could not prevent the newly arrived bride from sacrificing +herself on the altar of a "crazy idea," she certainly could prevent Maud +from following suit. At all events she would try.</p> + +<p>There were more ways of killing a cat than one. Persuasion in one +quarter might have no effect, but a square talk in another, might; and +Maud's incomprehensible coolness with Dr. Beaumont might be turned to +advantage. Socially as well as professionally he was a very estimable +young man; and Mrs. Mason was surprised, knowing how deeply he was in +love with Maud, that a better understanding had not been arrived at +between them. Now, however, when she discovered that Maud intended to +make a special appeal to both Sir George and Colonel Mason to allow her +to accompany Helen on the journey, she concluded to turn the association +between Dr. Beaumont and the maiden to the best account, and in her own +quiet way put an end to the mad "project."</p> + +<p>What passed in the way of a curtain lecture between Colonel Mason and +his spouse after the ball was over, there was no one to tell; but the +celerity with which the medical appointment was discussed, decided upon, +and ratified when morning came, was somewhat remarkable. Sir George and +Colonel Mason were closeted together for half an hour after breakfast; +and then a couple of orderlies were summoned, and messages dispatched to +both of the doctors, containing the results of the decision. As a +consequence, Dr. Beaumont's mind was filled with conflicting thoughts +when he received the message. The first impression was surprise, for he +knew it had been otherwise arranged; but as the decision now was final, +he must obey, and his relation to Maud disturbed him. To leave her at +once might render his unreturned love hopeless. If he could have +remained, possibly he might win her yet; but to go away now and stay +perhaps for years, with the attentions and hearts of other men +continually at her feet, seemed more than he could bear.</p> + +<p>Still there was the other side to view. The post of surgeon to the 100th +was a distinct promotion; for he and Doctor Fairchild were both army +officers, and it flattered the spirit of rivalry which existed between +them to be selected over his fellow. The illness of Dr. Fairchild's +father was quietly hinted to both gentlemen as the probable cause of the +change; but the possibility that Mrs. Mason might have had something to +do with the final appointment, was not thought of, much less mentioned.</p> + +<p>The die was cast however, whatever would come of it, and Dr. Beaumont +realized that he must prepare at once for the journey. The mixed blood +of his parentage had made a strong man of him; for he possessed the +passion and vehemence of the Frenchman from his father, tempered by the +stolidity and integrity of the Scotch race from his mother.</p> + +<p>After reporting himself at headquarters, and rapidly making preparations +for the prospective march, it was late in the evening before he could +spare time to call at the Judge's. He had sent no message to Maud. +Still he hoped and believed that she would be ready to receive him. She +must have heard of his appointment. Would she be glad or sorry? How +would she welcome him? Was it possible that she would rejoice at being +relieved of the attentions of an unwelcome suitor? Or was it imaginable +that she would be glad of his promotion, and reward his devotion by +encouragement on the very eve of his departure?</p> + +<p>At any rate he would see and know the truth; and, after walking past the +house several times to soothe his nerves and check the rapid beating of +his heart, he finally knocked at the door for a final interview with +Maud.</p> + +<br /><br /> +<a name="THANK_YOU" id="THANK_YOU"></a> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 80%;"> +<img src="images/p0097.jpg" width="382" height="580" alt="" title="" /> +</div> +<h4>"Thank you very much!" exclaimed Harold</h4> + +<div class="blockquot"><div class="blockquot"><p class="right"><i>Page 27</i></p></div></div> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">H</span>enri Beaumont, although a native of Quebec, was a graduate of an +English university, and it was in London, after obtaining his degree, +that he received his appointment on the medical staff of a British +regiment under orders for Canada. For two years now he had been +stationed in Halifax, and although during the war with the United States +he had seen some active service, his duties had been chiefly confined to +professional work among the troops stationed at the Citadel.</p> + +<p>It was there that Maud met him. Perhaps if she had been less +indifferent, the conquest would not have been so easily accomplished. +But the impression was made at the beginning, and notwithstanding her +apparent coolness, time seemed only to strengthen the one-sided bond +that existed between them.</p> + +<p>His heart was in a tumult as he entered the house that night—hope and +expectation did not balance each other—and minutes elapsed after +meeting Maud before the loud throbs beneath his jerkin ceased.</p> + +<p>"I am sure you heard the news?" he said retaining the hand which she +attempted to withdraw. "I am ordered to be ready to march with Sir +George's men in two days."</p> + +<p>"Yes," she replied, finally retracting her hand, "and I congratulate +you. Your friends, while sorry to lose you, will be glad of your +promotion."</p> + +<p>"That is very kind; but I would give the world to know that some one +really cared."</p> + +<p>He was growing serious already. So she threw back her head and with a +gentle laugh exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Oh, my dear doctor, you don't know how much we shall miss you!"</p> + +<p>"Mon Dieu, Miss Maud! That is very well. But you know what I mean. When +I go away I can't return for a year at least. It is the time, the +absence, that I think of. Won't you give me a chance at all? You know +how I love you."</p> + +<p>"You have your chance now, Doctor—founding a fort—establishing a +settlement—perhaps building a city. That should be enough for any man +to face."</p> + +<p>"But it is not enough, mon ami." The doctor's face flushed and his eyes +glittered as he drew his chair nearer. "I want my love returned. I have +kept myself straight and pure for love of you, Mademoiselle. Do you care +for me at all? Will you not give me one promise before I go?"</p> + +<p>He was pleading very earnestly, a gleam of intense love illuminating his +face. Maud's manner softened a little, although she felt no responsive +thrill. She was not sure of her own heart, and was too wise to commit +herself when she experienced no warmer feeling than that of friendship.</p> + +<p>"You ask for more than I can give," she said. "If I do not love you, how +can I promise?"</p> + +<p>"Have I a rival then?" he asked with passionate earnestness.</p> + +<p>"How dare you ask such a question!" she answered with flushed face. "I +am in love with no one."</p> + +<p>"Then why not grant my desire? In my heart no one can take your place. +For long months I shall see only one other lady, and she the wife of a +brother officer. But I will found a settlement and build a city, too, if +you will only promise to be my—my sweetheart—when I come back again."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you silly man! I promise nothing. Why not simply wait and see. When +away on your long march (she did not tell him how gladly she would have +undertaken it herself if he had not been going) your mind and time will +be occupied with other things. You will never think of me."</p> + +<p>"Never think of you!" he exclaimed passionately. "Perhaps it would be +better for me if I never did. But I shall think of you every day when on +the march, and every night when in the woods we pitch our camp. When the +smoke arises from the pipes of the men around our fires, my thoughts +will be of you; and when rolled in blanket and buffalo robes, during +the long winter nights, I may see the stars through the tall trees, and +hear the owls hooting in the forest; but beyond the stars I shall see +your face, and in my dreams I shall hear your voice. No, Maud Manning, I +may go away, but you cannot get away from me. You fill my soul, my +heart, my whole being. You are my star, my light, my love—and it will +be the same in Penetang, no matter where you are."</p> + +<p>Spite of herself his words thrilled her, and unconsciously she rose to +her feet. She could not sit still any longer. What manner of man was +this French-Scotchman? This passionate pleader, this determined lover? +This soldierly fellow, who, while he worshipped her, accepted the order +to march to the end of the earth, for time indefinite, without a single +murmur of regret? She had never until now been seriously impressed with +his personality. She had seen the passionate, demonstrative side of his +nature; but its integrity and strength, its staunch chivalry and +unselfish devotion, were something new to her—and it was with a feeling +not unlike reverence that she heard his last words. A species of +humility almost akin to love was gradually stealing over her.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry," she said at last, but her voice this time was low and +sweet. "I should have told you sooner."</p> + +<p>"Told me what?" he exclaimed eagerly. "That you never could love me?"</p> + +<p>"No, not that." His intensity was so great, so real, that she dreaded +the future that seemed imminent in his face. She must give him hope, +however slight, until time could soothe the vivid chords of his being, +and until she could read aright the inmost thoughts of her own heart.</p> + +<p>"What then?" was his question.</p> + +<p>"Can you not suggest something else? We have always been friends," she +said.</p> + +<p>"Promise me to remain free for a year. I will do my best and come back +then," he said.</p> + +<p>"Yes, <i>Monsieur le Docteur</i>, for one more year I will not love any one, +for one more year I will be free." And the tone filled his soul with +music. The cloud was raised—the veil was lifted.</p> + +<p>"And I will write," he said. "Will you answer?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," was her quiet response.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mon Dieu! I thank you," was his comment. His face had lost its +sadness.</p> + +<p>They stood together under the chandelier. He, excited, determined, +passionate, with love in every look and gesture, but controlling himself +by a strong effort. She, introspective, observant, wary; and yet with a +warmer kindliness towards her companion than she had ever felt before.</p> + +<p>"I must go," he said at last. "Just a kiss to seal our promise." And he +threw his arm out to clasp her to him. But with one step backward she +raised the hand that was held in his and the kiss fell upon it instead.</p> + +<p>"Good-bye and God be with you," she said.</p> + +<p>"And may He keep you until I return," was his prayer; "but shall I not +see you again? There may be time enough to-morrow?"</p> + +<p>"It would be better not."</p> + +<p>She stood at the door and watched him descend the steps. Then he turned +and, with a last look and a sweep of his chapeau, he disappeared into +the darkness.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">O</span>n the day of the march the temperature was almost down to zero, and the +sky a clear pale blue. The order had been issued for the little column +to be ready at nine o'clock sharp; and cold as it was the whole town was +astir. Union Jacks were flying in honor of the occasion, and many people +were out on the street to witness the departure. The few days that had +elapsed since the arrival of the <i>North King</i> had not passed idly away. +A score or two of teams had been purchased. Long sleighs, bobsleighs, +carryalls had all been secured, and many of them loaded with goods that +Captain Payne had brought over the sea for the building and provisioning +of the prospective fort. Then there were fur robes and blankets, +kettles, pots and tins for the journey, stores of all sorts, and +provisions for the men, fodder and blankets for the horses, as well as +the reserve supply of ammunition, all packed in capacious sleighs, with +drivers ready and horses snorting impatiently for the order to start.</p> + +<p>Punctual to the minute the companies lined up in the square by the +Citadel.</p> + +<p>Sleighs for Sir George and his officers, one for Helen and Harold, and +another for the soldiers' wives, were there in regular order. Then came +the heavy sledges of the commissary department, and last of all the +"bobs" containing the building supplies and ordinance outfit for the new +fort at Penetang.</p> + +<p>As the bell of the little old church on the hill struck nine a salute of +two guns from the Citadel was fired in honor of the event. Adieus had +all been said; hand-shaking was over; and as the shrill tones of the +bugles sounded, the order to march was given. Then the crowd cheered and +the sleighs started upon their long journey; while the soldiers in heavy +overcoats formed a double column and brought up the rear.</p> + +<p>For the commencement of such a journey the day was excellent. The roads +were good, the snow well packed, and soon the procession of ponies and +sledges commenced to swing along at a rapid rate.</p> + +<p>"Put my coat collar higher, please," said Helen to her husband as they +neared the outskirts of the town. Quick driving had made her feel the +cold air more keenly.</p> + +<p>"Will that do?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she replied. "It keeps the wind out. These hot bricks for the +feet are delightful. What a glorious day for a ride! But look at that +big snow bank right in front of us! Bateese! don't upset us, please!"</p> + +<p>"Bateese nevare upset. Et is only de dreef," returned the Frenchman, and +with a crack of his whip he circled around the sloping end of the bank +as the other drivers had done before him.</p> + +<p>It was not so nearly an upset as Helen imagined, but she breathed more +freely when the huge pile of snow was behind them.</p> + +<p>"Do we meet many drifts like that?" she asked a little timidly, for it +was her first experience.</p> + +<p>"Oh! dat is noting," replied Bateese, tossing his head; "but dere is a +great big wan, high as yer head, right on de slope by de beeg hill, jess +befor' you cam to de lumber camp—Gar—he be a fine wan."</p> + +<p>And the habitant cackled and cracked his whip again.</p> + +<p>"Still we can pass it all right?" said Harold.</p> + +<p>"Nevare can tell," returned Bateese, shrugging his shoulders. "It ees on +de end of a heel, where two winds meet—an 'eet may be flat as de diable +in de mornin'—an' so big at night dat you couldn't see ovare de top if +you was ten feet high."</p> + +<p>"How then do you manage?" inquired Helen, who, seeing a twinkle in the +eye of Bateese, was regaining courage.</p> + +<p>"Oh, some tam you go roun, some tam over top after deegin' de snow +awa—and some tam," he continued very impressively, "you make a +tunnel—camp all night in de meedle—and deeg out a t'oder side next +day."</p> + +<p>"And what do you do with your horses while camping?" Harold asked with a +smile.</p> + +<p>"Oh! dat's easy," replied Bateese with perfect gravity. "We jess deeg +places for dem beside de camp—don't have go out in de cole to feed 'em. +Dey eat snow for vater, and de leetle fire keep us all warm."</p> + +<p>"That's a pretty good one, Bateese."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, jess a leetle wan; tell you some more bime-by."</p> + +<p>And the Frenchman's infectious laughter was joined in by both Helen and +Harold as they scudded to the jingle of the sleigh-bells merrily along +the road.</p> + +<p>In a couple of hours the riders had left the heavy sledges and the +soldiers far behind. They had passed the clearings. Open fields became +less frequent, and the stretches of forest more continuous. Sir George +had inquired minutely into the nature and difficulties of the road; and +although he believed that the march for days would be outside of the war +arena, he had sent forward a strong scouting party to reconnoitre.</p> + +<p>The direction they were taking for the first part of the journey was +almost due north, following the sleigh track, which finally joined the +Truro-road along the banks of the Shebenacadie.</p> + +<p>The troops and heavy sledges would come up later, but the order was to +make the first halt at a lumber camp on their line of march, at which +arrangements were already being made by the scouting party for their +reception. By noon the Colonel's sleigh headed the file at the top of a +long hill. Dr. Beaumont was with him.</p> + +<p>"There it is!" he cried. "Yonder are the scouts.</p> + +<p>"You know the place then?" said Sir George.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I've often been here. Mr. Mackenzie has one of the finest lumber +camps in Nova Scotia. See, he is out now talking to Sergeant Banks."</p> + +<p>"A thrifty Scotchman, eh! I hope Banks has managed it. I would like the +whole troop to dine at the camp without touching our rations. You can +settle with Mr. Mackenzie afterwards," he concluded, turning to Captain +Payne.</p> + +<p>"It will be a great relief," returned the latter, "and give us a longer +march this afternoon. Nothing like making a good start on the first +day."</p> + +<p>The sergeant saluted as they drove up.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Mackenzie, this is our Colonel," he said, touching his cap.</p> + +<p>And a tall, massively built Scotchman, with shaggy hair and rugged +features, grasped Sir George's hand warmly.</p> + +<p>"Your men have been telling me about you, sir," he exclaimed. "I am glad +to see you. You must a' be hungry after your cold ride. The cook's doin' +his best to gie ye all a bite. Come right in. Your men can feed the +horses at the stable. Guid sakes, you've got a leddy with ye! and some +women folk, too!" and he finished by doffing his hat gallantly to +Helen.</p> + +<p>"Yes, we are hungry and glad to call a halt, Mr. Mackenzie, and I know +Mrs. Manning will be tired enough to rest."</p> + +<p>Here Harold introduced his wife and the group went inside. The huge +shanty was built entirely of logs, the inside walls hewed flat, the +chinks filled with wood and then covered level with plaster. One side of +the long wall was not more than six feet in altitude, but the opposite +one was twice as high to allow for the sloping slab roof. Scattered +along the two sides were a series of little windows, while in the far +end a pile of dry logs was burning brightly in a huge fireplace. Dining +tables of pine boards, supported on cross sticks, stretched the length +of the room, and were already laden with platters and cups in +preparation for the meal. The cross head table was built in a similar +manner, but instead of benches on either side, there was an array of +chairs, and perhaps in honor of the occasion, clean white sheets were +spread upon it for the coming meal.</p> + +<p>The rough, homely comfort about the place seemed attractive after the +cold drive, and elicited warm compliments from the Colonel.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it will do for the woods," returned Mackenzie, good-humoredly. "We +keep our men warm and comfortable and feed 'em well. The consequence is +that they like the job, and every man of 'em is glad to come back to +the camp when the next season opens."</p> + +<p>"But does not the war interfere with your work and make your men +enlist?" the Colonel asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sometimes; but it is a good thing to have a reputation. If peace +was declared to-morrow, I could get twice the men I need. As it is, half +the young men in the colony have listed. And yet I have all I want. But +dinner is almost ready, so Sir George, you and your men might put your +things in my office here; and, Mrs. Manning," he exclaimed with another +bow, "I haven't got a leddy's boudoir, but if you are not afraid of an +old bachelor's quarters, you might fix and rest yourself in my own den."</p> + +<p>"I shall be only too glad," returned Helen. "This big shanty is so +comfortable, I am sure I would be too warm, if I kept my furs on."</p> + +<p>"Well, just make yourself at home. You are welcome to any little thing I +can do for ye. But, ma sakes, what became o' the other weemen?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, they went off to the men's kitchen with their husbands," returned +Sir George. "You know Corporal Bond and Private Hardman were of the +reconnoitring party."</p> + +<p>And closing the heavy door of Mackenzie's den, Helen laid her wraps upon +his bed. A little mirror was hanging by the window and without delay she +arranged her hair. Then she washed in the pewter bowl and sat down in +the arm chair, the only seat in the room. Soliloquizing, she began to +realize what was before her. Through the little window she saw that the +shanty was close to the woods, an impenetrable forest on every side. +Only half a day out from Halifax, and notwithstanding the presence of +her husband, in a certain sense alone. And if alone, when blessed with +the rude comforts of the log camp and the generous cordiality of the +owner, what must it be when out in the forest night after night, through +all the long months of the winter? There could be no shadow of turning +now—no possibility of retreat. Still she did not lament. It was only +that life seemed more tense—more binding—infinitely more positive and +real!</p> + +<p>A little later, Harold came for her, and they joined Mr. Mackenzie, Sir +George and the officers at the head table, in the big hall of the +shanty. Their host placed Helen and Sir George as his guests of honor. +Then the big gong sounded and the shanty-men in smock frock and blue +jean overalls filed in and took their places.</p> + +<p>"That's a motley crowd, Sir George," said Mr. Mackenzie. They could +easily be observed by the Colonel, for his seat commanded a view of the +whole room.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you have many nationalities here: German, English, Scotch, Irish, +French," said Sir George.</p> + +<p>"But Johnny Canucks are on top every time," was the answer. "They stand +the work well, and make fine lumbermen. They have their peculiarities, +though. See how they spread their molasses on their pork instead of +their bread."</p> + +<p>"Like the Dutchman sleeping on straw with his feather bed on top of +him."</p> + +<p>"Or the Irishman with his potatoes and point."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but the French and the Dutch make the most of it, while Pat +contents himself with a joke."</p> + +<p>"And on it he fattens," returned Mackenzie with a laugh. "But I tell you +my men are well fed, the grub's rough but wholesome, and we often eat a +calf or a deer at a meal besides a pile of other stuff. Our table +doesn't differ much from theirs either," he continued, "but to-day in +honor of our guests, particularly Mrs. Manning and yoursel', Sir George, +I told the cook to make it extra fine. By George, he's sending us +griddled tenderloin, roast turkey and stuffed partridges as well."</p> + +<p>Then they had baked potatoes, cranberry sauce, salaratus cakes and tea.</p> + +<p>"We've only got brown sugar, Mrs. Manning, I'm sorry to say," he +continued, turning to Helen. "And unfortunately our coos are all dry."</p> + +<p>"It's a genuine feast," returned Helen, "and I'm thirsty enough to drink +anything." With an effort she controlled the muscles of her face as she +drank the beverage. Lumber-camp tea in those days was a nauseous draft +to any but the woodsmen themselves.</p> + +<p>By-and-bye the meal was over and Helen made a hasty run to the kitchen +department to see what the women were doing. The lumbermen, too, filed +out of the room to make way for the soldiers who at that moment were +marching down the hill. They were hungry after their long tramp, and did +not require a second bidding, when word came that the tables were ready.</p> + +<p>In offering to settle for the meal so freely granted, the response was a +surprise to Sir George.</p> + +<p>"Take pay for a feed!" cried the Scotchman with a laugh. "Not much, I +reckon we can stand it without smashing the camp. Thank ye kindly, +though."</p> + +<p>"This is too generous altogether," was the protest.</p> + +<p>"Not at all," replied Mackenzie. "Scotch bodies are canny, but when they +say a thing they mean it."</p> + +<p>"Well! we'll not forget you," said Sir George, as he grasped the +generous donor by the hand. "Perhaps some day our turn will come."</p> + +<p>Soon the teams were ready again, and several of the marching officers +took the places of those who had ridden. The result was that Chaplain +Evans was assigned to a seat in Helen's sleigh, while Harold walked +with his men.</p> + +<p>"It can't be helped," said the Lieutenant, as he gave his wife a +momentary caress. "I shall have to ride and march turn about until +Quebec is reached. But you are in good company and there is no danger."</p> + +<p>"Well," replied Helen, forcing a laugh, "your absence will make your +presence all the dearer; so good-bye, sweetheart."</p> + +<p>"Until to-night," was his answer, and throwing her another kiss, he +placed himself at the head of his men.</p> + +<p>"How much further do we go to-day?" Helen asked of Sir George, who came +to speak to her for a moment before getting into his sleigh.</p> + +<p>"About fifteen miles, I think. We want to camp at Shebenacadie to-night. +There will be accommodation in a settler's house for you and the women, +but for the rest of us, the men will have to put up shanties, and the +sooner we get away the better. The scouting party went ahead two hours +ago on snowshoes, so they will have them started when we arrive."</p> + +<p>"But what after to-night?" said Helen.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid we'll have to camp, women as well as men," said the Colonel +with a shrug, and stepping into his sleigh, the cavalcade started.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">F</span>or more than an hour the drive was rapid, the country being less +undulating and the road smoother. Still the way was always through the +woods. Tall pines everywhere stretched skyward, while on the lowlands, +ashes and elms spread out their grey branches, in vivid contrast to the +evergreen above. Scrub oaks on the hillocks still carried the dead red +leaves of the past year; while here and there a beech or a maple added +its varied beauty to the winter landscape.</p> + +<p>Although the road lay for miles along the banks of the Shebenacadie, its +waters could only occasionally be seen. Now and then a wider vista +opened, and a bit of the dashing river, rendered free here and there by +a more rapid current, added picturesqueness to the view. At other places +the bed of the stream was covered with ice, save for an occasional +rollway, where the lumberer had piled his sawlogs upon its broken +surface.</p> + +<p>The drivers had covered more than half the distance to the proposed camp +when they reached the top of a long ridge stretching out on either side. +At the foot of the incline, a stranger sight than they had yet seen +attracted their attention. It was a circle of Indian wigwams, in the +lowest part of the valley, no doubt placed there to protect them from +the winds that prevailed in the uplands. One of the lodges was taller +and broader than the rest, but in other respects they were alike, and of +the usual cone form.</p> + +<p>In the centre of the circle was a huge log fire, around which stood a +promiscuous lot of Indians, squaws and papooses, watching the +approaching sleighs.</p> + +<p>"Are these Indians always friendly?" the Chaplain asked of Bateese, as +they gradually neared the little Indian village.</p> + +<p>"Oui, Monsieur, yees," was the answer. "Dey be Micmacs, and Micmacs goot +Indians. Not like de Hurons, who scalp all de tam. But let white man +cheat a Micmac, or run away wid heem squaw; den by Gar he have revanche. +He follow dat man till he kill him wid his hatchet, den put him in de +ground; and no wan ever hear of him no more."</p> + +<p>"Whew!" exclaimed Helen, with a little shiver. "They must be very good +Indians, indeed, if they kill a man for cheating."</p> + +<p>"Ah, madame! so dey be. Just treat Micmac square, he treat you square +too."</p> + +<p>"How do they build their wigwams?" the Chaplain asked. "They are very +substantial looking."</p> + +<p>"Vell, I tell you. I been in dem manys de time. Dey juss as warm as +Madame's boudoir wid lettle stove in it. Dey make 'em of cedar poles, +tight in groun' and fastened togeder tight at top. Den dey bind dem +roun' all ovare wid strong green bark put on like shingles, and so close +dat water can't get in. Dey make 'em in summare so it dry by wintare. +Nex dey put on straight spruce branches all over de outside and spruce +green branches all over de inside—till it is like de man from de +contree—green all de way tru."</p> + +<p>"Bateese, I didn't know you were so witty," exclaimed the Chaplain.</p> + +<p>"Vell, by Gar, ef a man drive all de tam, day after day all wintare +long, most tam wid no wan to spoke to, an' ees femme or ees fille a +t'ousand miles away, ef ee can't jess tink of somet'ing funny he die."</p> + +<p>By this time the chief with a number of his tribe were out on the road, +and on the approach of Sir George's sleigh he threw up his right arm and +shouted:</p> + +<p>"Kwa."</p> + +<p>"Yer honor, the spalpeen means how do yees do," said Pat, Sir George's +driver, in a low voice.</p> + +<p>"I'm very well, thank you," replied the Colonel, extending his hand. But +the Indian ignored the proffered cordiality.</p> + +<p>"Be jabers, he can talk English, too, for I've heerd him," muttered Pat +in a still lower key.</p> + +<p>"Kwa wenin," next said the Indian, looking straight into the eyes of +Sir George.</p> + +<p>Pat this time remembered more fully, so he turned and spoke aloud: "He +means, who are you? Tell him your name, Sir George, and he'll answer +yees in English."</p> + +<p>"Sir George Head, Colonel of the Soldiers of the Great Father."</p> + +<p>"It is well. White Bear—Chief Micmacum tribum. Always everything two +ways me speakum," replied the Indian in a dignified manner; while this +time he accepted the hand of the Colonel, retaining it firmly in his own +for some moments. The Micmacs, in their association with the whites, had +made a strange jumble of the language. Still, White Bear's English being +intelligible, a few minutes' conversation followed.</p> + +<p>The chief had seen the scouts already, who, after telling him that Sir +George and his soldiers were coming, had gone ahead to prepare for the +night's camp.</p> + +<p>Evidently from the way the chief and his braves strutted around, they +had put on their best costumes in order to meet the representative of +the Great Father.</p> + +<p>White Bear was only armed with a tomahawk, but he was dressed in full +Indian costume, with leggings, moccasins, hunting shirt and wampum belt; +while his head dress, though of mink, was made in civilized style. The +men who stood a few feet in his rear were dressed in more nondescript +fashion. Two or three had muskets, and more than one hatchet and long +knife could be seen beneath the blankets they wore. Further back, but +outside the wigwams, the squaws were huddled together, and beyond them +the children.</p> + +<p>"Great Father send braves, Yankees you fightum?" said the Indian, +feeling proud of his English.</p> + +<p>"Not this time," said Sir George. "The Great Father sends his men to +trade with the Indians up the Ottawa and on the great lakes toward the +setting sun."</p> + +<p>"Takum squaws too?" was the next question, with a side glance at Helen +and the women in the next sleigh.</p> + +<p>"Not many squaws," replied Sir George, gravely. "Just enough to make the +men behave themselves. More will come by-and-bye."</p> + +<p>"When White Bear make bargain squaw nevel speakum," said the Indian, +sententiously.</p> + +<p>"Do you hear that, Mrs. Manning?" cried the Colonel to Helen, who was +near enough to hear the words of the conversation. "But we must drive +on. I am glad to have met you, Chief."</p> + +<p>Again they shook hands; White Bear once more raised his right hand above +his head as before; and, simultaneously, the band of Indians joined in +the parting salutation, "Kwa."</p> + +<p>The tone was so fierce and loud that the women started. It sounded more +like a war-whoop than an expression of good-will; and they were glad to +commence their journey again. But the Indians remained where they were +until the last of the sleighs had passed. Then Sir George raised his +helmet in salute, and in answer to his courtesy, White Bear pulled off +his mink skin and once more yelled "Kwa." Whereupon the sleighs +quickened their speed to make up for lost time, while the Indians +returned to their lodges.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>he second night of the long march was passed by all in newly made camps +far away from human habitation. It was very different from the first +night, in which a comfortable house was secured for the lodging of the +women, refreshing both Helen and the soldiers' wives for the next day's +travel. But this time they, too, had to abide like the soldiers in the +woods.</p> + +<p>The sun was still above the horizon when the sleighs reached the little +valley in which it was decided to pitch their camp for the night. The +spot was well chosen, being sheltered from the winds. It lay close to a +little tributary of the Shebenacadie.</p> + +<p>Already the scouting party had commenced work. They had felled a big +pine across a narrow ravine, leaving space between it and the earth +sufficient to utilize it as a beam pole for a large improvised wigwam. +Some of the men were chopping off the long branches and leaning them +against the fallen trunk, while others were cutting down saplings for a +similar purpose.</p> + +<p>"That's a good beginning," said the Colonel, as he stepped out of his +sleigh and stretched his limbs after the cramping of the long drive. "A +fine selection, too; lots of water and no wind. Now, every man must do +his best, for it will be dark in an hour, and it will take until then +for the troops to arrive. Chaplain, cannot you and the Doctor fix a +place at one end of that shanty specially for Mrs. Manning, and make it +snug and warm? She will have to camp out with her husband this time."</p> + +<p>"That will be clerical work of a new kind," replied Mr. Evans with a +laugh. "But I can say grace over it while Beaumont does the fixing. How +will that do?"</p> + +<p>"Capital. If you will also arrange the rugs and blankets while attending +to your devotions," responded the Doctor. "I think the wigwam idea +excellent. When hunting in winter I always prefer a shanty to a tent."</p> + +<p>"Come along, then," exclaimed the Chaplain. "I see they've got the poles +up at that end already. If Madame will excuse us, we'll soon fix her +little boudoir; and by the time Lieutenant Manning arrives, he'll find +his castle built and his lady waiting at the gate to receive him."</p> + +<p>"It is very good of you," said Helen. But there was a look of concern +upon her face, for they had hoped when starting to cover five more miles +that day, in which case they would again have found a house for her to +pass the night in. As it was, there was nothing but woods on every side, +and even Harold would not arrive until the darkening.</p> + +<p>Colonel Head's kindly eye noted the distress, which Helen was doing her +best to hide.</p> + +<p>"There is no help for it. We've got to take things as they are," he +exclaimed cheerfully. "It may be a good thing after all that we can't +cover the other five miles. The men are tired enough, and this spot is +simply ideal for a camping ground."</p> + +<p>"I believe it is," returned Helen, who in watching a dozen men swing +their axes to good advantage, was regaining her courage. "The women are +helping and so will I."</p> + +<p>Every one worked hard. Sir George, too, was constantly on the move, +issuing orders and making suggestions to facilitate the completion of +the preparations for the night. The experience in army life, which the +soldiers' wives had learned in Europe, proved of advantage now. It was +on this account they had been selected to accompany the column, and the +wisdom of the choice was proving itself already. What added cheerfulness +to the prospect, too, was the big fire of dead timber built by the +scouts.</p> + +<p>Helen watched with interest the details of the work going on around her. +She was laying in a store of knowledge for future use; and before the +wigwams and tents were ready for the night, she helped not a little to +make them comfortable.</p> + +<p>As the tired men marched down the hill to the camp, some of the wigwams +were ready for occupation. The horses had been provided for in an +enclosure made by the arrangement of the sleighs, and supper was ready. +Caldrons of pork and beans were sizzling on the fire, while tea and +bread from the Halifax supply were there for all. The officers' mess, +too, was a jolly one with its added fresh meat, biscuits and jam.</p> + +<p>"My darling," said Harold to his wife, after the meal was over and they +stood together for a few minutes by one of the blazing fires. "I realize +now more than ever what you have sacrificed for me, and how much you +were willing to endure."</p> + +<p>"Don't talk in that way, please," she returned, pressing his arm, but at +the same time dashing away a tear. "I was very willing to come, Harold, +and I have never been sorry that I did."</p> + +<p>"And a brave little woman you are."</p> + +<p>"I try hard. It will be easier when I get used to it. The worst of all +is the loneliness, but that I knew would come."</p> + +<p>"It is the hardest at the start, dearest," he said, holding her tighter +by the hand.</p> + +<p>"Forgive me, Harold. I know I am silly, but this is the anniversary of +my mother's death. Is it any wonder that I should feel a little blue? +But never mind my foolishness, I will be better to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Foolishness, indeed! You are the dearest and best woman that ever +lived. I had not forgotten either; and if I could I would have been +with you all day."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm not going to be disconsolate any more," she exclaimed in a +gayer tone. "You have not seen the dainty little wigwam that the Doctor +and Chaplain have fixed up for us among the pine branches. They have +covered the floor with pine needles. Then our bed is the funniest thing +of all. It is a pile of small pine branches, covered with another of +cedar. Over that are blankets, next a huge buffalo robe and pillows, and +over all some more blankets and another buffalo robe on top. For a door +you shove a slab of wood away and squeeze in. When inside you light a +candle to find a sloping branchy roof, seven feet high on one side and +four on the other, with a floor space that is quite large and green +branches all around."</p> + +<p>"Is that your cozy corner Mrs. Manning is talking about?" said Dr. +Beaumont, who at this moment joined them.</p> + +<p>"Yes, she is giving a graphic description of your skill as a builder," +replied Harold, laughing.</p> + +<p>"We did our best, and the Chaplain said grace over it, too; but it is +not much in the way of a lady's bed-chamber; sans stove, sans windows, +sans crockery, sans everything, but a place to sleep in," said the +Doctor.</p> + +<p>"Well, I only hope that your quarters will be as comfortable," was +Helen's laughing comment.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, we looked after that. What is more, we fixed our own bunk +right next to yours, so that if anything happens to the Queen of our +party, we shall be on hand to attend to her wants forthwith, whether +medical or spiritual," rejoined the Doctor.</p> + +<p>"How kind you are! What's that?" she exclaimed, turning her head to +catch the sounds, for in the distance a long shrill howl was heard.</p> + +<p>"Dem's wolves, Madame," said Bateese, as he brought up another armful of +wood for the fire. "Dere's anoder and anoder, sacré! de'll be lots o' +dem to-night."</p> + +<p>"What a gruesome sound!" returned Helen with a shiver.</p> + +<p>"The pack must be large," said Sir George, as he approached with Captain +Payne. "You had better give orders," he continued to the latter, "to +have big fires kept up all night. They say that when the wolves are +numerous as well as hungry, they will even attack a camp if not well +guarded. What do you know about them, Bateese?"</p> + +<p>"Some tam dey very fierce, Monsieur, and when hongree will chase 'eem +right roun' de fire till 'ee shoot 'eem dead."</p> + +<p>"They are not coming this way," said the Chaplain, who was also +listening.</p> + +<p>"Na, na," said Bateese. "Dey smell long way off, and go 'roun' and +'roun' before ever dey come to camp."</p> + +<p>"You don't say that we are in for fun to-night, do you?"</p> + +<p>"Don't say noffin," replied Bateese with a shrug. "Only dey won't be +here for a long tam anyway."</p> + +<p>"Will you take me to see the other women, Harold, before we go to bed?" +said Helen with another little shiver.</p> + +<p>"You are surely not afraid with such a body of troops around you, Mrs. +Manning?" queried the Colonel.</p> + +<p>"Not a bit, Sir George," was her answer, and she turned upon him a face +that showed no trace of fear, "but I want to visit the women a few +minutes and see how they fare."</p> + +<p>"By jove, we are blest with having such a woman with us!" said the +Colonel to the little crowd about him, as the two moved away. "It gives +us a bit of civilization right in the woods; and God knows we need it. +She's a treasure, and you men must do what you can for her."</p> + +<p>"We will all do that, sir," was the hearty response.</p> + +<p>Helen found the women seated on a log with their husbands beside a fire +near the middle of the men's quarters. They, too, were discussing the +wolf question.</p> + +<p>"Just listen!" exclaimed Mrs. Hardman in alarm. "There must be twenty of +'em. They might come to us when there is such a lot."</p> + +<p>"Let 'em come," said Mrs. Bond, tossing her head. "What's twenty wolves +agin two 'undred men?"</p> + +<p>"That's not it," said the other woman. "They're such sneaks. They say +they can squeeze into any 'ole. I wouldn't want one of them beasts in my +bunk for a bed-fellow."</p> + +<p>"You need not be alarmed," said Lieutenant Manning. "There will be a +fire in front of each camp all night, and plenty of men on guard. If the +women are afraid though, Corporal, it might be better to put in a few +more stakes to block up the bunks more thoroughly."</p> + +<p>"P'raps it would. We'll attend to it, sir." And the two men went off to +cut the stakes and put them in place.</p> + +<p>Helen remained with the women a little longer, while Harold crossing +over to speak to the Colonel, told him of Mrs. Hardman's alarm. Sir +George laughed. Nevertheless, he gave the final order to double the +guard for the night, with relief every two hours instead of three. At +ten o'clock the bugle sounded the men to bed.</p> + +<p>The large fires in front of the camps made them warm and comfortable; +and in another hour the whole camp was still, while the guards on duty +stood and lounged around the blazing fires. Silence and quietude reigned +supreme, save for the crackling of the faggots and the howling of the +wolves. For a time the sounds were very distant, seemingly miles away.</p> + +<p>Hour after hour passed by. Snuggled beneath the blankets the men and +women were sleeping. Suddenly the howling, which had been circling in +the distance the whole of the night, concentrated in one direction, and +gradually the sounds grew louder and the tones clearer.</p> + +<p>Captain Cummings, knowing that the drivers would be familiar with the +country and the habits of the animals, had arranged for two of them to +take part with the pickets on each watch. This time both Bateese and Pat +were on duty.</p> + +<p>"Sacre! de dem wolf comin' straight for us," exclaimed the former.</p> + +<p>"Be jabers! They're on a bee line down the Truro-road," added Pat. "In +foive minutes the howlin' pack 'll be on us as sure as shootin'. Pile on +the dry pine, boys," he called out in a higher key. "Whin ther's a big +pack and a cowld night, it'll take a tremendous fire to keep the +spalpeens from sessling right into us."</p> + +<p>"We'd better call out the men," suggested a private.</p> + +<p>"Holy Peter! we must call the drivers too, or the horses 'll be afther a +stampede," was the answer.</p> + +<p>But both drivers and soldiers had heard the wolves and were up. Captains +Cummings and Payne and Sir George, too, were already out, and the men, +many of them only half dressed, with guns in their hands came tumbling +after them.</p> + +<p>"We may as well see the end of this," cried the Colonel.</p> + +<p>"Heavens! Yonder they come," shouted Cummings; and at the top of the +long incline, leading out of the valley, a dark, surging mass could be +seen clearly in the moonlight.</p> + +<p>On they came straight down the road, filling the air with unearthly +yells. Some in the centre were on a steady run; others at the side +scampered irregularly to the right or left; while a few young and lanky +fellows leapt madly over the backs of others in order to get to the +front.</p> + +<p>"Quick, men! Rifles ready," called out Cummings, as the men got into +position before the unusual foe. The wild rush of the wolves was checked +as they neared the blazing fires. Still, as Pat said, "Numbers made them +bould." There were more than a score of the hungry brutes; and the sight +of fire was not enough to divert their attention from horses and men +that they saw within their reach.</p> + +<p>As they struck the camp they set up a more terrific howl than ever, and +made a sort of momentary halt. The leaders, a couple of huge fellows, +turning grey with age, seemed in a quandary whether to turn to the right +or to the left. Then they made a rush toward the riflemen who stood +nearest, and the whole pack came on.</p> + +<p>"Fire!" cried the Colonel.</p> + +<p>One of the old greys dropped and several others with him. With a +cowardly yell the animals veered; but it was only for a moment. Then, +some savagely turned on their fellow-comrades to tear them limb from +limb, while others scattered to right and left. Again the men fired, and +then charged with fixed bayonets, rushing on the animals with cold +steel.</p> + +<p>By this time the whole force was roused, and clinching their guns +appeared on the scene. But brief as it was, the battle was almost over. +A number of the wolves were killed, some were wounded and others, still +unhurt, retreated into the forest; while one or two, surrounded by the +bayonets of the men, made a wild dash through the camp for the woods on +the further side.</p> + +<p>Helen did not go to sleep early that night. The excitement of the day's +travel, together with the new conditions, had unsettled her nerves. +Consequently, a couple of hours passed away before sleep came, and then +troubled dreams marred her rest.</p> + +<p>The mad yells of the wolves as they neared the camp awoke both her and +Harold. With a suppressed scream, Helen clutched her husband as he +sprang up to don his outer-clothing. Then came the fire of the first +shots.</p> + +<p>"Don't leave me," she pleaded, in momentary terror. "What if a wolf +should squeeze in between the poles!"</p> + +<p>"No fear of that, dearest," he answered, pulling on his boots and tunic +in less time than it takes to tell. "But I won't leave you. There has +been no general call for the men as yet."</p> + +<p>"The only way in or out is through that passage," she cried, calm again, +and busy dressing while she spoke. The shooting continued and the shouts +of the men grew louder, while there was less yelling of the animals. +Then came a wild hurrying and stampeding around the camp. Harold had +stuck a lighted candle in a crotch and a brace of pistols in his belt. +In another moment he was ready for anything.</p> + +<p>"What's that?" exclaimed Helen with a wild shout.</p> + +<p>Harold turned instantly, and by the dim light saw that the slabs at the +entrance were being wriggled.</p> + +<p>"By heavens, it's a wolf!" he shouted, and almost without taking aim he +fired one of his pistols at the head of a monster which was squeezing +between the poles. The bullet grazed his shoulder, but with a gruesome +howl and snapping jaw he continued forcing himself into the narrow cell. +Helen, shrinking to the further end, seized a dirk from the sheath in +which it hung, while Harold fired his second pistol. This time the ball +passed through the wolf's neck into his body. Still he was not killed, +and snapping savagely he floundered into the room.</p> + +<p>Then came the life and death struggle between Harold and the wolf. With +his empty pistol he struck him a fierce blow upon the head, while the +wolf's teeth clutched the young man's leg.</p> + +<p>"Quick, the knife," he gasped, and like a flash the dirk was buried in +the brute's heart. The jaws relaxed. The leg was free again and the huge +wolf rolled over.</p> + +<p>The candle was still alight as Harold staggered, a gory spectacle, to +his couch. Helen, too, was trembling and spotted with blood. Bravely she +had faced it all and had not swooned.</p> + +<p>"How terribly he has bitten you!" she cried with quivering lips.</p> + +<p>"Only a scratch," was his answer. But the shots and Helen's screams had +been heard, and the poles were being forced aside. Sir George, the +Doctor, Cummings and others had come to the rescue.</p> + +<p>"What in heaven's name have you here?" cried the former in consternation +as, in putting his head in, he almost fell over the body of the dead +animal.</p> + +<p>"We've been entertaining a wolf," Harold gasped.</p> + +<p>"And he's been trying to kill my husband," Helen added, bravely keeping +back the tears.</p> + +<p>"You're not dead yet, though," exclaimed the Doctor. "Can you stand up, +old man?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly I can." And Harold, spattered with blood, rose to his feet. +"The rascal nipped my leg, though. Perhaps you had better look at it, +Doctor."</p> + +<p>"Come outside then, if you can walk." He managed to reach the blazing +fire, followed by Helen. And there the Doctor dressed the wound.</p> + +<p>When the other men dragged out the dead animal before putting the place +to order again, they were amazed at their discovery.</p> + +<p>"Why, it's the big she-wolf!" Cummings exclaimed. "The mate of the old +grey that was shot. What a desperate fight Manning must have had!"</p> + +<p>"And his wife," echoed Sir George. "The wonder is that she retained her +senses at all."</p> + +<p>Harold's hurt was not a severe one. Fortunately it was but a dying snap, +and the blood on his clothes was from the wolf. So he cleaned and +changed them; and Helen with water and sponge refreshed herself too. +Half an hour later they returned to their own wigwam. But the men had +not been idle. They had made it over again; and they found their bunk as +good as new. So after each had taken a glass of old wine, which Harold +had fortunately brought with him, they once more retired to rest. The +outside guards were changed, and soon the men of the troop were trying +to sleep again, in preparation for the next day's march.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">N</span>otwithstanding the exciting disturbances of the night, to both men and +beasts, the troops were up by daylight. Breakfast was over, the camp was +struck, and all were ready to march before the sun in the clear winter +sky was much above the horizon. During the last of the preparations, +Helen, wrapped in her furs, was seated on a log by one of the fires. +While waiting for Harold she was busy jotting down notes in a scrap book +that lay on her knee.</p> + +<p>"Well, dearie!" he exclaimed, as he joined her with a slight limp. "We +start in ten minutes. Are you quite ready? But what is this you are +doing?"</p> + +<p>"Just scribbling a bit," she replied. "Commencing my diary. And how is +the leg? It must hurt you."</p> + +<p>"Only a little. The Doctor has dressed it again. He says it is a mere +trifle. The thick folds of my trousers saved me from a bite that might +have been serious. So you are turning historian, are you? Commencing, I +suppose, with a thrilling tale of adventure."</p> + +<p>"Last night's experience should be thrilling enough to make a record +of, don't you think?" was her answer.</p> + +<p>"Well, yes; if you only put it down right. You should commence with an +account of the brave lady who, without fear, seized a dagger and by her +dexterity saved the life of her husband."</p> + +<p>"What do you take me for? Any more nonsense like that?"</p> + +<p>"There is no nonsense about it, my dear. Where would I have been but for +you? Both my pistols empty, clutched by a big wolf, and no knife within +reach until you handed it to me. No, my dear Mrs. Manning, you were +veritably your husband's preserver. Put it down quick, for we have +scarcely a minute to lose."</p> + +<p>"It is too late," she returned with grave perspicacity. "The first +chapter is closed. What I have writ, I have writ, and there's the end +o't." And closing her scrap book she opened her reticule to put it in.</p> + +<p>"But my brave lady," he cried. "My heroine of the midnight battle, won't +you let me see what you have writ?"</p> + +<p>"That is a question," was her laughing answer, putting her bag behind +her back.</p> + +<p>"Why so?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Because——"</p> + +<p>"Because what?"</p> + +<p>"Because you shouldn't see anything I put down. I just thought I would +write a bit each day until we get to Penetang; but there are things +which a woman would not want to tell to a man, even her husband."</p> + +<p>"I never thought of that," he replied gravely. "Still, there may be +truth in it."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to be mean, Harold," she said relentingly, handing him the +scrap book. "Read it this time, but please let me write what I want +without showing it to you again, until we reach Penetang anyway. I +promise that you may read the whole of it then if you insist."</p> + +<p>"Well, I agree," he replied, stooping to kiss her. "Writing letters to +nobody with nobody to read them."</p> + +<p>"Who else should read them but the nobody for whom they were written," +was her laughing response.</p> + +<p>The horses were harnessed, but he had still time to glance hastily over +the first entry of her diary. It ran thus:</p> + +<p>"Shebenacadie, Nova Scotia, Jan., 1814.</p> + +<p>"Just three days and nights since we left Halifax. The weather sharp, +cold and bright, with scarcely a cloud in the sky at any time, and jolly +long drives they have been. We had great fun at a lumber camp on our +first day out. A good-natured Scotchman was what they call 'Boss' and he +made it very pleasant for us. He gave us an excellent dinner and was +very gallant to us all, but he tried to be funny, too. For instance, he +told me it was lucky I was not going to stay in Nova Scotia, for if I +did, I would become a 'blue-nose' like the rest of the women, for I was +catching the disease already.</p> + +<p>"I laughingly repudiated the charge and told him it was a calumny upon +the Nova Scotia women, for their noses were all a natural color.</p> + +<p>"'My dear woman,' he replied, 'I'm no daft. Their noses are all blue, +but for the sake of effect they just paint 'em pink.'</p> + +<p>"The Doctor heard him and shook with laughter, while Mr. Mackenzie +reiterated: 'Fact, madame, fact! When you come back jess ask Mrs. Mason +and she'll tell you.' I feel sure he was joking, although my nose was a +little blue at the time from the extreme cold. Still the 'Boss' is a +fine specimen of his race; rough, generous and warm-hearted. I wonder if +he has a wife. If not the sooner he gets one the better, for like Harold +he could make a woman happy.</p> + +<p>"That afternoon we passed an Indian camp. Some of the redskins were +armed, and as there were a lot of them, and only a few of us in sleighs, +it didn't seem safe, until we had driven on and they had shouted their +last 'Qua.'</p> + +<p>"But the horror of all was last night, only three or four hours before +dawn, where, if it had not been for a providential candle, Harold would +have been killed. Oh, that blessed candle! I have stowed it away already +among my most valuable belongings in commemoration of the event. The +fiendish eyes of that gaunt wolf made my blood run cold as he wriggled +through the bars into our camp. Harold shot him twice with his pistols +and afterwards stabbed him to the heart with his dagger; still he could +not have done it but for that little candle which he had stuck between +the branches before the fight began. What a terrible scene it was! When +Harold and the brute were locked together and the blood spurted all +over, I felt sure that it was Harold's. I almost fainted. But somehow I +just wouldn't. So I grabbed hold of the wolf's leg and helped to roll +him on his back. It was all the help I could give. The whole thing was +horrible to think of. It made my blood curdle. But I don't care so long +as Harold is all right. I always knew what a good, true man my husband +was, but never before did I know how brave he could be. He's the——"</p> + +<p>But here the record broke off abruptly, caused no doubt by the said +Harold's arrival. "I wonder how you purposed concluding that last +sentence?" he asked with a laugh, as he handed back the book. "Possibly +the dash was merely a happy substitute for something else."</p> + +<p>"On second thought I don't think I'll finish it," she said, dryly. "Just +leave it for you to conjecture."</p> + +<p>"And am I to read no more chapters?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Not even one," she replied, nodding her head. "A woman's fiat is like +the law of the Medes and Persians—it cannot be altered."</p> + +<p>"So be it," he assented, while he helped her into the sleigh. "I shall +restrain my curiosity until the manuscript is finished. But woe betide +you if you do not let me read it then." And they both laughed.</p> + +<p>The next moment the bugles sounded, the sleighs and troops were already +in order, and on the word of command the journey was resumed.</p> + +<p>Helen's diary continued.</p> + +<p>"Camp, —— miles northwest of Truro, Jan'y ——, 10 p.m., 1814.</p> + +<p>"I thought I would write a little in my diary every day when I +commenced, but here, on the very start, I have missed a day already. +Perhaps it was because Harold, on account of the wolf's bite, has been +with me ever since. To-day it has been terribly cold, and I was afraid +he might be worse, but thank heaven he is not. The roads are still good +through this mountainous region, and without many drifts either. Bateese +pretends to be disgusted. He says they are not worth a 'tam,' for he has +been doing his best to find a drift to camp in ever since we started. So +we laugh and tell him it is foolish to despair.</p> + +<p>"Last night we were on the lookout for wolves again. We sat on logs +around the camp fires until quite late listening for them; but there was +not a single howl. We did hear something, however, that was at least +more amusing. The men had made our little camp comfortable for us, and +Harold and I were having a chat by ourselves before turning in for the +night. Perhaps I felt moody again in the still air and deep solitude of +the woods. It was so new and strange to me—so different from anything I +had ever experienced.</p> + +<p>"Suddenly we heard singing in the habitants' camp. The drivers were +seated around their own fire and listening to Bateese. I wonder if I can +remember the words of the quaint little song. It ran something like +this:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Ma luffly gal she ees so neat,</span> +<span class="i2">She be ma femme come by-am-bye;</span> +<span class="i0">She ope her leetle mouf so sweet</span> +<span class="i2">An' all de day sing lullaby.</span> + +<span class="i0">Ven she vas baby dress in print,</span> +<span class="i2">Her petite nose vas vide an' pug,</span> +<span class="i0">So dat it make her eyes go squint</span> +<span class="i2">Ven she shut up her leetle mug.</span> + +<span class="i0">Her arms so short, her feet so long,</span> +<span class="i2">Dey make you tink of kangaroo;</span> +<span class="i0">Still, mon devoir, I sing ma song</span> +<span class="i2">An' tell de story all to you.</span> + +<span class="i0">But she so fair, her hair like gold,</span> +<span class="i2">Her bref is like de rose to smell;</span> +<span class="i0">An' vat care I for tings I told,</span> +<span class="i2">I luff dat leetle gal so well.</span> + +<span class="i0">An den who cares vat people say?</span> +<span class="i2">Mon Dieu! e'en d'ough de night owls sing,</span> +<span class="i0">It ees no mattare. Ve'll be gay</span> +<span class="i2">An' Cure'll marry us in spring.</span> +</div></div> + +<p>"Then the men laughed and we laughed too. Somehow it roused my spirits, +and I liked Bateese all the better for singing his foolish little +ditty."</p> + +<p>Diary continued.</p> + +<p>"Miramichi River, New Brunswick, 240 miles from Halifax, Feb. ——, +1814.</p> + +<p>"I intended to write in my diary every day when I started, but, 'The +best laid schemes of men and mice gang aft aglee.' Several weary days +have gone since I used my pencil last. I was more than half sick and did +not feel like writing. But now I am better; so start anew and will try +to keep it up. Harold has been very good to me; and so have the Doctor +and the Chaplain, and the Colonel and everybody. Still travelling twenty +miles a day, no matter how you feel, is no joke, particularly when you +have to camp out in improvised shanties every night, no matter how +intense the cold. Two of the days it stormed furiously and Bateese had +all he could do to keep our sleigh from upsetting in the drifts. Some of +the others did go over much to their discomfort, and we began to prize +Bateese all the more for his dexterity, even if he does brag a bit. When +the blast was the keenest both the women got their noses frozen. That +was two days ago, and their driver discovered it just as we stopped to +camp for dinner.</p> + +<p>"'By gar!' he cried out vehemently, 'de vemen's noses bot' be friz.'</p> + +<p>"Bateese dropped his lines into Harold's hands and almost with a bound +reached the other sleigh. Then the two men commenced at once to rub the +frozen noses with snow, much to the disgust of the women. But opposition +was useless. It was the right thing to do, and at the same time a rare +joke to the Frenchmen who continued to jabber their patois.</p> + +<p>"'Be quiet now, Femme Bond,' cried Bateese. 'You no want your nose drop +off.'</p> + +<p>"'Ardman never look at 'im femme again wid big hole in him face," yelled +the other. ''Old steel I say.'</p> + +<p>"The women realized the truth and slowly the white ivory hardness of the +two noses disappeared, and they became red and soft again.</p> + +<p>"Dey must cover de face wid wraps all de rest of de day" was Bateese's +parting injunction as he left them to return to his own sleigh.</p> + +<p>"We are lucky in having Bateese for a driver. He is usually so amusing +with his stories. At first we used to believe all he said. Now we +discriminate, and laugh at his tales about bears and things as heartily +as he does himself. Speaking of Bruin reminds me that I saw wild bears +for the first time yesterday. Harold was with me. The Colonel's sleigh, +as usual, was just in front of ours; and as our horses slowly ascended a +steep hill on the curve, we saw a big black bear, with two little cubs +some months old, sitting on her haunches right in the road—a most +unusual thing, for bears as a rule hibernate during the winter.</p> + +<p>"Sir George's horses reared, while the men in his sleigh picked up their +guns and fired. The old bear dropped, but the little ones were not hurt, +and instead of running away they cuddled beside their dead mother. Such +a pitiful sight! Some of the men clamored to keep the cubs for mascots; +and the habitants declared that the journey would be lucky if they did. +I was glad when the Colonel gave his consent, for I hated the idea of +killing the cunning little things; and if left without their mother they +would surely die. So some stayed behind to skin and dress the bear, for +it was so much added to our larder; and also to fix a box to put the +little cubs in. Funny, too, that this should happen on what they call +'Bear-day.'</p> + +<p>"And last night we had roast bear for supper. It has a strong taste, but +as I am getting well, and hungry again, I relished it as a change from +our regular diet.</p> + +<p>"Harold was telling me afterwards that one of the cubs is a male and the +other a female; and that the two companies are to have one apiece. The +funniest part of it is that they christened them both with singaree—one +to be called Helen and the other Manning. I knew the officers were very +kind, but I never suspected that the soldiers cared a button for me. +Pshaw! There's a tear on my paper. I wonder where it came from?"</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<h3>HELEN'S DIARY CONTINUED.</h3> + + +<p><span class="dropcap"><small><small><sup>"</sup></small></small>R</span>estigouche River, Feb. ——.</p> + +<p>Four more days' journey without writing a +line: and then the long, long nights. The same old story; riding all +morning, then helping the women to fix things for dinner in the woods. +Then riding all afternoon till nearly sundown, followed by the +excitement and turmoil among the men, in building camps for the night. +It is a strange life to lead. Three weeks since we left Halifax, and +only once inside a house during all that time. Just think of it. Camping +in the woods among the hills every night no matter how it snows or how +it freezes. Still, as long as it has to be, the woods are better than an +open plain; and the denser, the kinder, for they break the cold winds +from the icy northland. There is always a big fire before each shanty +when we retire for the night; but after you get into bed, the soughing +of the winds through the trees of the forest sounds very weird. Down in +the valley where the men pitch the tents may be still; but away in the +tops of the tall pines, a whole legion of elfs are sounding their harps +and scampering through the branches. How often when you lie still with +eyes wide open, waiting for sleep that will not come, you can see the +glittering stars through the chinks above you, while the fairy imps go +by in myriads, blowing their tiny whistles and twanging their lutes in +tune to the elfish music of the night. By-and-bye, tired nature whiles +you to the silent land; but the dirge goes with you even to the world of +dreams.</p> + +<p>"Then by the break of day the bugle sounds. Up you start to make a crude +toilet. You stow away your little bits of goods and chattels, eat your +breakfast of biscuit and bacon and tea, and while men are tearing your +bunk to pieces and packing it for the journey, you in turn take your +place in the caravan, counting the days of the fathomless past and the +inevitable days of the future.</p> + +<p>"But how lucky it is that there are incidents to note. It keeps one +thinking, so I watch the officers and men in their strange methods. +Sunday, Monday and Saturday are alike to them; except that the Chaplain +holds a short service after breakfast every Sunday morning. Just as +battles are fought more frequently on Sunday than any other day, so +soldiers when marching want to cover more ground on that day than any +other. I wonder if it is because they want to follow our Saviour's +teaching?</p> + +<p>"Then all seem to have forgotten the past. They live in the actual +present. Even the Chaplain, whom one would expect to find as grave as a +judge, is, I verily believe, the jolliest man in the whole party. He +doesn't seem to have a single care. One day as we halted for dinner, a +big black squirrel got cornered among some logs; and he was the first to +jump from his sleigh to try and catch him. Of course others followed to +join in the chase. But the squirrel was not to be caught, and he chirped +merrily as he scampered up a beech tree. Captain Cummings was for +shooting him.</p> + +<p>"'Let the poor beggar alone,' cried the Chaplain with a hearty laugh. +'When we run it's our fun, when he runs it's his.'</p> + +<p>"Another time when it was his turn to ride in our sleigh, I happened to +say as we neared the camping ground that I would dearly love to have +venison for supper again.</p> + +<p>"'Do you hear that, Bateese?' he cried to the driver, giving him a punch +in the back. 'Madam says she won't eat a bite of supper unless you +provide her with venison steak.'</p> + +<p>"I looked at him in astonishment; but before I could speak, Bateese +exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"'All right, Padre, we'll get it, me an' you. 'Alf hour early dis time. +Bateese know place well. Pat tend horses, you bring rifle, an' come wid +me. Sacre! Big fonne.'</p> + +<p>"'It's a go,' replied the Chaplain, and jumping from the sleigh, he had +a word with the Colonel. In another minute he was back again.</p> + +<p>"'And what shall be your choice, Madam?' was his question. 'Rump steak, +devilled kidneys, or sirloin?'</p> + +<p>"'When you shoot your deer, Chaplain, I will tell you,' was my laughing +answer, for I had not the remotest idea that the suggestion would be +carried out.</p> + +<p>"But in another minute, Mr. Evans and Bateese, each with a rifle over +his shoulder, plunged into the forest along the winding of the +Wapskeheden river. I was almost sorry then over my suggestion, for I did +not know what might happen before they returned, and, woman-like, felt +nervous. Half an hour later when the sun was setting, and the trees +beginning to snap and crack with the frost of the coming night, we heard +a couple of shots, but they were far away.</p> + +<p>"'They've found their game at last,' said Sir George. 'I suppose Bateese +is a good shot, though I never heard of the Chaplain distinguishing +himself in that line."</p> + +<p>"'He was one of the crack men of the 91st before he was transferred to +the 100th,' said Captain Payne, who with Harold joined Sir George and +myself as we stood by the fire.</p> + +<p>"It was pretty dark before the hunters returned. When within hailing +distance they shouted for help. Then all came in together dragging a big +buck by the horns.</p> + +<p>"'Who shot him?' was the general question.</p> + +<p>"'Oh, de curé he be goot shot,' said Bateese.</p> + +<p>"'I hit his shoulder, but Bateese put a bullet through his heart,' said +the Chaplain. 'Now, Madam,' he continued, turning to me, 'what is your +answer to my question.</p> + +<p>"'Venison steak from the breast,' I answered at random, not knowing one +part from another.</p> + +<p>"'Because it is nearest the heart, and deer-heart at that. But I think +you'll try the rump too,' and he went off to give his orders to the cook +with a ringing laugh.</p> + +<p>"One gets one's eyes strangely opened on a trip like this. I don't know +that meeting so many men, and none but men, is good for one, either. +When you come in such close touch with them day after day, you find them +so different from each other; and so different too, from what you +expected them to be. Sometimes I feel startled, turning with open, arms +to Harold, my one rock of defence. And yet it is needless and foolish to +feel so. They are all so good and kind and yet so free and easy, that I +feel like drawing myself together and being alert for hobgoblins that +never come. They say 'the witches we dread most are those we never +meet.'</p> + +<p>"Still there is one man in Harold's company that I don't like, even if +he is his captain; four times during our journey has he ridden by my +side for the afternoon drive, and each time I liked him less. He is a +bachelor; and it is not that he does or says anything that is +offensive, but there is an insinuating way about him that I cannot bear. +There is not a more courteous or polite man in the two companies; but +then there does not seem to be any sincerity in what he says. He laughs +at religion, and, in a cynical way, scoffs at what he calls the mock +pruderies of the world. I never went a great deal into society; the +sorrows of my girl-life prevented me; but I don't like to have my +respect for what I do know dragged in the dust. I do wish the Colonel +would not put him with me again. Still, I would not have it known that I +dislike him. It would make my position more uncomfortable, and, what is +more, might do Harold harm. A feud between the captain and lieutenant of +the same company over the wife of one of them, might be romantic, but +could never be pleasant. What is more, we have a long future before us, +five or six weeks or more before we can arrive at our journey's end. I +almost shiver at the thought of it. But that won't do. I must brave it +out. If faint heart never won fair lady, neither did timid woman ever +bring a villain to her feet. Fortunately no one will ever see this +screed but Harold, and not even he till we get to Penetang, unless my +position becomes unbearable. Perhaps if I had a lady friend with me I +would not even have writ it down.</p> + +<p>"Lake Temiscouata, Lower Canada, Feb. ——</p> + +<p>"For the last two days we have been travelling due west, almost close +to the northern limit of the States. On this account Sir George has kept +the troops and sleighs together. Indian scouts have been sent to the +south and front, and we have been travelling more slowly, to be prepared +for any surprise.</p> + +<p>"Runners came in yesterday from the border with the message that the +American forces are at least a hundred miles away, and that there is no +prospect of fighting again before the spring opens. I think our men were +a little disappointed. This is the nearest to the United States that +they will be during all their journey to Lake Huron; and they would like +to have at least one fight just to show their pluck. I believe Harold in +his heart is as keen for action as they are; but on my account he +expresses himself the other way. For my part I am glad to hear that the +Yankees have the good sense to keep to their own side of the lines.</p> + +<p>"For the last three nights, we three women, Mrs. Bond, Mrs. Hardman and +myself, have had houses to sleep in—actual houses. Settlers' log +shanties with board floors; each time with a big log fireplace at one +end of the living room. Oh, it was a luxury to sit down on wooden chairs +at the clean pine tables again; to eat our supper of mush and milk and +buckwheat pancakes; and our breakfast of pork and potatoes, wheaten +cakes and molasses! Then we sat down together just like sisters. There +was no distinction in the backwoodsman's shanty. We were too glad to +get even a glimpse of civilization again to think of hair-splitting +distinctions; and whether we did it outwardly or not, I am sure we +inwardly thanked God for supplying our wants so comfortably on these two +happy nights. There was a strong resemblance in the cabins, although +they are more than twenty miles apart. Each has the Scotchman's +"ben-place" to sleep in, partitioned off from the ordinary living room. +On the first night the two beds occupied by the settler, his wife and +children were vacated for our use, while the family, with generous +hospitality, slept on the floor in the larger room. Last night the +conditions were very similar, and again I had a bed to myself. These +homely people have a warm place in my heart, and I shall never forget +their unselfish kindness.</p> + +<p>"This must be a pretty spot in the summer time. Our officers' and +soldiers' camp is on the banks of the Temiscouata. High hills all around +and little lakes throughout the region. They say they are full of fish; +and through holes in the ice, our men this morning caught a lot of +pickerel and bass for breakfast. But we women in the cabin were quite +satisfied with the good things that the Scotch housewife provided.</p> + +<p>"To-day, as well as yesterday, I left some silver behind me, but it was +interesting to see the perversity with which the good housewife +persisted in declining it. If her husband had been present, his canny +Scotch nature would no doubt have been more reasonable.</p> + +<p>"'Guid sakes, misses,' said our hostess, 'I dinna want no siller. Ye are +aye welcome to the bit I gie ye, an' tho we never see the color o' +English shillin's in these parts, I willna take them frae ye for the wee +pickle ye've taen.'</p> + +<p>"Notwithstanding all my urging, the woman kept her hands behind her +back. So I rolled the money up in a piece of paper and laid it on a +little shelf by the wall. This time there was no demur, and with a +friendly smile she bade me 'guid-bye an' a safe journey through them +awfu' woods.' While I was speaking to our hostess the women slipped away +to be with their husbands for a minute before starting; and Harold came +for me as I left the house.</p> + +<p>"'It is my turn to march this morning, dearie,' he said, 'so Captain +Cummings will take my place.'</p> + +<p>"'But in the afternoon I shall have you to myself,' I returned, +restraining my annoyance as much as I could. 'Still, why Captain +Cummings this time? He was with me only day before yesterday.'</p> + +<p>"'You see, dear, you have them in order.'</p> + +<p>"'Scarcely that, I have had neither the Doctor nor the Chaplain for four +days,' I replied in a low voice. I felt like rebelling, but was afraid +of arousing Harold's suspicion.</p> + +<p>"'I did not think of it in that way, sweetheart,' he exclaimed, while he +laughingly raised my chin. 'Possibly as captain of our company, he +expects greater privileges. You don't dislike him, do you?"</p> + +<p>"'Why should I?' I replied, while carefully buttoning my fur coat. 'He +is always polite. Perhaps I am getting a little bit tired of these long +drives. But I musn't grumble. How long will it take to reach Quebec?'</p> + +<p>"'Several days yet, but Sir George has promised us two or three to rest +when we get there. Keep your heart up, dearie. I expect we can secure +houses for you to sleep in after this all the way through to Montreal. +Good-bye till I see you at noon.'</p> + +<p>"The sleighs were drawn up near the door, and the next minute Captain +Cummings joined me.</p> + +<p>"'This is an unexpected pleasure,' he remarked as he tucked the robes +around me. 'Sir George wanted to have a special talk with Beaumont this +morning about surgical matters, so he requested me to take his place. +There, are you quite comfortable?' he asked, solicitously.</p> + +<p>"'Yes, thank you,' I replied. 'Do we march with the men to-day or go +ahead?'</p> + +<p>"'On ahead,' was his answer. 'We shall be close to the U.S. boundary +line for another day yet, but as they have never had troops in this +region, the Colonel thinks we are perfectly safe in leading the way. We +are off on the trot already.'</p> + +<p>"The road here was smooth, and Sir George's sleigh was spinning ahead of +us.</p> + +<p>"'Still, it would be alarming to be attacked, with the soldiers miles +behind us,' I remarked.</p> + +<p>"'Even if they did,' said the Captain, 'unless the forces were very +strong, we could defend ourselves until the men came up. Every man of us +is well armed.'</p> + +<p>"'That may be,' I volunteered, 'but what of the women?'</p> + +<p>"'Oh! the chivalrous Englishmen will always protect them,' was his +laughing rejoinder, as he extended his gauntletted hand, seemingly with +the intention of placing it over mine. But, suddenly feeling the +chilliness of the air, I withdrew it beneath the buffalo robe.</p> + +<p>"'It is good of you to say so,' I said, 'our officers are always both +gallant and brave.</p> + +<p>"'I am glad you have such infinite faith,' he returned with a light +laugh.</p> + +<p>"'Why shouldn't I have? They say there are none truer than the men of +the Hundredth in the whole of the King's brigades.'</p> + +<p>"'Quite true, and pray God that their history may never be tarnished.'</p> + +<p>"Then with a piercing look he relapsed for a time into silence. The road +was well beaten, winding in and out among the hills, and occasionally +stretching in a direct line over the frozen surface of a lake. Sometimes +a ravine would be crossed or a steep hill climbed; and as we neared +Temiscouata, Mounts Lennox and Paradis loomed up before us. More than +once smoke curled upward among the distant trees, indicative of the +wigwams of Indians or the cottages of settlers.</p> + +<p>"Little of interest occurred, however, until near noon; when suddenly an +Indian, whom Bateese said belonged to the Ottawa tribe, bounded out of +the woods and rushed up to the Colonel's sleigh. The whole line at once +called a halt, and Sir George signalled for Captain Cummings to join +him. I could see from the faces that something serious had occurred, and +that the discussion was one of more than usual significance.</p> + +<p>"But I must break off here, for I have not the heart nor the time to +tell the rest of the happenings of that terrible day. Perhaps I can +later. We shall see."</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap"><small><small><sup>"</sup></small></small>T</span>his +Indian brings a bit of genuine news," said the Colonel to Cummings. "An attack +is to be made upon us at Chestnut Hill, two miles west of here."</p> + +<p>"An attack by whom?" the Captain asked.</p> + +<p>"By a company of recruits made up of Yankees and disaffected Canadians +from the lumber camps. They have heard that we are a squad of soldiers +taking supplies to Quebec, and have undertaken to surprise us and +capture the booty."</p> + +<p>"They will have their hands full," said Cummings.</p> + +<p>"That's what they are aiming at," chimed the Chaplain, with whom +negative virtues were always at a discount.</p> + +<p>"We'll fill more than their hands," sternly responded the Colonel, as he +turned to Cummings. "You had better send orders to Captain Payne to join +us in full force with all possible speed."</p> + +<p>In the meantime Sir George called a halt where they were. The place was +well sheltered, and could readily be protected against attack. He also +sent scouts forward to ascertain the strength and equipment of the +invading force, with instructions to report as soon as possible.</p> + +<p>But another Indian runner had carried the news to the marching force, +and very soon a messenger arrived from Captain Payne. The soldiers were +crossing Pecktawick Lake, only a mile away, and would be with them +immediately. In a few minutes the men of the two companies were in +sight, coming out on a double quick from a turn in the road.</p> + +<p>Sir George acted with alacrity; not a minute was lost. In a few brief +words he explained the situation and gave his orders. Then the men +marched ahead—a small, well-stationed force being left to protect the +women and sleighs.</p> + +<p>On their way they met the returning scouts with the news that the +invaders numbered about a hundred rough-looking, but well-armed fellows.</p> + +<p>It was a bold move for a company of recruits to attempt to arrest the +march of double their number of veterans, notwithstanding the rich booty +at stake. Presumably, however, they did not know the strength of their +opponents, and the prize that might be obtained was a tempting one.</p> + +<p>Sir George now divided his force into right and left flanks, with +central attack. Payne to take the former, and Cummings the latter; each +to push his men quickly over the hard snow, while Sir George himself led +the main force over the beaten road.</p> + +<p>After arranging details, the Colonel gave the final order.</p> + +<p>"We must carry the hill, no matter what it costs. The centre to do the +first firing, then the flanks. Now, right and left, march!"</p> + +<p>The men had been under steady tramp for hours, the last half-mile on the +run, and were going into action without food; but they were eager for +the fray. Allowing the flanks to advance first, on account of the +density of the woods and the unbroken snow, Sir George led on his men.</p> + +<p>A quick march brought them to the foot of the hill, and on the top could +be seen a number of blue coats and peaked hats bobbing among the trees. +Sir George at once widened out, but it was none too soon, for a volley +of bullets whistled through them. Two or three of his men dropped, and +among them Corporal Jenkins. Lieutenant Smith, too, had his arm +disabled.</p> + +<p>"By heaven, this is too much!" exclaimed Sir George. "They shall pay for +it. Double quick; but not a shot must be fired till I give the order."</p> + +<p>The men, scattering wide of each other among the trees, hurried on; +while orderlies took charge of the dead and wounded.</p> + +<p>The Yankees, stimulated by the success of their first shot and meeting +with no response, hurried to the edge of the hill to fire again. Then +came Colonel Head's command:</p> + +<p>"Halt, fire!"</p> + +<p>The aim was well taken. The heavy storm of bullets riddled the men of +the attacking force, and some of them fell. Almost at the same moment +volleys were fired from the right and left flanks. The combined attack +was a surprise and staggered the Southerners.</p> + +<p>"Quick, charge!" cried the Colonel. Then the men bounded forward. The +irregularity of the ground, the up-hill work, the trees and the snow +prevented precision of movement, but with a shout the order was obeyed. +Finding themselves hemmed in on three sides by a larger and better +equipped force than their own, the Americans fired another volley and, +picking up some of their wounded, beat a retreat.</p> + +<p>It was Captain Cummings who commanded the left division, and seeing the +direction that the Yankees were taking, he tried to head them off. But +the ground was too uneven, and he contented himself with a parting +fusilade.</p> + +<p>By this time Sir George had reached the summit of the hill, only to find +it vacated. On it, however, were several dead bodies, as well as a +couple of wounded men whom, in the hurry of retreat, their comrades had +deserted. Soon the main body was joined by the flank divisions, and as +it was unlikely that the attack would be renewed, the order was given to +return to the improvised camp.</p> + +<p>In the list of casualties, Corporal Jenkins and a private were killed, +while several others, including Lieutenant Smith, were wounded; but it +was the loss of Jenkins that grieved his comrades most, for they had not +forgotten the death of his wife on the <i>North King</i>.</p> + +<p>With the bodies of their own men waiting for burial, there was not much +mirth at mess that day. Still, they were glad that the fight was over, +and that with so little delay they could continue the march. The grave +being dug, Jenkins and the dead soldier were sorrowfully consigned by +the Chaplain to their last resting-place.</p> + +<p>"What about the dead on the hill?" Captain Payne asked of Sir George.</p> + +<p>"That's for their comrades to say when we are gone," was his answer.</p> + +<p>"But about the prisoner with compound fracture of the leg?" asked Dr. +Beaumont. "He's not in good condition to travel even by sleigh."</p> + +<p>"Oh, but he must!" exclaimed Sir George. "The man's alive, and we've got +to take him, whether we will or no. What of the other fellow and of our +own men?"</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Smith is the worst; he has a serious flesh wound of the +forearm, but no broken bones. The other Yankee is suffering more from +loss of blood than anything else and able to travel if we can find room +for him."</p> + +<p>"Well, arrange them as best you can, Doctor, but we must start at once. +Bateese tells me that there is another lumber camp twelve miles further +on our way. Perhaps we can reach it to-night."</p> + +<p>"Excellent," returned the Doctor. "We can leave our prisoners there, <i>et +maintien le droit</i>."</p> + +<p>The idea was well received by Sir George and, late as it was, they +continued the journey. The sun was already sinking in the west, and it +would take hours after dark to reach the camp. Still, the march could be +accomplished, for the moon was in its second quarter and all danger of +renewed attack was believed to be over. The surprised party of untrained +invaders already regretted their rashness, for they realized the +strength of their opponents as well as the inutility of following them, +as every mile now carried them further into Canadian territory.</p> + +<p>So the order was given for the sleighs to again take the lead and report +as quickly as possible at the lumber camp of the prospective arrival of +the troop.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<h3>HELEN'S DIARY.</h3> + + +<p><span class="dropcap"><small><small><sup>"</sup></small></small>T</span>he Citadel, Quebec, Feb. ——, 1814.</p> + +<p>"We arrived at Point Levi two days ago. What a delight it was to be in +the vicinity of civilization again! On the other side of the great St. +Lawrence was the famous old city. And how glad I was to drive over the +frozen river to this haven of rest. The air was keen, for the smooth ice +stretched up and down as far as the eye could see, and the wind from the +east was very piercing, but we didn't mind that.</p> + +<p>"Now, we are all, officers, men and women, as well as horses and +baggage, comfortably lodged and quietly resting. And, although tired, I +am already getting glimpses of this historic and venerable place. What a +fortress, with its massive walls and many gates! What steep ascents! +What quaint churches! What a mighty river, stretched though it be in +ice!</p> + +<p>"Then to think, as I sit here by this high window, far above the crowds +and tinkling sleigh-bells of the lower town, that I am just resting on +an oasis for a day or two, before setting out over the desert of ice and +snow again.</p> + +<p>"Even now the last few weeks are like a dream to me. One of those long, +disturbed visions, in which you have to, whether you want to or not. +Every day a definite number of miles to cover; it mattered not how the +snow fell or the winds blew, or how intense the cold; whether you slept +beneath pine boughs and could see the stars twinkle above you, or +whether you had the luxury of sleeping in a woodsman's shanty; it all +had to be endured. Thank heaven, the first division of our journey is +over, and our little rest will prepare us for the second.</p> + +<p>"Harold tells me that the officers of the Citadel say we have made one +of the quickest winter marches on record. There is satisfaction in that, +even if we did take a month to do it in. I hear, too, that the +Commandant of the Citadel has been congratulating the Colonel on the +despatch with which he defeated the invaders at Temiscouata. For my +part, I think the less said about it the better. It would be a poor +thing if two companies of regulars could not put to flight one of raw +recruits. It was too bad, though, to lose two of our best men. Poor +Jenkins! What a sad fatality! The mother to die and the father to be +killed. The silver lining to the terrible climax is that the children +were left at home.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I must say a word about Lieutenant Smith! He is such a retiring +fellow that I knew little about him, although we had travelled together +all the way from the London docks. But after he was shot, our sleigh +being very comfortable, I proposed to Harold that he should have a seat +with me whenever it was not occupied by himself. The consequence is that +I have only had an occasional word with my particular friend, Captain +Cummings, since the day of the battle, and not a single drive. I was +quietly killing two birds with one stone, though nobody knew it. But Mr. +Smith's arm is better now—and, forsooth, we may return to the old order +of things—unless some other member of the staff should be similarly +unlucky.</p> + +<p>"Smith is so young a fellow that I felt like mothering him. Fortunately, +it was his left arm, and as I sit on the left side of the sleigh the +sore arm was between us, protecting it from the pressure of the buffalo +robe and also from the cold. The boy is of good family, has high ideals, +and wants to win his way to fame. Just the kind of fellow I would like +for a friend. And if I am to make my home in Penetang without a single +lady to stand by me, and without relatives either, except my dear +husband, I may need a true, disinterested friend some time. Who knows? +Yes, and guileless, gentle, brave Lieutenant Smith, the man who was +wounded in our first battle, shall be the man.</p> + +<p>"Talking of men, there is some one else I want to take right through +with us, and that is Bateese. The jolly, genial, conceited, whimsical, +but reliable, habitant. But if we take him we must take his wife also. +For days before we arrived here he could talk of little else than his +'femme,' but there was a sad tone about his musical jargon that was +unusual.</p> + +<p>"'Madame,' he exclaimed one day, after a long silence. 'You not know, +Emmiline, mine vife. She live wid me in Kebeck.'</p> + +<p>"'I didn't know you had a wife, Bateese.'</p> + +<p>"'Oh, oui, married dis two year.' His tone was persuasive.</p> + +<p>"'I would like to know her,' I replied.</p> + +<p>"'Vell, I will bring her to you. She vas ma fille, bootiful, petite, so +young. Den de curé at Kebeck marry us—seem long tam—still only two +year. Den she grow into grand jolie femme. Bime-by she have twins—wan +garçon, wan wee leetle gal, petite an' putty as you nevare see. Mus' I +tell you de story? Eet no laughin', eet sad.'</p> + +<p>"'Yes, tell me,' I could not but acquiesce.</p> + +<p>"'Oh, sacré!' he exclaimed, giving the lazier horse an extra touch of +the whip. 'When de hot summare com, Bateese was away drivin' de carryall +along de revare down by de sea, de leetle Emmile go sick and die. An' +Emmiline was full of broken heart. Den when de fall came, scarlet fevare +steal like de diable after ma leetle Louis—ma cher fils—he die, too. +Ah, mon Dieu! Et nearly kill ma femme, an' it drive Bateese clean +crazee. Didn't care a sacré if Yankees lick Cannayans—didn't care how +soon I die—didn't care for nuffin! But dat no do. Poor Emmiline lay +sick four week in bed—Doctor said nevare get well no more. So Bateese +shake hisself and forget de dead babies to tend his leetle wife—say his +pater nostra ten times a day—go to church every tam de priest tell him, +give medicine all de whole tam. And, by gar, she get well at last. Den +Bateese had to leave her an' go on dis long trip to Halifax—an' has not +seen her again sence wintare cam.'</p> + +<p>"'It is a sad story, Bateese, but you will soon see her now. Where does +she live when you are away?' I asked.</p> + +<p>"'She stay wid her modare, close by de Abraham plain, where de French +General de Montcalm licked de Engleese.'</p> + +<p>"He said this with a sly glance out of the corner of his eye, but with a +very grave face.</p> + +<p>"'I thought it was General Wolfe who licked the French,' was my mild +rejoinder.</p> + +<p>"'Vas eet? mauvais memoree,' he returned, gently tapping his forehead. +'Vell, dey both die, anyway, and bury in de same grave. Et not much +mattare which win. French Cannayans steel have Lower Canady and, by gar, +dey always will.' And in spite of his grief for his dead babies, he +concluded his narrative with a long, low chuckle to himself.</p> + +<p>"It was on this occasion the thought came to me, that if Bateese went +with us to Penetang, Emmiline might go in place of the Corporal's wife. +That would give us three women besides myself. Only a small number at +best, and, if necessary, I would be willing personally to bear the +expense.</p> + +<p>"Well, to-day she came up to see me, and I was quite taken with the +little French woman. She has a sweet face with a wee touch of sadness in +it, owing to the loss of her children. But it is not a face to retain +its melancholy. She has a little turn-up nose, rosy lips and bright +black eyes, and, like most of these habitant women, an abundance of dark +hair. She looks as though she might be very devoted to any one she +liked, and I will speak to Harold about it to-day."</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="right">"Quebec, Feb. ——, 1814."</p></div> + +<p>"Last night a large party was given in honor of Sir George at the +Commandant's residence. Harold and I, and all our officers, were there, +the Chaplain as well. What a handsome old place it is, just like an old +European castle suddenly planted in the new western world!</p> + +<p>"The first person that interested me there was Sir George Prevost, the +Governor-General of Canada, the most talked-of man in the whole country. +He seems to be such a strange combination of weakness and strength, and +little as I know about such matters, the two opposites seem to be +vividly impressed upon his face. His kindness and courtesy have a +favorable impression upon the social life of which he is the leader; but +the weak chin and irresolute mouth tell a different tale when fighting +his country's battles, and, lackaday, this has been proved over and over +again already.</p> + +<p>"But this is something I suppose I have no right to talk about, even to +you, my little diary. So I will chat of the old place, of its lofty +halls and tapestried boudoirs. What rare old paintings are on the walls, +and so many of them French! It was in fine spirit for the English +conquerors of this old aristocratic colony, to retain so many of the +portraits of the nobles of the French regime.</p> + +<p>"While on our voyage I read a good deal about the country that was to be +my home, and seeing the names of the old French governors under their +pictures only impressed their history more vividly upon my memory. The +strikingly handsome portrait of Baptiste Colbert, Louis the XIV's +minister, was there, too. The man who, a hundred and fifty years ago, +did so much for New France. How well his picture sets off the east hall +near the main entrance! The long, wavy locks of his court headdress well +suit the keen, dark eyes and clear-cut features; while the ruffles and +sword, and gaiters depict him every inch the courtier as well as the +gentleman.</p> + +<p>"De Mezy, De Tracy, De Courcelles and Count de Frontenac, the daring +discoverer and bitter opponent of the English, were all there. What +tales they could tell of the days of the old regime, and of the strife +which lasted for years, until Wolfe and Montcalm fought it out at the +cost of their own lives and buried the hatchet between the nations!</p> + +<p>"The old armor and Indian trophies hanging on the walls of room after +room in this old seigniory are very curious. The peculiar windows, too, +quite took my fancy. They are deeply set within the massive masonry, the +sills standing three or four feet from the floor, with cushions placed +on them to serve as seats, while benches below the sills act as stools +for the feet to rest upon.</p> + +<p>"How well the élite of Quebec filled the old house that night, although +gathered together with such brief notice, and with what pleasantry they +greeted us! All seemed desirous to do what they could to help us to +forget for the time our journeyings. And they were just as courteous as +they were jovial, from our host and hostess down to the youngest of the +beaux and belles of New France. The Quebec girls are even prettier than +those of Halifax. For one thing, there are more of them, and another, +there is a larger French element from the old noblesse, and to me the +educated and cultured Canadienne has a charm of her own that is very +fascinating.</p> + +<p>"Dr. Beaumont seemed to enjoy himself thoroughly. I wonder how much he +really cares for Maud Maxwell? Several times he has sat by my side for +half a day in our drives, but, to my surprise, he rarely mentioned her +name. Being half French I expected his vivacious nature would express +itself more freely. Perhaps it was the canny Scotch overshadowing the +Southern blood that kept him silent.</p> + +<p>"But this time he seemed to have no care. He talks French beautifully, +and several times I heard him in animated conversation with one or other +of the smiling demoiselles in their mother tongue. He seemed to be +enamoured most with one Louise de Rochefort. Several times he danced +with her, and she talked the purest English; sometimes they used the one +language, and sometimes the other. She was quite different from Maud +Maxwell. Although not fair, her face was brilliant with a clear +transparency, and her brown eyes and exquisite mouth, when wreathed in +gentle laughter, made her expression very winning. She had many +admirers, but none were so attentive as he. Late in the evening, when +the Commandant took me in to supper, they were tête-à-tête in a corner +over salad and ice.</p> + +<p>"Harold noticed the little flirtation, too, and said afterwards that it +would have a good effect upon the Doctor in compensation for the +coolness of the winsome Maud.</p> + +<p>"The Commandant's wife was very kind to me. As a strict disciplinarian, +she did not try to dissuade me from completing the journey to Penetang; +but it was evident that she was astonished that I had undertaken it, +and hinted that it would be a wise thing to remain in Quebec until the +war was over—almost another Mrs. Mason. If she had known how determined +I was she would have said less about it, I am sure.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps one-third of the ladies present are Anglo-Canadians. I believe +I was introduced to all of them. They are charming—not so stiff and +stately as society ladies in England—but just as courteous and, +perhaps, kinder in manner. I like them and wish there was a prospect of +having at least one as neighbor in my prospective home in Penetang.</p> + +<p>"These Canadians, both French and English, take great interest in the +war, which is almost at their doors. When not dancing, they continually +discussed it. Still, dancing was the feature of the evening, and I must +have been specially honored, for I never danced so much in my life +before. My first waltz was, of course, with my husband. Then who should +ask me for the next but Captain Cummings. It was odious to dance with +him when my aversion was so strong. I hope I did not show it, and with +all my heart I wish I did not dislike him so much, for he is very +graceful and dances beautifully. Still, he looks at you with those great +black eyes of his, as if he could read your very thoughts. I wonder if +he influences other women as he does me. Of this I have no chance of +knowing. Oh, those eyes! How you have to fight them with all your might, +and yet never say a word! Somehow the fates have given me a hint to +beware, and I pray God to have me take it. I wonder if Harold would +laugh at me if he saw what I am writing.</p> + +<p>"'It is an exquisite pleasure to waltz with you again,' he said, in his +low, penetrating voice, as we made our second circle round the room. I +had heard that he was always chagrined when he had a poor partner, so I +purposely made a misstep, while I replied:</p> + +<p>"'You flatter me. I never was a graceful dancer, and, as you see, I am +out of practice.'</p> + +<p>"'Pardon me, but that was my clumsiness,' was his comment. 'It will not +occur again.'</p> + +<p>"And, if anything, he held me closer. I did not dare to repeat the step.</p> + +<p>"'Not so tight, please,' I whispered, scarcely a minute later.</p> + +<p>"'They have waxed this floor so confoundedly that one cannot help it,' +he returned smoothly, and with a smile that rivalled Mephistopheles. 'We +must not let these French-Canadians surpass the English in their own +waltz.'</p> + +<p>"'In a matter of competition they would be sure to win,' I replied +coldly.</p> + +<p>"'Why so?' he asked.</p> + +<p>"'They are more graceful than we are.'</p> + +<p>"'Free and easy, you mean. They have an abandon which the English girl +does not possess. No, no, Mrs. Manning, I would not exchange a dance +with you for a hundred with these Canuck maidens.'</p> + +<p>"'Again you are flattering.'</p> + +<p>"'Not in the least. You remember our waltz at the Halifax ball. Well, +the one I had with you was worth all the others put together. It will be +so to-night, even if this is the only one you honor me with. Ah! it is +over now. And here comes that odious little Frenchman to claim you for +the next. Bah! I could see him in Hades. But, never mind, I shall +remember that to-night you have blessed me with a few minutes' exquisite +pleasure.' Again his eyes opened wide, and with a quick flash, the look +seemed to penetrate my soul. An unpleasant thrill came over me and +turning away I accepted the arm of Colonel Joquelin for the next +waltz."</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + +<h3>HELEN'S DIARY.</h3> + + +<p><span class="dropcap"><small><small><sup>"</sup></small></small>M</span>ontreal, Feb. ——, 1814.</p> + +<p>"Another week of hard driving and marching is over. Sometimes we had +night quarters for the men, always for the officers and women. Still, I +was so tired each night, and there were so many little things to attend +to, that my diary has been neglected. Now, however, we are comfortably +quartered at the foot of the mountain, and while Harold is away +attending to matters of the regiment I will try to make up for lost +time.</p> + +<p>"I had a long talk with Sir George at the Commandant's on the night of +the ball at Quebec, and was delighted at his ready consent to have +Emmiline and her husband go with us to Penetang. When he said that she +might be my own special servant I offered to pay the expense of the +journey for her.</p> + +<p>"'That cannot be thought of,' was his reply. 'I always intended to +secure another woman to take the place of the one who died, and I assure +you I am more than pleased that you have found one to suit.'</p> + +<p>"It was very kind of him, and the next morning I told the good news to +Bateese. In his exuberance of spirits he threw his hat up in the air.</p> + +<p>"'By gar!' he exclaimed, 'such fonne to have ma femme. She no spik much +Angleese, but teach soon she quick—tree or four week she spik everyting +goot as Bateese. She bonne scholare an' tak prize when leetle gal at +seminare.'</p> + +<p>"And so she came, and they made room for her in the sleigh with the +other women. I was afraid that the soldiers' wives would quarrel with +the little woman, yet, so far, there is not even an inkling of war among +them.</p> + +<p>"Speaking of war. Montreal is the place for the signs of it. I was +surprised to see so many troops in the city, more by far than there were +either in Halifax or Quebec, regulars and colonials combined. They are a +determined-looking lot of men and well drilled.</p> + +<p>"Harold tells me that everything on the frontier is still quiet and, so +far, the American General Wilkinson has not renewed his attack. Both +sides are making preparations for a final conflict, and it will be fight +to the finish when the summer comes.</p> + +<p>"Our rest here is going to be short, for we have a third of our journey +yet to cover, and, being over the roughest part of the road, it will +take longer to accomplish. Lakes and rivers have still to be crossed, +and all must be done before the ice breaks up. Hence, although we +arrived yesterday, we start again to-morrow.</p> + +<p>"To-night, however, we are invited by the officers of the Montreal +regiment to a toboggan slide at the mountain, with a supper and dance +afterwards. It will be my first ride on one of these swift-running +sledges. They look dangerous as they fly so quickly down the hills, but +if safe for others they should be safe for me, and I am glad to have the +opportunity to try the sport before we make our final parting from +civilization."</p> + +<p>The next day. Diary continued.</p> + +<p>"I must jot down the impressions of last evening while fresh in my mind. +The meet was at a place called 'The Cedars,' almost half-way up the +mountain, and from which there is an irregular decline down to the St. +Lawrence. One of the attractions was that the toboggans, by the long +descent, would be carried far out over the surface of the river.</p> + +<p>"What a jolly lot of people they were! A score of officers in uniform, a +few civilians and a bevy of Montreal's prettiest girls, chaperoned by +officers' wives and matrons of the city.</p> + +<p>"As an Englishwoman, I am loyal to my own land and people. Still, +whether due to the atmosphere, to lighter living, or the freer life they +lead, the young ladies you meet here seem to have more spirit, quicker +movement and clearer skins than the average English girls that I have +known. But this is another digression, Mrs. Diary, and again I say, +'<i>pecavi</i>.'</p> + +<p>"We were lucky to have so good a night. The air was cold and still, and +our position at the top of the slide gave a fine view of the lower city, +with its myriads of lights from the houses and streets. Countless stars +covered a sky only slightly dulled in lustre by the pale, half moon; +while on the hillsides far and near clumps of evergreens stood out +clearly upon their background of snow.</p> + +<p>"Introductions, buzz of voices, gay laughter, occupied some minutes as +we collected on the little plateau at the head of the slide. All were +busy, too, getting their rigs in order. Toboggans are funny-looking +things—flat-bottomed, turned up in front like a South Sea Islander's +war canoe. But they are very comfortable when you have cushions to sit +on and robes to put over you.</p> + +<p>"Captain Thompson, of the Montreal Rifles, was our leader, and one would +almost think he was marshalling his troops as he issued his orders.</p> + +<p>"Quickly he had us going, and it was jolly enough as soon as we got used +to it. Off our toboggans sped, one after another, down the mountain, +crackling and whistling over the snow, giving each and all a vivid +pleasure in the swift, exhilarating ride. At first the grade was even +and smooth in its descent, then undulating, then on a level for another +hundred feet, finally down a little abyss, and away for hundreds of +yards over the icy surface of the river, between mighty ships frozen at +their anchorage for the winter. Here, carryalls for the riders and long +sleighs for the toboggans awaited us to take all back again to repeat +the sport.</p> + +<p>"Harold and I sat together on one of the sledges, and I must confess +that when we started to descend the hill at almost lightning speed I +felt terribly frightened and grasped him firmly around the waist. He +only laughed while he whispered:</p> + +<p>"'Don't be frightened, dear; you'll get used to it in another minute,' +and so I did.</p> + +<p>"We had a number of rides and were commencing our last one when an +accident happened. It was on the sled in front of ours, and we were in +the act of starting when I saw a man fall off.</p> + +<p>"'Why, that is Captain Cummings!' I exclaimed, my heart making a +tremendous leap.</p> + +<p>"'Yes, it is,' returned Harold; 'what can have happened?' and he rushed +over to give assistance.</p> + +<p>"He was trying to rise to his feet but could not.</p> + +<p>"'It's that confounded leg of mine,' I heard him say. 'My ankle got +twisted under the runner. I don't think it's broken though. What do you +say about it, Beaumont?'</p> + +<p>"And the Doctor on his knees examined the joint, the Captain being +propped up by another officer.</p> + +<p>"'No bones broken,' was his comment. 'You must have got a terrible +wrench though, the way the joint flaps about. Is it very painful?'</p> + +<p>"'Excruciating,' returned Cummings. 'The joint has been weak ever since +Vittoria. I got it twisted then.'</p> + +<p>"'Well, we'll take you back to quarters and dress it. No dancing for you +to-night, that is certain. Don't know that it will be safe for you to +travel with us to-morrow, either.'</p> + +<p>"'In both of which I differ from you,' said the Captain, with a supreme +effort at self-control, notwithstanding the pain. 'Take me back to the +hotel and dress the joint. Then help me into the ballroom. I can watch +the others even if I cannot waltz. As to going with the troop, why +certainly I'll go,' and for a moment he cast a sharp glance in my +direction.</p> + +<p>"I believe I shivered again.</p> + +<p>"An hour later all our party were at the French hostelry partaking of +prairie chicken, oyster patties and singaree, and when we made our entry +into the ballroom, there sat in state Captain Cummings. He had evidently +preceded us. Of course, he was the lion, and the ladies rivalled with +each other to sit out the different dances with him. Harold told me I +must do it, too, so my turn came with the rest.</p> + +<p>"'I don't know but I'm a lucky dog after all,' he undertoned, as he +squeezed my hand.</p> + +<p>"'It cannot be lucky to be lame,' I replied, as I sat down beside him.</p> + +<p>"'A soldier takes his knocks as he gets them,' was his comment, 'but I +had no expectation of taking Lieutenant Smith's place so soon.</p> + +<p>"'Perhaps you won't need to. A night's rest will do wonders, mayhap the +injury is more imaginary than real,' I said.</p> + +<p>"'I know the effects too well to be deceived. The injury is too devilish +to heal in a week or fortnight, either,' he replied, drily.</p> + +<p>"'Why go with us at all, then?'</p> + +<p>"'Because I'm wanted when I get there. I won't be in anybody's way, +except for the riding instead of walking, and as yours is the most +comfortable sleigh for an invalid, I fear, dear madam, I must crave your +indulgence—Say, Manning!' he exclaimed to Harold, who just then joined +us. 'I was telling your wife that Smith gives such a capital report +about your sleigh that I feel like begging the privilege of occupying a +part of it for the next two or three days.'</p> + +<p>"Harold winced and flushed as well. Was he, too, getting suspicious?</p> + +<p>"'I think that might be arranged satisfactorily, dearie,' he said to me +in somewhat constrained tone.</p> + +<p>"'That depends upon the Captain's meaning,' I replied. 'It would be too +much for me to give up your seat when it is your turn to ride. But for +the rest of the time it is different.'</p> + +<p>"'Thank you,' responded Cummings. 'That is exactly what I mean.'</p> + +<p>"So in order to secure half a loaf he asked for a whole one, and got it +without demur. How could I help it?"</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XX.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">D</span>reary enough were the next few days for the adventurous troop, as they +wended their way westward. The sky was heavily clouded, while a gusty +wind blew the pellety snow into the faces of the men and women as they +walked or drove over their destined route. Drifts filled the sleigh +tracks, and the packing of the road by those who took the lead was a +weary business. Progress was slower than ever, accommodations along the +line absent, and general camping again became a feature of the journey.</p> + +<p>"What place have we here?" Sir George asked of his new driver on the +evening of the fifth day from Montreal as they called a halt in the +vicinity of two or three little cabins.</p> + +<p>"They call it Sparksville," was the reply, "after a fellow named Sparks. +He lives in the village of Hull across the river there. They say he +bought it from the Government for a song, and has made his money out of +sales already."</p> + +<p>"So these shantymen are the owners," said the Colonel.</p> + +<p>"No, siree, the lumbermen from Montreal bought from Sparks, these men +only cut the timber."</p> + +<p>"And splendid stuff they've got if these pieces are samples."</p> + +<p>"You bet your last pound," returned the man, with the easy nonchalance +of a westerner, "Montrealers wouldn't put their money into it if there +wasn't a good chance of getting it out again. What's more, they say this +is a splendid site for the building of a big city."</p> + +<p>"Are these shanties the only buildings on this side of the river?" Sir +George asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, 'cepting a little sawmill down in the hollow and a cabin beside +it."</p> + +<p>"Well, we'll camp here for to-night. They couldn't accommodate us in +yonder village if we did cross."</p> + +<p>And so the order was issued.</p> + +<p>His men by this time were well accustomed to the oft-repeated duty. +Putting up tents, cutting down trees, trimming poles, building temporary +huts, flooring them with boughs of cedar, arranging timber and +evergreens to protect the inmates from prevailing winds, and gathering +dry wood for necessary fires, were matters of detail which they +accomplished with alacrity. It was marvellous how neat and cozy a camp +the two companies, assisted by the trained drivers, could build in an +hour or two of twilight.</p> + +<p>Sir George and the Doctor, leaving Cummings in the rig, joined Harold, +who was helping his wife out of their sleigh.</p> + +<p>"You are not ill, Mrs. Manning, I hope," exclaimed Sir George, who had +never before seen her require so much assistance to alight.</p> + +<p>"Just stiff and cold after the long drive," was her answer, as with a +sudden effort she straightened herself.</p> + +<p>"Madame tired long tam, no let 'em spak," said Emmiline, who on +Bateese's example was learning to speak "Angleese quick." She was +already attached to her new mistress.</p> + +<p>"It is lucky to find houses here, such as they are," said Harold, as he +folded Helen's fur coat more closely around her, while he noticed that +her teeth were chattering.</p> + +<p>"We'll try this shanty," said the Doctor, approaching one. A large dog +jumped out as the door opened, barking vociferously, and followed a +moment later by a half-breed Indian.</p> + +<p>"We have a sick woman with us," said Beaumont, "and want to put her in +your cabin for the night."</p> + +<p>"No come ma shanty," replied the man, fixing himself squarely across the +doorway. "Me trapper—live 'lone."</p> + +<p>"Entre nous, mon ami, voila une femme tres malade," returned the Doctor +in a more conciliatory tone, "et je vous donnera cinq francs."</p> + +<p>"Arjent comptant porte medicine. Oui, oui, monsieur. Entre vous," +returned the trapper, slipping to one side and allowing him to enter.</p> + +<p>A fire was burning on a rude hearth at one end of the floorless shack, +and the ground was packed hard everywhere but around the sloppy doorway. +A wooden settle covered with skins stood at one side, while a couple of +rough benches, together with a kettle or two, completed the outfit.</p> + +<p>By the time the Doctor had made a cursory survey, Harold and Helen, +followed by Emmiline, had joined him.</p> + +<p>"Will you let me have the whole shanty for to-night if I pay you for +it?" Harold asked.</p> + +<p>The cunning eyes of the half-breed glanced rapidly over the whole party. +Then he answered with a drawl, while he looked quizzically into the +officer's face:</p> + +<p>"Yah—pour, say five franc, s'il vous plait."</p> + +<p>"Well, you shall have it."</p> + +<p>"Pay me now."</p> + +<p>"No," replied Harold. "I will give two now—the balance in the morning +if you tell us all we need to know."</p> + +<p>The half-breed shrugged his shoulders, but accepted the money and, after +answering several questions, took his leave. Helen sat down on the bench +by the fire, but her teeth still chattered, while her blue lips and +contracted features indicated the severity of the chill.</p> + +<p>"My dear, what can possibly be the matter?" Harold asked in much alarm.</p> + +<p>"It is an attack of the ague," said the Doctor; in an aside: "Mon Dieu! +it is too bad."</p> + +<p>"Can nothing be done?" he asked again.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and we'll do it at once. Peruvian bark and brandy are our +sheet-anchors."</p> + +<p>So he busily prepared a large dose of the medicine, which she washed +down with half a glass of brandy and water.</p> + +<p>"Fortunately the hut is new, and probably free from vermin," said the +Doctor.</p> + +<p>"It might be better for the women to sleep here," said Harold. "There +will be room enough, and with the fire they can cook what is needed. +What say you, Helen?"</p> + +<p>"Divide the hut and stay with me. Then it will do," she replied. "We +must have a man in the house, even though it is a shanty."</p> + +<p>The bark and brandy were taking effect. The chills soon stopped and +Helen felt warm again.</p> + +<p>Later in the evening a cord was stretched across the long, narrow room, +and quilts thrown over it to form a partition. Harold and his wife took +possession of the end near the fire, while the three women improvised a +bed for themselves in the other half.</p> + +<p>"I hope we are not going to have a sick lady on our hands," said Sir +George to the Doctor, after his final visit.</p> + +<p>"I hope so, too," was the reply. "Ague is difficult to control when once +established, but, taken at the start, it can be broken. Fortunately, +this is her first attack. She will be better to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps we had better leave her for a day or two to rest and +recuperate. I will speak to Manning about it. What say you?"</p> + +<p>"Why not let to-morrow's report decide?" said the Doctor. "I could tell +better after seeing her again."</p> + +<p>To this the Colonel assented.</p> + +<p>The spot chosen for the camp was well protected, the temperature mild +for February, and all slept soundly. The bugle sounded at break of day +and the whole camp was astir. It was unusual for the officers to rise as +early as the men, but the keynote of Helen's illness roused them, and +the first question put by each was concerning the condition of the +patient.</p> + +<p>Captain Cummings, with a crutch, was hobbling about for the first time, +and insisted on swinging along with the Doctor to make inquiry.</p> + +<p>The report was favorable. Helen had slept a little. The other women were +up, and a good fire was burning.</p> + +<p>"How is Madam now?" the Doctor asked of Harold.</p> + +<p>"Her head is still aching. You had better see her."</p> + +<p>So he led the way behind the screen.</p> + +<p>"What about resuming the journey?" he asked, after looking closely into +her face.</p> + +<p>"By rule, in the army, all must travel, and I have will enough to abide +by it," she answered, wearily.</p> + +<p>"There is no rule for you unless you are well able to follow it," he +returned with a smile.</p> + +<p>"But how could I possibly remain behind?"</p> + +<p>"You might stay for a time at Hull, across the river."</p> + +<p>"That won't do," she exclaimed, the tears starting. "I am better now, +and can stand it very well. The worst is that my ears buzz and my head +aches, but when out in the air again these will pass away."</p> + +<p>"Don't be alarmed about the ears," said the Doctor, cheerily; "that +comes from the medicine I gave to stop the chill."</p> + +<p>Turning to Harold he had a brief conference with him.</p> + +<p>"I have a plan that might answer," he suggested.</p> + +<p>"Sir George will do anything that is necessary," returned Harold.</p> + +<p>"Well, it is this. The newest sled will hold four people. We can retain +it here with the best team. Madam can lie where she is until noon. Then +you and I and the driver will remain with her and, starting early in the +afternoon, overtake the troops by night."</p> + +<p>"Will our separation from the men be safe?" Harold asked.</p> + +<p>"Perfectly, monsieur," was the reply. "We might meet a few Indians, but +they are all our allies."</p> + +<p>"How do you like the plan?" Harold asked of his wife.</p> + +<p>"Very well, if you are sure we can overtake the men by night," was her +answer, as she closed her eves again.</p> + +<p>"Madam, it shall be done," said the Doctor, and he went out to complete +arrangements.</p> + +<p>"I hope you have a good report," said Cummings, who was still waiting. +Harold told him and then sought the Colonel.</p> + +<p>"The idea is an excellent one," said the latter. "Some of our baggage +sleighs will also be delayed, for I've given orders to purchase an extra +supply of feed for the horses at Hull. Of course during the summer the +order is to supply us by the boats on the lakes—all right if the war is +over, or if we whip the Yankees—but the other way if they beat us."</p> + +<p>Some of the officers were nonplussed. Soldier-like, not bearing +responsibility, they had never given the matter a thought, and the +suggestion opened up a new difficulty.</p> + +<p>"Don't take the thing too seriously, my men," Sir George finally +exclaimed with a laugh. "It will come out all right, as everything does +with the British soldier whichever way it goes. But I want to take a +look at the river from yonder crest for a minute or two while we have +time."</p> + +<p>"Well!" he exclaimed again, as he cast his eye upon the hamlet on the +other side of the Ottawa. "This is the first time I have ever marched +<i>by</i> a <i>town</i> and camped outside."</p> + +<p>"Why not change the name Sparksville<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> to Bytown, and give that as your +reason, sir," suggested Smith.</p> + +<p>"Not so bad," replied the Colonel briskly. "A garrison town could be +built here, with fortifications, and this dashing river at our +feet—providing Hull were in the hands of an enemy."</p> + +<p>"Which can never be," put in the Doctor, "unless the French cut loose +from the British and the Ottawa divides them."</p> + +<p>"In that case we'd build a citadel," said Captain Payne, "and change +Smith's Bytown to Out-away, as our command to the enemy."</p> + +<p>"Which means," said Sir George, who was amused at the play upon words, +"that we'd take the Hull of Ottawa."</p> + +<p>"Sacre!" cried the Doctor with a flush, "that could never be. The Lower +Province is stronger than the Upper one, and could beat it any day.</p> + +<p>"Hoity, toity, man!" exclaimed the Colonel, elevating his eyebrows and +smiling good-humoredly at the irate Anglo-Frenchman. "I should not think +you would care exceedingly which way it went."</p> + +<p>A general laugh followed, and the next moment the bugle sounded.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXI.</h2> + +<h3>HELEN'S DIARY.</h3> + + +<p><span class="dropcap"><small><small><sup>"</sup></small></small>R</span>oche Lake, Madawaska River, March ——, 1814.</p> + +<p>"One hundred miles yet to face over this weary way! Oh, why did I come? +Harold is well and strong, and could have done without me; while I am a +drag to him and the whole troop besides. It is two weeks since we left +Sparksville, or Bytown, as Lieutenant Smith calls it, and I have had +that miserable ague, in spite of the Doctor's medicine, every two days +since we started. Sometimes I have a funny kind of delirium with it. +While it lasts my head buzzes and whirls, and when I walk I feel as if +travelling with tremendous speed, and keep looking over my shoulder to +see if some hideous object is not chasing me. The sensation is horrible, +and the only relief is stillness. Even the motion of the sleigh affects +me, no matter how quietly I sit. During those long drives along the +Madawaska River the feeling was sometimes terrifying. I stood it while I +could. At last Harold spoke to Sir George, and he promised, if I could +endure it till we arrived at Roche Lake, to have a shanty built for me +in which I could rest until able to finish the journey. The reason he +chose Roche Lake was because we would there leave the smooth surface of +the ice for heavier marching through the forest.</p> + +<p>"It was very good of Sir George. He sent men on ahead to build the +shanty, and now here we are, and a cozy cabin they have made of it, +although isolated at least a hundred miles away from any other white +man's dwelling. But I must jot down how it is built. To my surprise they +put in a little window and a heavy board door they were taking out for +the new fort. The roof is of split logs laid flat and covered with pine +branches, and as it won't thaw for a month there is no danger of the +snow melting and running through. The chimney is built of slabs of green +timber put across one corner, leaving a hole in the roof; and the sides +and back of the fireplace of sheet iron, intended for the smithy. It may +be crude, but we women folk—astonishing how clannish the life is making +us—find it very comfortable, considering the long nights we have so +often spent in the woods with a shelter not quarter so good.</p> + +<p>"The journey from Bytown has been very weird to me, owing to my ague. +Still, I can remember the facts, I think. After Harold, the Doctor and I +started that first afternoon, we drove until nearly dark along the old +Jesuit trail before we overtook the men. They were putting up the camp +for the night, and had taken special care to provide for my comfort, so +that next morning, notwithstanding another chill, I was ready to +continue the journey. After that, for three whole days, we were guided +by Iroquois Indians, cutting our way through the woods to Calabogie +Lake. These red men of the forest are not very picturesque. We saw +nothing of their feathers and wampun and war paint. Perhaps that is +because we are so far from the frontier, where all the battles are +fought. Their dress resembles that of the habitants, and they are +proving themselves both friendly and trustworthy. Nearly every day they +bring in fresh venison or bear meat for sale, and to-day we were +astonished by a present from them of a huge elk.</p> + +<p>"Strange, however, we rarely see the squaws. Perhaps it is because they +know that our men are a body of warriors going through the country, who +would have little use for women.</p> + +<p>"How our soldiers rejoiced on being ordered to march on the ice of the +Madawaska! The river in some places is wide, winding in and out through +a rugged and open country, but the ice is thick and the surface smooth +and without drifts, save occasionally near a sudden bend. So, except +where the rapids interfered, we had steady marching and driving for days +over a road of our own make, and not along the Jesuit trail. The great +drawbacks are the depths of snow to be shovelled away or tramped down, +and the wearisome windings of the river.</p> + +<p>"Harold tells me that a hundred miles as the crow flies on the Madawaska +would be two hundred by the windings of the stream.</p> + +<p>"But my ague is coming back. I must stop my scribbling, and will start +it again to-morrow. It is so lonely out here in the woods that writing +is like talking to an old friend. Oh, those wretched little imps! There +they are again! You infernal bug-a-boos! You think you frighten me, do +you? Oh, I wish Harold was here, but he can't be until night! How my +head aches and swims, too! Still, I hate to give in. There, Emmiline in +the other end is singing. So I will put down what she says, if I can, in +spite of the little fiends who have been chasing me ever since I left +the Ottawa.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Rock-a-bo babee up de tree</span> +<span class="i2">Like vas de early morn,</span> +<span class="i0">And ve vill mak de feu de joie</span> +<span class="i2">And roast de Ingin corn.</span> + +<span class="i0">Rock-a-bo babee, airly an' lat,</span> +<span class="i2">Ven sweet de birdies sing;</span> +<span class="i0">Petite garçon laugh an' ee grow fat,</span> +<span class="i2">An' make de woods to ring.</span> + +<span class="i0">Rock-a-bo babee, Patre is come</span> +<span class="i2">From drivin' ever so far,</span> +<span class="i0">Over de rivare, so glad he's home</span> +<span class="i2">To wife and child, by gar.</span> +</div></div> + +<p>"What a mercurial nature! She feels well and can sing a child song, +notwithstanding all her sorrow."</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Diary continued next day.</p> + +<p>"My ague was not so bad yesterday, though I did see the little devils, +and was disconsolate and blue all day, the bottom for a while being +knocked out of everything. But the long rest helped me, and now that I +feel better and have time, Mrs. Diary, I will have a good long chat with +you. The men finished fixing the shanty this morning. The two women have +a big kettle of water boiling outside and are doing some washing for the +men. They say there is enough to keep them busy every day for a week. +Emmiline—and, by the way, she sang that ditty very sweetly +yestereen—is cooking over the fire at the other end of the room. She's +as happy as a queen and is singing again. This time it's habitant love +song. How good-natured and volatile these French-Canadians are! The loss +of her two babies seem to be entirely forgotten in the joy of travelling +out west with her husband. Outside we can hear the axes of Bateese and +another driver chopping firewood for our camp. Harold, as well as Bond +and Hardman, are all away with the Colonel and his men cutting a new +road in and out among the granite boulders through the woods. They will +be back to-night to remain with their wives until the morning. It seems +an awfully funny arrangement—four married men with their wives to sleep +together in a single shanty. What a terrible thing it would be if any of +them got mixed!</p> + +<p>"Strange, we never think of these things until they come upon us, and +then we take them as a matter of course—simply, I suppose, because we +have to. If I had known what lay before me on leaving England, I am just +as sure as—Still—I would have done a great deal for Harold—God knows +I would—and perhaps, yes, perhaps—What's the use of talking, anyway? +Whatever is, had to be; and whatever lies before us, we must face, +whether we will or no.</p> + +<p>"Still, these men are not a bit rude to me, and our long shanty is so +arranged that our end is cut off from the rest, though what is said in +ordinary talk can be heard all over the room. Then about our bed, I was +going to tell how we make it, but I won't, even to you, Mrs. Diary.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +"'Still keep somethin' to yoursel'<br /> +You'd scarcely tell to ony.'<br /> +</div> + +<p>"But I must say something more about our drive. For three or four days +after leaving Bytown, Captain Cummings was with me the half of each day +while Harold was marching, and I must say he seemed a different man, +just as gentlemanly as he could be, and so kind and thoughtful that I +felt ashamed of having ever entertained suspicions. He was considerate, +too, for on recovering the use of his ankle earlier than he expected, he +suggested a return to the old rôle. I must say I was both glad and sorry +to get some one else now and then in his place.</p> + +<p>"Three days ago, though, one of my off days, in which I had no fever, he +again drove with me the whole afternoon, and as it had occurred more +than once before, I became interested in his conversation. He has read +and travelled so much that his talk is instructive, and before you know +it you are thrown off your guard. You vow to yourself that it shall +never occur again, and yet it does occur, even before you know it. That +afternoon we commenced almost at once to talk about Penetang.</p> + +<p>"'Yes,' he said, 'I have taken the trouble to learn a good deal about +it. It is short for Penetanguishene, the name given to it by the Ojibway +Indians, and is said to be very picturesque.'</p> + +<p>"'Has the name a meaning?' I asked.</p> + +<p>"'Yes, it signifies the rolling sands or the shining shores made by the +gods of the fairies for lovers to bask upon.'</p> + +<p>"'And do the Ojibways still live there?' I asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no! Governor Simcoe bought the section twenty years ago from the +Matchedash Indians for garrison purposes, and it is only now, by advice +of the present Governor, Sir George Prevost, that the idea is being +carried out."</p> + +<p>"'And so we are going there to build the fort,' was my response.</p> + +<p>"'Don't you think we are an admirable body for the purpose?' he asked. +'A valiant knight of the Cross, with full complement of officers and men +to establish the quarters and put up the building, and a lady of quality +to preside at our functions and be queen of the realm.'</p> + +<p>"'But what will you do with her in the meantime?' I asked merrily. 'Put +her on the rolling sands and shining shore until the fort is built?'</p> + +<p>"'That's just it,' he returned. 'Turn her into a sea nymph and give her +a tent to adorn until the building is finished.'</p> + +<p>"'You are very kind. But how came it, Captain Cummings, as chief officer +of the company to be stationed, that you did not get married and bring +your own wife to be queen and preside at your functions?'</p> + +<p>"'I had very good reasons,' he blurted out. 'First, the lady to whom I +was engaged flatly declined to come west when I hinted the matter to +her. She was not so brave as you are. Second, she was a hothouse plant, +and would have been out of place in a garrison settlement. Third, I did +not love her enough to bother with her company, even if she had been +willing.'</p> + +<p>"'And did she break the engagement?'</p> + +<p>"'I suppose so, and I am happy to say I'm a free lance again, ready to +gather the luscious fruit whenever opportunity occurs.'</p> + +<p>"'You don't believe then in the adage: 'Once in love, always in love?'</p> + +<p>"'Lieutenant Manning does,' he replied.</p> + +<p>"'And so does his wife,' was my response.</p> + +<p>"'Oh, of course, but I believe in friendship more than love, and you +must count me your staunchest friend when we establish ourselves on the +shining shores of Penetang.'</p> + +<p>"I thanked him, of course, and again I say what else could I do?"</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXII.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>hrough interminable forest of spruce, pine and hemlock; through scraggy +underwood, through clumps of tamarack poles, through dense cedar hedges; +in and out among boulders of rock hard as adamant, jutting crags and +angry precipices, over mounds of granite and shelving plates of +limestone; over hill and down dale, the men of the 100th slowly made +their way. Cutting down brushwood among rocky masses, made a narrow lane +through which soldiers, two abreast, could force a tortuous march; but +to make sleigh roads for teams to transport goods for settlement and +garrison was a more difficult matter. The way through the frozen +wilderness was unbroken, and Indian guides, as well as their own scouts, +were sent on ahead to locate the road they must cut. Even a deadlock was +possible, and to save interminable journeys around impassable ravines, +teams would be unhitched and horses saddle-bagged and led singly, while +men carried goods in their arms or on their shoulders to the smoother +way beyond.</p> + +<p>Many more days passed away as slowly but surely they forged ahead in a +south-west direction. Monotony of labor, monotony of snow, monotony of +cold, but variety of wilderness. Sometimes troops of squirrels chattered +and scampered around them. Bold, black fellows would run down tall pines +and angrily interrogate the drivers and, having delivered their message, +dart back from tree to tree and disappear in the distance. Mink would +run in and out among the boulders, sometimes brought down by a soldier's +gun, but more frequently lost in a hole in the ice, to reappear next +minute when distance lent safety to the view. Now and then a wild cat +was seen as well as heard, and in the early dawn the tail of the red +fox, as he darted across the smooth surface of a frozen lake and +startled the deer as they lay in sheltered nook or browsed among the +bushes. But of wolves they saw no more, though night was often made +hideous with their unearthly yells, always reminiscent of that one +occasion, so long to be remembered.</p> + +<p>At last, on a bright March morning, they drove out upon a broad, level +plain. Octopus feelers stretched out in every direction. They were on +the Lake of Bays. Next, with all the speed they could muster, they +struck southward along Muskoka River. Then over hill and dale, across +ponds and beyond Muskoka Lake. South and west was still the watchword +till Waubashene was left behind, and finally one day, with the bright +sun shining above them, the terminus was reached.</p> + +<p>"All things come to him who waits and prays the Lord to guide him!" +piously exclaimed the Chaplain.</p> + +<p>"God be praised, we're here at last, thanks to our perseverance," echoed +Sir George. "But waiting would never bring a man to his destined haven. +Egad! this is a fine spot! Looks well in winter, what must it be in +summer?"</p> + +<p>"Mon Dieu!" exclaimed the Doctor, whose expletives were always in +French, "if yonder is not a schooner frozen fast in the ice."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and by my father's ghost, there's a man on her deck taking stock +of us," cried Cummings.</p> + +<p>At this moment the men gave a loud cheer, which was answered by a whoop +from the owner of the boat.</p> + +<p>"The unexpected always happens," said Sir George; "who could imagine +that we should find a brig here? Captain, send down Bond and Hardman to +tell the man I would like to converse with him."</p> + +<p>In a short time the men of the little column, as well as horses and +sleighs, were gathered in an open space above the crest of the hill. On +two sides and behind them the forest extended illimitably, while through +the scattered trees in front, the surface of the bay stretched out for +miles. It was here they purposed camping in temporary shanties and tents +until permanent houses could be built.</p> + +<p>A week's rest at Roche Lake had improved Helen's condition, and now with +joy she welcomed the end of their long march.</p> + +<p>"Home at last," cried Harold, as their sleigh stopped.</p> + +<p>"Even if it is a snowbank," she responded with a laugh.</p> + +<p>"Scarcely that bad," said Sir George, who overheard her. "I see two or +three empty shanties yonder. They can be fixed a bit. And that little +schooner may have accommodation, perhaps. We shall soon know."</p> + +<p>The spot on which they stood was tramped hard by the many feet of the +men, and Helen alighted.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if there is a woman on board of her?" she questioned.</p> + +<p>"If there is, she's had a winter of it," commented Harold, "though not +as hard as you have had, dearie."</p> + +<p>"I can sympathize with any of your sex now, our own women particularly," +exclaimed Sir George, and extending his hand to Helen, he continued, +"and I congratulate you, Mrs. Manning, most cordially, may I say +affectionately, for the brave and noble fight you have put up during the +whole of this terrible journey. We are all proud of you, and when I tell +your uncle, Sir Charles, of the doings of the brave lady we took out to +the west, he will simply be amazed."</p> + +<p>Helen's cheeks flushed, and her eyes drooped as she murmured her thanks, +but her thoughts were wandering off in another direction.</p> + +<p>"You are not going back soon?" she asked, timidly.</p> + +<p>"Certainly not for a while; but when summer comes I may have to, unless +you make the new fort so charming by your presence, that even an old +fellow like myself cannot tear himself away," replied the Colonel, +gallantly.</p> + +<p>"But how could we possibly do without you?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, that can easily be managed, and to save time, preliminaries are +already being arranged."</p> + +<p>"You are cold," said Harold, noticing the sudden whiteness of her face. +"Let us step to the fire."</p> + +<p>Already one was burning, and beside it she stood, silently watching the +men felling trees for the larger camp of the night.</p> + +<p>"This is Mr. Latimer, sir," said the Corporal to Sir George, touching +his hat; with him were Hardman and the shuffling skipper. "He owns the +craft."</p> + +<p>"Good day, sir," exclaimed the man, with a general air of amazement on +his face.</p> + +<p>"Good day to you," Sir George replied, extending his hand. "We were +surprised to find a boat in the ice with a live man on it at this time +of the year."</p> + +<p>"No more'n I was to see youse, sir; an' where the deuce you all comes +from beats me."</p> + +<p>"On sledges straight from the Pole," returned the Colonel with a smile.</p> + +<p>"So I suspect!" a humorous twinkle taking the place of the look of +astonishment, "but I didna think the Yankees could scare red-coats so +far north as that."</p> + +<p>"Not so bad! But who have you on that boat of yours, or are you alone? +In fact, have you any accommodations to spare? Two or three berths, for +instance."</p> + +<p>"There's me an' my old woman. If she's willin' possibly we might take in +two or three womenfolk, if they can put up with our fixings."</p> + +<p>The man took a side glance at Helen, who stood by the fire, and then at +the other women, but his eye immediately reverted to the first face. She +had regained her color and was attentively observing him.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," returned the Colonel, "but how do you happen to be frozen +up in this plight?"</p> + +<p>"That's easy told," returned the man with a nod. He evidently wanted to +have a talk. "Fact is, I'm a trader, dealin' with Indians and whites all +around the Georgian Bay. But you see this war bizness knocked me out a +bit, for it wan't safe to run a craft right in the teeth o' destruction; +so I waited till fall, and when the gunboats laid up for the winter I +pitched in and did a rushing business right up to December. Then the big +gale hit us, and I thought it would blow the <i>Bumble Bee</i> to pieces, but +it didn't. She just drifted right to where she is. Lor! how it did blow +that night! An' it friz, too, like all creation! When mornin' came we +was froze in as solid as a rock, an' here we are yet, and likely to be +for a spell. Turn about's fair play. Straight bizness—none o' yer +foolin'! Where did youse all come from?"</p> + +<p>"From Halifax."</p> + +<p>"How in Sam Hill did you do it?"</p> + +<p>"By cutting our way through the woods."</p> + +<p>"Well, I swa'an!" The man pulled out a jack-knife and began whittling a +stick. Then he expectorated an exceedingly long distance, and finished +by exclaiming: "Golly, but you're bricks—and to think of having a leddy +with you, too!"</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Sir George.</p> + +<p>"An' how much farther be you going? Clean through to the coast?"</p> + +<p>"No; this is the end."</p> + +<p>"An' you'll stay here?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"An' build a barrack for the sojers?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"By Jehupitee Cripes! If that don't beat all! I must tell my woman. +Won't the <i>Bumble Bee</i> make a fortin'?"</p> + +<p>Latimer clapped his knee in high glee. Then he turned to shuffle down to +the boat to tell his better half the good news.</p> + +<p>"Stay!" called Sir George, and, turning to Harold, he continued: "You +and your wife had better go with Mr. Latimer and see what accommodation +he has to offer. It might save time."</p> + +<p>So, accompanied by Bond, they followed the man in single file down the +footpath through the snow. A steep but straight decline led to the level +of the frozen lake. About twenty yards from the shore lay the <i>Bumble +Bee</i>. It was a small craft with two masts and about nine feet beam. The +gunwale stood several feet above the ice, and beside the little midship +cabin the whole of the poop had been boarded in by a railing. A pile of +wood lay beside the boat, and as Helen stepped across the little +gangway, she noticed that the foredeck was cleanly swept.</p> + +<p>With arms akimbo, a middle-aged, stern-faced woman stood in the narrow +doorway, but her thick homespun dress and general air of tidiness and +thrift gave confidence to her visitor, notwithstanding the puzzled look +of inquiry with which she returned Helen's salutation.</p> + +<p>"These people want to know eff we'll tak' in boarders?" said Latimer, by +way of introduction. "What say you, Meg?"</p> + +<p>"He means," said Harold, "that we are stranded, and would like you, if +possible, to accommodate this lady and two or three other women until we +can build our own quarters."</p> + +<p>For a moment or two the woman looked straight into Helen's frank and +kindly eyes. Then her hard expression softened, and a smile lit up her +face as she accepted Helen's hand.</p> + +<p>"I guess I can," was her answer. "It ain't much, but such as I have +she's welcome to. About t'other women I don't know, for I haven't seen +'em yet."</p> + +<p>Helen's eyes filled with tears.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," she said.</p> + +<p>"Step right in, marm; the coop is warm if it is little, and there's a +chair you can sit down in," pointing to a little rocker which Latimer +had made for her. "It's kinder comfortable."</p> + +<p>"I'm sure it is," said Helen, and slowly she rocked herself to and fro, +while she listened to the talk of the woman.</p> + +<p>She felt strangely attracted by her. Some old memory link of the past +was aroused. Had she seen that face before, and if so, when and where? +While talking and asking questions Helen's mind was in an analytical +mood, dissecting, so far as she could, everything associated with her +appearance and life. Who was she? Where had she seen her? Was it +possible that their lives had ever touched each other—this woman, +double her own age and of different station? Yes, there was a link +somewhere. Of this she felt sure. She must solve the mystery, but not +now. To find a spot to rest in was enough for the present.</p> + +<br /><br /> +<a name="STRANGERS" id="STRANGERS"></a> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 80%;"> +<img src="images/p0211.jpg" width="385" height="573" alt="" title="" /> +</div> +<h4>"Strangers and yet not strangers"</h4> + +<div class="blockquot"><div class="blockquot"><p class="right"><i>Page 72</i></p></div></div> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>he few remaining hours of that 31st of March were well occupied by the +men of the 100th. Larger and better camps were pitched to last for many +nights, instead of one, until real barracks could be built. The Indian +wigwams, of which several were standing along the shore, proved to be +useless, but a couple of trapper-forsaken shanties for the time did duty +as officers' quarters. Fortunately, in each was a rough fireplace, and +big fires soon dried the dampness and made them passably habitable. So +with the women on the <i>Bumble Bee</i>, and officers and men in their camps, +the first night passed away.</p> + +<p>On the following morning the men strengthened their stakes, while Sir +George and Captain Payne had an earnest consultation over plans for the +future.</p> + +<p>"Of course," said Sir George, "a fort and barracks will have to be built +at once, whatever we do afterwards; the question is, which shall be +first and where shall we put them?"</p> + +<p>"Both important questions," returned the Captain. "There is another +serious one, too. In three or four weeks, perhaps half that time, +winter will break up. The spring thaw and cold rains will come, and +better shelter for our people will then be imperative."</p> + +<p>"True," said the Colonel. "You already have your plans."</p> + +<p>For some moments there was a pause while they scanned the outlook.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said the engineer at last, "beside the men's camp, near the +margin of the hill, will be a good place for the garrison. It commands +the whole length of the bay to its mouth and Beausoliel Island beyond. +You couldn't have a better place for a fort. In it you might have +officers' rooms as well, and later on build your shipyard at the foot of +the hill down by the bay."</p> + +<p>"What about the men's quarters?"</p> + +<p>"Build them right behind the fort."</p> + +<p>"You notice that little narrow island to the south of Latimer's boat?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; it commands the mouth of the harbor direct, and would be a fine +place to build a magazine with a battery of guns."</p> + +<p>"A good idea, Captain. When summer comes perhaps we can manage it with +our light cannon. It is lucky they were no bigger. If they had been it +would have been impossible to portage them so far through the woods."</p> + +<p>"To put up the buildings every man will have to work," said Payne.</p> + +<p>"There need be no reserve on that score," returned George. "How are you +off for tools?"</p> + +<p>"Starting at London and ending at Montreal, we secured a full +complement, including axes, broad-axes, shingle knives, cross-cut saws, +etc. Then all the drivers are skilled woodsmen, and can show our men how +to use them."</p> + +<p>"When will you be ready to start?"</p> + +<p>"Immediately after mess."</p> + +<p>"Another thing, Captain, we must not forget that Mrs. Manning is here to +stay. One of our first buildings must be for herself and her husband."</p> + +<p>"I thought of that. How would it do to put up a house at once big enough +to hold them and the officers, too?"</p> + +<p>"You might throw up a little cottage for them and a larger one for +ourselves. That would be better than the double combination. Then we +could wait a bit. For that matter, we might build the new fort of +stone."</p> + +<p>In another hour a score of axes were at work. Busy hands swung them from +morning until evening for many successive days. Saws were used to cut +the logs into necessary lengths, while the little Frenchmen with their +teams snaked the logs out of the woods into the clearing where the +houses were to be built.</p> + +<p>Some of the men cleared the ground of underwood and dug cellars with +bevelled edges for the coming dwellings; others, discovering a spring, +hollowed out the surface, put in a cedar block curb and turned it into +a flowing well; while another gang felled clear stuff white pines, sawed +them into short lengths and split them into shingles.</p> + +<p>And so, under control of Captain Payne, this complex host of industry +busied itself day after day, from early dawn until the darkening. The +weather was in every way propitious, and though it thawed in day time, +it always froze at night. The sun, in a clear sky, daily reached a +loftier altitude and shed a warmer ray, melting the snow until the water +ran in ripples to the lake. But the tightening each night saved the +situation. Every body knew that warm weather was coming, and with so +much impending, not a moment was lost. So the time passed until one +afternoon a man was squaring the butt-end of a log when Captain Payne +joined him.</p> + +<p>"Can you have all ready for the raising by Monday morning?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"For the first cottage, yes," the man answered, resting for a moment +upon his broad-axe. "It's the little one for the lady. Bateese and +Bouchere are both good hewers, and they will have the logs for the other +by the time we have the first up."</p> + +<p>"That's satisfactory. I'm glad you are prompt. We are going to have +rain."</p> + +<p>"Bateese says it will come inside of two days," replied the man, +glancing at the hazy mist which was gradually darkening the sky.</p> + +<p>"Oui, monsieur, rain sure," cried Bateese from the end of a log he was +hewing. "Dem leetle clouds lak sheep-wool all de sam, wid haze where she +touch de ice sure sign, sure as shooting, sure as de diable."</p> + +<p>"How can you tell? You were never here before, Bateese."</p> + +<p>"Sure all de same. Place make no difference. Jess as it was in Kebec."</p> + +<p>"You had better push things anyway, Blake," said the Captain. "He is +probably right. Come what will, we must have both houses shingled before +the storm breaks."</p> + +<p>"And so we shall, if the good Lord will only keep it off a bit longer. +But there's a pile of work to do yet. The shingles are ready, but the +roof slabs have to be split. We'll need more men, sir."</p> + +<p>"You can have twenty more for the barrack gang," said Payne.</p> + +<p>"That's all we've room for, but they'll be needed. Let us have 'em soon, +sir."</p> + +<p>"All right, my man."</p> + +<p>At this moment there was a wild yell in the woods, following a crash +among the trees, and from different directions men rushed to the spot +from which the sound came; while at the same time a messenger hurried +in.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" cried Sir George.</p> + +<p>"Teddy Barnes is killed. He is dead sure! Oh! where is the Doctor?"</p> + +<p>But Beaumont had heard, and with long strides was hastening to the spot. +Though unconscious, the man was not dead. A big shingle tree in falling +had brought down a slanting spruce, pinning Teddy down in the snow +without killing him outright. When the Doctor arrived the men were +trying clumsily to extricate him.</p> + +<p>"Sacré," screamed the Doctor. "Stop, I say! There's only one chance to +save him. The log must be cut. Bateese, you are the man. Swing your axe +for your life. Now, all take hold and lift the tree bodily till he cuts +it loose."</p> + +<p>The shrill words of Beaumont calmed the excitement and brought order out +of chaos. Every one sprang to his post and the mighty effort of the men +in direct line preceptibly raised the upper end of the heavy tree. On +examination, the Doctor was convinced that the deep snow in the hollow +in which he lay had saved the man from instant death.</p> + +<p>With prodigious energy Bateese swung his axe. Every blow sank deep in +the soft, green wood. Quickly the bevelled notch in the one side was +cut, followed in similar fashion on the other. In a few minutes the work +was done, the axe penetrating from side to side through the upper half.</p> + +<p>"Now, reedy—leeft, garçons, leeft!" cried Bateese. "Steddy."</p> + +<p>With a bound the Frenchman was at the Doctor's side, and while the men +lifted till the timber snapped, the two gently drew out the body of the +boy; but an ominous sound jarred upon their ears. The bones grated upon +each other. Then on a stretcher covered with blankets they gently laid +the lad and bore him back to the camp.</p> + +<p>"Will he live?" Sir George asked in deep concern.</p> + +<p>"No," said the Doctor. "The poor fellow's pelvis is smashed. He may not +even become conscious again, for his skull is fractured as well."</p> + +<p>"Pray God he may not, then," said Sir George, fervently. "Better to die +than live in hopeless agony."</p> + +<p>By the time they reached the men's quarters every one in camp knew. They +gathered together in groups and discussed the sad event, the first +calamity since their arrival in Penetang. A more careful examination +corroborated the Doctor's opinion. Consciousness never returned, and by +sundown he was dead.</p> + +<p>"What about the lad's burial?" Chaplain Evans asked of Sir George before +retiring for the night.</p> + +<p>"To-morrow is Sunday, let us have it then," was the sorrowful answer. +"Reveille at eight, breakfast at nine, full parade at ten, funeral at +eleven. Preach the Sunday sermon, Chaplain, and let the boys have a good +one. They deserve it. Then we'll give poor Barnes a full rifle salute +and taps as well."</p> + +<p>"You are right, Colonel," returned the Chaplain; there was moisture +between his eyelids; "but it is too bad to have a death in our ranks so +soon."</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>hey buried the broken body of Teddy Barnes in a little oak grove on the +lower plateau, and the dead leaves on the branches soughed in gentle +requiem to the words:</p> + +<p>"Dust to dust, ashes to ashes," as they fell from the clergyman's lips.</p> + +<p>With serious faces soldiers stood around the open grave. Earth dropped +upon the coffin. The boom of guns echoed over forest and lake, and then, +as the sounds died away, the shrill note of the bugle told of a spirit +that had gone too soon to the God who gave it. The funeral service was +ended.</p> + +<p>"My men," said the deep voice of the Colonel as he glanced at the faces +around him. "This sad duty is over. We have buried a comrade who fell, +not fighting in battle, but doing his duty; and in his burial we have +given him the honors due the bravest soldier when struck down at the +cannon's mouth.</p> + +<p>"But, my men, we do not live for the dead, but for the living. We are +still practically without shelter, and though it is Sunday, I must bid +you work with might and main. Every man must be at his post. The +quarters for the officers, and barracks for the men, must be built and +have the shingles on before the rain comes. Otherwise we must face +disaster. So I ask you to disband until after dinner, and then, at one +o'clock sharp, your work must begin again."</p> + +<p>Standing around the grave of their comrade the two companies of the +100th sent up a rousing cheer for their Colonel, and then, scattering, +each man went where he listed.</p> + +<p>"That Colonel of yours is well named," said Latimer to Helen in the +afternoon, as he entered the little coop of the <i>Bumble Bee</i>, where she +was writing. "He's got a mighty good headpiece. Those fellows of his +work like niggers when he tells 'em to."</p> + +<p>"And should they not?" she asked, looking up from her folder.</p> + +<p>"Of course, it's their duty, and all that, but I've often seen fellows +shirk right again orders the moment the captain's back was turned."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps they didn't have the right kind of a captain."</p> + +<p>"That's about it," returned Latimer, nodding his head. "Though it's not +their regular dooty, and it's Sunday, them sojers are workin' like all +possessed—one lot sawin' an' choppin' an' splittin' an' +haulin'—t'other lot havin' a reg'lar raisin' bee. They'll have the +walls o' both them housen up by night, or my name ain't Latimer."</p> + +<p>"I don't think Sir George would have the men working that way to-day if +it were not necessary," said Helen, seriously; but she remembered a note +in her diary, written in the days of their long march.</p> + +<p>"It's necessary, sure enough, or they wouldn't have a shingle laid +before the flood comes. But the funny part of it is that the boys should +put on their best lick to-day. I reckon that speech of the Colonel's did +the bizness. If I'd been one of them, I'd ha' done my best, too."</p> + +<p>For some time Latimer stood beside the little stove without further +comment, and Helen resumed her writing.</p> + +<p>"Say, Mrs. Manning!" he exclaimed at last. "Do you think the Colonel has +any idee how the war's going? In a week or two the snow 'll be all gone, +an' the ice broke up, an' to me it 'pears like he must be 'specting the +Yankee ships up to the bay here, or he wouldn't be buildin' a fort."</p> + +<p>"You should ask the Colonel," replied Helen, diplomatically. "I can't +tell you, perhaps he can. But about our buildings, the sooner they go up +the better. This terrible winter seems to have lasted a year at least."</p> + +<p>"Golly, no. It has just been the ordinaire. Still, I'll be glad to have +it open up an' get my boat out agin. Do you know it's jess bootiful out +yon' on the water when the spring comes. The hull east side of the bay +is chuck full o' islands, and they're as purty as a pictur. There are +thousands of 'em, little bits of fellows and great big ones, scattered +up and down like lambs on a pasture field or hickory nuts in the woods. +An' then they're all covered wi' bushes and trees like. What I've seen +of 'em allus looked like the place my old mother told of, where the +fairies lived, and, by jove, nobody but fairies could live there, +anyway, for they're nothin' but solid rock, the hull kit of 'em."</p> + +<p>"Now you're talking sense for the fust time," said Mrs. Latimer, from +the other side of the cribbed little room. "It's one o' the most +dangerous lakes you could find anywheres. Nawthing but rocks, rocks, +rocks, an' many a boat goes to smash on 'em every year, an' no tellin' +how many lives are lost, for they never come back to tell the story."</p> + +<p>"I didn't say they warn't dangerous," returned Latimer, sagely holding +his head to one side. "I jess said they was bootiful, and so they is. It +ain't every one can tell a purty thing when they see it; and more than +that," he added sententiously, "the bay is prolific."</p> + +<p>"Of what?" his wife asked in supreme contempt.</p> + +<p>"Why," he replied in disgust, "of fishes."</p> + +<p>"Awh!" she interjected.</p> + +<p>"I don't think there's a place on the lakes where the fishin's as good +as Georgian Bay. There's whitefish an' salmon trout, an' bass, an' +pickerel, an' sturgeon, an' muskilonge, 'an goodness knows how many +others. Oh, you can talk as you like, but when the sun is settin' in +big gold flashes—green islands all around you—clear water, still as +glass, beneath you—an' then the bass catchin' your hook as fast as you +throw it in, life's jest about worth livin'!"</p> + +<p>"Ned's on one of his tangents again," said Mrs. Latimer, with a shrug. +"If the <i>Bumble Bee</i> ever gets stranded on the rocks it'll teach him +sense, but nothin' else will."</p> + +<p>"Don't be hard on a fellow, Meg," replied the man good-naturedly. +"Many's the time the <i>Bumble Bee's</i> taken in fish by the bushel, an' she +never got stranded on the rocks yet; please God, she never will. She can +run agin the wind as fast as any smack I know of, an' I guess Ned +Latimer understands her gearings."</p> + +<p>"It was runnin' her gearings put us in this blessed hole, I reckon.'</p> + +<p>"We might have been wuss off. Lots o' firewood, lots o' fish and +venison, friendly Injuns for neighbors, an' not so terribly cold after +all, even if we was friz up in the ice."</p> + +<p>And the philosophical skipper went off to take another look at the +progress of the "Raisin'."</p> + +<p>"Latimer's allus easy goin' and onreasonable," said the wife, as she +watched him through the little window, while he ascended the hill.</p> + +<p>"It must have been hard for you to spend the winter locked in here," +said Helen. She felt like reconciling the incongruities between the +ill-mated pair, "but I shouldn't think Mr. Latimer an unreasonable man. +He may have made a mistake in letting his boat drift into the bay so +late in the season. Still, he has made it comfortable for you, and I +wonder what I could have done if your homelike schooner had not been +here, with a kind hostess in it to welcome me."</p> + +<p>"I suppose things is never so bad as they might be," said Mrs. Latimer, +her face relaxing a little. "And I'm glad to do something for ye—even +if it ain't much."</p> + +<p>Again Helen was startled. It was when the hardness wore off the woman's +face that the forgotten expression came back again. She had surely seen +it before, and the softened tone seemed familiar. Could she trace it +back through the years to the days of her childhood? It could not be +black-eyed Susan, who pinched her when she cried, and threatened to +pinch harder if she told? This woman's eyes were grey. Nor red-headed +Molly, who in her afternoon walk invariably left her with her mother to +be stuffed with black toffy, while she went off to gossip with the +barber's son? Her hair was too black ever to have been red. Nor the maid +who frightened her with ghost stories. Nor the namby-pamby one who +cuddled her with kisses and called her beatific names, until in childish +indignation she wrathfully rebelled.</p> + +<p>All these in rapid movement of memory were set aside, but the more she +thought, the more convinced she became that in the big medley of +domestic servitors of the long past, this woman somewhere played her +part. But the cobwebs were lifting. She would find her soon.</p> + +<p>"You have not always lived on the lakes, Mrs. Latimer?" she asked at +last.</p> + +<p>"I never did till I married Latimer."</p> + +<p>"And before that?" said Helen.</p> + +<p>"I was from New York; but that's ten year ago, and Latimer was a British +subject."</p> + +<p>"And did you never cross the ocean? One would think that, living so much +on the water, you would be sure to go over the sea."</p> + +<p>"So I have, mum, so I have. I went over twenty year ago come June as +servant to a New York lady and stayed there for a year, but I didn't +like it, so I come home agin."</p> + +<p>"Twenty years ago. And did you live for some time in South London, near +the Thames?"</p> + +<p>"Yes I did," answered the woman, with a start.</p> + +<p>"And worked as nursemaid for Mrs. Brandon, of Russell Street, near +Battersea Park?"</p> + +<p>"Good gracious alive, yes! Did you know her? Be you—"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I am little Helen Brandon, the child you put straddle-legged +around your neck to run a race with another nurse-girl from Henley +Street, at the other end of the row."</p> + +<p>"Land sake! Be you that child? Who'd a'thought it! An' then to meet you +here out in the wilds o' the wilderness!" The woman rose, and, with +flushed and agitated face, came towards her.</p> + +<p>Helen extended both hands, and Mrs. Latimer grasped them within her own.</p> + +<p>"It was rough play, and weren't the square thing to do, I reckon; still, +I don't think I hurt you, child."</p> + +<p>"You didn't hurt me much, but I was terribly afraid you might fall. If I +remember right, the other little girl screamed frantically at the last."</p> + +<p>"And well she might," returned the woman with a grin, "for Ann did the +very thing you were afraid of. She stumbled and rolled over, and I won +the race."</p> + +<p>"I must have been sadly frightened, for I remember crying over it in my +little bed that night, and my mother insisted upon knowing the cause—so +I told her—and I never saw you afterwards."</p> + +<p>"Oh, she gave me my <i>congé</i> next morning, but I didn't care, for I had +decided to come back to the States as soon as that month's work was up."</p> + +<p>"You did not take another place, then?"</p> + +<p>"No; I sailed on the next ship, and then worked out in New York until I +came across Latimer—and was fool enough to marry him."</p> + +<p>"I hope you don't regret it."</p> + +<p>"Humph! don't I? But I'm glad to know who you are. There won't be no +more races, but I'll do all I can for you, an' help you to fix things, +too, when they get your house built. I took an awful fancy to you when +you was a kid, even if I was a leetle rough."</p> + +<p>"I felt sure I knew you from the first," said Helen earnestly. "I must +again thank you for your kindness, and I am sure we shall be very good +friends."</p> + +<p>"It is just a joy to see you when I think it out. The long ago is only +like yesterday. Just to think that the first white woman's face I should +see in four months should be that of the little rosy-faced darling that +I dangled in my arms and round my neck twenty long year ago. Ah, there +comes Latimer agin!" And her face hardened. "What does he want now, I +wonder? Why can't he let us be?"</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXV.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>he woman went out to interrogate her husband, and Helen returned to her +writing, but in a few minutes Latimer came in again.</p> + +<p>"Is them letters you are at?" he asked, as she folded a sheet and +slipped it into her reticule.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she replied. "I hope to send them away when the lake opens."</p> + +<p>"Your post will be long in going," he said, wagging his head. "It may +take a month to clear the ice off the bay, and there ain't a single +post-office anywheres this side o' Little York, and being as the Yankees +fight well on the lakes, it might be dangerous to send letters that way +even when they was open."</p> + +<p>"Letters will keep," replied Helen, serenely, "And the Americans cannot +always have it their own way."</p> + +<p>"I didn't say they could; only what you have writ down will be an old +story before you get it off your hands."</p> + +<p>"Old stories are said to be the best, you know."</p> + +<p>"So I've heerd. It's none of my bizness, anyhow, an' as I tell my old +woman, you can do as you durned please."</p> + +<p>He threw back his head and cackled in apology for his rudeness, while +Helen folded her tablets and put on her wraps to go out. The hazy sun +was still an hour high. On the hill she could see her future home, with +walls up and rafter poles in place, and not far from it sounded the +"yo-heave" of the men who, with long pikes, were raising the logs of the +larger building.</p> + +<p>Gathering up her skirts to keep them out of the melting snow, Helen +hastened over to the scene. Harold was superintending the men on one +side as she joined him.</p> + +<p>"That'll be our new home, sweetheart," he said, nodding toward the +farther building. "How do you like it?"</p> + +<p>"Logs all round, it looks queer," was her answer.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but the shingles have to go on yet."</p> + +<p>"What about doors and windows?"</p> + +<p>"They will cut holes in the sides to-day, and put them in afterwards."</p> + +<p>"What a ninny I am not to think of it! How hard the men work!"</p> + +<p>"Yes; this house, too, has to be up to-night, and made ready for +shingles as well."</p> + +<p>"Oh, if the rain would only keep off!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, that would be grand. In the meantime we are all doing our best."</p> + +<p>Some men were splitting pine logs into slabs and hewing them down for +roof planks, and already they were being laid on the rafters of Helen's +house. Others were preparing shingles, chinking walls and cutting +apertures. Doorways, jamways, chimneys, were all being made. Every one +was busy.</p> + +<p>By the next afternoon much had been accomplished. Each man's coat was +off—work was unabated—no rain had fallen—but heavy clouds covered the +sky—and Bateese's prediction seemed likely of fulfilment.</p> + +<p>The shingling of Helen's house had been finished. A log fire was burning +on the andirons to dry the dampness and take away the green, while men +were doing their best in many ways to make it habitable.</p> + +<p>"Can I have my boxes brought in now?" Helen asked of Harold. "There's +the first drop of rain."</p> + +<p>"Yes, if the rubbish can be cleared out of the way."</p> + +<p>"Emmiline and I will see to that."</p> + +<p>Then Bateese and the soldiers brought over what was personal for Helen's +cottage; while she, her faithful Emmiline and Harold, did the rest.</p> + +<p>In the preparations of the officers' house progress had been slower, but +as it was evident that rain would be upon them heavily by night, the +energies of the men were taxed to their utmost. Bit by bit the place was +put in order, and load after load of goods were brought in and piled at +random even before the roof was closed in.</p> + +<p>"The shingling must be finished, no matter how it rains," cried Captain +Payne, "and every man shall have an extra ration of grog when it is +done. The officers will occupy this house to-night, no matter what +happens."</p> + +<p>The promise of extra liquor, for all were wet, stimulated to greater +exertion, and valiantly the men obeyed orders. By night rain came down +in torrents. Though drenched to the skin, the shinglers continued their +work until the last one was laid, and beneath the sheltering roof of +their new cottage Sir George and his officers gathered together before +the night closed in.</p> + +<p>Still, the walls of the barracks were only partly up, and for that night +the men, notwithstanding the rain, were obliged to return to their old +quarters. So with the women in the <i>Bumble Bee</i>, Harold and Helen in +their new cottage, the officers in their house, and the men in their old +camp, the night wore on.</p> + +<p>By-and-bye the east wind veered to the south. With warmer air and rain +the snow and ice melted rapidly away. But toward morning another change +came. The wind swept to the west and increased to a hurricane; savagely +the frozen surface of the bay broke up, toppling huge waves over each +other in fury, and forcing the ice blocks out to the freer space along +the eastern shore. So mad was the wind, so wild the elements, bursting +free from the icy grip of winter—that the lake at Beausoliel tossed +mountains high in a white-capped sea of foam. The trouble, however, was +not in the distance, but at hand.</p> + +<p>During the earlier hours of the night, tired out by their day's work, +the men slept soundly, notwithstanding the tempest. The pine-needle +padding of the roofs of the camp in some measure protected the bunks +from leakage; and, as the soldier heeds not the storm, save when +summoned to duty, on they slept. By-and-bye the wind increased in savage +fury. Stakes loosened, camp poles swayed, and at the earliest dawn the +sentry sounded the alarm. But it was none too soon. The men had scarcely +time to spring to their feet and don their jackets before the crash +came. There were oaths and yells and confusion; clashing of timbers and +popping of heads through the debris; while not a few derisive laughs +rang out above the sound of the screeching wind.</p> + +<p>"What a devilish row!" cried Corporal Bond to Hardman, as they fell over +each other in making their exit. "A complete flattener. Pray God, none +o' the boys are killed."</p> + +<p>"It beats all," returned Hardman, as a flying stick struck him on the +head and knocked him over. But he was up in a moment, vigorously rubbing +the place. "Jimminy Isaacs! Lucky the women are in the boat," he yelled +out.</p> + +<p>"Is it, though?" cried the Corporal, as a wild shout came from the +stormy bay beneath them.</p> + +<p>"Ba gosh! Vat's de matter wid de <i>Bumble Bee</i>?" yelled Bateese, who, +after crawling from beneath a stack of pine poles, rushed to their side. +There was commotion down there, no doubt, though what it was the +darkness hid from view. Away went Bateese, running with tremendous +strides and followed by others, realizing that possibly the women might +be in danger.</p> + +<p>Protected from wind and wave by the island already mentioned, the ice +between the latter and the shore withstood the force of the tempest the +longest. At the northern end of the protected channel lay the <i>Bumble +Bee</i>, and while stationary in the ice, the storm failed to rouse the +occupants. The sudden veering of the wind, however, changed the +flattened surface into a boiling cauldron. Tumultuously, the ice, worn +thin by the prolonged thaw, was broken into fragments, and the little +ship, frozen solid at her moorings for the whole of the winter, was +suddenly cast loose upon the waters.</p> + +<p>Latimer and his wife were both roused by the lurch of the boat. As an +old seaman, he knew at once what had happened. The rudder, too, was +gone, and he called loudly for assistance. At the same moment the women +screamed, for the boat tossed like a cockle shell beneath them.</p> + +<p>"Be easy, now," cried Latimer. "Don't make fools of yourselves! This +ain't the first sail the <i>Bumble Bee</i> ever made."</p> + +<p>"If it ain't the first, it's the last," retorted his wife, fiercely.</p> + +<p>"Bet your bottom dollar she'll make many another yet. Hello, Bateese! +Ketch this rope when I throw it."</p> + +<p>But the distance was too great.</p> + +<p>"Hold on, wait a meenit," and Bateese ran to a pile of young beeches +that had been cut as pike poles for building.</p> + +<p>"That 'tarnal Frenchman," muttered Latimer. "The rudder's broken, and +we'll drift out of reach before he's back again."</p> + +<p>But Bateese knew better.</p> + +<p>"Tie loop on rope," he yelled as he hurried back. "Den we catch heem wid +pole."</p> + +<p>"Here's one for ye," and with tremendous effort Latimer threw out the +line again. As it uncoiled the end fell between fragments of ice ten +feet from the shore.</p> + +<p>"Dere, I tole you. Him no reach de bank, but nevare min', we catch heem +all de same." And stretching out to his utmost he hooked the fork of the +beech into the open end of the cable and drew it in. Being taut, there +was barely enough to reach the shore.</p> + +<p>"Give us more rope," shouted Bond. Another yard was paid out.</p> + +<p>"Not another inch to spare," cried Latimer.</p> + +<p>But the men had got hold of it and were pulling with all their might. +Still, the force of the current was a match for them, and it was not +until reinforced that they succeeded in drawing the boat in and lashing +it to a tree.</p> + +<p>Necessity for self-control was now over, and Bateese sprung excitedly on +to the <i>Bumble Bee</i>.</p> + +<p>"Oh, ma Emmiline. Mon cher ami!" Throwing his arms about his wife: "Mine +sweetheart—vive ma reine."</p> + +<p>"Oui, oui, Bateese!" she replied, the tears running on each side down +her face, "but don't be so fooleesh."</p> + +<p>The Englishmen were not so demonstrative. Hardman extended his hand to +help his wife to terra firma, she vowing that she would "never sleep on +that old thing again"; while Bond chaffed his wife good-naturedly for +"rasin' such a din in the fo'castle of the bloomin' boat."</p> + +<p>By this time it was daylight. The bugle sounded the men to mess, and the +day promising to be fine, orders were given to push the barracks for the +men, and to occupy them the coming night. All of which by diligent +effort they were able to accomplish.</p> + +<p>Having followed our heroine and the officers and soldiers of the two +companies of the 100th through their long and arduous march, locating +them finally at Penetang, and watching with interest their efforts at +the establishment of a fort, we must bid them adieu for a time and +return to the east in order to record other incidents which have an +important bearing upon our story.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">O</span>nly twice did Maud Maxwell receive letters from Dr. Beaumont during the +months that followed that memorable morning when the companies started +out on their long march. One was from Quebec, in which he gave details +of the journey and an account of the dance at the Citadel, but he made +no mention of his meeting with the beautiful Louise de Rochefort. On the +whole, the letter, to Maud's mind, seemed cool. At this she felt piqued, +more than she cared to acknowledge to herself. The devotion declared by +the ardent lover on leaving, notwithstanding the coolness with which she +had received it, seemed scarcely to be adequately sustained. Why so +sudden a change? Had he forgotten her already? Was he contented to woo +nature in the wild woods of the west, in place of the maiden to whom he +had so recently declared his passion?</p> + +<p>But the next letter from Montreal was more cheering, for although the +canny Scotch, inherited from his mother, seemed, in the first part of +the letter, to have thrown a damper upon his passion, the conclusion was +in better form. There was a warmer ring—a plea for the future—a touch +of genuine sentiment. "You may not think of me," he said, "or if you do, +only as one whose presence is not missed; but I think of you as my +guiding star, my beacon light, urging me onward through the forest—over +ice and snow—along river and lake—to a little spot in the west which +is to be my home and, please God, yours also." Then he signed himself: +"By all that is holy," as one "who will ever be true."</p> + +<p>The coolness of the one letter, followed by the renewed passion in the +other, had a good effect upon Maud. Although she read the latter a +little indignantly and laid it aside, before long she took it up and +read it again.</p> + +<p>"He has no business to write me in that strain," she commented to +herself. "So cool at first, and, then almost as if we were betrothed; +when there is really nothing between us. Still, I do not dislike him. He +is such an independent fellow, and so strong and true." And, although +her eye flashed, she heaved a little sigh.</p> + +<p>It was the beginning of April—the very time that the men were pitching +their first camp on the bay of Penetang, and she speculated much about +the Doctor and Mrs. Manning.</p> + +<p>"If he had only remained in Halifax," she soliloquized, "I would have +done my best to be her companion. I am sure I am strong enough." And +seizing hold of a horizontal bar, placed at the end of her room, she +drew herself up with both hands and placed her chin above it, repeating +the exercise several times until she was tired. "Colonel Mason says I am +a good shot, too."</p> + +<p>"At it again!" exclaimed her sister Eugenia, who at this moment entered +the room. "I consider such exercises exceedingly indelicate for a young +lady. To think of a daughter of Judge Maxwell gesticulating and throwing +her limbs about in such a wild way is simply shocking."</p> + +<p>"You are about the only person who has the opportunity of being shocked +by my gymnastics," said Maud, elevating her eyebrows. "It cannot be such +a dreadful thing or Dad would never have had the bar put up for me."</p> + +<p>"You were a spoilt child, and he just humored you."</p> + +<p>"Bless the dear man for doing it. Come now, Eugenia, just try it once. +You've no idea how delightful it is to pull yourself up on this +cross-bar."</p> + +<p>"How dare you ask me? I couldn't think of such a thing." And the large +blonde tried ineffectually to look severe.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes you could; and what's more, I've something interesting to tell +you. Still, I shan't say a word unless you try my bar."</p> + +<p>"What impudence!"</p> + +<p>"You know the conditions," said Maud, commencing to put on her hat. +"It's quite easy to try. You can keep your feet so close together that +a cat couldn't see between them. All you have to do is to hold on and +pull yourself up. See, even with my coat on I can chin the bar with one +hand. You surely can with two."</p> + +<p>"Don't be silly!"</p> + +<p>"Bah! it's just the finest exercise."</p> + +<p>"But what's your secret, Maud, without this silly nonsense?"</p> + +<p>"If you try my bar I'll tell you."</p> + +<p>"And won't you if I don't?"</p> + +<p>"Not while water runs nor grass grows," said Maud in mock solemnity, +buttoning on her gloves.</p> + +<p>With an air of resignation Eugenia walked up to the pole. She was taller +and heavier than Maud. Consequently, when she stretched out her long +arms and took hold, her knees bent ungracefully a foot above the floor. +Maud slipped behind her sister to hide her amusement.</p> + +<p>"Now, draw yourself up with all your might," she cried. "You must put +your chin on top of the pole."</p> + +<p>"I can't!" exclaimed Eugenia, who, with all her tugging, could only +raise herself a few inches and then let herself suddenly down again.</p> + +<p>"You must!" said Maud; "any child could do better than that."</p> + +<p>After another strenuous effort Eugenia stopped in disgust.</p> + +<p>"There," she exclaimed, sitting down to rest. "I have humored you in +your childish folly, what have you to say to repay me for my trouble?"</p> + +<p>"Well," returned Maud, unbuttoning her coat and taking a seat opposite +her sister. "It's about Captain Morris. When I was at Pennington's last +night he was there. From pure accident we were alone in the library for +a short time, and he proposed to me."</p> + +<p>"Humph! that's the third young man who has been silly enough to do it +already this year."</p> + +<p>"I can't help that," said Maud, gravely. "If they have no better sense +than to be enamored with my poor face, I am sure I am not responsible."</p> + +<p>"You are not, eh? And what was your decision this time?"</p> + +<p>"Just what you might expect. After declaring the grand passion, instead +of asking for a return of his love, he requested permission to at once +ask father for my hand. I suppose that's the English way of doing it."</p> + +<p>"And what did you say to that?"</p> + +<p>"That my surprise was very great, I couldn't think of such a thing, and +that I was too young and inexperienced even to dream of love."</p> + +<p>"Captain Morris is of good family and very wealthy," said Eugenia, +reflectively. "His father left a fine estate in the south of England, I +understand; and the Captain is his eldest son and heir."</p> + +<p>"I don't care what estates he has," was Maud's quick rejoinder; "if I +ever marry a man it must be for what he is, not what he has."</p> + +<p>"Very true, my dear," returned Eugenia, who viewed things generally from +a material standpoint. "Quite correct sentiments, but I have sometimes +noticed that incidental fortunes are not necessarily a bar to matrimony. +Usually they are the reverse. And Captain Morris himself is +irreproachable."</p> + +<p>"I know that he's nice and all that," said Maud, "and has charming +manners. I expect his regiment will remain here for a long time yet, as +all the troops have been ordered to the front, so I shall have ample +opportunities of seeing him again."</p> + +<p>"Well, my impression is that he is the best of the lot, and when +desirous of winning your hand you should give him the chance——"</p> + +<p>"Of winning my heart?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly. Another thing, it is not a bit fair to entangle so many men, +and then throw them overboard one after another."</p> + +<p>"But, my dear, I don't wish to entangle them. If they cannot control +themselves it is surely not my fault."</p> + +<p>"Don't talk nonsense, Maud. You know very well it is not your face that +does it."</p> + +<p>"'Pon my word, am I so ugly as all that?" interrupted Maud, with seeming +surprise.</p> + +<p>"It is your manner and what they call your character," said Eugenia, +with attempted severity.</p> + +<p>"Well, Eugenia, I wish you'd leave me to myself. I really like them all. +I can tell you candidly that I have not positively refused any of them, +and they are still my friends."</p> + +<p>"And how long is this condition to last?"</p> + +<p>"Ask me a year hence and I will tell you." And with a flushed face Maud +left the room.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">F</span>rom the time he was stationed in Halifax Captain Morris had always been +a welcome visitor at Judge Maxwell's. The possibility of being a suitor +for the hand of one of the daughters only increased the cordiality of +his reception, and notwithstanding Maud's seeming refusal, he still +availed himself of every opportunity to press his suit. Social functions +of one sort or other were also of frequent occurrence, and Maud accepted +his attentions, although she effectually parried any direct renewal of +the offer of marriage.</p> + +<p>Captain Morris had seen a good deal of life. Having abundance of means, +as well as his commission, he had always been lionized on returning home +from the wars. Yet each time he had gone away again heart free. Perhaps +he was getting a little bit blasé. Possibly he overestimated his +importance in his own particular set, when he imagined that much of the +kindness extended to him was with an ulterior object.</p> + +<p>Be that as it may, the first look he had of Maud Maxwell was a beatific +vision to him—a picture that would not be blotted out. It planted +itself on his inner consciousness, leaving an impression that deepened +each time they met.</p> + +<p>There was a freshness, beauty and mental vigor in this young maiden that +were new to him, and the fact that his personal influence over her +matured so slowly, made him all the more desirous to win her love.</p> + +<p>As May opened, Halifax became additionally alive from the arrival of +more troops from England. It was but a little place in those days, not +numbering more than eight thousand people. Consequently, what interested +one interested all, and the whole place was astir to witness the +landing.</p> + +<p>Colonel Battersby, the commanding officer, was under orders to remain in +the Lower Province if necessary, but if not to push on by boat to +Quebec, and from thence to Montreal. The first interview he had with Sir +John Sherbrook and Colonel Mason settled the matter.</p> + +<p>"We are well defended already," said Sir John. "War vessels command our +harbor and coast line, and the regiments stationed here are all the +Citadel needs. No, my dear Colonel, I am glad to say that in the east we +do not require your services; but in the west, particularly in the Upper +Province, we do. That part of the country has a good future before it, +and we must stick to it, for when settled and developed it is destined +to become the garden of Canada."</p> + +<p>"One of the chief reasons why the Yankees want it, and why we are bound +to keep it," returned Battersby. "Will the St. Lawrence be clear of ice +now?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Colonel Mason. "The season is early and the river open. +Molson's steamers can tug you as far as Montreal. If not wanted there, +you can march overland to Kingston."</p> + +<p>"Sir James Yeo has had two new vessels built this winter," said Sir +John. "This will help our Ontario fleet, and when you arrive he will be +able to transfer you to any point along the coastline that may be +necessary."</p> + +<p>"I am glad of that," replied Colonel Battersby. "I have always had a +desire to go west. At home we are just beginning to realize what Canada +is, but before this war commenced you might go from January to December +without hearing the name even mentioned."</p> + +<p>"What you say is true enough," was Mason's comment. "They send us poor +devils out here and then forget us. We might almost thank the Americans +for bringing on the war and opening the eyes of Englishmen to the fact +that we have half a continent here still under the old flag."</p> + +<p>"Is now and ever shall be," said the Governor.</p> + +<p>"To that I say Amen," said Battersby. "But we must not forget that the +fight is not over. The Americans are a strong people—like ourselves of +Anglo-Saxon blood—and they are making a stiff fight to enlarge their +territory. They have not forgotten their victories of '76."</p> + +<p>"I grant that, Colonel, but they will never succeed in this northern +region, whatever they did in the south, if Englishmen can help it."</p> + +<p>"Not while England can send out her continental regiments," said Mason. +"So far this year our men have done well. Witness the defeat of +Wilkinson at the famous old mill of Lacolle."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Sir John, "but that would not have happened if Major +Handcock had not received timely reinforcements from the Fencibles and +Voltigeurs."</p> + +<p>"What is Sir James Yeo likely to do on the lakes this year?" Colonel +Battersby asked, looking alternately from one to the other.</p> + +<p>"We are too far off the scene of action to know exactly," said Sir John, +"though I believe he intends with his raw recruits, aided by a force +under General Drummond, to attack Oswego as soon as the lake opens. +By-the-way, Mason," he continued, turning to that officer, "could you +not spare Battersby a couple of companies out of one of your regiments?"</p> + +<p>"If he has room on his troopships to take them, we could," was the +answer.</p> + +<p>"Thank you; the more we have the merrier. You know we had several +hundred emigrants in our voyage out. They land here, so we can easily +take your men."</p> + +<p>In the afternoon of the next day, in a field below the fortress, a +review of the troops was held, and it was decided to close by selecting +from the garrison brigade the companies who were to go west. The day was +bright and warm, and the news having got abroad that a division from the +Citadel was to accompany Colonel Battersby's regiment up the St. +Lawrence, many of the townspeople hastened to the commons to witness the +parade, and among them the Misses Maxwell.</p> + +<p>"There is room, young ladies, in our carriage," said Mrs. Mason, who +drove up with another lady, "and with us you will have a better view."</p> + +<p>The offer was a welcome one, and they drove to the top of a little +crescent commanding a full view of the parade ground. Colonels Mason and +Battersby stood a short distance away watching the evolutions, which had +already commenced.</p> + +<p>"Your men have lost nothing of precision by their four weeks at sea," +said Colonel Mason.</p> + +<p>"No," responded Battersby, drily, "they seem to hold their own, even +with troops accustomed to discipline on land."</p> + +<p>"Our garrison men are always well drilled," said Mason, a little +stiffly.</p> + +<p>"Of course! Only I am astonished that soldiers fresh from the ocean +should lose their sea legs so soon."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Mason, in better humor as his own regiment swung around and +marched past over the green sod on the double quick, "your men are a +credit to their Colonel, and I don't see why you should not personally +choose the two companies you want to take."</p> + +<p>"Thank you kindly for the honor," said Battersby.</p> + +<p>"That is all right. Have you a choice?"</p> + +<p>"'Pon my word, of the men, no. They all look like well-drilled fellows, +with clean jibs, straight backs and honest mugs. It would be hard to +make one."</p> + +<p>"Of the officers have you?"</p> + +<p>"Not from the way in which they command their companies. Still, you have +one man I would like to have on my staff, if you can spare him, and +taking him I should expect to take his company also."</p> + +<p>"Who is that, pray?"</p> + +<p>"Captain Morris. He made a record for himself in Spain, and would do +excellent service out west if he had the chance."</p> + +<p>"By George, you have touched the apple of my eye!" exclaimed Mason, who +in making his offer had in mind the efficiency of the companies +themselves, without reference to the officers who led them. "Captain +Morris is the best officer we've got. He has seen the enemy's guns in +many a campaign and, between ourselves, is recommended for promotion."</p> + +<p>"Promotion will come quicker if taken out west than here at the +Citadel," said Battersby.</p> + +<p>"Sure enough. I gave my word and shall stand by it. If you will form the +squares I will speak to Morris now."</p> + +<p>The ladies in the carriage had not been inattentive listeners. The +unexpected announcement startled the Misses Maxwell. By-and-bye, while +the final manoeuvres were being accomplished, Colonel Mason joined them.</p> + +<p>"So you are going to send our brave boys away," said Mrs. Mason.</p> + +<p>"Yes, a few of them. It will prevent the fellows from rusting, and give +those that remain a little more to do."</p> + +<p>"Unfortunately, our brightest man is captain of one of the companies you +are sending off," said Mrs. Mason.</p> + +<p>"That's usually the case. The office seeks the man, and not the man the +office," returned the Colonel, with a glance at the occupants of the +rear seat. "And men of promise are always favorites with the ladies, I +notice."</p> + +<p>"If I were a man I'd like to go, too," said Maud. "I only wish I were +one."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid you're not tall enough, my dear," said the Colonel, looking +gravely into the flashing eyes of the girl. "Five feet five inches is +the lowest height at which I could enlist a soldier."</p> + +<p>"I would put on high-heeled boots."</p> + +<p>"No use, Miss Maud. Recruits are always measured in their stocking +feet."</p> + +<p>And he went away laughing.</p> + +<p>The troops were formed in lines four deep, facing the crescent; and on a +signal from the Colonel, Captain Morris approached. For a few minutes +the two were in earnest conversation. Then, with a salute, Morris +returned to the head of his column and attention was called.</p> + +<p>"Men of the Garrison Corps," said Colonel Mason, in ringing tones. "We +welcome to our midst the officers and men of Colonel Battersby's column. +We are always glad to see comrades from over the sea. Their stay with +us, however, will be short. To-morrow they sail for the St. Lawrence +River. But they will not go alone. Our garrison is a strong one, and +much as we dislike to part with our men, we can spare some. So I have to +tell you that the officers and men of companies C and D will go with +them to help to fight the battles of our Country and our King. Three +cheers for companies C and D."</p> + +<p>Loud hurrahs followed, and with cheers for the visiting and garrison +corps, the review ended.</p> + +<p>The ladies drove back in the carriage together—Mrs. Mason having +invited the Misses Maxwell to a cup of tea before walking home. +Consequently, on leaving the Citadel, they were overtaken by Captain +Morris and Dr. Fairchilds. The latter already had been captivated by the +blonde and availed himself of the opportunity of leading the way with +her.</p> + +<p>"Were you surprised at the Colonel's announcement?" Maud asked of the +Captain as they dropped into line behind the other two.</p> + +<p>"A soldier learns never to be surprised," was his answer. "We expected +some would be ordered west, for the garrison is so full, but who would +be chosen was an enigma."</p> + +<p>He looked straight into Maud's face.</p> + +<p>"I heard Colonel Battersby give you great praise," she said, "but +perhaps it is a military secret."</p> + +<p>"Not necessarily, if said in public," was his answer. "Still, I may not +specially deserve it. The army is full of brave men."</p> + +<p>"Your name would not have been mentioned unless there had been good +reason."</p> + +<p>"Well, even granting that, what good can come of it, when the maid I +adore cares not a jot or tittle?"</p> + +<p>"Much good," was her answer, but she did not return his look. "A larger +life and promotion would be sure—the very things I would want if I were +a man."</p> + +<p>"Do you wish you were?"</p> + +<p>"What is the use?"</p> + +<p>"Your words should stimulate one, anyway, but can you say nothing more, +Miss Maud? We leave so soon—to-morrow—a soldier's life is in his hand. +Give him something to hope for and fight for as well."</p> + +<p>"Am I not trying?" she replied, with one of those bright flashes which +did such havoc with the men. "Higher rank and future glory!"</p> + +<p>"Fudge!" he exclaimed, impatiently. "I could buy a colonelcy if I wanted +it, without drawing a sword or leading a man to battle, if that is all."</p> + +<p>"The Captain Morris, Colonel Battersby was talking about, could not," +said Maud contracting her eyebrows and looking grave again. "He was a +genuine man, and every inch a soldier."</p> + +<p>"Thank you for your approval," and notwithstanding his effort at +self-control, Morris' face flushed with pleasure.</p> + +<p>Dr. Fairchilds and Eugenia had paused at the doorstep. For a moment the +four chatted on.</p> + +<p>"Will you call again, Captain Morris, before you leave?" Maud asked.</p> + +<p>"I have only to-night, and it may be late, but I shall be very glad to +come."</p> + +<p>The door opened and in another minute, returning the bows of the +gentlemen, the ladies entered.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap"><small><small><sup>"</sup></small></small>A</span>re +you still playing fast and loose with Captain Morris?" Eugenia +asked as she and her sister were dressing for dinner.</p> + +<p>"I never play fast and loose with anyone," was Maud's answer. "I +explained everything to him a month ago, why repeat it again now?"</p> + +<p>"He is devoted to you, surely you must have a preference."</p> + +<p>"Not necessarily, my dear, but that reminds me. This will give me a good +opportunity to send a letter to Mrs. Manning. I promised to write her. +They say the troopships will carry the mail with them; and taking mine +as far as Montreal, perhaps Little York, it can be forwarded overland to +Penetang."</p> + +<p>"Have you written your letter already?"</p> + +<p>"No, but I shall have time immediately after dinner. Captain Morris does +not come until nine."</p> + +<p>The meal over, Maud repaired to her room and took out her tablet, +quill-pen and horn inkstand. For weeks she had been hoping for a second +letter from Helen, but none had come. Still she had much to tell, and +the hour was nearly gone by the time her letter was finished and the +envelope addressed.</p> + +<p>She did not, however, seal it at once. Alone in her room she sat for a +moment tapping her forehead. Then she took out another sheet and +commenced writing again. This time it was to Dr. Beaumont, in reply to +the two she had already received.</p> + +<p>While writing she was in deep thought, carefully weighing her words. She +put them down more slowly than in her longer letter to Helen. As she +finished, the big bell in the church tower struck nine. For another +moment she paused. Then placing the letter in a small envelope, and +addressing it, she put it in the larger one to Mrs. Manning, and sealed +the latter in three places after the manner of the time. As she finished +a message came that Captain Morris had arrived.</p> + +<p>"Montreal will be your headquarters, no doubt," she heard her father say +as she entered the room.</p> + +<p>"It will be farther west than that, I hope," was his answer. "Still we +are willing to go anywhere. My men are quite excited over it. Being +veterans, one would think they would be indifferent; but it is so long +since they were in battle, that they are just itching for a fight."</p> + +<p>"Human depravity—human depravity!" exclaimed the judge. "It can't be +over a year since you left Europe. Surely they had enough of it then."</p> + +<p>"You forget, sir," said Morris, "that it is the soldier's life. His +daily occupation—his meat and drink—and that a long interruption from +everyday occurrences only gives zest to a return to old conditions."</p> + +<p>"Still it is lamentable! however essential to our glory," said the +Judge, shaking his head.</p> + +<p>"It should not be lamentable when the cause is just. For that matter +empire was always maintained by the sword and always will be."</p> + +<p>"No, no!" said the Judge. "The arts of peace are winning their way. We +may not do without the cannon yet, but please God the time will come +when 'The lion shall eat straw like the ox, and the wolf and the lamb +shall lie down together at the cockatrice den, and a little child shall +lead them.'"</p> + +<p>"Will that time ever come?" said Maud, her brows contracting. "I suppose +it would be grand if it did."</p> + +<p>"Not in our time," said Morris. "But the strength of the sword may +hasten it."</p> + +<p>"The inevitable paradox."</p> + +<p>"Paradoxes are the truest lessons of life."</p> + +<p>"The soldier's life is an instance. He fights that peace may reign."</p> + +<p>"He is an enigma," said Maud.</p> + +<p>"No, he is the most human of men," said the Captain. "Though true +hearted, he can love as well as hate. He can face the cannon's mouth +without flinching an inch, and the next moment shed tears over a +comrade's grave. When storming a stronghold, he can see his best friend +shot down by his side, and step over his body without even giving him a +look."</p> + +<p>"I can understand that," said Maud gravely, "and a woman could do it, +too, if it had to be."</p> + +<p>"I know one woman who could," said Morris, and Maud's face flushed as +she turned away.</p> + +<p>At this moment the knocker sounded and Miss Maxwell ushered in Dr. +Fairchilds.</p> + +<p>"Knowing how fond you are of whist, Captain," she said, "I asked the +Doctor over for another rubber before you go. I hope you and Maud are +both agreeable."</p> + +<p>"Eugenia is fond of surprises," said Maud with a sharp glance at her +sister; "but I shall be glad to have you for my partner, Captain, if you +can spare the time."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, but our game must be short. I am due at the Citadel at +eleven, and a soldier has to obey orders to the minute, you know."</p> + +<p>Soon the table was arranged and the young people sat down to play.</p> + +<p>In cutting for deal the choice fell to Maud; and when she turned up +Queen of Hearts, Eugenia smiled significantly. By-and-bye the first two +games were over, each side scoring one.</p> + +<p>"Now for the rubber," said the Captain. Again it was Maud's deal, and +again Queen of Hearts was trump.</p> + +<p>"Extraordinary!" exclaimed Fairchilds. "Your hands have been red all +evening."</p> + +<p>"Not only that," said Morris, smiling across the table, "but my +partner's have always been hearts."</p> + +<p>"Peculiar," said the Doctor.</p> + +<p>"Very," said Eugenia.</p> + +<p>Maud bit her lip.</p> + +<p>For a while the game was played in silence, she and the Captain +gradually winning. Finally, his deal came, and cutting, the King of +Hearts turned up.</p> + +<p>"I score you one better!" he exclaimed to Maud. Their eyes met and a +ripple went round the table. The game was soon finished. They had won +the rubber.</p> + +<p>Refreshments were served, and half an hour later the gentlemen rose to +go.</p> + +<p>"My Queen of Hearts," said the Captain to Maud in a low voice as she +accompanied him to the hall.</p> + +<p>"To-night you were my King," she replied with a little laugh. "King of +Hearts in our little game."</p> + +<p>"And what is life but a game," he answered, "with hearts for trumps, +which we all try to win?"</p> + +<p>"Oh Maud!" exclaimed Eugenia, coming out of the drawing-room with Dr. +Fairchilds. "Could not Captain Morris take your letter for Mrs. Manning? +He could put it in with the rest of the mail."</p> + +<p>"I shall be delighted," said the Captain, turning again to Maud; "and +for that matter will post it at Montreal instead of here."</p> + +<p>"Really, I wouldn't put you to that trouble for anything," said Maud, +casting a glance of annoyance at her sister. "The post will go by the +same boat as you do, and if I take it to the office in the morning it +will be sure to be in time."</p> + +<p>"I am not certain of that," said Fairchilds.</p> + +<p>"It takes twice as long to send a letter to Quebec or Montreal by mail +as it does to go in person. Putting it in the office will not guarantee +a quick delivery, I assure you."</p> + +<p>"Still it is unimportant," persisted Maud, who shrank from making the +Captain the unconscious bearer of a message to Beaumont. "I am sure +Captain Morris will have quite enough to attend to without burdening +himself with my paltry despatch."</p> + +<p>"No trouble at all," reiterated the Captain. "I have a number of +documents to take care of anyway, and I will just put yours with the +others in safe keeping."</p> + +<p>While the rest were discussing, Eugenia had gone for the letter, and now +handed it to Morris. Maud saw that further resistance was useless, +without being disagreeable. The address ran:</p> + +<p> +"Mrs. Manning,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Wife of Lieutenant Manning,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Under command of Sir George Head,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 6em;">Harbor of Penetanguishene,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Georgian Bay,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Upper Canada."</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>In those days letters were matters of importance even to persons +unconcerned, and outer wrappings were the public property of all. Hence, +the reading aloud of the address caused no comment.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Miss Maud, I am delighted to take charge of it, and shall forward +it to the end of its journey as soon as I possibly can. While in my +possession it will be a reminder of the one who wrote it; and the moment +it leaves my hands I shall send you word, telling how soon I expect it +to reach its destination."</p> + +<p>Maud with throbbing heart murmured her thanks.</p> + +<p>The Captain tried unavailingly to secure another minute to themselves, +and with an indefinite understanding that they might speak with each +other the next day he took his leave.</p> + +<p>But circumstances were not favorable. Every moment of his time was +occupied, and it was from the deck of the ship that he again saw her in +the distance. The vessel had parted from her moorings and was floating +out into the harbor when he discovered her among the crowd on the wharf. +Instantly his helmet was raised—a little handkerchief fluttered for a +moment in the breeze, and gradually the distance widened between them.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIX.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">O</span>n a bright May morning, later in the month than the sailing of the +ships out of the Halifax Harbor, the sun shone at Penetang in vivid +warmth and splendor. The people were glad. Earth was putting on her +newest garb of green. The trees of the forest, tired of monotonous +nudity, were clothed in many tints; and even the tardy ones, the annual +laggards, were being roused from their lethargy.</p> + +<p>Part of the barracks had been finished and made comfortable for +habitation, and the foundations of the fort had already been laid. By +judicious division of labor in the soldier settlement, men were +portioned off in accordance with their special aptitudes, and every one +was busy. Blacksmith and carpenter shops stood side by side, and in them +forge, hammer, saw and chisel, did their work persistently from morning +until night. Under habitant direction, too, the first fallow had been +cleared, the brushwood and timbers piled up to dry for burning, and the +land made ready for the seed.</p> + +<p>In front of the cottage on this special morning, Helen was busily +arranging her little garden. Harold had dug the ground for her and +planted the seeds she had brought from England. She was examining the +little shoots that had already appeared very tenderly, as a link to the +far-away beyond the sea.</p> + +<p>"Good morning, Mrs. Manning," said Sir George Head as he approached. +"Your little flower beds are full of promise."</p> + +<p>"My fear is that the sun will burn the plants before they have a chance +to develop," said Helen; "the English climate is so different."</p> + +<p>"That depends," said the Colonel. "My gardener used to say that if +plants were watered at night, and shaded during the heat of the day, +they would stand the change from a cool to a hot climate very well."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Sir George. I am glad to know. These little plants are very +dear to me."</p> + +<p>"You must not make too much of them," he said gently. "And how do you +like your new house?"</p> + +<p>"Better every day. The floors of those rip-saw planks have all been +laid, and it is such a comfort. I don't know how to thank you for having +the carpenters make them for us."</p> + +<p>"My dear, they are just getting their hands in. They may have to rip the +floor boards for the fort for all we know. Latimer tells me that the +nearest sawmill is on the east side of the lake a hundred and fifty +miles away; and when we can get them by boat from there is a question."</p> + +<p>"I may consider myself very fortunate, then."</p> + +<p>"Indeed you may."</p> + +<p>"And the <i>Bumble Bee</i> sails—"</p> + +<p>"To-morrow, I think. It was badly damaged in that ice storm, and our men +have repaired it in return for Latimer's services."</p> + +<p>At this moment Dr. Beaumont joined them.</p> + +<p>"Latimer tells me," he said, "that the wind indicates a brisk land +breeze, and he purposes sailing to-night."</p> + +<p>"A sensible idea," echoed the Colonel. "The sooner he starts now the +better. I have engaged him to bring in fresh supplies if he can get +them. He wants to take our mail matter, too, but it is too risky a +venture. We must send it by help of Indian guides overland to Little +York."</p> + +<p>"Latimer has great faith in his own ability," said Beaumont. "He thinks +he can run down the whole coast line without being caught."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he might, the eastern shore being out of the war arena, but +toward St. Clair and Detroit, unless they are again in the hands of the +English, his boat would be sure to be captured."</p> + +<p>"Would they attack a little boat like his?" Helen asked in surprise.</p> + +<p>"An enemy will take any prize he can get, whether great or small," said +the Colonel. "Still Latimer may secure supplies of some kind from the +shore settlements; and I will see that he does not run too much risk." +With these words Sir George returned to his quarters.</p> + +<p>"Shall you send a letter to Miss Maud this time?" the Doctor asked, +pulling his moustache first on one side and then on the other.</p> + +<p>"I think I shall. Not being official I might risk it with Latimer. I +have written a long one for her. She's a charming girl, and in the short +time that I had the opportunity I grew very fond of her," she replied, +looking up into his face. "Unfortunately I did not remain long enough in +Halifax to get acquainted with many of the ladies; but I had more than +one long talk with Maud, and I assure you I admire her very much."</p> + +<p>"You do not overestimate her, Mrs. Manning, and I am glad you like her."</p> + +<p>"I could not help it," she responded as she bent again to arrange her +plants. "She has high ideals and wonderful self-control, a true index of +noble character."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and she is as beautiful as she is good," said Beaumont +impressively. "One of the women men rave over, but cannot win."</p> + +<p>"They might as well cease their ravings—but not every one."</p> + +<p>"Do you think so, Madame? Strange that you should learn in days what has +taken me years to discover."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps one woman can read another woman's heart quicker than a man +can."</p> + +<p>"Mon Dieu! Je ne sais quoi. I would give a fortune to read hers."</p> + +<p>"Spare your ducats, Monsieur," said Helen with a light laugh. "But I can +tell you something without money. In one of our talks she said she would +never marry a man unless she loved him so much that she would gladly go +to the ends of the earth with him; but that he must rise to her ideal +before she would think of him at all."</p> + +<p>"Is that ideal very high? Can no one reach it? Mon Dieu! I know one man +who will do his best, give him only the opportunity."</p> + +<p>"Make the opportunity. Make the effort," said Helen earnestly. +"Remember, she is the only woman, he the only man. Both seek ideals, and +the divine is still above them."</p> + +<p>"Dear Madame, how good you are! You give me hope. Heaven knows how I +love her!"</p> + +<p>She had never heard him talk so before, and as they reached the cottage +she held out her hand.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Dr. Beaumont, for your confidence. I wish you well. Yes, and +I believe, also, that you are worthy to win."</p> + +<p>The Doctor had the gallantry of his race, and bowing low, he raised her +fingers to his lips.</p> + +<p>"Harold is busy with his men at the new bridge," she said, looking over +in the direction of the island.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he assented. "He and Captain Cummings will be there with a large +force all day."</p> + +<p>"Please tell him, when you go down, that I shall be at the wharf to see +him before they leave for dinner."</p> + +<p>As the Doctor withdrew she entered the cottage. Emmiline was busily +preparing wheaten dough for the oven. Her sleeves were turned up, her +neck bare, and her dress fastened loosely at the girdle. A bright fire +burned in the open fireplace, and in it a square sheet-iron oven had +been placed to heat for the baking.</p> + +<p>"How is the bread, Emmiline?" she asked as she opened the window a +little wider.</p> + +<p>"Oh, 'tees bon, Madame. Salt risin' good to-day. Yesterday mauvais bad. +Oven nice heat. Put right in now." And she dropped the dough into a +square tin, patted it on the back, and placed it on the shelf in the +oven.</p> + +<p>"Now," she went on, "Je vatch de fire—not too 'ot—not too cole—jes' +de tres meedle."</p> + +<p>"You must not work too hard, Emmiline."</p> + +<p>"No fear, Madame. No fear 'tall. You jes' like Bateese; he al'us say +tak' car', Emmiline, tak' car'. I only laugh. I strong an' work all de +same."</p> + +<p>"Still I want you to be wise. Mrs. Hardman will do any heavy lifting for +you; and we cannot have you hurt yourself."</p> + +<p>"I know dat—an' it ees nice to have de vemin's house so close. Dey be +goot fellahs, bot'."</p> + +<p>"When are they going to finish the room upstairs for you, Emmiline?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, vere soon. De floor all right, de leetle window all right, and de +laddare work goot. Bateese say not much mattare for more, now summare +tam come."</p> + +<p>Emmiline's cheeks were rosy again. She had not the sallow complexion so +often seen; and moving so freely about the room, Helen's care for her +seemed almost groundless.</p> + +<p>The internal arrangements of the cottage were very simple. At one end +were two rooms; the one, Harold and Helen's bedroom, the other, the +store room, and in it the ladder to the upper story. The balance of the +floor space made the living apartment; and, in the meantime, Emmiline +and Bateese would occupy the upper room until after the event was over.</p> + +<p>After giving directions about dinner, Helen put on a Quaker sunbonnet, +and tripped over the green turf down to the edge of the water, where men +were driving cedar posts to support the crossbeams of the island bridge. +One gang were working close to the shore, another from a raft on the +water, while a third were at similar work on the island beyond.</p> + +<p>Captain Cummings had charge of the shore gang and Harold the island one. +Helen did not know it until almost on the spot. If she had, she might +have turned back.</p> + +<p>"This is cheering, to be visited by the lady of the fort!" exclaimed +Cummings, lifting his hat, "a delightful and unlooked-for compliment."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," returned Helen, lightly; "but I'm afraid the compliment was +unintended. I thought Harold was on this side, and ran down to have a +word with him."</p> + +<p>"What? to have words with your husband? Lucky for him he is so far +away," returned the Captain with a laugh.</p> + +<p>"Oh, they will keep till he comes to dinner!" said Helen, declining to +see his meaning.</p> + +<p>"Madame!" exclaimed Bateese at her elbow, "I tak' you ovare in mine +leetle canoe. See!" and he pointed to a birch-bark that he had bartered +with an Indian for a few days before.</p> + +<p>"Won't that be fine?" she returned, as she hastened to its side. "Are +you sure you won't upset me?"</p> + +<p>"Bateese nevare upset canoe, no nevare."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I remember, you are the man that never upsets anything!"</p> + +<p>Bateese's eyes twinkled. He remembered too.</p> + +<p>In another minute they glided over the water to the spot where the men +were working.</p> + +<p>"'And Helen—alluring comes across the briny deep!'" exclaimed her +husband.</p> + +<p>"Quite a mistake, Harold! I tasted the water and there isn't a bit of +brine in it."</p> + +<p>"How intensely practical! Don't you know that canoeing in Penetang +should be poetic?"</p> + +<p>"So it is," she replied. "Coming over made me dream of canoeing with you +in the long evenings over this very bay."</p> + +<p>"Yes, dearest. That's one of the delights in store for us. But come and +see where Sir George has decided to build the magazine."</p> + +<p>Parting the underwood they were soon upon a little hill, the highest +spot of the island. To the north was the mouth of the harbor; while to +the south, over the tops of Chippewa wigwams, lay the upper end of the +long, narrow bay.</p> + +<p>"Can those Indians be trusted?" Helen asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, perfectly. They arrived and put up their tepees a few days ago. +They come here to fish every spring and go away again in the summer."</p> + +<p>"So they will remain for a while," said Helen with a slight shiver.</p> + +<p>"Probably. But they are nomadic and may go any time. Some bright morning +before you even think of it, they will fold their tents and glide away."</p> + +<p>"What a lot of them there are!" said Helen, prosaically.</p> + +<p>"Yes, there must be fifty at least, counting braves, squaws, papooses +and all. Latimer says the men will be very useful to us, while they +stay, as runners and guides."</p> + +<p>"I suppose Sir George meant these Indians this morning when he spoke of +sending the mail through the woods to Little York. But did you know +that the Latimers intend to sail to-night?"</p> + +<p>"Not positively, though I suspected as much."</p> + +<p>"That is one reason that I came to see you. Would it be safe to send one +of my letters on the boat; or must they all go by Little York?"</p> + +<p>"It would be safer by land than water, even if slower. Still a +non-committal letter might be risked if you are careful in the wording."</p> + +<p>"It is just a little message to Maud Maxwell and could not implicate any +one. I do so want to send a few words and get news from there. It seems +like an age since we left; and if it is lost it will not matter much. I +only sent one before, and that was from Montreal.</p> + +<p>"Well, do as you like, dearest. But my men are wanting me. They don't +know how to place that plank."</p> + +<p>They parted the bushes and in another minute were at the water's edge +again.</p> + +<p>"V'eell Madame go back right vey?" Bateese asked.</p> + +<p>"Wait a moment; those squaws want to speak to me."</p> + +<p>Two Indian women, clothed in blanket, short skirt and moccasins had been +waiting her return. The older one, with long black hair loose over her +shoulders, resembled the tall handsome girl beside her, and looked old +enough to be her mother. She touched Helen on the arm.</p> + +<p>"Pale-face squaw want moccasins?" she asked, holding out a pair +decorated with beads and quills.</p> + +<p>A strange thrill went through Helen as she felt the touch, and saw the +dark, fierce face of the Indian woman so close to hers. But with an +effort she controlled herself and answered:</p> + +<p>"Yes, I want moccasins. These will fit me. How much are they?"</p> + +<p>"Waupatheca not know. Pale-face tell her," said the squaw throwing up +her hand.</p> + +<p>"What shall I give her?" Helen asked of Harold, who turning from his men +watched the scene with amusement.</p> + +<p>"A piece of cloth, some needles and thread would be better than money," +he said.</p> + +<p>"But I haven't them with me."</p> + +<p>"Give the moccasins back and tell her you will come again this +afternoon. The Indians must not come to the house. Not so soon at any +rate."</p> + +<p>A dissatisfied expression came into the squaw's face; but she nodded and +turned away, as her daughter, also unsatisfied, pulled at one of the +strings of Helen's bonnet.</p> + +<p>"Little Moon want it!" she exclaimed eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Little Moon can't have it," returned Helen, arranging her hood and +shaking her head, "but I will bring you something too."</p> + +<p>The girl clapped her hands and laughed.</p> + +<p>"Where did you learn English?" Helen asked.</p> + +<p>"In Detraw," was her answer.</p> + +<p>"How did you get there?" she questioned.</p> + +<p>"'Jibway Indians and squaws go in canoes every summare," was the answer; +"sell skins, sell wampum, sell moccasin, sell fish, too."</p> + +<p>The black eyes of the girl wandered restlessly toward the men who were +working.</p> + +<p>"What is your name?" Helen asked.</p> + +<p>"Metsemee. It means Little Moon," she replied.</p> + +<p>"What a beautiful name!"</p> + +<p>"Pale-face squaw like it?" questioned the girl with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it is like the silvery moon itself. And your mother's name, she +did not tell me its meaning?"</p> + +<p>"Waupatheca means White Swan; she came from the setting sun—the +daughter of a Shawanee chief by the Wabash."</p> + +<p>"And your father?"</p> + +<p>"He is Big Thunder, Chief of the Ojibways. My mother calls him +Pepapaunway-Nenimkee, because the lightning flashes when he is angry."</p> + +<p>"Well, good-bye Metsemee," said Helen. "I will not forget my promise."</p> + +<p>Little Moon again flashed a look at the men. Then turning she followed +her mother to the tepees; while Helen, taking her seat in the canoe, was +paddled across the channel by her faithful servitor.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXX.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">I</span>n plain clothes, without letters or despatches but well supplied with +funds, Corporal Bond was chosen by Sir George to accompany Latimer and +his wife on the first trip of the <i>Bumble Bee</i>. The order was to go no +farther than was necessary, but to purchase provisions from the settlers +living along the shore of the lake; and to return with the proceeds to +the fort with all possible speed. This was outside of the ordinary scene +of conflict, and the trip could be accomplished, Latimer declared, with +safety.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Bond, accustomed to the vicissitudes of military life, took the +parting from her husband philosophically. She was proud of his selection +for the trust, and hoping for his early return wished him God-speed, +almost without a tear.</p> + +<p>Perhaps of the two women, Helen was the sorrier. She betrayed more +feeling, and with much reluctance parted with her old nurse again. When +the women were so few, the absence of one, particularly this one, seemed +like a desolation to her.</p> + +<p>"I shall soon be back again," said Mrs. Latimer, as Helen wrung her +hand. "So do not worry, child." She was thinking of the London days of +long ago, when she nursed her and carried her so often on her shoulders.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if she'll ever come back or is this the last I'll see of her?" +was Helen's thought as she brushed away a tear.</p> + +<p>The little brig spread its canvas, and by the darkening was speeding +outside the harbor into the open lake.</p> + +<p>A day or two later preparations were completed to forward official +despatches and letters overland to Little York—the party to consist of +Nenimkee, one of his Indians and two men of the regiment; and by +arrangement the chief reported himself at Sir George's quarters, the +evening previous to their departure, to receive final instructions.</p> + +<p>The sun had just set among pillars of sapphire and gold. The day had +been hot but the leaves were rustling upon the trees, for a gentle +coolness was coming. Still the mosquitoes were too many to be blown +away, and a smoke fire helped to nullify their ardor. Around it Sir +George and his officers seated themselves to await the arrival of the +chief.</p> + +<p>Nenimkee was a typical Indian—tall, middle-aged, with high cheek bones +and restless black eyes. To do honor to the occasion and his mission he +dressed in native costume that night with wampum belt, girdle, tomahawk +and knife.</p> + +<p>"Glad to see you," said Sir George, extending his hand. "These are my +officers, and this is Big Thunder, Chief of the Ojibways—one of his +Gracious Majesty's most loyal chiefs."</p> + +<p>Gravely and silently the Indian shook hands with the men as they rose. +Then he seated himself on a block by Sir George's side, and Lieutenant +Manning handed him a pipe well filled with tobacco. The smoking was +general and for some moments there was silence.</p> + +<p>"Good tobacco," was Nenimkee's first comment.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said the Colonel. "We always give the best to our friends."</p> + +<p>"Nenimkee take some on his journey?" were his next words.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you shall."</p> + +<p>"White chief good—always good to Indians."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Nenimkee," said Sir George. "Are you long back from the war +path?"</p> + +<p>"Seven moons," was the answer. The Indian shrugged his shoulders and for +some moments again there was silence.</p> + +<p>"Tell us about it," said the Colonel.</p> + +<p>"Does Sir George want to know how the English were beaten, and driven +back, and the Indian Prince and his men slain?" Big Thunder asked with +flashing eyes.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Sir George. "The story must be a sad one. The English +soldier does not like to hear of being beaten, but if true it is better +for him to know it."</p> + +<p>"And tell you about Tecumseh, and how Tecumseh fell?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Tell it all."</p> + +<p>For some moments the Indian pulled vigorously at his pipe, and the men +around the fire could hear his heavy breathing, as he drew in the fumes +of the tobacco, and expelled them with every breath through his +distended nostrils.</p> + +<p>The last rays of the setting sun had disappeared, the wind had ceased, +and the air was silent again, save for the croak of the lake frogs and +the twang of a whip-poor-will in a neighboring tree. By-and-bye the +Indian laid his pipe to one side, and fixing his eye on a bright star in +the west far above the horizon, he commenced his story:</p> + +<p>"The Ojibways are of the Algonquin race," he said; "a people that +roamed, before the white man came, from the rising to the setting sun. I +will not tell you of our wars with the Iroquois and Hurons, and with the +people of the Great Father—which made the number of our braves less and +less, and our women so few that you could count them like tassels on a +little field of corn. But twenty moons ago, war sprang up from a little +cloud no bigger than a man's hand; and the people to the south of the +lakes dug up the hatchet and hurled it against the white men and the red +men of the north. So the Indians in council buried the hatchet among +themselves, and chose Tecumseh, the greatest warrior of the six nations, +to be their chief, and swore by the Great Spirit, that they would stand +side by side with their white brothers. Then it was that Algonquins and +Hurons and Iroquois united as they never did before; and with the pale +face Britons fought the common foe.</p> + +<p>"Tecumseh led three thousand Indians to the fight, while White Chief +Proctor led the British. For a while the enemy was driven back, their +warriors fell by hundreds, and many of their scalps hung at the belts of +Indian braves.</p> + +<p>"Then the foe got mad and gathering more men together drove our people +back to Amherstburg, where we fought them to the teeth. But the Great +Spirit forgot that we were his people—our day turned into night—our +victories into mourning. The Great Father's warships melted like snow +beneath the sun, and American cannons mowed down our men like grass."</p> + +<p>The Indian was growing excited. He sat erect, with hands gripping the +block beneath him, and eyes fixed afar off as if in a vision.</p> + +<p>"Did I say the Yankees whipped the English?" he commenced again in +hollow tones, forgetful of everything but the graphic outlines of his +terrible story. "Yes, but the big white chief was a coward and a squaw, +or it would not have happened. Tecumseh said so, and Tecumseh never +lied. Nenimkee stood by him when the news came that all the captains and +half the men on the lakes were dead, and the ships gone to the bottom. +Then the Great Chief's heart shed drops of blood in anguish, but his +eyes were dry, for an Indian never drops a tear.</p> + +<p>"For a time the war-whoop was over. White men and red men fled back to +the woods. Night and day they tramped through the forest back from the +lake and on by the river. But the Yankees were after them, and scorning +to die like dogs the Indians turned to meet their foe. Although the +coward Proctor forsook him, Tecumseh shouted the war-whoop of the +nations, and surrounded by his warriors with their tomahawks, met the +horsemen from the south. Man after man did Tecumseh slay. Covered with +blood and his body full of bullets he sprang at last upon Chief Johnson, +the Yankee foe, and dragged him to the ground. Then he drew his knife to +strike him to the heart—but it was too late—he had gone to the spirit +land and half his warriors went with him."</p> + +<p>"This is horrible!" exclaimed Sir George with a strong effort at +self-control, for excitement was depicted upon every face. "I knew +nothing of it. Not a word has reached me. But it is terrible to lose so +brave a chief as Tecumseh."</p> + +<p>"There was no one like Tecumseh," continued Nenimkee in tones like the +thrilling blast of distant thunder. "No arm so strong, no eye so true, +no heart so soft when his little ones and his Laughing Fawn were with +him. His bullet went straight to the bull's eye, and his arrow to the +heart of the moose. His tomahawk never wavered, but as lightning from +the eagle's eyrie strikes the tepee of the Indian, so his axe cleaved +the skulls of his enemies, while his knife spilled their life blood at +his feet. Now it is all over, and while the red man's blood cries for +vengeance, his heart bleeds for his chief."</p> + +<p>"How did you escape when so many were slain around you?" asked the +Colonel.</p> + +<p>"The sun went down as Tecumseh's war-whoop ended and Nenimkee led his +warriors deeper into the woods."</p> + +<p>"Did you lose many men?"</p> + +<p>"Forty braves went—only twenty came back."</p> + +<p>"You did not join the troops again?"</p> + +<p>"What use? All is quiet in winter. The Ojibways went straight to their +wigwams."</p> + +<p>"Do you know how the war goes this year?"</p> + +<p>"Only that the fight is toward the rising sun."</p> + +<p>"You will bring more news when you return?"</p> + +<p>"It will not take many days," said the Indian. "But the woods are thick, +the rocks many, and part of the way there is no trail."</p> + +<p>"Still you will find the nearest road?"</p> + +<p>"Does the crow fly crooked, or the nighthawk backward?" Big Thunder +asked, sedately resuming his pipe.</p> + +<p>"Nor does the Indian forget his cunning, nor the white man to reward his +friend," said the Colonel, gravely. "You are going on the business of +the Great Father, and he will expect his red brother of the forest to do +his best."</p> + +<p>"It is well. We will go quickly, and blaze the trees on the road, so +that a fool, though blindfold, could find his way back again."</p> + +<p>"Could not a bridle path be made through the woods to carry provisions +overland from Little York to Penetang?" suggested the Chaplain.</p> + +<p>"A good idea," returned Sir George. "We need them badly enough, and it +will not do at present to depend upon securing supplies by water."</p> + +<p>"A good trail can be made, but it will take two or three suns longer," +was Nenimkee's comment.</p> + +<p>"We will leave it in your hands, then," said Sir George, rising to close +the interview.</p> + +<p>"The white chief shall be satisfied." With this, Nenimkee left them, and +at sunrise on the following morning he started with his party for +Little York.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXI.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">I</span>f it had not been for the game shot in the woods and the abundance of +bass and pickerel caught in the bay, provisions would have been scarce +at the new fort before summer opened. The heavy stock brought overland +during the long march had served them well, but it was drawing near to +an end, and all awaited with interest, not to say anxiety, the return of +the messengers from York. When they did come, they reported that the +trail was open for pack horses, and that supplies already purchased +would soon be on the way.</p> + +<p>In the meantime progress went on in the little settlement. The soldiers' +quarters were completed and made comfortable; the pile-driving for the +prospective bridge was finished, and even the stone walls of the new +fort were in progress of erection. In agriculture something had also +been done, for Indian corn and potatoes were growing well in the +habitants' clearings.</p> + +<p>What little they heard of the progress of the war was satisfactory, and +during the long, bright evenings, the day's work being done, the +stringency of discipline was often relaxed. Then officers and men, with +the exception of those on duty, would give themselves up to relaxation +and pleasure.</p> + +<p>Canoes had been purchased from the Indians, and swimming in the bay, as +well as spinning over its waters, soon became of nightly occurrence, and +none among the men enjoyed the sport better than Harold. So one evening, +when the woods were green, he took Helen for their first long paddle. +Captain Cummings and the Chaplain occupied a second canoe, while Sir +George and Captain Payne enjoyed a quiet smoke as they strolled along +the shore. The two birch-barks struck out past the northern end of the +island and paddled abreast toward the mouth of the harbor. In the west +the sun was setting in a golden flame behind the trees, while above them +the blue vault was dotted with little grey clouds, fretted with spangles +of silver. Scarcely a ripple disturbed the lake. Now and then a white +gull flew from side to side, and a sportive pickerel splashed the water +as he rose above the surface.</p> + +<p>In a little while, Lieutenant Smith and the Doctor joined them, paddling +over from the opposite shore. They had been hunting for partridge.</p> + +<p>"What success?" called out Harold.</p> + +<p>"Only two brace," was the answer.</p> + +<p>"Why not come with us for an hour's run?"</p> + +<p>"All right," and they dropped to the opposite side of Harold's canoe.</p> + +<p>"What a solitary outlook!" said Helen, casting her eye from shore to +shore. "Not another boat to be seen, and on land nothing but woods."</p> + +<p>"It's a mighty picturesque spot, though," said the Chaplain, who was +using his paddle a few yards to the right. "It is like the sea of glass +spoken of in Revelations, reflecting the sky of the Orient."</p> + +<p>"Or like the paradise of the houries," cried Captain Cummings, "where +the wood nymphs bathe in the lake and bask in the golden sunlight."</p> + +<p>"It is the promise of a fertile country," said Lieutenant Smith, "which +needs the woodsman's axe to clear it, and the toil of the settler to +cover it with happy homes."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and to make it yield its thirty, sixty and a hundred fold," echoed +the Chaplain.</p> + +<p>"Mon Dieu! but you are all wrong," exclaimed Beaumont, taking off his +hat and shaking his curly head. "It is just the forest of Penetang, +where the Iroquois and Hurons fought for ages, and where the Jesuits of +my people shed their life's blood and died among a race of unbelievers."</p> + +<p>"That means, Doctor, that it resembles itself," chimed in Helen, with a +laugh. "You are echoing ancient history—I would say it is like a +Quaker's hood, the water is the face of the wearer, the tall trees all +round it are the edge of the bonnet, the mouth of the harbor is the +chin, and the little islands beyond are the untied strings."</p> + +<p>A general laugh followed.</p> + +<p>"Bravo!" shouted Cummings. "But what are you going to do with my nymphs +in your Quaker bonnet?"</p> + +<p>"Put them behind the island where they cannot be seen," was her answer.</p> + +<p>"There are nymphs there already," cried the Doctor, "but instead of +behind the island, they are in front of it."</p> + +<p>And, glancing back, they could see the Indian women bathing.</p> + +<p>"I suppose the time will soon come when this little harbor will have +ships on it," said Helen, to change the subject.</p> + +<p>"Yes," returned Harold. "Sir George brought instructions with him from +England to build here the first brig."</p> + +<p>"And when will he commence?"</p> + +<p>"As soon as a saw mill can be built—not long to wait."</p> + +<p>"So there are lots of things in store for us, Mrs. Manning," put in the +Chaplain, with a laugh, "even if we have taken up our abode in a wooden +country."</p> + +<p>"Not a wooden country, Mr. Evans, but a country of woods."</p> + +<p>"And pray, what is the difference?"</p> + +<p>"As much difference as there is between a horse chestnut and a chestnut +horse."</p> + +<p>Again a ringing laugh was carried far out over the waters.</p> + +<p>"We men should always have you with us, Mrs. Manning, to keep away the +blues!" exclaimed the Chaplain, "and to that end I am just praying for +that castle of ours to be speedily finished."</p> + +<p>"One would think," returned Helen, elevating her eyebrows, "when the +builders work so hard, that the castle does not need your prayers. Would +it not be better to pray for the arrival of a lady companion for the +only lady in the camp, lest she might get the blues?"</p> + +<p>"That's what I say," cried the Doctor, energetically. "It's a deuced +shame to have Madame alone at the fort without a single lady friend, and +the sooner we secure a suitable companion for her the better."</p> + +<p>"Rather rough on you, Manning!" exclaimed Cummings, serenely.</p> + +<p>"'Pon my word, Doctor, I'll have to call you out, even if you are a +Frenchman," said Harold, with a laugh.</p> + +<p>"You know what I mean," returned the young man, his face flushing. "It +was a Frenchman's thought. I cannot think fast in English, you know."</p> + +<p>"Worse and worse!" exclaimed Cummings, with a laugh.</p> + +<p>Harold bit his lip.</p> + +<p>"How pretty that sunset is, with its deep golden yellow, so different +from England!" said Helen, who did her best to repress a sigh. With all +these men around her, even with her husband by her side, she was still +alone.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and with forest and lake, and sky and island, there is a +fascinating beauty."</p> + +<p>"The Indians say that to the north and west throughout the Georgian Bay +the islands are like the leaves of the forest, they cannot be counted," +Smith remarked.</p> + +<p>"Still new fields to conquer," added Harold.</p> + +<p>"New beauties to explore," said the Chaplain.</p> + +<p>The canoes had almost reached the "glittering sands" to the right of the +mouth of the harbor. The sun had set, and the gloaming was coming upon +them with the placid stillness of a summer night.</p> + +<p>"Suppose we return," suggested Helen. "It will be dark by the time we +reach the shore."</p> + +<p>"Paddle gently," ejaculated Smith in a low voice. "Let us wait a bit. +You see those bushes beyond the sandy beach. Three deer come down there +every evening to water—a buck with growing antlers and two does. If you +sit still and do not speak they will not notice you. The Doctor and I +will creep up a little nearer."</p> + +<p>Smith, who was the crack shot of the party, picked up his rifle, while +Beaumont, the skilled canoeist, paddled noiselessly toward the shore. +The former had only time to creep under cover of the bushes to a spot +where an open view could be obtained, when the deer, with heads erect +and led by the stag, marched slowly down to the water's edge.</p> + +<p>Not a paddle of the watchers moved, and scarcely a muscle. Beaumont sat +in his canoe grounded on the beach, with eyes fixed on the deer, for he +could just discern them beyond a stretch of sand. But Smith was +invisible. A few moments of silence and suspense. . . with head bent +forward the stag waded into the water, a doe on either side. Bang! went +the rifle. The stag reared and fell forward with a splash. Quick as +lightning his mates turned and fled to the woods, while a cheer rang out +from the men in the canoes, as they paddled over to the spot.</p> + +<p>"It was pitiful to see the poor does," said Helen, sensitively.</p> + +<p>"But it was a capital shot," returned Harold. "I was doubtful if Smith +could do it in the gathering darkness. It will make a good addition to +our vanishing larder."</p> + +<p>When they drew near Beaumont and Smith had dragged the handsome buck +further on to the beach.</p> + +<p>"Will it be safe to leave him here until the men come for him?" Smith +asked, as he received the congratulations.</p> + +<p>"I doubt it," said Beaumont. "Hark! yonder are wolves howling already. +They must be hungry to be out so soon."</p> + +<p>"The buck is too heavy to take in our canoe," said Smith, "unless the +Doctor, the lighter man, can return in one of yours."</p> + +<p>"Have him come with us," said Helen, turning to Harold.</p> + +<p>"Certainly," was his answer. "There will be no danger with such a +perfect canoeist."</p> + +<p>In a few more minutes they were paddling homeward. The half-moon was +hovering directly above them, and its sheen glowed in silvery light upon +the water.</p> + +<p>"Give us a French boat song, Doctor," said the Chaplain, who knew that +he had a rich tenor voice.</p> + +<p>"Not before miladi," was his answer. "If Madame will favor us first, I +will follow."</p> + +<p>"What will you have?" said Helen.</p> + +<p>"A song of the chase or a boat song, we don't care which," said Smith.</p> + +<p>"Well," replied Helen, with a smile at the ardor of the men. "If you can +imagine it is morning instead of evening, perhaps Scott's 'Hunting Song' +will do."</p> + +<p>The paddles almost ceased plying, and in the still night, her sweet +contralto voice filled the air from shore to shore.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"'Waken lords and ladies gay,</span> +<span class="i0">The mist has left the mountain gray,</span> +<span class="i0">Springlets in the dawn are steaming,</span> +<span class="i0">Diamonds on the brake are gleaming;</span> +<span class="i0">And foresters have busy been</span> +<span class="i0">To track the buck in thicket green.</span> +<span class="i0">Now we come to chant our lay,</span> +<span class="i0">'Waken lords and ladies gay.</span> + +<span class="i0">"'Waken lords and ladies gay!</span> +<span class="i0">To the greenwood haste away.</span> +<span class="i0">We can show you where he lies,</span> +<span class="i0">Fleet of foot and tall of size;</span> +<span class="i0">We can show the marks he made</span> +<span class="i0">When 'gainst the oak his antlers frayed.</span> +<span class="i0">You shall see him brought to bay,</span> +<span class="i0">'Waken lords and ladies gay.</span> + +<span class="i0">"Louder, louder, chant the lay,</span> +<span class="i0">'Waken lords and ladies gay!</span> +<span class="i0">Tell them youth and mirth and glee</span> +<span class="i0">Run a course as well as we;</span> +<span class="i0">Time! stern huntsman! who can balk,</span> +<span class="i0">Staunch as hound, and fleet as hawk?</span> +<span class="i0">Think of this and rise with day,</span> +<span class="i0">Gentle lords and ladies gay!"</span> +</div></div> + +<p>Sweetly the echoes died away over the water, thanks of appreciation were +murmured, and they were calling upon Beaumont to fulfil his promise when +another song was wafted from the shore towards them.</p> + +<p>"Why, that's Bateese," cried the Doctor. "He can sing better than I can. +Listen to him to-night, mine will keep for another day."</p> + +<p>"Hearken!" whispered Helen. "How quaint it is!"</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Plus jolie femme ees nice an' neat,</span> +<span class="i2">I sorry ven I leave 'er,</span> +<span class="i0">Mit eyes so blue an' lips so sweet</span> +<span class="i2">She's cunnin' as de beaver.</span> + +<span class="i0">She love me well, dis gal of mine,</span> +<span class="i2">For her I toe de scratch, sir;</span> +<span class="i0">Ba gosh! her name is Emmiline</span> +<span class="i2">An' I will be her match, sir.</span> + +<span class="i0">For she was reeche, wid pater's gold</span> +<span class="i2">An' farm down by de rivare;</span> +<span class="i0">But mon cheval, it had be sold</span> +<span class="i2">An' all my tings, pis aller.</span> + +<span class="i0">But now I work so hard again</span> +<span class="i2">To make up for my losses;</span> +<span class="i0">An' nevare more will give her pain</span> +<span class="i2">But cover her wid kisses.</span> + +<span class="i0">An' from dis time I'll work and wait</span> +<span class="i2">As never yet did lover;</span> +<span class="i0">An' pray Mon Dieu to bless our fate</span> +<span class="i2">An' make her mine forever.</span> + +<span class="i0">Den my sweet vife, ma fille so true,</span> +<span class="i2">Wid my fond arms around her,</span> +<span class="i0">Vill bless ma life, sweet entre nous,</span> +<span class="i2">An' make me still de fonder.</span> + +<span class="i0">An' when de leetle garçon come</span> +<span class="i2">An' fille so p'tite an' jolie,</span> +<span class="i0">We bless de Lord an' for de same</span> +<span class="i2">Will give him all de glory.</span> +</div></div> + +<p>The last verse almost took Helen's breath away, and, forgetting all +about Beaumont's song, she bade the officers good-night, and with +Harold hastened on shore to their own dwelling.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXII.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">I</span>t was July before Colonel Battersby's column, after a long march from +Montreal, reached Kingston and joined the forces of General Drummond, +and none too soon, for word had been forwarded of the disastrous +invasion of the Niagara frontier under Brigadier-Generals Scott and +Ripley. Fort Erie had been taken, and Commander-in-Chief Brown, with a +heavy force, had advanced against Major-General Riall and defeated the +British forces at Chippewa. The country was ravaged, St. Davids burned, +Niagara threatened.</p> + +<p>With all possible speed General Drummond pressed forward his troops, but +it was the 25th of the month before Niagara was reached and Riall +reinforced. Part of Colonel Battersby's command was left with the +veterans stationed at Queenston, to oppose the landing of American +troops there; while the balance, including Battersby himself, as well as +Captain Morris and his company, continued with the main force in the +advance toward Lundy's Lane.</p> + +<p>At six o'clock of that memorable night, when Drummond's forces met +Riall's at the junction of Queenston Road and Lundy's Lane, they were +retreating before the superior force of the enemy. Countermanding the +retreat, the Generals at once placed their guns in strong position on +the hill. Eight hundred soldiers, however, added to the British troops +still came short of balancing the forces. Nevertheless, the famous +battle of Lundy's Lane commenced, and before night it was fiercely +raging. As it progressed, reinforcements were received on both sides. +This only added fuel to the flame, and it was not until midnight that +the battle ceased.</p> + +<p>Among orchards laden with fruit on hillside and summit, in little copses +of woodland, in open plain, throughout that long twilight, until the +pale moon sank in the west:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Roar of baleful battle rose</span> +<span class="i0">And brethren of a common tongue</span> +<span class="i0">To mortal strife like tigers sprung."</span> +</div></div> + +<p>What gave enthusiasm to Canadians and British in the contest was that +they were fighting for home and country. The attitude of defender and +invader can never be the same. The struggle of heart and soul against +mere mentality cannot be equal. The one has virile force in every fibre +of its being, ready to sacrifice life and limb to principle; the other +mere elusive energy, begotten of baser metal.</p> + +<br /><br /> +<a name="NEW_HOME" id="NEW_HOME"></a> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 80%;"> +<img src="images/p0293.jpg" width="378" height="580" alt="" title="" /> +</div> +<h4>"That'll be our new home, sweetheart"</h4> + +<div class="blockquot"><div class="blockquot"><p class="right"><i>Page 210</i></p></div></div> + +<p>Still, the American infantry fought with gallant determination. With +unfailing energy they made charge after charge to capture the British +guns. General Riall, now second in command, was wounded and captured, +and at nine o'clock it seemed as though the Americans would win. Then +reinforcements poured in on either side. Though tired from long marches +on that hot summer day, they at once rallied to the support of their +respective commanders, and lighted only by the faint moonlight and the +flash from the rifles, the struggle continued with redoubled fury.</p> + +<p>The English gunners stood manfully at their posts and swept with deadly +fire the lines of Brown's battalions. The carnage was terrific. White +men of the same blood, the same language, the same religion, nay, in the +highest ethics of the same race, shot each other down by hundreds, as if +life were of no moment, bayonetting each other to death in the light of +the silvery moon.</p> + +<p>At last, spurred on by the determination to carry the battery at any +cost, Colonel Miller, of the Twenty-first, made an impetuous rush, and +for a time captured the British guns.</p> + +<p>Now began the wildest scene of all—a hand-to-hand and +bayonet-to-bayonet struggle for mastery. General Drummond's men rallied +on every side, determined to fight to the bitter end, and hour after +hour the slaughter continued. Everywhere the fight went on. The shouts +of command, the thunder of artillery, the continual flashing of powder, +the clashing of steel, mingled with the roar of Niagara and the groans +of the dying, made it seem as though the demons of hell had been let +loose to ravage the earth.</p> + +<p>But six hours of mortal conflict were enough. Seventeen hundred men, +Britons and Americans, lay side by side, dead or wounded, on that field +of battle. The position of the British was too strong to be taken and +held, and the invaders, realizing the futility of further effort, +withdrew from the field, returning to Fort Erie, which they had already +captured, and where they more adequately intrenched their position.</p> + +<p>Left to themselves, the British were not long in making a change. Lights +were lit, and at once men were dispatched to examine the field and +search for missing comrades.</p> + +<p>Colonel Battersby, although he had led his men in the thickest of the +fight, had come off unscathed, but he knew that some of his officers had +been slain or wounded. To his horror, Captain Morris, the man of his own +selection, was missing. Eager to know the truth, accompanied by +orderlies, he went carefully over the field. Headless trunks, +disembowelled bodies, the dead, the dying, the wounded, were everywhere. +Agonizing groans came from the fallen, both English and Americans, while +side by side with them, stoic Indians with impassive faces did not utter +a sound.</p> + +<p>As they passed on, limbs were straightened, a comfortable position given +or a wound staunched, while now and then a few drops from a pocket +flask were poured between the lips of a life fast ebbing away.</p> + +<p>"Colonel, here's a captain's epaulets," ejaculated one of his men at +last. A light was thrown upon a body whose face was hidden in the moss +beneath an oak shrub. The man, though unconscious, still breathed, as he +lay in a pool of blood. Wiping his face, they gently turned it upwards.</p> + +<p>"My God! It is Captain Morris," exclaimed the Colonel.</p> + +<p>Tenderly they placed him in an easier position. Blood from the scalp and +side and leg were freely flowing.</p> + +<p>"Tell one of the surgeons to come at once," was the Colonel's order, +while he knelt to loosen his clothing.</p> + +<p>In a few minutes the doctor came and made an examination.</p> + +<p>"Suffering from concussion, as well as loss of blood," were his words. +"Let us lay him on a stretcher and carry him to quarters."</p> + +<p>In a few minutes they reached a vacant house on the lower side of the +hill, which they purposed using as a temporary hospital.</p> + +<p>"Who is it?" enquired General Drummond, as they approached.</p> + +<p>"Captain Morris, sir."</p> + +<p>"Ah, another brave man! One of our best officers! How many we have lost +in this terrible fight! Will he live, doctor?"</p> + +<p>"I hope so. He is not conscious, but he opened his eyes just now."</p> + +<p>"Thank God! You must do your best for him."</p> + +<p>"I will, sir."</p> + +<p>They placed him on a settee on one side of the room, and the doctor +dressed his wounds.</p> + +<p>"I saw him fall," came in a low tone from a man in the opposite corner, +whose foot had been shot off. He had fainted from loss of blood and the +leg had been bound up until it could be properly dressed. "I belong to +his company. Twice we were driven back—half our men had fallen—but he +drew his sword and rushed on again, calling us to follow him—then a +Yankee officer struck at him, so he knocked his sword back and ran him +through—but a couple of sogers came at the Captain with their +bayonets—that's the last I saw, for I got dizzy and fell—I didn't +think I was hurt."</p> + +<p>"You've said enough," said the doctor sharply. "We don't want you to +faint again."</p> + +<p>"All right, sir."</p> + +<p>There was a deep flesh wound in Captain Morris' thigh and a bayonet +thrust in his body, while the top of his scalp had been torn to the +skull by a bullet.</p> + +<p>"Pretty badly knocked out," said the doctor, "but not hopeless. His +pupils are still sensitive."</p> + +<p>The General expressed satisfaction as with Battersby he left the house. +Several other shanties near by were being utilized for the wounded.</p> + +<p>"I suppose the owners all fled on the approach of battle," said the +General to Colonel Scott, who had charge of the relief department.</p> + +<p>"Yes," was the answer. "This battle has been impending for days, and +orders were issued to the people to escape to the back districts without +delay."</p> + +<p>"They may as well stay away now," said Drummond. "There are hundreds of +wounded, and our first care must be for them. We may have beaten the +enemy, but it has been at terrible cost."</p> + +<p>"Your arrival, General, was a God-send. If your men had not come I don't +know where we would have been."</p> + +<p>"Your own vanguard helped to save us though. But the horror of it all—a +thousand men have bit the dust."</p> + +<p>"If we have fights like this, thousands more may do it yet before we are +through."</p> + +<p>"True, but it is a fight to the finish. We must hold our own. Never +relinquish an inch."</p> + +<p>For more than an hour Captain Morris remained unconscious. His continued +insensibility caused much concern, and Sergeant Dennis, his faithful +subaltern, was placed beside him to watch.</p> + +<p>After a while, he opened his eyes and looked vacantly around him through +the dim light. Gradually he took in the situation.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" he exclaimed at last, fixing his eyes on Dennis and looking at +his bandages. "I got hurt—did I?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Captain, a trifle," was the answer.</p> + +<p>"And the battle—is it over?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Captain; keep still."</p> + +<p>"Thank heaven!"</p> + +<p>For a time there was a pause, and the Sergeant put some whiskey and +water to his lips.</p> + +<p>"I must be badly knocked out," he ventured again, after a while.</p> + +<p>"Not so bad as some," was the answer.</p> + +<p>"Bad enough."</p> + +<p>"I will call the doctor or Colonel Battersby," said the sergeant. "I had +orders to report."</p> + +<p>"Wait a minute, Sergeant, it can't be three yet."</p> + +<p>"It is, nearly."</p> + +<p>"There is something you can do for me."</p> + +<p>"I will do anything in the world for you, Captain."</p> + +<p>"Thanks—you will be with me all night, won't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, till daylight."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll tell you later—after the doctor comes."</p> + +<p>"He's here now."</p> + +<p>So the communication was delayed.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">H</span>alf an hour later, the Sergeant again had charge of the Captain. He was +weak and pallid, but his mind was clear, and he fixed his eyes on the +Sergeant's face.</p> + +<p>"Now, I can tell you," he said at last, with some difficulty.</p> + +<p>"You had better not," returned the man. "The doctor says you must sleep +before you try to talk again."</p> + +<p>"It will only take a minute—I've got to say it now," said Morris.</p> + +<p>"Very well," said the Sergeant, bending over him. "Speak low, Captain. +Don't say more than you can help."</p> + +<p>"It is only about two letters—they are in my wallet, and I want you +without fail to send them on. One is directed to Penetang—I intended to +forward it from York—but it was in the bottom of my wallet—and in the +hurry of leaving I did not do it. The other is one of my own to Halifax. +It, too, should have been sent on before we crossed the lake—but the +order to march was so sudden that I had not time. Do you understand?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"I might have given them to the Colonel—but I did not want to bother +him. Whether I get well or not, I want this off my mind."</p> + +<p>"All right, sir. I will have them forwarded by the very first chance. +You may depend upon that."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Sergeant."</p> + +<p>The Captain pressed his hand and closed his eyes. Soon he was asleep.</p> + +<p>The Sergeant, while he decided to carry out his instructions faithfully, +thought it singular that so trifling a matter should occupy the +attention of so sick a man.</p> + +<p>"Well, I have something for you at last," said Miss Maxwell to her +sister, one bright morning, several weeks earlier than the tragic events +of the last chapter. She had just returned from the Citadel, and holding +two letters high above her head, shook them gaily at Maud.</p> + +<p>"I am so glad," returned that young lady, holding out her hand. "Who are +they from? One from Mrs. Manning, I am sure."</p> + +<p>"Who do you suppose the other is from? Which of your lovers has written +you a letter?"</p> + +<p>Handing over one she still held the other aloft.</p> + +<p>"How foolish you are, Genie! This is the one I want to read first +anyway."</p> + +<p>Sitting down she broke the seal and commenced reading Mrs. Manning's +letter, apparently unconscious that the other was waiting for perusal. +The letter was a long one, and Maud's face glowed with pleasure as her +eyes ran rapidly over its pages. Parts of it she read aloud, and other +parts to herself. By-and-bye, when she had finished, she put it back +within its cover, and held out her hand for the other one.</p> + +<p>This was from Dr. Beaumont, and a slight flush suffused her cheek as she +perused its contents. Gravely she read it through to the end without +speaking a word.</p> + +<p>"Are you not going to read it to me?" Eugenia asked as she sat opposite, +quietly watching her sister's face.</p> + +<p>"You may read all of Mrs. Manning's letter and welcome," said Maud, "but +this from Dr. Beaumont I must keep to myself, for the present at least"; +and she slipped it into her pocket. "Was not Mrs. Manning brave?" she +continued.</p> + +<p>"Indeed she was. She tells all about the journey and the new settlement, +and the trials she had to endure."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Maud, "but there's an undertone through it all—even in her +account of that terrible march along the Madawaska."</p> + +<p>Maud turned to the window and looked dreamily out, while unconsciously +she took the Doctor's letter from her pocket again and tapped the sill +with it, as if to keep time to her thoughts.</p> + +<p>"Dr. Beaumont comes in for his share of praise," said Eugenia as she +read on. "I don't see how they could have done without him."</p> + +<p>"Would not Dr. Fairchilds have done as well?" Maud asked in a low voice.</p> + +<p>"He did not get the chance," was Eugenia's quick response.</p> + +<p>"I always had doubt as to the real reason of that," said Maud.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Manning says," continued Eugenia, "that she sent a letter a few +days before this one by a man in a sailboat, round by Lake Huron, but +that this would be sent through the woods by Little York. Did you get +the first one?"</p> + +<p>"No. Possibly it may not come at all, and if it does it will be later, +as the way by Georgian Bay would be much longer than the overland +route."</p> + +<p>"Have you been studying geography lately?" Eugenia asked, drawing down +the corners of her mouth.</p> + +<p>"It is not long since I left school, Miss Inquisitive."</p> + +<p>That afternoon they called upon Mrs. Mason, and as they expected, found +her loquacious upon the subject of Penetang. She said that Sir John +Sherbrooke and Colonel Mason had both received despatches from Sir +George.</p> + +<p>"I understand that you are a favored one, also," she continued +good-humoredly, turning to Maud. "Two letters all for yourself from the +little new garrison, while not another lady in Halifax has received +one."</p> + +<p>"All owing to my fortunate meeting with Mrs. Manning," returned Maud +with a slight flush. "Nearly all the troops were fresh from England, so +their letters would naturally be sent home instead of here. Mrs. +Manning's letter is very interesting. I brought it over for you to see."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, and may I read it to Colonel Mason?"</p> + +<p>"Certain parts, but not all. You will know what I mean."</p> + +<p>"I'll take care, my dear. Trust me for that—but was there not another +letter?—ah, ah, my lady—but I will ask no more questions"; and Mrs. +Mason, with twinkling eyes, laughed softly to herself.</p> + +<p>"Did not a ship come in to-day?" Eugenia asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Mrs. Mason, "with another regiment. The Colonel says it +is imperative for it to leave at once for Montreal as the war is not +over yet, and it has important letters to carry."</p> + +<p>"When will it sail, or did you hear?" Maud asked.</p> + +<p>"To-morrow, I believe."</p> + +<p>Maud's candle burned late that night again, and when the ship left for +Montreal the next evening the mail bag contained two letters for +Penetang, one to Mrs. Manning, the other to Dr. Beaumont.</p> + +<p>More than a month passed away. The fortunes of war had been ebbing and +flowing first on one side, then on the other—the belligerents on +neither being as yet satisfied. Still the conflict was nearing the end. +News travelled slowly then; but word of battle, even when three weeks +old, was just as interesting as it is now when the happening was only +yesterday.</p> + +<p>The news of Lundy's Lane had arrived. The Citadel and all Halifax were +excited over it, for although the British claimed the victory, yet two +of the companies that had served in the fort for years, had been in the +heat of the fight, and had lost more than half their men.</p> + +<p>In small garrison towns, stationary troops soon become identified with +the people, and the results of battle fill them with intense interest. +Having once heard the rumour of the conflict, the people were anxious to +hear more, and soldiers off duty were asked repeatedly for the latest +details. At every street corner the battle was discussed; while in the +homes it was the one absorbing theme.</p> + +<p>With the news also came that letter to Maud forwarded by the Sergeant, +but as already noted, written before the conflict.</p> + +<p>"Captain Morris' name is in everybody's mouth," said Judge Maxwell to +his daughters that evening. "The people are wild over him. They say he +is one of the bravest officers in the service. What a pity he was so +nearly killed!"</p> + +<p>"Nearly killed! Is it so bad as that, father?" Maud asked with trembling +voice.</p> + +<p>"The news is three weeks old, and we cannot tell what may have happened +in that time, but he was shot in the scalp and bayonetted in the body +and the leg. What is more, he was leading what remained of his men for +the third time, and struck down his opponent with his sword the very +moment that he fell. If that is not bravery you will have to search the +pages of history to find it."</p> + +<p>Maud's eyes flashed, and she shot into her father's face a look of +mingled exultation and anguish.</p> + +<p>"But his wounds, father, are they dangerous?"</p> + +<p>"Colonel Mason says, from the despatches, that he would not anticipate +serious trouble from one of them by itself—but from the whole combined, +particularly with midsummer heat, there might be. Still, without doubt, +all will be done for him that is possible."</p> + +<p>"Where are they keeping him, father?"</p> + +<p>"In a cottage near the battlefield, on the Niagara River. If they can +hold the place they will retain the settlers' houses for the use of the +wounded until they are well enough to be removed."</p> + +<p>"Who nurses the men, I wonder?" was Maud's next question.</p> + +<p>"There won't be much nursing," replied the judge. "The men will do what +they can to carry out the doctors' orders, but the poor fellows will +have a tough time of it no doubt. It is always the case in a military +campaign, no matter where you go or who is injured."</p> + +<p>"And can we do nothing?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing whatever, my dear. It is beyond the pale of civilization, one +might say. Throughout that region there are few settlements and no good +roads. Supplies are taken in with great difficulty, and often have to be +carried in on the backs of the soldiers. As for people here going over +to help, by the time they got there, the whole place might be deserted."</p> + +<p>"You are a Job's comforter, father."</p> + +<p>"Father's quite right," said Eugenia. "But it is terrible to think of +poor, brave Captain Morris suffering so frightfully. I wish those +dastardly Yankees were in——."</p> + +<p>"Not in Halifax," interrupted the judge with a smile. "We don't want +them here even if we could whip them, which I am not so sure about. But +you are on the wrong tack Genie. The Yankee soldiers are not dastardly. +They are just as brave as ours are, and in that very battle lost as many +men as we did."</p> + +<p>"But when the battle was over, and the Americans retreated," said +Eugenia, "who looked after their wounded?"</p> + +<p>"The British, of course."</p> + +<p>"And dressed the wounds of their enemies just the same as those of their +own men?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly. That's the only bit of civilization in it."</p> + +<p>"And what would the Americans do if they were the victors?"</p> + +<p>"Just as the English do."</p> + +<p>"There's Christianity in war after all," said Maud.</p> + +<p>"Another paradox," said the judge. "It is always the Christian nations +that do the most fighting."</p> + +<p>"Were not Napoleon's wars an exception?"</p> + +<p>"Not by any means. It was the Christian nations that opposed him; and +half of his own men professed the faith."</p> + +<p>"But how soon do they expect to hear again of the wounded?" Maud asked +somewhat impatiently.</p> + +<p>"The way is open now and word will come every week," replied her father. +"And thank God the war will soon be over!"</p> + +<p>Captain Morris' letter affected Maud differently to Dr. Beaumont's. It +stirred the martial enthusiasm in her nature to know that he had been a +hero in the fight. But the feeling changed as she thought on. He had +fallen bravely, probably without a murmur, but it was weeks ago. How was +he now? and in any case how intensely he must have suffered! And then to +know that he had written that letter, the only one she had ever received +from him, only a day or two before the fight that may have cost him his +life. Over and over again she read it; every word seemed to have a new +meaning. Was it not sad in tone—premonitory of coming evil? Was there +not a shadow behind the hand rendering dark the future, filling his +life with the elusiveness of love, and producing in his heart passionate +disdain?</p> + +<p>She shivered when she thought of what might have happened to him there, +and while proud that such a man should give her his confidence, she was +carried away with a passion of feeling that at the time she could +neither analyze nor understand.</p> + +<p>Would a letter reach him? If it only could? At any rate she must do her +part and send him a message. This time she wrote rapidly. She seemed to +be under physical obligation to do her most and her best, without a +thought of anyone but the wounded captain. After a while she finished +the letter and went to bed.</p> + +<p>Notwithstanding the restless tossing and wakefulness that followed, she +rose early to post it. Then her mind wandered off beyond Niagara to +Penetang; and, taking out another letter which she had often read +before, she thoughtfully perused it again.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXIV.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>he ebb and flow of battles on sea and land in the War of 1812 and '14 +do not belong to this story. Sir John Sherbrooke's despatch of men fresh +from the European wars to Eastport, Castine, Bangor and Machias, Maine, +and the retention of the <i>Penobscot</i> and <i>St. Croix</i> by the British till +the war was over, are matters of history. So also is the victory of the +American General Macomb at Plattsburg, where with five ships of war and +fifteen hundred men he drove back twice as many British vessels and +troops under the command of their weak and incapable head. No wonder +that officers broke their swords and vowed they would never fight again +under such a leader. But on the war dragged, sometimes with success on +one side, sometimes on the other; and if it had not been for the +harassing blockade of the Atlantic seaboard, when Britain's navy, let +loose from European conflict, came over to fight the battles of her +colonies, it is hard to tell where the fratricidal war would have ended.</p> + +<p>Month after month passed by. Villages were pillaged; forts were captured +and recaptured; cities were bombarded and wasted; York was ransacked; +Niagara was burned; Washington was stormed by shot and shell and its +buildings set on fire. Even after peace was declared, the final battle +of New Orleans still had to be fought, where two thousand of the flower +of the British troops were lost within the trenches, their general slain +and the remainder put to flight, while only a handful of the American +defenders in their entrenched position were either wounded or slain.</p> + +<p>Such is war with its mighty agony, its seas of flowing blood, its +tumultuous passion, its frenzied rage, the most inhuman of all human +things; and yet withal, the purifier and ennobler of the races of men, +who would not do without it, and thank God that it was abolished? And +yet, when rights are trampled on, when liberty is invaded, when +oppression is rampant, with Empire in the van, who would not draw the +sword again, and thank God that by its glitter and fury, wrong could be +righted and truth made plain?</p> + +<p>At last peace was declared, and the tired people of both nations but of +the one race, wondered what they had been fighting about.</p> + +<p>Without solving the question they smoked the calumet, offering up the +fumes as incense while they fervently prayed that the tyrannies of life +should never again force them to draw swords against each other.</p> + +<p>To Penetang, however, the din of battle did not come. Month after month +during that first long summer, the troops revelled in the ways of +peace; and it was astonishing what progress they made in the practice of +the mechanical arts. In Captain Payne's engineering corps were +carpenters, masons, blacksmiths, saddlers, tailors, and men who had +followed a dozen other trades—all useful, aye, more than useful—in the +founding and establishment of the new garrison.</p> + +<p>By the end of August the walls of the stone fort were up and an army of +men were working with energy towards its completion. The design was to +have it ready for occupation before winter arrived. The trail cut +through to Little York had also proved of service, for as the months +passed by, mail matter and goods were carried regularly over to +Penetang.</p> + +<p>While all else denoted prosperity, the non-return of the <i>Bumble Bee</i> +caused much anxiety; for throughout the long summer nothing was heard of +it, not a single word came from either Corporal or Skipper. Many were +the conjectures, and night after night was the subject discussed around +the camp fires of the little garrison.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Bond had a little room in Mrs. Hardman's quarters, and from her +larger experience and fuller confidence in her husband, she was the more +hopeful of the two.</p> + +<p>"Whatever has happened to Latimer, Peter Bond will be sure to come back. +He's the honestest man alive, and he'd die before he'd turn traitor," +were her words.</p> + +<p>"That's true; but suppose the Yankees 'ave shot the men and cabbaged the +boat?" suggested her pessimistic friend.</p> + +<p>"It might be," returned Mrs. Bond, tightly drawing in her lips, "but the +<i>Bumble Bee</i> wasn't a fighting craft. Yankees might steal her, and all +she 'ad aboard, but it wouldn't be natural for 'em to kill the men. +They'll both turn up sometime. I'll warrant that."</p> + +<p>"She's just right," returned Private Hardman. "They may 'ave taken 'em +prisoners and looted the craft, but that's the worst that could 'ave +'appened 'em."</p> + +<p>"An' vat about de voman?" asked Bateese, who had just come down from +Helen's cottage.</p> + +<p>"They'd set her free, and she's hanging round till her ole man gets +off," said Hardman.</p> + +<p>"Mebbe," commented his wife.</p> + +<p>"Yes, mebbe," said Hardman. "They're not dead anyway. The Corporal will +come back again in time, but Latimer and his wife mayn't. Why should +they? They're gone three months. What 'ud be the use?"</p> + +<p>"We'll miss the woman worst," said his wife. "She's like one of +ourselves. It's too bad, when there's so few of us."</p> + +<p>"If my man turns up I won't care much about the rest," said Mrs. Bond. +"Though I did hear Mrs. Manning say that if it hadn't been for Latimer's +wife, when she first come, she didn't know what she would 'a done. But +my! She had a sperit. She kep' the ole fellow in his place I tell you."</p> + +<p>"Vas she de boss?" Bateese asked.</p> + +<p>"Inside that little box cabin of hers she was."</p> + +<p>"What about the obeyin' bizness, as the prayer book says?" enquired +Hardman.</p> + +<p>"Inside he did the obeying—outside, she did."</p> + +<p>"By Gar, dat's about vat it should be!" exclaimed Bateese. "Now, my +Emmiline she boss me inside alvays. She say, 'Bateese, you come here.' I +come. 'You go dere.' I come too. She say, 'Bateese, vous garçon, vat you +make dat splash on de floor?' I say, 'Pardonnez moi, mon ami,' She say, +'All right,' an' I don't make it no more. Den I go outside and make +splash all over eff I want to."</p> + +<p>"And do you want to?" said Hardman. For answer Bateese shrugged his +shoulders.</p> + +<p>"How is Emmiline tonight?" Mrs. Hardman asked. "I 'aven't seen her since +morning.</p> + +<p>"She be nice—but I stay 'most too long—she vant you to come and see +her again right away."</p> + +<p>"And how is the boy?"</p> + +<p>"Fine! Oh, mon fils, he beeg bouncing garçon. Doctare say he weigh ten +pound—an' he so goot he almost laff."</p> + +<p>"Bateese, you're crazy."</p> + +<p>"Veil! he open his eye and try to laugh—den—cause he can't, he cry."</p> + +<p>And Bateese hurried off, after his long wait, to tell Emmiline that Mrs. +Hardman was coming.</p> + +<p>One Sunday morning several weeks later, the Chaplain was waited on by +Bateese. Breakfast was over, and having arranged his books and notes, he +was putting on his surplice in preparation for the service he was about +to hold in the barrack yard.</p> + +<p>"Good morning, Bateese," said the Chaplain.</p> + +<p>"Goot mornin', Padre," replied the habitant, pulling his forelock.</p> + +<p>"What can I do for you?"</p> + +<p>The exceeding gravity of Bateese's countenance made his mission very +uncertain.</p> + +<p>"Nothing wrong, I hope. Is Madame Bateese well?"</p> + +<p>"Oui, oui, Padre."</p> + +<p>"And that big bouncing boy of yours?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, he tres bien, Monsieur."</p> + +<p>"Well, my man, I'm glad to hear it. Tell me now what you want. You see I +haven't much time to lose. The men are gathering for the service."</p> + +<p>"Veil, Monsieur, it ess about de boy. Ve call him George after de +Colonel, and Emil after me, and Emmiline want to have him baptize, vat +you call christen."</p> + +<p>"I'll be glad to do it, but you are too late for this service."</p> + +<p>"Dat all right—we don't vant no service—ve vant it done all by +hisself."</p> + +<p>"But the Church does not baptize its children that way. They are done in +the congregation before the people."</p> + +<p>"But, Padre, me an' Emmiline goot Cat'liques. Ve no Engleese. Only no +priest in de troop—and Emmiline go clean crazy if ve no get it done. +You know, Padre, ve loss our dear petite babees. Ve no vant to loss dis +wan too."</p> + +<p>"I see," said Mr. Evans. "You want me to christen the child privately."</p> + +<p>"Yees, Padre."</p> + +<p>"Well, bring him over to my quarters at three o'clock and I will do it +then."</p> + +<p>Bateese, while expressing his thanks for the Chaplain's kindness, still +appeared nervous and stood twisting his hat as before.</p> + +<p>"One more ting, Padre, Emmiline alvays goot Cat'lique. Alvays go to +church, alvays count her beads at night. Vell she see de curé before she +leave Kebec, and he say—if she ever have child again, an' leeve vere +dere is no priest—she must burn holy candles and have holy vater—an' +den some minister of some oder church could baptize de boy all de sam."</p> + +<p>"And have you got the candles and the holy water?" the Chaplain asked +with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yees—Emmiline bring everyting."</p> + +<p>"So she got them from the priest six months ago and brought them with +her to celebrate the christening."</p> + +<p>"Oui, Padre, she did."</p> + +<p>"She's a good woman," returned the clergyman, laughing heartily, "and +although its against the rule to use holy water and candles at a +christening, tell her I will do my best—and shall baptize the boy as +well as any priest could do it in Quebec—and to please her I will use +both."</p> + +<p>A halo of light spread all over the little Frenchman's face, and happy +as a king he hastened away to tell the good news to Emmiline.</p> + +<p>So that Sunday afternoon was celebrated the first christening among the +troops at Penetang. It was made memorable, too, in more ways than one, +for at the request of Emmiline, Mrs. Manning acted as godmother, while +in honor of its priority and from the fact that the child was named +after himself, Sir George accepted the position as godfather; both of +which events delighted not only the parents of the child but the whole +garrison as well.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXV.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>he first summer at Penetang was full of new experiences for Helen. The +feminine loneliness was very trying, and if it had not been that her +hands and mind were always busy working and planning, she would have +felt the solitude even more than she did. The summer was half gone +before the first letters came; and the monotony of waiting was broken +only twice afterwards before the season was over. Fortunately, however, +they never came singly, and each bore reading again and again, before +the succeeding budget arrived.</p> + +<p>The absence of congenial companionship of her own sex was what she felt +most keenly. Still the presence of the little French woman, Emmiline, +gave a break to the monotony. Her lively chatter whiled away many an +hour; and with little Emil came new life; for Helen was deeply +interested in the welfare of her little godson. Possibly, also, the best +substitute for an absent friend may be the presence of that friend's +lover; and as Maud Maxwell was the one who had expressed a desire to be +with her in her western home, she longed for her the most.</p> + +<p>After Dr. Beaumont made Helen his confidant, they had many long talks, +and the more they talked the more she became convinced of his genuine +devotion. One afternoon this was particularly impressed upon her. It was +the day of the regular drill, and she was seated alone under an oak tree +in front of her cottage, re-reading one of her letters. Everything was +still around her, when being deeply absorbed, she was startled by the +approach of footsteps.</p> + +<p>"I beg your pardon, Madam!" exclaimed the Doctor. He had just returned +with a string of bass from the bay. "I am sorry if I have disturbed +you."</p> + +<p>"Don't mention it," she replied with a smile. "Everything was so still. +Why, what a catch you have had!"</p> + +<p>"They bite well to-day. Aren't they beauties? Two of them will weigh +three pounds apiece. Why is it so quiet here? Are all the men away?"</p> + +<p>"The soldiers, as you know, are drilling, and the habitants are +finishing the fallow."</p> + +<p>"I thought it peculiar to find you entirely alone."</p> + +<p>"None but the women and the sentinels are about."</p> + +<p>"I saw you reading a letter," said Beaumont, laying his fish behind a +log in the shade, and taking a seat beside them. "Is it a new one, may I +ask?"</p> + +<p>"No, I am sorry to say. I am foolish enough to read all these old ones +more than once."</p> + +<p>"More than once," he echoed. "Why, I read mine every day, sometimes over +and over again."</p> + +<p>"You extravagant man! You will wear them all out before the next supply +arrives."</p> + +<p>"Ah, but I am careful!" he laughingly replied, "and then I have only had +two from her. They both came with yours."</p> + +<p>"I hope another will come soon," she returned, following his wistful +gaze over the water.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, mon ami," he cried passionately. "Eight months since we left +Halifax, and only two letters."</p> + +<p>"It is three since our first ones went over the York trail, so we are +sure to receive others soon; and I know from the way Maud writes she is +interested in Penetang."</p> + +<p>"Interest is one thing and love is another," said the Doctor, dubiously. +"If I felt sure that the first would develop into the second, I would +praise the gods. But what is there to make it possible? A thousand miles +between us! I did not think an <i>affaire du coeur</i> could be so serious; +but now I know it. When so distant she may never care."</p> + +<p>"You do not know the ways of a woman's heart, Doctor. She might not love +you then, but she loved no other; and before another man could win her +heart he would be weighed in the balance with yourself. Although absent, +rest assured you are not forgotten."</p> + +<p>"But to be remembered is not to be loved," said Beaumont again, "and a +present suitor may win what an absent one has lost."</p> + +<p>"Did it never strike you that distance itself might fan the flame of +love. My mother used to say that 'absence is the furnace in which true +love is tried! It tries the man but it tries the woman also.'"</p> + +<p>"If absence has increased hers as it has mine, I shall be more than +satisfied," said the Doctor.</p> + +<p>"Something in you appealed to her, that I know," said Helen.</p> + +<p>"Ah! She is divine," cried Beaumont, again becoming ecstatic. "I can +never forget her."</p> + +<p>"Did you never forget her?" asked Helen, demurely.</p> + +<p>"No, never."</p> + +<p>"Not even when dancing at the Citadel with Louise de Rochefort?" she +asked mischievously.</p> + +<p>Beaumont's face flushed.</p> + +<p>"Pardonnez, Madam, that was a little break—an hour's amusement—une +petite Mademoiselle of my own people, and in my own old city! What harm? +Surely you will not ask a Frenchman to stand at one side and allow all +the beauty and élite sweep past him in the gay valse without saying a +word. No, no, Madam, that would never do"; and he finished by shaking +his curls in a merry laugh.</p> + +<p>"And you think you are deeply, earnestly, sincerely in love with Maud?"</p> + +<p>"I swear it. She is divine, I say. Her glorious eyes, her ravishing +beauty, her inflexible will, her exquisite soul, make me her slave, and +I cannot help myself. Madam, I adore her. She is my patron saint, my +heavenly jewel on earth!"</p> + +<p>"You deserve to win her," said Helen, gravely. "Why not press your suit +by letter more strongly than you have ever done?"</p> + +<p>"That I cannot do. I gave her my word not to attempt it any more until I +see her. Of course I write; my letters are full of love. Mon Dieu! How +can I help it? But I am never to ask her to be mine until I see her."</p> + +<p>"In that case you must keep your promise, and as a true woman she will +think all the more of you. But there is one thing I wanted to ask. Have +you anything to keep a wife upon besides your salary as surgeon? You see +how practical I am."</p> + +<p>"Thank the Holy Virgin, I have. My father left me independent of any +income I may receive from the army."</p> + +<p>"One other point, Doctor. As your confidant you must excuse my queries. +How can you, a Roman Catholic, expect so staunch a Churchwoman as Maud +Maxwell to consent to be your wife?"</p> + +<p>"Truly a serious question—and one that I have not forgotten, but do you +know that religion is much more to a woman than it is to a man?"</p> + +<p>"It ought not to be."</p> + +<p>"That is true, though I am sorry to say it was not so in my mother's +case. My father was a French seigneur of Lower Canada and a Catholic, +while my mother was a Scotch Presbyterian. Why she joined my father's +Church I could never tell, except that my father was a dominant man, and +that there was no Presbyterian church within fifty miles of where we +lived. Consequently, my brothers and sisters and myself were all brought +up in the Catholic faith. What is more, Agatha, my sister, being +disappointed in love, entered a cloister, and is now a nun in a Montreal +convent."</p> + +<p>"That is sad."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it is. Yet I would not say a word against the sisterhood or the +Romish Church. They are both maligned. But I am sorry that my only +sister, a bright and beautiful girl, should be hopelessly consigned to +the life of the cloister."</p> + +<p>"I appreciate your feelings, Doctor. But will this influence your own +future?"</p> + +<p>"It may. A sensible man should look to the future as well as the +present. If Maud Maxwell should ever become my wife, I would never ask +her to renounce her faith; I might even be willing to espouse +Protestantism, for which so many of my mother's ancestors died."</p> + +<p>"And if you don't marry Maud Maxwell?"</p> + +<p>"There's the rub!" exclaimed the Doctor, shrugging his shoulders. "I +shall probably stay where I am, for as I said, religion is not so much +to a man—I am broad enough to believe that if a man lives up to the +best that is in him—an upright and honorable life, and acknowledges the +eternal Fatherhood of God with Christ as his Saviour—whether he +believes in the Blessed Virgin or not—he is all right. He can follow +any creed he likes, from the simple Quaker faith of New England, right +up to that of the great Roman Church—the mother of them all."</p> + +<p>"I congratulate you on the breadth of your creed, Doctor."</p> + +<p>"A man's life is his creed."</p> + +<p>"That will be in the doctrines of the future, but it is not now, +unfortunately," said Helen.</p> + +<p>"Ah, hear the rifles, the target practice has commenced."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and it is time my fish were looked after; bon jour, Madam," and he +took them off to the cookhouse at the officers' quarters.</p> + +<p>In a few minutes Sir George and Captain Cummings came up from the target +field, leaving the other officers in charge; and as Helen had not yet +returned to her cottage, they joined her.</p> + +<p>"And how goes the shooting, gentlemen?" she asked, looking at the +Colonel.</p> + +<p>"Oh, bravely!" returned Sir George. "Your husband is one of the best +shots among the officers. They all take a round at it, you know."</p> + +<p>"What of Lieutenant Smith? Some one told me he was a capital shot."</p> + +<p>"So he is, the best in the regiment."</p> + +<p>"Hurrah for the two lieutenants!" exclaimed Helen, with a laugh. "What +of your own success, Captain Cummings?"</p> + +<p>"I don't profess to be an expert," he replied evasively; "if an officer +keeps his men up to the mark, he adequately fills the bill—Smith and +Manning have both done excellently, though."</p> + +<p>Cummings was smiling serenely, but there was an accentuation in his +words that grated on Helen's ear.</p> + +<p>"Do you know, my dear?" said Sir George, turning towards her, "that our +Fort will be ready in a week, and that we must have a grand opening to +do honor to the occasion?"</p> + +<p>"With torchlight procession, grand ball and finest orchestra of the +season?" suggested Helen.</p> + +<p>"Yes, more than that. We expect every lady within fifty miles at least +to accept our invitation."</p> + +<p>"I' faith, that will be fine"; but her animation was gone. There was dew +upon her eyelids.</p> + +<p>"I was joking," exclaimed the Colonel, "pray forgive. It is solitary +enough for you now, but it won't be for long. 'Twill be better +by-and-bye."</p> + +<p>"Please excuse my foolishness," returned Helen, bravely keeping back the +tears, "but do you really mean to open the Fort then?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and joking aside, we intend to celebrate it with all éclat +possible, and we want you to do what you can to assist us."</p> + +<p>"You may rest assured of that, Sir George," she replied, "however little +that may be."</p> + +<p>"And I take this opportunity," he continued, swinging off his helmet +with a graceful bow, "to invite the first Lady of the land to be my +partner at the opening quadrille?"</p> + +<p>Helen had conquered her emotion and, although amazed, was equal to the +occasion. With a sweeping courtesy, she replied:</p> + +<p>"Your request is granted, sire." Although what in the world he could +mean by such an invitation she could scarcely imagine.</p> + +<p>Captain Cummings gave the Colonel a sharp glance and bit his lip. Helen +noticed it and so did the senior officer.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXVI.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>wo afternoons later Helen went with the women Bond and Hardman to +gather blackberries, which were ripening in rich profusion upon bushes +scattered along the southern border of a copse of hemlock. The women had +been gathering the fruit for days, and on this occasion Helen had +arranged to go with them. For a while all laughed and chatted and picked +the berries side by side; but as the good patches became more scattered, +they drifted apart, each working on in silence.</p> + +<p>Helen's pail was almost full, and she was on the point of hailing her +companions to return to the garrison, when the report of a gun in the +adjacent woods startled her. There was a tramping, a rustling, a +dividing of the bushes, and the huntsman appeared.</p> + +<p>"This is a surprise! I hope my shot did not frighten you," exclaimed +Captain Cummings, who carried a brace of partridges in one hand and his +fowling-piece in the other. "I had no idea that there was anyone so +near. It was lucky that I was not shooting in this direction."</p> + +<p>"I am as much surprised as you are," replied Helen. "I thought all the +officers were in consultation this afternoon at the island."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes! we gathered together for an hour. Sir George wanted to +discuss the arrangement of the guns and port-holes of the magazine. Then +some of us were detailed to duty; Lieutenant Manning to the men at the +bridge, Captain Payne to planting the guns, Smith to the fort works, and +myself, for a wonder, for an hour's sport. Don't you think I'm doing +pretty well for an amateur? This bird was not by any means near, yet I +took his head clean off."</p> + +<p>Helen acquiesced. She had not forgotten the conversation of the previous +day, but was gathering herself together, while thoughts innumerable +chased each other through her mind.</p> + +<p>"That magazine block-house will be a credit to Captain Payne," she +commented. "Its timbers are so large and square and smooth. One would +think they should last a century."</p> + +<p>"So they will. The funny point about the little island, just now, is the +presence of Indians at one end, while the building of the citadel is +going on at the other."</p> + +<p>"But the Indians are friendly."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and the chief has the reputation of being as great a warrior as +his daughter, Little Moon, has of being a beauty. Some of our men are +wild over her."</p> + +<p>"I wish they would leave Little Moon alone!" exclaimed Helen, angrily. +"She is a sweet girl, and I sincerely hope she has sense enough to keep +them in their place."</p> + +<p>"I am sure she has," returned Cummings, with a laugh. "It would not be +safe for any of them to trifle with his daughter's affections while +Chief Nenimkee is around. But one of the fellows is in genuine earnest, +and has already asked the Colonel if he could make her his wife."</p> + +<p>"Who is that, pray?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, that handsome young Irishman, Patrick O'Neil."</p> + +<p>"Did Sir George grant his request?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, conditionally, on good behavior during the next two months, +coupled with the consent of the chief."</p> + +<p>"And what about Little Moon herself? Does she care for him?"</p> + +<p>"I think she does, but she is a proud girl, and will need winning—a +part of the bargain Pat is ready for."</p> + +<p>"My pail is full now," said Helen. "Will you call the women, Captain? It +is time to return."</p> + +<p>"Wait a moment, please," said Cummings.</p> + +<p>Helen turned a questioning look toward him. Again she met that peculiar +expression in his eyes which she had seen so often. It was furtive yet +piercing, and gave her a little thrill.</p> + +<p>"I just want to talk with you a moment," he said lightly. "I so rarely +get a chance that I feel like thanking my stars when one does come in my +way."</p> + +<p>"Well, what is it?" she asked, reverting her gaze to the women, and +regretting to herself that they were nearer to the Fort than she was.</p> + +<p>"In the first place," he said with another laugh, "I wouldn't bother the +women about the pail. I can carry it myself until we catch up to them. +And in the next, why do you always take me so seriously? What have I +done to offend you? I am the captain of your husband's company, yet +apart from Sir George, with whom I often see you chatting, you talk with +the Doctor, or the Chaplain, or Captain Payne, or even Lieutenant Smith, +on the freest terms, while you almost avoid myself. Come, Madam," he +exclaimed, with a forced attempt at gaiety, "give an account of +yourself."</p> + +<p>Helen felt those piercing black eyes fixed upon her, although she was +not looking in his face, while a soothing, dreamy influence seemed to be +stealing down from her brain over her body and limbs, which required all +her strength of will to resist.</p> + +<p>"Well," she replied, with a supreme effort to control herself and keep +her eyes from involuntarily meeting his. "In the first place, I am +picking berries to assist the women, and must insist upon them taking +charge of my pail. In the second place, am perfectly aware that you are +the captain, and that my husband is only the lieutenant, but I have +never had the slightest desire to be discourteous to you. It would be +unreasonable for me to be so."</p> + +<p>"Nevertheless, by my faith, you might have been kinder," he returned, +with a deep modulation in tone, that was much akin to his look.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry if I have not been." There was a slight tremor in her voice. +"But I am sure the officers should not expect too much from the only +lady among them."</p> + +<p>"Do not mistake me, my dear Mrs. Manning," were his next words, in the +same deep undertone. "Give me, I beseech you, an equal chance with the +rest, and I shall be more than satisfied."</p> + +<p>Helen could scarcely control herself. His manner and bearing, some inner +potentiality, were producing an agitation upon her that would have been +impossible from the words only.</p> + +<p>Cummings saw this and was satisfied, and to add gratitude to the other +effects of the interview, he waved for the women to join them. They had +been expecting the signal for some time and hastened to obey, but were +too far off to have any idea of what was passing between Captain +Cummings and the sweet lady whom they all loved.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Manning wants you to carry her pail of fruit," he explained to +them. "It is very full and she is tired. Good-bye, Madam," he continued, +again lifting his hat. "I want to get another brace before I return if I +can."</p> + +<p>In another minute he had disappeared.</p> + +<p>Helen's face was calm again, although her heart thumped wildly, and +forcing herself to speak to the women, she talked to them about the +berries.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXVII.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>o Helen Captain Cummings was an enigma. She could not understand him, +and in search of a solution her mind persistently returned to the +interview in the woods, and the conversation that passed between them. +The more she thought of it, however, the more convinced did she become +that there was truth in the Captain's contention, and the question of +exhibiting equal cordiality in her relations with the officers of the +garrison presented itself to her mind in a new light. Possibly, she had +been less impartial than the conditions called for, and if so she was +willing to make amends.</p> + +<p>Yet there was another side to the question: the other officers were +spontaneous and candid in their dealings with her, while obscurity and +indefiniteness always seemed to have been impelling forces with +Cummings. There was something in his actions and manners that she could +not comprehend. Still, the fault might be in herself. All men were not +open-minded; and with a desire to be just, she determined to conquer, if +she could, that peculiar nervous tension which his presence when alone +with her always produced.</p> + +<p>There are things which every true woman fights out for herself. As a +complete entity, she does her own thinking, unguided and unaided, +revealing her inmost thoughts to none. Helen told Harold of the shot she +heard in the woods, and of Cummings' appearance immediately afterwards +in the berry patch beside her—even of his offer to carry her pail—and +then of his return to the woods to resume his shooting. But, paradoxical +as it may seem, she said nothing of the real nature of her difficulty +with Cummings. Of mental impressions received, she alone had the record. +Then why sow distrust between her husband and the Captain? No good could +possibly come of it. So unless matters became worse, she would refrain +from letting him, as she still refrained from showing him her diary.</p> + +<p>In a few more days, amid general rejoicing, the stone Fort was ready for +occupation. Order out of chaos had come at last, and it presented a fine +appearance on that memorable first of October, when its wide door was +thrown open for the first time to admit its future occupants. Above the +roof the Union Jack unfurled before the breeze, while the bugle boy, +with shrill piping, summoned all—officers and men—to join in the +celebration.</p> + +<p>Here and there around the building were little groups of soldiers, while +the Indians had gathered in front of the Fort to see how white men +conducted themselves on occasions like this.</p> + +<p>Early in the day, the last of the goods from Helen's house and the +officers' quarters were carried in and arranged, for it had been decided +by the Colonel that she must be queen of the citadel from the first, so +when three o'clock arrived, and Sir George took his place on a little +stand in front of the Fort to address the people, everything was in +order, and loud and prolonged cheers greeted him.</p> + +<p>"Officers and men of the 100th, French-Canadians and Indian brothers," +he commenced. "We may all congratulate ourselves on the progress made +since we came to Penetang. You have done your best. You have worked with +a will, and we have every reason to be satisfied with what we have +accomplished. Right through the summer we have had comfortable quarters +to live and sleep in, and now through the management of Captain Payne, +after six months of working and waiting, we open our garrison—our +little stone castle—of which every one of us is proud. Here we have a +home for the officers of our troops, and the upper storey, when supplied +with arms and ammunition, will enable us to defend our harbor against +any foe who may dare to invade us. As you know, too, to strengthen our +position we have built a bridge across to the island. On that island +stands our newly erected magazine, armed with the cannon which we +dragged through the woods all the way from Halifax—and over that little +magazine floats our country's flag (loud cheers).</p> + +<p>"Right in front of me, too, I am glad to see so many of the warriors of +the Ojibway tribe. To their brave chief Nenimkee we owe much. I would +have them remember that the white men never forget their red brothers, +and the Great Father across the sea thinks of them still. When word was +sent to him of the death of the brave Tecumseh, the Prince of the Six +Nations, while fighting the battles of the King, the command came back: +'Build me a ship at Penetang; make its masts strong; let its timbers be +of the best woods of the forest; let its braces be of the toughest iron; +let its cords be of the purest hemp, and its sails of the finest flax. +Then it shall be manned with the guns that I will send you, and it shall +be called by the name of the mightiest of all warriors, Tecumseh.'"</p> + +<p>A wild yell filled the air, every Indian bounded off his feet, and for a +few moments the terrific war-whoop of the Ojibways deafened the ears of +the astonished listeners. The unexpected announcement was only +understood by the chief and a few of his men, but the effect upon them +was magical. They forgot their accustomed reserve, and in the excitement +of the moment showed their appreciation by a note, the most intense that +they could utter, and every other Indian took the utterance as the +command of his chief. Quiet, however, soon returned, and Sir George +concluded his speech.</p> + +<p>"In the name of the Great Father," he continued, "I thank our red +brothers for their approval. A ship will be commenced very soon. Captain +Payne will build it, and next summer it will be launched."</p> + +<p>"Of one other thing I would remind our officers and men. A sweet lady, +whom you have all learned to love, will be mistress of our castle, and I +know you will treat her with that courtesy and kindness which she so +richly deserves. She will adorn the office with grace and dignity, and +it will be our pleasure to make her life happy, and to show our +appreciation of her bravery in so willingly casting in her lot with her +husband and ourselves."</p> + +<p>Again the applause was long and loud, and in this even the Indians +joined.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Night came. A score of candles lit up the white timbers of the entrance +chamber of the Fort. All the ladies within fifty miles of Penetang had +honored the Colonel's invitation by a kindly acceptance, but they +numbered only one.</p> + +<p>Painted wooden chairs, imported by Indian trail from Little York, stood +around the walls of the room, and the oaken table, hewn out of wood from +the forest, and covered with damask from England, had been lifted to +another room to clear the floor for the opening quadrille.</p> + +<p>The bugle boy, who had played his violin for years in the old land +across the sea, had brought it with him, and with his old boots +polished and buttons shining, stood ready to play again; while officers +in full regimentals were chatting over the event, awaiting the entrance +of the lady who was to adorn their citadel.</p> + +<p>But Harold and Helen, in their own little room, were slow in coming. The +former had finished his toilet and was affectionately fastening a +necklet of pearls around his wife's neck.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry you are so nervous, dear," he said, noticing that her hand +trembled.</p> + +<p>"How can I help it, Harold?" she asked. "It is no light ordeal to be the +only lady, and Sir George tells me he wants to open the Fort in the old +English fashion with a quadrille."</p> + +<p>"If you cannot bear it, darling, I will ask him to omit the dance."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, not for the world! I will be all right after we start. How do I +look?"</p> + +<p>"Just as you are—the dearest and sweetest woman that ever lived," was +his answer, as he pressed upon her lips a passionate kiss.</p> + +<p>Helen threw her arms around his neck, and something like a sob broke the +stillness, but it was only for a moment.</p> + +<p>"I am better now," she said, looking up with a smile. A couple of +glittering tears were hanging between her lashes, but he kissed them +away.</p> + +<p>As Helen and Harold entered the large room, all the gentlemen arose. But +there were only seven in the whole company—the two lieutenants, the +two captains, the doctor, the chaplain and the commander of all.</p> + +<p>Sir George was attired with rigid punctiliousness, as though attending a +ball at St. James. A massive gold chain, which he rarely wore, encircled +his shoulders above his epaulets, while medals presented by his +Sovereign, for services in eastern wars, adorned his breast. With the +gallantry of an old courtier he bowed to Helen and offered his arm.</p> + +<p>"Permit me to have the honor," he said, and accepting his escort, +together they walked around the room.</p> + +<p>"Our pictures have not yet arrived," he continued gaily. "You know our +London artists are slow coaches, and I will have to prod them to their +duty when I get over there."</p> + +<p>"That will be very kind," said Helen, with glistening eyes. "But just +now we are very glad to get the white walls without the pictures."</p> + +<p>"Very true," was his comment. "Even glorious old Rome was not built in a +day; but I will not forget. Gentlemen," he continued, with a bright +smile around the room, "choose your partners for the opening quadrille +of Penetang."</p> + +<p>Immediately the officers took their places. It had been prearranged. +Captain Cummings and the Chaplain were their vis-a-vis; the Doctor and +Harold to their right; Captain Payne and Lieutenant Smith to their +left.</p> + +<p>The twang of the violin was the signal for the first step, and with +their hands on their hearts the gentlemen bowed to their ladies fair. +Soon a ripple of laughter went around the room, and Helen was herself +again.</p> + +<p>Since meeting Captain Cummings in the berry patch she had been careful +to be cordial with him, and this evening was particularly gracious. As +his vis-a-vis, she smiled up in his face as he took her hand, and did +her best to meet his piercing look of admiration without shrinking. +Perhaps it was in recognition that he pressed hers, retaining it for a +moment. Then, with stately dignity, following the example of Sir George, +they stepped through the figures of the dance.</p> + +<p>But it was soon over and, leading Helen to the best seat in the room, +Sir George exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Now I declare the Fort duly opened for the honor and defence of our +King and country."</p> + +<p>"And let all the people say 'Amen'!" cried the Chaplain.</p> + +<p>And a chorus of "Amens" echoed through the room.</p> + +<p>A couple of games of whist followed, and songs were sung by Helen and +Dr. Beaumont. Then they had coffee and cake, and a glass or two of old +Madeira. But by midnight the revelries were over, and the opening of the +Fort which for so many years overlooked the bay of Penetang, was +successfully concluded.</p> + +<p>After all was over, some of the men went out for a smoke before turning +in for the night, while Helen and Harold retired to their own room, but +Lieutenant Smith, the accurate shot, the daring soldier, the interested +observer, wandered away by himself. Since Helen's care for him when +wounded in the beginning of the long march, he had cherished an almost +filial affection for her, and the events of the past months had not been +unnoticed by him.</p> + +<p>Moodily, he wandered down to the water's edge and away along the shore.</p> + +<p>"She's an angel on earth," he muttered to himself, "and he's a miserable +hound. I wonder her husband don't see it. By my faith, I'll not forget +her goodness to me, and rather than see her wronged, I'll call him out +whatever comes of it."</p> + +<p>The young man stopped speaking, but went thundering along the shore, as +if to stifle the anger he could with difficulty repress. By-and-bye he +quieted down and turned to walk home again, but the muttering came back +and was bound to have its say.</p> + +<p>"The devil of it is," he soliloquized, "Cummings is to be the captain of +the Fort, of higher rank than Manning, while both are to live under the +one roof; but never mind, Tom Smith, keep your eyes open, and remember +that truth and right are high as heaven." Then, whistling softly to +himself, he went in to pass his first night with the rest of the +officers in the new Fort.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXVIII.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">B</span>y November the war was over in Canada, and the declaration of peace +heralded far and wide. Moreover, it was whispered among officers and men +at Penetang that Sir George would soon be leaving them, and that the wet +earth, due to the fall rains, was the chief cause of his delay. He had, +in fact, received orders to transfer himself and body-guard over land to +Little York as soon as the road was favorable for the march.</p> + +<p>This matter, however, he kept for a time to himself. In some things he +consulted his staff before acting, while in others, perhaps equally +important, he kept his own counsel. It was this trait in his character +that gave him the reputation of possessing a bit of the will of the Iron +Duke. Possibly for the same reason he had been chosen to lead the +midwinter march to Penetang. Hence the officers of his staff rarely +questioned him concerning his plans for the future; although they talked +among themselves pretty freely about any prospective change.</p> + +<p>In the meantime Helen did her best to fill her position to the +satisfaction of all at the new Fort. Sometimes the strain was very +severe upon her, notwithstanding the kindness and courtesy of the men. +In this regard Cummings surpassed them all. He hovered around longer, +was the first to come and often the last to go; would read her thoughts, +forestall her actions, and often, when unobserved, that piercing look of +his would appear for a moment. Still, agitation would not have time to +occur, as with bow and smile he would pass on.</p> + +<p>Gradually the aversion which Helen felt for him became less poignant. +Yet, as the weeks followed each other in quick succession, she felt more +and more unhappy.</p> + +<p>Harold was much concerned about her, and dreading the approach of +illness desired her to consult the Doctor; but she only laughed, and +declared that it was the extra duty of being Lady Bountiful that was +wearing upon her, and that when winter arrived, she would be well and +strong again.</p> + +<p>Sir George also watched her keenly. In a bantering way he often tried to +read her thoughts, but his efforts usually ended in the relation of some +amusing tale to make her laugh and forget.</p> + +<p>But Sir George was not the only observer. Lieutenant Smith had his eyes +open, and at last, seizing an opportunity when alone with the Colonel, +he decided to have his say.</p> + +<p>"May I have a private talk with you this morning, Sir George?" he asked, +with some trepidation. It was a bold thing to interview his superior +officer upon such a subject—and this he well knew.</p> + +<p>The Colonel gave him a keen glance for a moment before he answered:</p> + +<p>"Yes, but not until noon. This morning I want you to summon all the +officers to my room immediately after drill. I have something important +to communicate."</p> + +<p>There was much speculation among them during the next hour or two, and +punctually at twelve o'clock they were all present.</p> + +<p>Sir George cast his eye over each as he entered.</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen," he said in a decisive tone, as he took his seat, "the time +has come when it is advisable to make a change in our arrangements here. +I find that to carry out orders from England it will not be necessary to +maintain quite so large a force at Penetang. The war is over. We have +not had any fighting since we arrived, and a smaller body of men will be +sufficient to man our garrison. It must be remembered also, that one of +the main objects to which Penetang will be devoted will be ship-building +for the lake service. Our engineer, Captain Payne, will require to +remain, and in the coming year his force will be increased. But as our +garrison is now in a satisfactory condition, we can afford to part with +some of our men without in any way sacrificing its interests. After +thinking the matter out carefully, I have finally decided to leave the +Fort under the command of Captain Payne. The rest of the officers will +remain with him, with the exception of Captain Cummings, who, with +fifty men, will accompany me by trail to Little York, and from there to +Montreal. Weather being favorable, we shall march in three days."</p> + +<p>"Egad, sir!" exclaimed Captain Cummings, "I always understood that I was +to have command of the Fort whenever you left. Why so sudden a change?"</p> + +<p>"I have already explained," said the Colonel, coldly. "The movements of +a body of infantry are never regulated by cast iron rules, neither are +those of its officers."</p> + +<p>"Can no change be made, sir?" said Cummings, his face flushed and angry. +"I would much rather remain and do what I can for the growth of the +place than go east again."</p> + +<p>"My orders are decisive," said the Colonel, rising to his feet, +indicating that the conference was over. "In three days everything must +be ready for the march of fifty men under the command of Captain +Cummings for Little York, now known as Toronto. I shall also march with +the company. As many details have to be attended to, all officers will +require to assist at once in carrying out the arrangements."</p> + +<p>In a very few minutes Sir George was alone in his room. He folded his +papers, put them away and, opening the door, said to Emmiline:</p> + +<p>"Tell Mrs. Manning that I wish to speak with her."</p> + +<p>Helen soon appeared. She suspected nothing of what had occurred. Still, +her eyes were bloodshot. She had been weeping.</p> + +<p>"My child," said the Colonel, taking her hand. "Come into my room for a +moment." As he closed the door, she looked up into his face with +questioning surprise.</p> + +<p>"You are a brave girl," he said, "and if you were my own daughter I +should be proud of you; but there are some things even you cannot bear. +As you know, I have decided to place the care of the Fort in younger +hands, but I am not going away alone. Captain Cummings will return to +the east with me.</p> + +<p>"Oh, thank God, thank God!" she exclaimed with a sob, and unable to +restrain her feelings any longer, her face flooded with tears.</p> + +<p>"Hoity, toity, my dear. I didn't expect all this," cried the Colonel in +distress. "If I had known things had come to such a pass I would have +sent the rascal away long ago."</p> + +<p>With a strong effort Helen controlled herself.</p> + +<p>"Oh, do not mention it again, please," she pleaded, "or his name either. +Harold even does not know it. I just thought it was something I had to +bear, but it was killing me. How can I ever thank you enough?"</p> + +<p>For answer the good old Colonel stooped down and kissed the weeping +woman.</p> + +<p>Three days later, the fifty men with Sir George and Captain Cummings at +their head started for Toronto. Adieux were said, but somehow Lieutenant +Smith did not find it necessary to have his conference with the +Colonel.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXIX.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">I</span>t was a beautiful day in the autumn when the frigate <i>Beaver</i> passed +McNab Island and sailed up the long harbor to Halifax. Wonderful tints +of the forest, from russet brown through red, orange and yellow, to the +dark green of the juniper, stretched out beyond the little city, while +orchard trees laden with fruit, pasture lands cropped by the cows, and +stubble fields still golden from the harvest, added zest to the outlook +of the tired soldiers coming home from the war.</p> + +<p>On the deck of the frigate sat Captain Morris, surrounded by a number of +men. The sick, the wounded, the well, were there; but they numbered all +told scarcely a third of the force that went out hale and buoyant for +the conflict only a few months before.</p> + +<p>It had been heralded that the Halifax column was returning, and people +gathered at the dock to welcome them as they neared the landing. Among +the little groups of red-coats standing close together many a face was +recognized, and when Captain Morris, aided by a subaltern, rose to his +feet, the whole company were greeted with an enthusiastic cheer.</p> + +<p>"Another for Captain Morris," called out a soldier fresh from the +Citadel. And they gave it.</p> + +<p>"A tiger," was the next shout.</p> + +<p>Again the yell was loud and long. This time the Captain, with long beard +and haggard face, limped forward, and with his left hand raised his +helmet in acknowledgment.</p> + +<p>"It is good to have you home again," said Colonel Mason, whose carriage +was waiting for him. "You've lost in flesh, Morris, but, egad, you've +got it back in glory."</p> + +<p>"How many of my men are dead, though," returned Morris, with a ghastly +smile, "and the poor devils who were wounded. See yonder man with both +legs shot off by a cannon ball, and the two at the side there, each +minus an arm."</p> + +<p>"True enough," said Mason. "I'd rather be shot off the face of the earth +than maimed as that poor fellow is. But it's been rough on yourself, +Captain."</p> + +<p>"I was lucky to get off as well as I did," said Morris, more cheerily. +"A month or two's rest and a sea voyage will do wonders for a man."</p> + +<p>"Are you going so soon?"</p> + +<p>"It won't be long."</p> + +<p>That afternoon the Misses Maxwell called to see him. Maud wanted to +postpone the visit to the following day, but Eugenia insisted that it +was the right thing to do, and she would go alone, if Maud would not +accompany her.</p> + +<p>"You have written to him twice," she said, decisively, "and as a +friend, if nothing more, it would be heartless to defer the visit."</p> + +<p>Colonel and Mrs. Mason were with him when the young ladies were +announced. They were both shocked at his attenuated form, although +heightened color improved his appearance for the moment.</p> + +<p>"You will excuse my rising," he said, as they shook hands. "The doctors +tell me that this pitiable limb of mine should not be moved more often +than I can help. I am a sorry scarecrow, too, and a left-handed one at +that."</p> + +<p>"We are glad you are home again, and in Mrs. Mason's care," said Maud. +Her voice trembled and her face flushed, for his thin fingers held her +hand tightly.</p> + +<p>"We'll feed him on the fat of the land," said Mrs. Mason, who had the +reputation of being an excellent purveyor for the sick.</p> + +<p>"Captain Morris deserves all we can do for him," echoed the Colonel, +with a smile, "and what is more, I have it on good authority that his +name will appear in the next issue of the <i>Gazette</i>."</p> + +<p>At this moment there was a rap on the door and the maid handed in a +paper.</p> + +<p>"Here it is," said the Colonel, adjusting his spectacles. "First on the +list of promotions—'To the rank of Major, Albert Edward Morris, of C +Company, of the ——th Royals, for distinguished bravery in the +Anglo-American campaign.'"</p> + +<p>"This is news to me," was Morris' comment.</p> + +<p>Maud's eyes flashed, but they were looking out of the window and not at +him.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>But the Major made slow progress toward recovery. The diversity and +extent of his wounds prevented rapid healing, and Christmas was long +past before the pain and the limp were gone. By March, however, he was +well again. Even the cicatrix on his scalp was invisible, for his hair +was made to cover it. Then he commenced to visit his friends as of old, +and there was no house in Halifax that he went to more frequently, or in +which he was more welcome than that of Judge Maxwell.</p> + +<p>That he was a devoted admirer of Maud the whole family knew, but their +progress as lovers did not seem to be rapid. At least so thought +Eugenia.</p> + +<p>"You have no heart," she said to Maud one day, indignantly. "You know +that he loves you, and yet you never give him an opportunity to declare +himself."</p> + +<p>"If he desires he can surely make one," returned Maud, "but he is too +wise for that. What is the use of doing useless things?"</p> + +<p>"Do you mean you really do not care for him?"</p> + +<p>"Caring is not loving."</p> + +<p>"You might say the same of Dr. Beaumont, and yet you correspond?"</p> + +<p>"But I gave him a promise—"</p> + +<p>"That you would not become engaged to anyone for a year," interrupted +her sister.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"That year expired months ago. You are free now to do as you please."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and free to remain as I am. Is it not my own affair?"</p> + +<p>Eugenia looked perplexed.</p> + +<p>"But has Dr. Beaumont pressed his suit in his recent letters?" she +asked.</p> + +<p>"He certainly has not. He is biding his time, nothing more."</p> + +<p>"Surpassing his time, you mean. If in earnest he should have been here +before now, or at least have given good reason for delay."</p> + +<p>"Don't be absurd, Eugenia, I did not say he hadn't given a reason."</p> + +<p>"Well, reason or no reason, Major Morris is the better man of the two—a +brave soldier—a gallant officer—beloved by his men—of fine old +family—a good Churchman—and owner of a beautiful estate. Goodness +gracious! what has Dr. Beaumont to show in comparison with Major Morris +as an eligible match?"</p> + +<p>"My dearest sister, you might be a scheming mamma, selling off your +daughter to the highest bidder!" exclaimed Maud, with a laugh. "'Pon my +word, though, it must be something else. Has Dr. Fairchilds so tied you +up that you are afraid another medico might do the same with me? Would +the double 'Vis Medicatrix,' as they call it, be too much for us, +altogether? Is that the issue?"</p> + +<p>"Don't be unreasonable, Maud. You acknowledge that there is nothing +serious between you and Beaumont. He's a thousand miles away, living in +a little garrison in the woods without prospect of change. Major Morris, +on the other hand, is right here, and, although devoted to you, will be +ordered home again on one of the first ships. Now is an opportunity for +you that will never occur again."</p> + +<p>"It is a serious question," said Maud, once more becoming grave. "When +is your marriage to take place? I have forgotten the exact date."</p> + +<p>"The last Thursday in May."</p> + +<p>"I doubt very much if the companies of the —nth Royals will sail before +then. There is still time enough, and rest assured, Genie, I despise a +woman who willingly entangles a man in order to throw him overboard."</p> + +<p>"The very thing you are doing, though."</p> + +<p>"Genie, you are unjust to me."</p> + +<p>"The deed may not be wilful but the end is the same," persisted her +sister.</p> + +<p>And Major Morris did not remit his attentions. Being off duty he +frequently doffed his uniform and appeared at the Judge's in laced coat, +knee breeches and silk stockings. Sometimes he had a spicy bit of news +to relate, a story from the camp, or an item from over the sea. It was +always interesting. He did not often find Maud alone; and he soon +discovered that he succeeded better in strengthening her regard by not +being too exclusive in his attentions.</p> + +<p>He knew well that he had a rival; and although a touch of jealousy might +have been the real cause of his retention of that letter until reaching +Lundy's Lane, for he suspected that there was another one inside; yet, +he was too true a gentleman to make unwarranted capital at the expense +of the absent lover. If he could honorably win her hand and heart, and +carry Maud back to England on his return voyage as his wife, he would be +the happiest man alive; but to accomplish this by attempting to weaken +her regard for Beaumont, was not in his line. He must make her affection +for himself grow stronger. That was all.</p> + +<p>When both he and Beaumont were away from Halifax, honors were easy, and +each could strive alike. But actual presence gave him the advantage, and +if he could not succeed in winning her love fairly, now that he had the +field to himself, Morris felt that he deserved to be vanquished.</p> + +<p>Men do not die of broken hearts, however. The wound may be deep, but in +time it will heal; and he was willing to abide by the truth of his +philosophy.</p> + +<p>"What luxuriant tulips, Miss Maud!" said the Major. This time he found +her alone, gathering them from a bed by the lilacs in her garden.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she said, laughingly. "They stand shoulder to shoulder like +soldiers on a battlefield. You see how ruthlessly I am slaying them."</p> + +<p>"Scarcely that," was his comment; "you are simply carrying off the +wounded."</p> + +<p>"Ah!" she said, shaking her head; "but how many of the wounded will +live?"</p> + +<p>"All of them; judging by your habit, they will simply die a natural +death."</p> + +<p>"How do you make that out?" she asked, looking up quickly.</p> + +<p>"Simply, that by putting them in water in the shade, as is your custom, +the flowers will live as long as when left on their stems in the +garden."</p> + +<p>"Have you found the philosopher's stone yet?" she questioned with an +arch look.</p> + +<p>"No," he replied, "only the observer's; but have you heard the latest +news? It only came an hour ago."</p> + +<p>"No, what is it, please?"</p> + +<p>"Sir George Head, who has been stationed with the men in Montreal all +winter, will be here in a week; and, with what remains of the —nth +Royals, will sail at once for England."</p> + +<p>The announcement dropped very quietly from the Captain's lips, pregnant +though it was with so much to himself. Maud started and turned pale. The +mention of Sir George and the Captain's company in the same breath, +placed the Doctor and the Major in a relationship that she had +heretofore declined to realize. Something seemed imminent, she hardly +knew what.</p> + +<p>"Which means that you will go with him," she said at last avoiding his +eye.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Miss Maud, that is what it means; and besides the gruesome and +terrible things that have happened, the beautiful and happy days I have +spent in Halifax will be at an end."</p> + +<p>"If the gruesome things have surpassed the pleasant ones, you will +rejoice when all is over," said Maud gently, regaining her self-control. +"In such case I know I should."</p> + +<p>"Women are different from men," was his comment. "Perhaps men do not +balance things so clearly. With us I fear every experience of life +stands alone. The terrible reality of the slaying of a thousand men in a +night may be one thing; but the presence of a single thread of sunshine +which enthralls you and penetrates your whole being is another."</p> + +<p>"You are very poetic as well as practical, Major Morris, and I think you +are right," said Maud, determined not to understand him. "What you say +of the soldiers is terribly sad; but about the sunshine, we have many +threads of sunshine here. I was born in Halifax and never even crossed +the ocean; but from all I hear we have five times as much sunshine in +Nova Scotia as you have in England."</p> + +<p>"Egad! I suspect you are right," was his answer, as she went off in a +little ripple of laughter, her cheeks aglow with color. "It must be the +sunlight that freshens your beauty and puts that damask upon your +skin."</p> + +<p>"Now you flatter. But 'pon my word it is a good thing. It makes you +brown as a berry in March, red as a rose in June, and blue as a plum in +November."</p> + +<p>"I thought it was the wind that did the first as well as the last," he +said, watching her ever-changing face.</p> + +<p>"It helps," she replied demurely. "But Old Sol always does his share."</p> + +<p>"Well," he said dryly, "in my case the order will have to be changed. I +expect to go into the plum business in June."</p> + +<p>"It is said to be a very fine industry," she said, looking downwards and +pulling the petals from the twig of lilac that she had broken from a +neighboring bush; "but in all conscience, I always thought you army men +looked down upon trade."</p> + +<p>"No, indeed," he returned, smiling broadly, as he took in the humor of +the situation. "I don't believe in looking down upon any honest calling, +even raising plums."</p> + +<p>And they both went off in a peal of laughter, though before she was +through, Maud's eyelids glistened with tears.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XL.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap"><small><small><sup>"</sup></small></small>S</span>o +he thinks that a flower severed from the soil and placed in the +shade will flourish as well as in its native sunlight," Maud mused after +he went away that morning. "Had he a special meaning I wonder?—and +about balances, his words contained one sure enough. What is that +English home of his like, anyway? And his people, sedate and +punctilious, just as my mother says hers were? No wonder he talked about +the shade. They say over there it rains seventy days and shines seven. +If I had let him he would have asked me to give up our glorious sunshine +again. Ah, me, life is a funny problem anyway! There's the east and the +west, and here I am in the middle. Gadzooks! as my father would say, I +wish I knew what to do. I suppose the Doctor will be coming back +soon—to buy new clothes of course! Funny, how he took me at my word +when I set him down last year. Since then, although endearing enough, he +never talks out and out of love—waiting till he comes, I suppose—and +not very definite upon that either. Perhaps some dusky maiden in the +west may yet steal the young man's heart away. What of Little Moon, the +Ojibway chief's daughter, that he raved about in one of his letters? +Pshaw! She would never suit Beaumont! Well! I like Major Morris with his +English drawl, his bravery, his knee breeches, and his shade out of +sunlight. And I like Dr. Beaumont with his passion, his Mon Dieu's, his +life in the glorious west, and his controlled faithfulness. But by my +faith, do I love either well enough for marriage? Ah, there's the rub, +Maud Maxwell! What a little minx you are anyway, not to know your own +mind better than that!"</p> + +<p>Impatiently she tossed off her hat and finished fixing her tulips. But +she did it with unusual care that morning, and an hour afterwards her +mother said she never saw them so beautifully arranged before.</p> + +<p>The preparation for Eugenia's wedding monopolized the long hours during +those May days; and Maud did not have much time for thought. There were +clothes to select, gowns to make, milliners and dressmakers to see, +boots and gloves fresh from England to be examined and selected with a +connoisseur's eye; and in all Maud did her part.</p> + +<p>Eugenia, too, had set her heart on seeing her sister marry the Major, +and having settled all the preliminaries of her own nuptials in her own +decided and placid way, she was prepared during the little time that +remained to devote herself to furthering her sister's interests. Hence, +instead of retreating to a quiet corner each evening with her lover, the +Major and Maud invariably made two of her party; and so intense was Dr. +Fairchilds' devotion, that anything that Genie suggested immediately +became law.</p> + +<p>In the evenings they played whist, or visited the Art Loan Exhibition, +which the good people of Halifax had got up for the benefit of the +orphans and widows of Canadian soldiers. Or they went to the music hall +to see amateur artists, officers of the garrison, and the young people +of Halifax, perform in the name of the same good cause. And so each +evening the four inseparables were almost invariably together.</p> + +<p>Maud enjoyed it too, for the Major's visits would soon be over; and by +judicious fencing she succeeded in parrying anything like a direct +declaration again. Each night she went to bed thankful that the end had +not yet come; and yet suspicious of what the future day might bring to +pass.</p> + +<p>One evening, however, fortune favored Morris. He had gotten himself up +with elaborate care, for this was the last night they could devote to +whist; and probably the last evening that he would be off duty, for Sir +George's ship had been sighted and would be in harbor that night.</p> + +<p>"It grieves me to disappoint you," said Maud, after the usual greeting. +"My sister and Dr. Fairchilds are out driving. They expected to be back +early, but a messenger has just arrived with the news that the Doctor +was detained professionally on account of an accident, and it will be +impossible for them to return for an hour yet."</p> + +<p>"Ah! I am sorry for ourselves as well as the injured," said the Major, +smiling. "But can we not utilize the time? Just the chance for a talk, +the very thing that I have been praying the gods to grant us this long +time."</p> + +<p>"I did not know that your prayers were so earnest," she laughingly +returned, as she picked up a trifle of needlework to help her thoughts +run smoothly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I must speak again," he continued. "We can be serious as well +as jolly."</p> + +<p>"My dear Major!" exclaimed Maud with a light laugh. "We have the +jolliest talks every time we meet. Don't talk of seriousness, please."</p> + +<p>"One cannot be merry forever," was his answer.</p> + +<p>"Genie says we should always pursue the even tenor of our way," was her +quick response. "So I propose that while I use my needle you read aloud +either 'Young's Night Thoughts,' or Gray's Elegy,' as a tonic to our +gaiety.</p> + +<p>"Not a bad idea," said the Major, picking up a book at random. "Perhaps +this will do as well."</p> + +<p>And he commenced to read Burns's sonnet:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"'Oh, wad some power the Gifty gie us</span> +<span class="i0">To see ourselves as ithers see us.'"</span> +</div></div> + +<p>"That's just it," interrupted Maud. "Now I'll express your sentiments +with which I entirely agree. 'She's a rollicking, jolly girl, full of +dash and nonsense, doesn't care a fig for anybody; as for falling in +love, that's impossible, for she hasn't a heart any bigger than a +chipmunk.' How will that do for a commencement?"</p> + +<p>"Only fairly well. Pray go on."</p> + +<p>A spark of fire flashed from her eyes as she continued:</p> + +<p>"'She's got the crazy idea that she lives in a glorious country, where +the sun shines ten months in the year, and she'd rather die an old maid +in it than go to another one for all the wealth of Ind.'"</p> + +<p>"How eloquent you are!" he said, stroking his moustache over compressed +lips and looking toward the ceiling. "Should my rendition come next?"</p> + +<p>"That would be delightful!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands in +well-assumed mirth. "You tell me what I think of you, which will be your +own sentiment of yourself."</p> + +<p>"Well," he said reflectively, "he's an arrant fool, filled with the +old-fashioned notion that men were brave and women true—that love +nestled in the heart of every woman, and that it only required the right +man and the right place to make it blossom as the rose. He fondly +imagined that old England was the Queen of the Seas, and that her homes +were the freest, the fairest, the loveliest in the wide world, and he +dreamed of wooing and winning a fair damsel with flashing eyes, +generous impulses, daring heart, and making her the wife of his bosom, +the goddess of his love, the mistress of his home in the mansion and +groves of his forefathers. But he was a daft and silly wight, and didn't +know what he was doing."</p> + +<p>What answer Maud would have made to the flowing speech it is difficult +to tell, but there was a rap at the outer door, a hurrying along the +hall and a mingling of voices that riveted her attention.</p> + +<p>"An officer wants to see you, Miss Maud," said the maid.</p> + +<p>"Show him in, Catharine," was her astonished answer, for the hour was +already late.</p> + +<p>"Dr. Beaumont!" she exclaimed, with flushed face, as she quickly rose to +meet him.</p> + +<p>"Maud Maxwell," was his only answer, as he grasped her hand in both of +his, and looked down into the face that was ever near him, and of which +he had dreamed so often.</p> + +<p>In another moment she remembered that they were not alone.</p> + +<p>"Major Morris—Dr. Beaumont"; and the two men clasped hands. Morris' +expression was one of honest but pained surprise; Beaumont's, one of +pleasure that needed no questioning. Maud's eyes told him that he was +welcome. That was enough.</p> + +<p>The Doctor's old regimentals had stood long and hard service, while his +face was bronzed with travel and his hair unkempt. Still Maud +thought—as he stood in careless attitude, so different from the dapper +young man of long ago—that he was handsomer than ever. The contrast +with the Major was marked. His clean-cut features, lace coat and silk +stockings would have ornamented a drawing-room in London; while anyone +could see that Beaumont had been a denizen of the woods.</p> + +<p>He might have waited until his tailor had made him new again, but he +would not; and with the wild freedom that the west had given, must be +taken for himself, or not at all. Standing there, quick as a flash, he +had taken a fresh grasp of life and knew his bearings.</p> + +<p>The two men met again as old friends.</p> + +<p>"I am proud of you, Morris," said the Doctor. "Slow as news travels in +the west, word came at last, and your name was in everybody's mouth."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said the Major, forcing a smile. "But it's an old story +now. When did you arrive?"</p> + +<p>"Less than an hour ago. As luck would have it, I reached Quebec just as +Sir George Head was leaving for Halifax on the <i>North King</i>."</p> + +<p>"The ship he came out on with the 100th Regiment," said Maud.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Beaumont, "and he returns home to England on the same +vessel."</p> + +<p>"It will surprise the people here as much as your arrival," said Maud. +"Did no one know you were coming?"</p> + +<p>"No one in Halifax knew until I landed," said the Doctor. "My +opportunities were so uncertain that I took advantage of the first one +that offered."</p> + +<p>"And who is looking after your patients while you are away?" the Major +asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, we don't have many! It is a healthy place, and as luck would have +it, Dr. Sparling, of Little York, came over the trail with a party of +friends, so the officers being willing, I persuaded him to take my place +for a couple of months, and here I am."</p> + +<p>"How delightful!" said Maud, "and what of the brave, devoted Mrs. +Manning?"</p> + +<p>"She's the queen of our colony, loved by everyone; the same forever. And +I must not forget, she sent her warmest love to you, and with it this +letter."</p> + +<p>"I will write her to-morrow, and tell her how well you have delivered +her message."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm glad to see you, Beaumont," said the Major, rising and +extending his hand. "I shall be at the old quarters for a day or two +yet, but it will not be for long, as my company sails with Sir George +when he leaves for the east. But come and see me any time, and welcome +until then."</p> + +<p>Maud accompanied him to the door. He took her hand without a word, and +for a moment their eyes met.</p> + +<p>"Believe me," she said earnestly, "I did not know it."</p> + +<p>"I do believe you," he replied in a low voice, "but what of my faith in +women?"</p> + +<p>"Surely you have not lost it?" she said, grasping his hand in both of +hers, and looking earnestly into his eyes.</p> + +<p>"What else can one do? Wounds of the flesh are nothing, but what of the +heart—the spirit of the man?"</p> + +<p>"I am sorry," she spoke in a still lower tone, and her voice trembled. +"But you will not give way. Your soul is as brave as your heart is, and +you will live to love and win a woman more worthy of you far than I +could ever be."</p> + +<p>Suddenly, he threw his arm around her, pressed a kiss upon her cheek, +and was gone.</p> + + +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XLI.</h2> + + +<p><span class="dropcap">A</span> lump rose in Maud's throat, and a spasm crossed her features as she +closed the door. Then she stopped to put a tray in order, making a noise +in getting it even. It took her more than a minute to arrange it +properly, but when she entered the parlor again her face was as though +nothing had happened.</p> + +<p>For a moment Beaumont looked at her keenly, but her features told no +tale. The human heart is inscrutable, and a true woman never tells +everything, even to her dearest. So, hidden in Maud's bosom was a little +story of man's devotion, which ever after remained unspoken, and +unforgotten, too.</p> + +<p>Beaumont bowed over her hand and led her to a seat again.</p> + +<p>"For months and months I have longed for this hour," he said. "Even +after I started, three weeks of a journey seemed almost like years; but +now that I see you, I know that I have not come in vain."</p> + +<p>"Please don't talk in that way," said Maud, with a half-frightened look +in her face. "Speak of anything, but not of that to-night."</p> + +<p>"Mon Dieu! Surely I am not wrong?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, something else, just for to-night," she pleaded. "You came so +unexpectedly, without a moment's warning," and then she added archly, +"You expect too much, sir, you must remember that I am the same Maud +Maxwell that I was a year ago."</p> + +<p>"Mon ami, forgive me!" he exclaimed, penitently. "I will do whatever you +say."</p> + +<p>And they talked of many things, but chiefly of Penetang, of the journey +to York by trail, then by schooner to the St. Lawrence, down the rapids +in a rowboat, guided by Indians, to Montreal; schooner again to Quebec, +and then on the <i>North King</i> with Sir George.</p> + +<p>"The dear old Colonel! I quite learned to love him through Mrs. +Manning's letters," said Maud.</p> + +<p>"He's a brave commander, as well as gallant gentleman," returned the +Doctor, "and we missed him terribly after he left. Still, our Fort was +established, and taking fifty men away from the new quarters gave the +rest more room."</p> + +<p>"The winter would be the hardest upon you," said Maud.</p> + +<p>"On the whole, we did well though. The frost was keen but we learned how +to meet it, and another winter we'll be better prepared."</p> + +<p>"How did you secure supplies?" she asked. "You are so far away from the +east."</p> + +<p>"They were brought chiefly by trail from Little York, except fish and +game, which our own men always secured."</p> + +<p>"It must be the hunter's paradise," said Maud, enthusiastically.</p> + +<p>"The whole northern country is like a preserve," replied Beaumont, +keenly watching her animated face. "When you come to Penetang you, too, +must learn to follow the chase."</p> + +<p>"Oh, what became of Corporal Bond?" she suddenly asked. "Did he ever +return?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, he came back at last. Latimer's craft was captured by an American +gunboat when entering the St. Clair River, and everything was +overhauled. Corporal Bond was retained a prisoner until the war was +over, while Latimer, who declared himself to be an American, was allowed +with his wife to go free and keep the boat."</p> + +<p>"Under what plea did they retain the Corporal?" Maud asked.</p> + +<p>"On the ground that they knew he was an English soldier, notwithstanding +his plain clothes. Still, they treated him well, and after the treaty +was declared, gave him a pass to Little York."</p> + +<p>"There would be great rejoicing when his wife met him again."</p> + +<p>"Yes; and there was throughout the garrison, for Bond is a genuine +soldier."</p> + +<p>"One other thing I want to ask. It is about the pretty little Indian +maiden you wrote of so charmingly."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Little Moon is now a soldier's wife—growing contented and +civilized in a little cottage which the two have to themselves."</p> + +<p>"How romantic!"</p> + +<p>They chatted for a while longer. Then they parted—but her last words +were like her first:</p> + +<p>"Not to-night—not to-night—you must wait until to-morrow."</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Three days later the white wings of the <i>North King</i> unfurled as they +swept out to sea. Good old Sir George had come and gone. On the bridge +beside him stood the Major, whose brave face, kindly eyes and compressed +lips told of nothing but the brave and gallant officer. Silently they +watched the receding shore.</p> + +<p>"Another chapter of life closed," said Sir George at last; "though full +of story, it will never be opened to me again."</p> + +<p>"Yours was a chapter worth living," said Morris. "You have founded a +fort and established a colony, which will go on growing, and may last +forever."</p> + +<p>The Colonel shook his head.</p> + +<p>"Simply my duty," was his answer. "And what will become of the place in +the end, God only knows. So far as military fame is concerned, you beat +my record. That fight at Lundy's Lane was the turning point in the war, +and your valor there is too well known to be forgotten."</p> + +<p>"Pshaw, Colonel! I was only one of the many. Every man did his duty, and +with all that, the bloody horror of it takes away the glory."</p> + +<p>"We'll turn the leaf down, anyway," said the Colonel, wheeling around +and looking out to sea. "Now, blow ye winds for Old England, where wife +and children await with eagerness the old man's return."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes," assented Morris, "and I don't think my dear old mother has +forgotten her soldier boy."</p> + +<p>By night the shore was out of sight, for the wind was from the west and +they were far out at sea.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>The good town of Halifax was not by any means dull during those closing +days of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and +fifteen, for the double wedding was in everybody's mouth. Judge +Maxwell's daughters were both to be married on the same day.</p> + +<p>The bell of the little English church rang merrily out on that bridal +morning, and for hours before the ceremony fair maids were decorating +with spring flowers and evergreens the aisles and chancel; for never +before had the marriage of two sisters been celebrated within its walls +at the one time.</p> + +<p>Major Morris, though now far out at sea, had not forgotten the brides, +for that very morning was delivered to each a little package bearing his +name. Eugenia's gift was a resplendent ornament of sapphire and gold, +which enriched the beauty of her golden hair. But Maud's, though less +brilliant in its setting, was more unique. She was alone when she +unpacked the parcel and read the enclosed note. It ran thus:</p> + +<p>"Miss Maud. I do not expect to see you again; but as I leave, there is +something you can do for me. I desire you to accept with my sincerest +wishes this little necklace as a token of my love. It was made of jewels +of India in the days of Clive. It bears a noble and honorable history, +and I know by your acceptance, its record will go on untarnished. God +bless you! Farewell."</p> + +<p>Without looking at the costly trinket, Maud with glistening eyes read +and re-read the words. Then she kissed them passionately over and over +again. Another moment was spent in thought—but only a moment, for time +was precious—then with decisive hand she tore the little letter into a +thousand fragments and dropped them into the open grate.</p> + +<p>Beneath the letter was a card containing the congratulations of the +donor. Then she picked up the dainty little gift. It was a beautiful +circlet of jewels and golden beads, with carved clasps of wonderful +formation. In the centre was a large translucent opal, and as Maud +looked into its silent depths, she fancied she could read its hidden +history through the long generations of the past.</p> + +<p>For a few minutes before leaving for church Beaumont was with her.</p> + +<p>"See," she said, as she handed him the card and necklet, "I have +something else to show you. It is a pretty little thing that came this +morning. May I wear it?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly, my darling. How unique it is! Mon Dieu! Where could it come +from? Possibly from the banks of the Nile. Mayhap from India. How very +handsome it is! Morris was always a good fellow. Pity he couldn't have +stayed for our wedding."</p> + +<p>"Pity, indeed," said Maud, contemplatively, as the bridegroom fastened +the jewels about her neck.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Six weeks later there was rejoicing at Penetang. The Doctor had +overstepped his time, but as he brought his winsome bride with him, the +<i>locum tenens</i>, as well as the garrison, were willing to forgive. They +had come out with tourists from York, and Maud, for the first time in +her life, had the satisfaction of camping for a couple of summer nights +in the woods.</p> + +<p>The experience of this western trip was full of joy for her, and with +the eagerness which was part of her nature, she looked for new pleasure +in each day's journey. Beaumont had told her the wolf story in which +Helen and Harold were the heroes of the hour, and during the second +night from York, while the wolves were howling in the distance, she lay +awake for awhile actually longing for a similar experience.</p> + +<p>Of all the denizens of that little northern garrison none yearned for +Maud's arrival as did Helen Manning, and when the two women met they +stood for minutes in a long and close embrace, while tears ran down +their faces.</p> + +<p>"This is foolishness," said Helen.</p> + +<p>"Is it?" said Maud.</p> + +<p>"But how good of you to come."</p> + +<p>"Of Henri to bring me."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you both deserve credit," said Helen, laughing—laughter and tears +are very near akin—"but how could he help it, when Harold set him so +good an example?"</p> + +<p>"I once told you I would go to the ends of the world with a man if I +loved him—just like yourself."</p> + +<p>"So that is your reason. A very good one, too."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I came first for my husband, second for you, dear, and third," her +eyes flashed as she looked around, "well, for the people of Penetang."</p> + +<p>Then they all clapped hands and laughed, settling her place forever in +the hearts of the little community.</p> + +<p>The afternoon's sun was nearing the horizon, and the little bay lay +before them surrounded by trees of wondrous tints—a thing of beauty.</p> + +<p>"Oh, how delightful!" exclaimed Maud; "and this is to be my home—a +veritable fairyland."</p> + +<p>"We will make it one for you if we can," returned Helen, with a bright +smile.</p> + +<p>Maud's eyes wandered quickly over the quaint buildings which already +stood here and there upon upland and shore, until finally they rested +upon the island.</p> + +<p>"And what is that little white house standing among the trees?" she +asked.</p> + +<p>"That is our magazine," said Harold, who stood hand in hand with his +wife. "The little citadel that guards our bay."</p> + +<p>"And that scaffolding down at the water's edge. It looks as if they were +putting up the masts of a ship."</p> + +<p>"So we are," said Captain Payne. "The war is over, and we may never have +to fight again, but in memory of a great chief and brave warrior, we are +building the <i>Tecumseh</i>."</p> + +<p>"And you see that pretty cottage," said Beaumont, gently taking his +wife's arm and pointing towards it. "That is our own little home. La +bonne madame has made it ready for us. Won't you come to it, darling; +you need a rest."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Henri, I shall be glad to; I am very happy, but very tired."</p> + + +<br /><br /> +<div class="footnotes"> +<h4>FOOTNOTES:</h4> + +<div class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a> +<a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> The original name of Sparksville, after a while, was +changed to Bytown, and finally to Ottawa, capital of the Dominion of +Canada.</div><br /> + +</div> + + +<br /><br /> +<b>Transcriber's Notes:</b><br /> +original hyphenation, spelling and grammar have been preserved as in +the original<br /> +Page 4, "heart. I shall do" changed to "heart. "I shall do"<br /> +Page 12, "it would would be" changed to "it would be"<br /> +Page 48, 'watching the Delaware,"' changed to 'watching the Delaware,'<br /> +Page 73, "conscientiously ad vise" changed to "conscientiously advise"<br /> +Page 86, 'prayer; but shall' changed to 'prayer; "but shall'<br /> +Page 89, "with a smile," changed to "with a smile."<br /> +Page 97, "miles, I think," changed to "miles, I think."<br /> +Page 112, "tremenduous fire" changed to "tremendous fire"<br /> +Page 112, "call the dhrivers" changed to "call the drivers"<br /> +Page 118, "up by daylight," changed to "up by daylight."<br /> +Page 126, "''Ardman never look" changed to "'Ardman never look"<br /> +Page 155, "known-how determined I was she-would" changed to +"known how determined I was she would"<br /> +Page 160, "a oboggan slide" changed to "a toboggan slide"<br /> +Page 163, differ from you," changed to differ from you,'<br /> +Page 169. "s'ill vous plait" changed to "s'il vous plait"<br /> +Page 172, "hold four people," changed to "hold four people."<br /> +Page 188, from'beats me.' changed to from beats me."<br /> +Page 190, 'to the coast?' changed to 'to the coast?"'<br /> +Page 192, "past was aroused" changed to "past was aroused."<br /> +Page 203, "an' sturgeon an'" changed to "an' sturgeon, an'"<br /> +Page 219, 'You are about changed to "You are about<br /> +Page 244, "noble character?" changed to "noble character."<br /> +Page 246, 'she went on,"' changed to 'she went on,'<br /> +Page 250, "a little messsage" changed to "a little message"<br /> +Page 265, "end I I am" changed to "end I am"<br /> +Page 266, '"Smith, who was' changed to 'Smith, who was'<br /> +Page 268, 'a perfect canoeist.' changed to 'a perfect canoeist."'<br /> +Page 268, "Hunting Song' changed to 'Hunting Song'<br /> +Page 269, "her match, sir;" changed to "her match, sir."<br /> +Page 279, "Its is only" changed to "It is only"<br /> +Page 281, "within its cover." changed to "within its cover,"<br /> +Page 294, 'pulling his forelock."' changed to 'pulling his forelock.'<br /> +Page 295, '"Bateese, while expressing' changed to 'Bateese, while +expressing'<br /> +Page 297, "The femnine" changed to "The feminine"<br /> +Page 300, 'the woman also."' changed to 'the woman also.'"'<br /> +Page 303, "Fatherhood of of God" changed to "Fatherhood of God"<br /> +Page 307, "while the buildng" changed to "while the building"<br /> +Page 320, "although the talked" changed to "although they talked"<br /> +Page 324, "Adienx were said" changed to "Adieux were said"<br /> +Page 338, "trifle of needlewok" changed to "trifle of needlework"<br /> +Page 339, "agree. "'She's a" changed to "agree. 'She's a" + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's In the Van; or, The Builders, by John Price-Brown + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE VAN; OR, THE BUILDERS *** + +***** This file should be named 35203-h.htm or 35203-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/5/2/0/35203/ + +Produced by Marcia Brooks, Ross Cooling and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at +http://www.pgdpcanada.net (This file was produced from +images generously made available by The Internet +Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: In the Van; or, The Builders + +Author: John Price-Brown + +Illustrator: F. H. Brigden + +Release Date: February 7, 2011 [EBook #35203] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE VAN; OR, THE BUILDERS *** + + + + +Produced by Marcia Brooks, Ross Cooling and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at +http://www.pgdpcanada.net (This file was produced from +images generously made available by The Internet +Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + + + + + + + + + _In The Van_ + + + + + [Illustration: "The wolf's teeth clutched the young man's leg" + + _Page 116_] + + + + + _In The Van_ + + _Or_ + + _"The Builders"_ + + _BY_ + + _PRICE-BROWN_ + + _(ERIC BOHN)_ + + _Author of "How Hartman Won," Etc._ + + _Illustrated by_ + + _F. H. BRIGDEN, O.S.A._ + + + [Illustration] + + _Toronto_ + + _McLeod & Allen_ + + _Publishers_ + + + + + Entered according to Act of the Parliament of Canada, in + the year one thousand nine hundred and six, at + the Department of Agriculture, by + PRICE-BROWN, + Toronto. + + + [Illustration] + + The Hunter, Rose Company, Limited, Toronto + + + + + ILLUSTRATIONS + + + "The wolf's teeth clutched the young man's leg" _Frontispiece_ + + "Thank you very much!" exclaimed Harold _opp. page_ 80 + + "Strangers and yet not strangers" " 192 + + "That'll be our new home, sweetheart" " 272 + + + + + IN THE VAN + + CHAPTER I. + + Ye Builders, true on land and lake + To name and Nation's glory, + Though time has left you in its wake, + Your stress must tell its story. + + +"Harold Manning: wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live +together after God's ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt +thou love her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health; and +forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her as long as ye both shall +live?" rang out in clear, solemn tones throughout the little chapel of +the Abbey on that still November morning. + +"I will," came the answer. The few who were present heard the words with +a thrill. They knew in his case how much they meant. + +"Helen Brandon: Wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live +together after God's ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt +thou obey him and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and +in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as +ye both shall live?" + +"I will," was again the response, issuing sweetly but firmly from lips +that would not tremble, although the tone brought tears to more than one +pair of eyes fixed upon her as she spoke. + +The ceremony and congratulations were soon over. Then the bride, on the +arm of her husband, led the way down the aisle, while the tones of the +Wedding March filled Grand Old Westminster to its furthest limits. + +November days in London have not changed much in a century of years, +although perhaps the opacity of the air was more penetrating in 1813 +than it is to-day; for when the bridal party passed through the Abbey +archway to the street, the mist of the early morning had developed into +a dense fog, rapidly closing over the city. Hence, the coachmen had to +pilot the way to almost invisible carriages, and then lead their horses +in a tramp of several miles over the return journey, through almost +deserted streets. + +"My darling, mine at last," whispered the young man as he clasped his +bride in his arms under cover of the closed carriage and dense +atmosphere. + +"Yes, Harold, yours forever," was the response; and with their first +long kiss they sealed their marriage vows. + +"Too bad to need such a wedding-day as this!" he exclaimed, looking +fondly into her eyes, and then through the carriage window into the +opaque street. + +"And yet how fortunate that it is so," she answered with a little +ripple of laughter. + +"My sweet philosopher! Once in the Abbey, I never thought of it again." + +"But I did. I looked all round and there was not a single visitor, only +our own party, the clergyman, the organist, and the little, +old-fashioned clerk." + +"'Pon my word, Helen, I don't believe I saw anyone but you, from the +moment we went in until we came out again." + +"You dear old boy! I suppose it was love that kept my eyes open to other +things. Do you know I was actually glad to see the mist to-day, much as +I dislike it." + +"Yes, and after all it has been our friend. Everything seems to have +favored us. Even the fog helped to keep our secret." + +"Where did you say you had the Banns published, Harold?" she asked, +leaning her head against his shoulder. + +"At a little village ten miles out of London, a place I never heard of +before." + +"All the better for us. But now that we are actually married you won't +need to keep the secret much longer, will you, dearest?" she asked, +casting a glance from her big brown eyes up to his face. + +"Not a moment longer than I can help, darling. You know Sir George Head +is my new commanding officer; and I want him to hear the news first from +me." + +"And what will he say?" + +"As I told you before, Helen, he won't like it. There may be no written +law, but there's an unwritten one in the army, that no officer can marry +without his superior officer's consent, particularly if he has been off +duty as long as I have. Still, that terrible wound I got at Badajos is +in my favor; and he can't turn me off, whatever else he does." + +"But he might make it very uncomfortable for you, Harold." + +"Yes, and he can refuse to sanction your going with me to Canada." + +"That's the worst part of it, dearest! How can a wife love, honor and +serve her husband, and keep him in sickness and in health, if she can't +live with him?" she exclaimed, while blushes danced playfully over the +dark beauty of her face. + +"You are the dearest girl that ever lived," he cried, throwing his arms +around her and pressing her again to his heart. "I shall do my best with +the Colonel; and will see him as soon as I can. Perhaps I should have +spoken to him first; but if I had he would have forbidden our wedding, +and to have married after that would have been direct insubordination." + +"Won't he think so as it is?" + +"Perhaps. Still I am willing to run the risk; and I wanted to have you +as my wife, whether I could take you or not. I'm afraid I'm a selfish +fellow, Helen, and not by any means worthy of you." + +"Why, Harold! What a way of speaking--just after our marriage, too!" + +"Forgive me, dearest! I didn't mean anything, but that I love you so +much, that I almost tremble at the responsibility we have undertaken." + +"Is that a brave front for a soldier?" exclaimed Helen, with flashing +eye. + +"I would dare anything for myself, Helen; but it is of you I was +thinking. To leave you behind with no one but your uncle and aunt to +care for you when we sail, and perhaps not come back for years, seems +more than I can bear." + +"If we have to we must, though," she exclaimed, cuddling closer. "Then I +will stay home and wait and watch and pray for the dearest one in all +the world to me; and think of Penetang. Isn't that the name of the +place? and long for the day that I can be with my husband again." + +"What a noble girl you are!" + +"I'm a soldier's daughter"; and she looked up proudly, although a tear +was in her eye. + +"Yes, and your brave father was shot in the heart while leading his men +to victory." + +"And come what will, his daughter shall never disgrace his name. Victory +will yet be ours!" she said courageously. + +"God grant it," was his response. + +For some moments both had solemn faces, while with gentle pressure they +held each other's hands. + +"I am not without hope," Harold continued at last. "Sir George may be +angry at first, and I can't blame him for that. He'll raise a row, of +course--perhaps send me to Hades--but he may give in before the ship +sails. It will be jolly happy for us if he does." + +While he was speaking a critical look came into Helen's face. + +"Do you know," she exclaimed with sudden earnestness, "I really believe +I can help you!" + +"My darling! How in the world can you? You do not even know Sir George +or one of the officers." + +"That may be," she replied, holding his hand in both of hers. "But see, +the carriage is stopping. I cannot tell you now. Just leave it to me," +and at once the expression upon her face inspired him with renewed +confidence. + +Just then they arrived at a little villa on G----e street, and the +whole party alighted. + + + + + CHAPTER II. + + +Two days later, Lieutenant Manning was at the officers' mess at the +quarters of the 100th Regiment. The fact that he had only recently been +transferred, and that he was still on the convalescent list, made his +temporary absence unnoticed. He ran his eye quickly over the faces of +the men who greeted him by nod or word, for he was already a favorite. +But he saw nothing unusual. The secret evidently was not out, and of +this he was glad; for the Colonel could now receive the news directly +from himself and not from officers' gossip. + +They were talking of the prospective trip, and in the absence of Sir +George, with more freedom than usual. + +"Will you be ready, Manning?" Lieutenant Smith asked across the table. +"The Colonel says we start in twelve days." + +"So soon as that!" the young man exclaimed with a start. A lump had +suddenly jumped into his throat. Pulling himself together before any one +could observe, he went on: "Yes; but I thought we were to sail by the +_Challenger_, which does not leave port until a week later." + +"That was the first order," said Captain Cummings from the other end of +the room; "but it had to be changed yesterday, for the _Challenger_ on +examination was found unseaworthy." + +"And by what ship do we sail now?" + +"By the _North King_, one of the best men-of-war in the navy. It is +large, too, and leaves port a week earlier." + +How Lieutenant Manning got through mess and the next two hours' official +duties, before he could see the Colonel, he did not know. Never before +did minutes appear so much like hours. Even when he lay in the trenches +at Badajos, with a slice out of his leg, and could hear his comrades' +cheers amid the din of cannonading, time seemed to pass more quickly. + +At last, Sir George, accompanied by an orderly, crossed the barrack +yard, and entered his office. But there were other visitors ahead of +Manning, and the day was well advanced before his opportunity came. +Finally the last one departed, an orderly opened the door and Harold +entered. + +"Lieutenant Manning, glad to see you," said Sir George in answer to +Harold's salute. "I suppose you are as strong as ever, and ready for +another march." + +There was tone of inquiry in his voice; for it was unusual for the +younger officers to visit him, except on special business. + +"Yes, sir," replied Harold, coloring. "A soldier should always be ready +for orders." + +"There's not much time to lose," was the next comment. "Our men of the +100th go aboard the _North King_ not many days hence, and sail from the +London docks on the 24th. What's the matter, lad? Is there anything I +can do for you?" + +"I came to make a confession, sir," stammered the Lieutenant, his face +remaining red in spite of himself. + +"What, been gambling? You young fellows are always at it." + +"No, sir! It is not that," replied the young man indignantly; while, at +the same time, the utterance of the calumny seemed to relieve the mental +pressure. "The fact is, Colonel, I've been getting married." + +"Getting married, you idiot!" and Sir George fairly jumped off his seat +in amazement. "Are you mad?" and his eyes glared fiercely at Harold. "Do +you know what that means? Rank insubordination; complete separation for +years from the silly woman who has taken you for a husband! Zounds, man, +I thought you had more sense!" + +By this time Harold's excitement had subsided. He was cool again. + +"I am prepared to take the consequences, sir, whatever they may be. I +only ask for the liberty of explanation." + +"Explanation indeed! That should have come before, not afterwards," and +with another angry growl, Sir George settled himself in his chair again. + + +"My wife," said Harold--the Colonel winced--"is willing to endure any +length of separation that is necessary. But I want to say about her that +her father and mother are dead. She is provided for, however, and lives +with her uncle and aunt. What's more, she's a beautiful woman and is +just as brave as she is good." + +"That's all very well, sir, but why did you bluster along at this +infernal speed?" + +"For two reasons, sir." Harold had prepared himself for the fight. +"First, because I understood my stay in Canada would be a long one; and +second, because you said I might have the command of a fort there, some +day." + +"Yet you tell me when too late to stop a silly move that will upset the +whole business." + +"It would have been too late, sir, if I had spoken. A soldier never +disobeys orders." + +"Humph! If I were to report this at headquarters, it would check at once +your chances of promotion, and probably your march to Penetang as well." + +"That is the very point, sir, I was going to ask. I wish you would +report me, together with the request that my wife be allowed to +accompany us to Canada. It need be no expense to the war department, as +she is able personally to defray all the cost." + +"This scheme is just as mad a one as getting married. Do you know what +you ask, sir? We are going out there in the winter, when the frost is +often 25 degrees below zero; and on landing start at once on a tramp of +a thousand miles; not over the prairies and along the roads, but through +the woods and swamps, and over lakes covered with ice and snow two feet +thick or more. Then, on account of the war with the United States, our +road will be straight through the northern country, away from all towns +and settlements. It will be like a tramp through Siberia in winter. No +lady could stand it, sir." + +"She will have to remain at home, then," returned Harold, dejectedly. +"But it will be a severe disappointment to her. She says she can stand +anything and will give no trouble if you will permit her to go. She +would not be the only woman with us, either. The officers at mess were +saying to-day that the wives of Corporals Bond and Jenkins and Private +Hardman have all received orders to be ready." + +"That's true," replied the Colonel, angrily. "But these women are not +ladies; they are used to roughing it, and will do the charing for the +men while the fort is being built. They've been through camp life in the +European wars for years. There's no use talking; the thing can't be +tolerated for a moment. You will have to leave your wife behind you. I +look upon the whole thing as a breach of discipline. Still as your dead +father's friend, and more for his sake than yours, I shall keep silent +upon the subject, so as not to check your promotion. Give this despatch +to Captain Payne as you go out. Strict discipline will be required from +all now until we sail. So remember, you can only be absent from quarters +during authorized hours." + +"Very well, sir." Lieutenant Manning saluted and withdrew. + +The young wife waited the return of her husband that night with much +anxiety. She had often heard that Sir George was a stern man, and +whether he would condone with a junior officer's marriage without his +knowledge or consent, was a very doubtful question. As for the journey +with the troops to Canada, she was determined to go with them if she +could; but to do so the Colonel's consent must be obtained, and she was +prepared to leave no stone unturned in order to accompany her husband. +Harold told her it would be three years at least before he could return +to England; and rather than remain that length of time away from him, +she was willing to endure whatever vicissitudes an overland military +journey in midwinter might bring. How little she knew what such an +undertaking involved! + +"What news, Harold?" was her first question, as he stooped to kiss her +upon his arrival. + +"Several things," was his reply, as he tried to smile serenely. "First, +we sail on the 24th." + +"So soon as that! What else?" + +"Sir George was angry at our marriage without consent." + +"And he will not let me go?" + +"I fear not, dearest." + +"Oh, do not give up hope yet," was the passionate response, as with pale +face and quivering lip she led the way to their own room. + + + + + CHAPTER III. + + +An evening or two later, a carriage containing Sir George and Lady Head +drew up at a little mansion in the West end, the residence of the +retired general, Sir Charles Menzies. The house was not brilliantly +illuminated, a subdued light gleaming only in a few of the windows. +Evidently there would not be many guests that night. As they entered, +the wide door in the deep archway was thrown open, and they were ushered +into the drawing-room, where the General and his wife awaited their +arrival. + +"Just ourselves," exclaimed their host gaily; "a lonely old couple who +have the selfishness to desire you to dine with them _en famille_, +before they send you to the wars again." + +"It is very kind of you," was the cordial response. "We are both of us +delighted to come. But about the wars, General, I am afraid there are no +more wars for me. It is just crossing the ocean to establish a garrison, +and I assure you that I would rather command a troop and fight the +enemy, than perform my allotted task." + +"Still, it is all in your country's service, Colonel; and it sometimes +needs greater courage to build a rampart than to fight a battle." + +"You may well say that, General. Don't know but what my own case is an +instance. It is a cut through the back country with only a couple of +companies for a following, as though one were sneaking through the bush +to escape the foe. After all, that is what it really is; for we could +not in safety carry our garrison stores by the lakes." + +"Yet you may have more than one brush with the enemy before you get +there." + +"If we do it will be all the merrier," returned Sir George with a laugh. +"These Yankees are giving us as much as we can carry just now, and +possibly there may be fighting on Georgian Bay before it ends." + +"How soon do you sail, Sir George?" Lady Menzies asked. + +"In eight days. Fortunately my wife is more contented over it than ever +she was when I went to fight the armies of the Little Corporal. She +always used to vow that I would never come back. Now she believes that I +will." + +"I think he has done fighting enough," was that lady's quick response. +"To march a few hundred miles through the woods to build a garrison, and +then to return home, is all they ask of him; a much better prospect--to +his wife at least--than to have another fight with the French." + +Dinner was announced, and the host led the way with the Colonel's wife +upon his arm. + +"That husband of yours is a brave fellow," was his comment; "and my +lady, you need not be nervous about him. He's as true as steel, a good +disciplinarian, yet one of the kindest men who ever lived." + +"Perhaps you are thinking of Talavera," she answered, her face flushing +with pleasure. "You know he helped some of the wounded French out of the +ditch after the battle was over." + +"Yes, but he made two of his own men stand in the stocks all night for +letting another Frenchman run away," was his laughing answer. + +When seated at the table the conversation became general, but soon +drifted back to Sir George Head's prospective trip. + +"It will be a new experience," exclaimed Sir Charles; "snowshoeing +through Canada in January instead of marching through Spain in July." + +"I have ordered my men a double supply of under garments as a +safeguard," said the Colonel. + +"What about night quarters on the road?" queried the hostess. + +"That is where the rub will come," was his answer. "I believe there are +no stopping places after leaving Montreal. But habitants and half-breeds +are numerous. They are accustomed to the woods, and I intend to take a +picked gang to help the men put up temporary shanties each night on the +road. What is more, abundance of dead timber can be had for the +cutting; and with good fires I have no doubt that we can stand the +journey." + +The ladies were rising from the table when a rap on the knocker +announced the arrival of other guests. + +"Oh, my dear!" exclaimed Lady Menzies to the Colonel's wife. "I want to +introduce my sweet grand-niece to you. She has only just become a bride, +and promised to come in with her husband for an hour this evening." + +"We shall be delighted," was the reply. "You know Sir George still +becomes enraptured over a pretty face. He always did." + +The Colonel placed his hand over his heart and bowed. + +"If the eyes have soul and the mouth character," he exclaimed gallantly, +"I hope I'm not too old a dog, even yet, to lose my heart." + +"Bravo!" cried Sir Charles. "Our little girl has both, but I am sorry to +say we have seen too little of her of late." + +The two ladies left the room, while the gentlemen over another glass of +wine continued to talk over the wars, and the apparently dim prospect of +peace. + +When they entered the drawing-room a quarter of an hour later, +Lieutenant Manning and his bride were there. A flash of astonishment +swept over Sir George's face as he took in the situation. But it was +only for a moment. Gravely, but not unkindly, he offered his greetings +as Lady Menzies introduced Helen to him. + +Her appearance was striking. With broad forehead, dark hair and lustrous +eyes, she carried her two and twenty years very gracefully. She was not +a bashful girl, just out of her teens, but a large-souled woman, who +knew much of the experiences of life, and had made her choice, +determined, by all that was holy, to be a help-meet for the man she had +married. Though scarcely at ease, she looked up into Sir George's face +with a frank smile as she received his greeting. + +"I am glad to have the opportunity of meeting you," he said, looking +steadily into her eyes. "Lieutenant Manning informed me that he was +married; though I assure you it is a surprise to find that his wife is a +relative of my old friend, the General." + +"Harold did not tell you, then," she returned, with a gesture toward her +husband. + +"Unfortunately he did not; but perhaps it was my fault. I was so +astonished that I fear I did not ask him. And how are you, Mr. Manning? +I think you have been stealing a march on me." + +"Is not marching a soldier's duty?" returned Harold, with a merry glance +at his wife. + +"Yes, but countermarching is a different thing." There was a twinkle in +the gallant Colonel's eye, as he gravely shook his head, that was not +discouraging. + +In a veiled way, Sir George watched every movement that Helen made. Her +self-control surprised him, knowing as she must that her own future as +well as that of her husband were in his hands. Soon an opportunity for a +personal talk presented itself. + +Sir Charles had been adding to his collection of paintings, and was +particularly proud of a Reynold's beauty that he had recently purchased, +as well as a French landscape by Turner, who at that time was winning +fame as an artist. While the others were looking intently at the +delicate coloring and divine symmetry exhibited in the portrait by the +Master, Helen had lingered by Turner's picture. It was one of his +"Rivers of France," an illustration of the parting of lovers beneath +stately trees on the banks of the Seine. + +"That is a remarkable picture," said Sir George over her shoulder. "It +is said to be an incident in the artist's own life. I did not know that +Menzies had it, though I have seen it more than once in Turner's +studio." + +"I have heard of it," returned Helen, gravely. "He was, as he seems, +passionately in love; pity it came to such a sad ending." + +"It was her villainous stepmother's fault," said the Colonel. "She +intercepted all his letters, and when the maiden believed herself +forsaken, she took a woman's revenge, and made herself miserable by +marrying another man." + +"A miserable revenge it was," returned Helen warmly, "and one that few +women would take advantage of." + +"I am not so sure about that," was Sir George's grave response. "I am +sorry to say I have known women do that very thing, though I acknowledge +they must have been vastly foolish." + +"If they had married before that long tour of his," said Helen, +earnestly, "when they were both in love, the letters would not have been +intercepted; and of course they would have been happy ever afterwards." + +"Marriage is always a serious business," said Sir George, looking +gravely into her eyes. + +"Yes, I know it is." There was a little tremor in her voice this time. +"But when one does it bravely and with eyes open, it is not too serious +to be borne. + +"And are you sure you can bear it, Mrs. Manning, whatever comes?" he +asked with almost a touch of sternness in his voice. + +"Yes--I believe I can." + +"I too believe it since I have seen you. Still for your sake I am sorry +it has happened. It would have been much better to have waited." + +"For myself I believe I shall never regret it," said Helen, "whatever +happens. It is only the future of my husband that I feel concerned +about." + +"I am glad to be able to relieve your mind on that score"--but there was +sternness still in his voice. "Lieutenant Manning has always been a +brave officer, and his future is certain." + +"Thank you, Colonel, for the word. I know his record; and I assure you +as a soldier's daughter, as well as a soldier's wife, I shall never +stand in his way." + +She stood very erect, but she dashed a tear away as the words flashed +from her lips. + +"Nobly said," was Sir George's comment as the General and the other +ladies joined them. Harold had purposely wandered off to the far end of +the room to inspect some ancient weapons, of which Sir Charles had a +valuable collection. But he returned in time to hear their hostess ask +her niece to sing. + +"I cannot sing to-night as the linnets sing," she replied with a half +sad, half mischievous glance at Harold, "but as my heart tells me." + +"That is what we want, dearest," he whispered. + +Seating herself at the piano, her fingers ran lightly over the keys. +Then, in a rich contralto voice, she poured out Goethe's favorite, "To +the Chosen One." There was the beauty of passion in every line of the +first verse: + + "Hand in hand! and lip to lip! + Oh, be faithful, maiden dear! + Fare-thee-well! thy lover's ship + Past full many a rock must steer; + But should he the haven see + When the storm has ceased to break, + And be happy, reft of thee-- + May the gods fierce vengeance take!" + +There was exultation as she sang the second stanza: + + "Boldly dared, is well-nigh won, + Half my task is solved aright, + Every star's to me a sun, + Only cowards deem it night. + Strode I idly by thy side + Sorrow still would sadden me, + But when seas our paths divide, + Gladly toil I--toil for thee." + +Then with all the tenderness of her impassioned soul she breathed out +the last lines: + + "Now the valley I perceive + Where together we will go, + And the streamlet watch each eve + Gliding peacefully below. + Oh, the poplars on yon spot! + Oh, the beech trees in yon grove! + And behind we'll build a cot + Where to taste the joys of love." + +"You are a brave girl," cried the Colonel as she finished the song, "and +you well merit everything that the gods can give you. Lieutenant Manning +should be proud to have you for his wife--whatever happens." + +Saying which he turned and asked Lady Menzies to be his partner at a +rubber of whist, for which Sir Charles and Lady Head were waiting. +Hence, the four elderly people were soon interested in the game; while +the bride and groom, ostensibly examining curios, were taxing their +souls with a thousand questions relative to the future. + + + + + CHAPTER IV. + + +The European war was drawing to a close, or rather to an intense lull +before the final conflict. Napoleon's arrogance in declining to yield a +jot of German territory to Austria's demand, culminated eventually in +his crushing defeat at Leipzic in the "Battle of the Nations." The +British forces, too, were successful wherever they turned their arms, +and at Vittoria, Wellington routed the legions of Joseph Bonaparte. +Before the close of the year disasters were even more complete, and the +remains of Napoleon's armies were driven out of Germany as well as +Spain. + +British veterans, inured to the discipline and fatigues of campaign +life, were fast returning to their own shores; and it was from these +that Sir George Head's companies were chosen. Already they had spent +months in the rest of barrack life, and tired of inactivity, they +welcomed the call to duty again. + +There was something alluring to the soldier in the thought of service in +America, whether engaged in active warfare or not. The Western continent +was an El Dorado toward which all eyes were turned. It offered +something different from the camp life of Europe, where prospective and +actual battles were looked upon as the be-all and end-all of the +soldier's career. Of emigration to Europe there was none, but of +emigration to America, save for the brief interruption caused by the war +with the States, there was a never-ending stream. + +Hence, when the seared soldiers of Wellington's brigades came home, and +were told to prepare to cross the Atlantic, either to fight the +Americans or to guard the British frontier from invasion, hats went up, +cheers echoed through the air and every man became an enthusiast. + +For many days the _North King_, one of the largest war vessels of the +period, had been undergoing repairs. Her keel was repainted, her hold +thoroughly cleansed, and additional iron girders put in to strengthen +her bulwarks. Her gun-carriages were rearranged, and to meet any +possible contingency new guns were added. Then vast and unusual stores +were loaded upon her, not for the use of the troops only, but for the +building and maintenance of the new fort as well. + +In direct preparation for the prospective voyage, perhaps no man was so +actively engaged as Captain Payne of the Royal Engineers. To him was +assigned the erection of the new fort at Penetang, together with +whatever barracks might be required for the accommodation of the men. +What added much to his difficulties was the selection and packing of +materials to be carried in midwinter over a thousand miles of territory, +three-fourths of the journey being through the woods. + +But Captain Payne was equal to the occasion; and days before the time of +sailing, the holds of the ship were filled with stores. + +In completing and carrying out the arrangements, Harold's time was +largely occupied, so that it was late each evening before he could have +leave of absence to see his wife. These brief interviews were very +precious to them; but to their amazement days passed without a word from +the Colonel. Apparently he had not relented. Still Helen hoped on, while +she devoted her time to preparation. At last a message came: + +"Colonel Head desires an interview with Lieutenant Manning ten minutes +before parade." + +Such were the contents of a note handed to Harold in the early morning +three days before sailing. + +With a convulsive leap the young man's heart seemed to bound into his +throat. What could it mean? Would his wife, after all, be allowed to go? +Then, perhaps for the first time, something like an adequate conception +of the magnitude and danger of the journey to her, forced itself upon +him. Was it right to yield to their mutual desire, to take her with the +troops in midwinter, and while war was still raging? Could it be his +duty to transfer his bride from the comforts of home and the social +world to the conditions which the trip must inevitably bring? He knew +that her desire was just as keen as ever. It had also been his own +passionate wish during the weeks that had elapsed since their marriage; +but as he neared the Colonel's quarters, he found himself actually +hoping that the final edict would forbid his wife to undertake the +journey. + +With many conflicting thoughts Harold joined his fellow officers at mess +that morning. All were there. Even Sir George had walked over from his +private residence to breakfast with them. From his manner, however, he +could surmise nothing. Neither by word nor look did the Colonel indicate +what was passing through his mind. At the appointed time Harold +presented himself. + +"I intended my first reply to your request to be the decisive one," said +Sir George, without prelude. "But my mind may have changed somewhat. Do +I understand that your wife still desires to go with us?" + +"Yes, sir," was Harold's quick response. + +"Has she thought the matter out in all its bearings? And does she +appreciate how much of hardship and privation the trip will involve, to +say nothing of the vicissitudes she will be obliged to endure after we +get to our destination?" + +"She has considered all these, Sir George, and her mind has remained +unchanged," said Harold. + +"It is a big undertaking," muttered the Colonel, and for a minute he +walked up and down the room with his hands behind his back. + +"I know it, sir; but fortunately she has means of her own, as I said, +and can amply defray whatever extra expenditure may be incurred on her +account." + +"That is satisfactory," said the Colonel, "and after all, the objections +may not be insuperable. I have, I must confess, a strong admiration for +your wife; and if we succeed in establishing a fort at Penetang, she +will, if she goes, be its brightest ornament." + +"Thank you very much," exclaimed Harold, his face flushing with +undisguised pleasure. "And am I to take this as equivalent to your +consent?" + +"Well, yes; if she is as firmly convinced as ever that it is the wiser +and better thing for her to do." + +For some moments Harold stood still with his hands pressed upon the desk +in front of him. The old questions were coming back to him. Was it? Was +it not? + +"What is it, lad?" said the Colonel in a friendly tone, although he +observed him keenly. + +"I was just thinking," stammered Harold, "what a terrible thing it would +be when too late, if it should prove to be a mistake." + +"That is possible," returned the Colonel, again walking up and down the +floor. "But, remember, if faint heart never won fair lady, neither did +timid soldier ever win a battle. If you go into the thing at all you go +in to win. Every obstacle must be overthrown. We must guard and keep +that wife of yours--take her right through to the end--and crown her +queen of the little fortress of Penetang which, please God, we shall +build. + +"It is very good of you, Colonel," was all Harold could say. + +"Well, we'll leave it all to the lady herself. Explain everything to +her; but tell her from me that our officers are fine fellows, and from +the Colonel to the last of them, will do what they can to make the +journey comfortable, if she decides to undertake it." + +"I thank you, Colonel, from the bottom of my heart," said Harold, warmly +grasping his chief by the hand. + +"That is all right," was the smiling response. "One more point, as your +wife may need every remaining moment for preparation, you are relieved +from duty from now out. So give her the news and aid her what you can." + +Harold saluted, and in another minute was outside the barracks, +speeding along the street to tell it all to Helen. + + + + + CHAPTER V. + + + 'Eave-oh-haw, 'eave-oh-hoh! + 'Eave-oh-haw, yoh-hee! + Sally come out to the wishing gate, + To the wishing gate with me. + + 'Eave-oh-hie, 'eave-oh-haw! + 'Eave-oh-hie, yoh-hoh! + For after another day 'as run, + Oh Sally I've got to go. + +So sang the jolly tars, as with mighty swing and steady rhythm they +pulled the halyards and set their sails. + +"Did yo' see the leddy, Alf?" + +"Bet yo' six-punce, I did." + +"Ar'n't she a daisy?" + +"Ef she ar'n't, I'd like to know where you'd find on'." + +"It's just jolly to have the real thing aboard--none of your tuppenny' +a'penny pieces but a geno-wine leddy, thro' and thro'." + +"Did you see how she was watchin' and smilin' while we was fixin' the +tackle by the big mast." + +"Yes, we all seed it. She's got the hearts of the chaps already, even if +she be a married 'oman." + + 'Eave-oh-haw, 'eave-oh-hoh! + 'Eave-oh-haw, yoh-hie! + Sally's gone back to the washing tub + And on ocean brine am I. + +"Do you know, Ned, I've been on the _North King_ ever sin' she was +launched at Glasgow, seventeen year ago, and this is the first time a +leddy has ever sailed aboard of 'er." + +"If they're all like this 'un, I hope it won't be the last time, uther." + + But, 'eave-oh-haw, and 'eave-oh-hoh! + Yes, 'eave-oh-haw, yoh-hoo! + For whenever her lad comes home again, + His Sally will all'us be true. + +And so the sailors echoed her praises, while they sang their songs and +adjusted the rigging of the ship, even before they were three days out +at sea. + +Yes, Helen was on the _North King_, and her beauty and strong gentleness +had captured the hearts of everyone, soldiers and marines as well. +Already she was the acknowledged queen--queen of a mighty ship--for the +_North King_ had a splendid record. Never had she been defeated in +battle, and her history dated back beyond the time when she was one of +the vanguard in Nelson's memorable victory on the Nile. + +Now, she had a double mission; first, to carry the two companies of the +100th Regiment to Halifax, together with their stores for a long +overland journey; and then to turn southwards along the coast line, to +join the British squadron in the siege of American cities. + +Like many of the British war vessels of that date, however, she was +built in an antiquated style. While steady in movement and easily +manned, she was a slow sailer; very different from the clipper-built, +light-running American warships which had distressingly harassed the +British during several of their more recent engagements. This fact alone +made a sea-fight probable before Halifax could be reached, for the +American liners were ever on the look-out for incoming vessels. + +The English motto, "Keep your musket polished and your powder dry," +seemed to actuate every man on board; and an extra look-out was +stationed on the top-gallant mast to keep perpetual vigil. + +Helen had never been on a man-of-war before; but she was a good sailor, +and although the passage was stormy, she enjoyed being on deck, clothed +in garments that resisted the penetration even of the December winds. +Her comfort, too, had been well provided for; and Captain Osborne, the +ship-master, out of courtesy to the bride, surrendered his little cabin +to herself and her husband. + +Harold, on the plea of discipline, protested, but the captain insisted, +and gratefully they accepted the situation. The presence of a lady on +his ship softened the heart of the old bachelor, and having no rule to +guide him, he concluded to be a law unto himself. + +While the rough weather did not affect Helen, it did materially affect +the women of the steerage. The compartment assigned to them and their +husbands was beneath the forecastle, at the extreme prow of the boat; +and owing to its forward position, the rocking during a rough sea was +extreme. + +In the middle of the third day of the most prolonged storm of the +voyage, the tempest was at its highest. The ship with frightful lurches +pitched fore and aft--simply a plaything tossed at the caprice of the +untamed sea. Rain for the time was over, but the wind whistled wildly +through the rigging, stretching to their utmost the few sails that were +set. + +Harold had many duties to perform that morning, and was late in +returning to his cabin. Three hours earlier he had parted with his wife, +and the storm not having reached its highest point, she had gone on +deck. Now, to his surprise, she was not to be found. First he scanned +the upper and lower decks, next the large saloon, and finally their own +stateroom; but all without avail. + +He was seriously alarmed. It was the first time during the twenty days +of their voyage that he had missed her. Where could she be? With the +tremendous tip of the vessel, and the swash of the sea, could she have +been swept overboard? Was it possible that the angry waves had stolen +her from him? and unconsciously he wrung his hands in a sharp twinge of +agony. + +Rushing up the gangway again to the upper deck, he met Captain Osborne +of the ship and his own Colonel coming down. + +"You look alarmed, Harold!" cried Sir George. "Ammunition all right?" + +"Yes, sir," he stammered, "but I am looking for my wife. She went on +deck at nine bells, and I've not seen her since." + +"Oh, she's safe somewhere," was the reassuring answer. "You could not +lose a woman on the _North King_." + +"You might lose one off, though, in a storm like this," said the +captain, chaffing the young benedict. "I've known more than one woman to +drop overboard--and men by the dozen." + +"Stuff!" exclaimed Sir George, who saw that Harold was taking it +seriously. + +"Fact," returned the officer. "We just lighted ship after each battle +was over." He laughed merrily, but Harold was off toward the soldier's +quarters. A new idea had seized him; perhaps she had gone to visit the +other women. Only the evening before, she had remarked that they had not +been on deck since the storm began. And he knew that some of them were +ill. + +"Is Mrs. Manning here?" he asked of a seaman, as he rushed down the +stairway to their cabin. + +"Yes, sir; Ahh think so," was the answer. "Corporal Jenkins' wife is +pretty low, and one of the wimmin fetched her. Theer she is at end o' +t' cabin under t' fo'castle." + +Harold hurried on. Owing to the storm the hatchways had been fastened +down for days. The portholes were closed and the air of the densely +peopled compartment was impure. Still a couple of men at the far end +were again singing: + + 'Eave-oh-haw, 'eave-oh-hoh, 'eave-oh-haw, yo-hee! + Sally come out to the wishing gate, + To the wishing gate with me. + +For a moment he felt savage, that his wife should be in a place like +this; but then as a counterfoil there was the shuddering thought, she +might have been overboard. Several men in the long, dark aisle stepped +aside to let him pass. By-and-bye he reached the wretched little cabin +which the women occupied. Helen was there, holding to one of the +uprights for support, and bending over the woman as she applied a +soothing lotion to her head with the other hand. + +Involuntarily she started when she saw her husband approach. + +"Sweetheart, this is no place for you," he muttered as he gently took +her arm. + +"I had to come," she answered, motioning toward the bed. "I did not know +she was so ill until Mrs. Bond came for me an hour ago. She has been +sick ever since we came on board." + +The woman was indeed ill. She seemed almost dying, and the foul air +only helped to aggravate her condition. + +Harold drew Helen to one side. "This fetid place will kill you. You must +come away," he said. + +"Never fear," she replied trying to smile. "I am much needed and can +stand anything. Both the other women are sick; and unless the poor +creature is helped she will die." + +"From her looks," said Harold, "there is no hope even now. You had +better suggest to Mrs. Bond what to do, and then come with me. I will +speak to the Colonel of her condition at once." + +"It is the abominable air that is killing her," said Helen. + +"It is fetid, sure enough; but the storm is abating and the hatches will +soon be opened again," he returned. + +From the centre of the low ceiling hung a lamp, and although mid-day, +its flickering light merely made the darkness visible. On the floor were +a couple of wooden stools; and upon the straw pallet of a lower berth +lay the woman. Covered with a grey blanket she tossed from side to side +with every movement of the ship; while her husband sat by her and wiped +away the saliva that ran from her mouth. + +Helen was reluctant to leave, but she yielded, and Harold led the way to +the upper air. The sky was already clearing, and the waves had ceased to +wash the deck. + +"What a pity we have no doctor on board!" she said, grasping his arm as +they steered for their own gangway. "It does not give the poor woman a +chance." + +"The fact is, the marine surgeon took ill and had to be left behind at +the last moment, so the order came to have his place supplied when we +reach Halifax. Still the captain has a supply of medicines and is +skilful," said Harold. + +"I know," returned Helen. "The women say he has given her calomel every +day since we sailed, and yet she gets worse." + +"Perhaps his doses are not large enough," said Harold. "I know the +doctors call it one of their sheet anchors. I will speak to the Colonel +about it." + +"And shall we have to go all the way to Penetang without a doctor?" +Helen asked with a little tremor in her voice. + +"Oh, no, dearie; that will be arranged for when we reach port." + +"Hello, my lady! So you were playing truant! trying hide-go-seek in the +nether regions, I hear," cried the Colonel with a laugh, as they entered +the saloon. + +"The women sent for me, Sir George," she answered gravely; "that poor +woman Jenkins is very ill." + +"Indeed, so bad as that!" he exclaimed in surprise. "I heard her case +was one of ordinary sea-sickness. Something must be done for her. She is +really the best woman that we have on board. Oh, here's the captain. +We'll see what he has to say." And turning to him: "This is distressing +news about Corporal Jenkins' wife," Sir George continued. "They say she +is terribly ill. Did you know it, Captain?" + +"I am sorry to say it is true," was the answer. "She took ill right +after we left the channel, and should have been bled then; but there was +no one on board to do it, so I applied a dozen leeches and gave her +physic. Spite of all we could do, she got worse when the last storm +came, so I increased the calomel, but I fear it will be of no use." + +"Are you sure you gave her enough?" asked the Colonel, echoing Harold's +question. + +"I think so. It would hardly be safe to give her more. She is salivated +so badly now that she can scarcely swallow. The only thing left to do is +to give her opium." + +"Too bad," returned Sir George. "After her large camp experience she was +a capital woman to have with us. We couldn't bring her children on +account of the overland journey, and now I fear we have made a mistake +all round. Zounds! I wish I hadn't brought her." + +"It is hard to tell what is really the matter," said the captain. + +"My own belief is that it is low fever contracted in Spain three months +ago," said the engineer. "She was not feeling well when we sailed. You +know, Colonel, she was with the Corporal throughout the continental +war, and he was transferred to us on his return." + +"It is unfortunate that the sickness was not discovered sooner," said +Sir George, seriously. "Is there anything at all you can recommend, +Payne? It is a d----d shame that we have no doctor on board." + +"We might try wine and bark, and stop the calomel," was the reply. + +"I'm afraid her mouth is too sore to swallow," was Osborne's comment. + +"Make her try," returned the engineer, "and give her opium afterwards to +soothe her gums." + +And so saying they went down to lunch. + +"I must see her again to-night," whispered Helen to Harold as they +seated themselves at their own little table in the saloon. "I really +must." + +"But, Helen, the danger!" + +"No danger at all, dearie! I may not ask to do it again." And there was +an appealing tone in her voice that Harold could not resist. + +"Well, if you must, I will go too," was his answer. And silently they +finished their meal. + + + + + CHAPTER VI. + + +"She's kinder sleepin', marm," said Mrs. Bond in a whisper, "but she was +ravin' after you left till she got the new medicine. That quieted 'er +like." + +Helen was at the door with Harold by her side. As he had promised, the +hatchways were open and the air purer. + +"I have brought some jelly," said Helen in a low voice. + +"This is the first sleep she's had for a long spell," returned the +Corporal, gazing intently on the face of his wife. "P'raps we'd better +wait a bit." + +For some minutes Helen silently watched the sick woman. She was between +thirty and forty years of age, with face prematurely old. Her ashen grey +features were very thin and her lips swollen and open, while every few +moments she grasped faintly at imaginary phantoms. + +"Won't you take a seat, marm?" whispered Mrs. Bond. "Mrs. 'Ardman has +gone on deck for a breath or two of fresh air." + +But Helen declined. The woman moaned as she slept. Then with a start, +her eyes opened and she peered toward the spot where Helen stood, +grasping feebly with outstretched hand. + +"It's Willie," she cried, in a tone muffled by her swollen tongue. Her +eyes were wide open now. "Why don't they let 'im come to me? And there's +Jimmy and Jenny, too, Oh, my childer! my childer!" And she ended with a +low, tearless wail. Her friends tried to soothe her, but it was no use. +Waving them back, she went on with a gasp: "They won't let 'em--they +won't let 'em--but am deein'--and it don't matter now." + +"Willie's the lad that died last year," Mrs. Bond whispered to Helen. + +Mrs. Jenkins had the only dry eyes in the cramped little room. Women do +not weep when they are dying. Saliva was still drooling from her mouth, +and Mrs. Bond wiped it gently away with a soft rag as she gave her a +spoonful of the jelly. The cordial in it soothed her and she closed her +eyes again. + +"It's the reg'lations about childer," continued Mrs. Bond in a low +voice. "Soldiers' wives cannot take their childer wee 'em on a march." + +"Where are her children?" Helen asked with trembling lips. + +"Wee 'er mother," was the reply. "She was wee 'em hersel' for a week +after she came back from Spain. And they say she cut up awful when she +'ad to leave 'em again." + +"Have you got any children?" was Helen's next question, her mind +becoming unpleasantly familiar with actual facts. + +"Yes indeed, marm! I've three living--please God--they are pretty big +now. I used to leave them when they were little sometimes, an' it was +killing work, I tell you. But now they're big, an' placed; an' its +different when they can take care of theirselves." + +By this time Mrs. Hardman had returned. She was younger than the other +two, and although married for several years, perhaps fortunately for a +soldier's wife, she had no children. + +"She's very low, marm," was her first expression. + +"Has the chaplain been to see her?" Helen asked. + +"Yes, marm, 'ee was here this afternoon, and said 'ee'd come again in +the mornin'." + +"She won't be living then," said the Corporal, wringing his hands. "Oh, +my Betsy, my bonny wife! What'll I do without ye?" + +Her eyes slowly opened and rested upon her husband who was kneeling +beside her. Gradually a rational look came into her face. A faint smile +lit up her features as he clasped her hand. + +"God--bless--you," she whispered. + +"Come, Helen," said Harold, gently drawing his wife away. "I will have +the chaplain sent at once if you like, but I don't see what he can do +now." + +"He might comfort them, perhaps," she whispered as again she followed +him. "What awfully sad lives army women have anyway!" she continued as +she dashed away the tears that would persist in flowing. "Too bad for +her to die. I wonder if it had to be? And that calomel, I hate it. The +women say that pints of water have been running from her mouth for days. +No wonder she could not eat. The poor thing's a mere skeleton." + +"Quite true, darling! But this is something that cannot be helped," said +Harold, slipping his arm around Helen's waist as they walked along the +now quiet deck. "And my sweet wife must not think she knows too much. A +little knowledge is a dangerous thing, you know." + +"I suppose you are right. Captain Osborne is kind-hearted, and it was +very good of him to give up his pretty stateroom to us. But still I +cannot help wondering if it was best to give her so much calomel? +Perhaps she had to die--so many people have. How hard, too, for women to +be separated from their children whenever they go with their husbands on +a campaign." + +"But it is their husband's fault." + +"How so, Harold?" + +"Because soldiers usually marry without the consent of their superior +officers." + +Spite of her tears, Helen smiled as she caught the drift of his words. + +"Often, too, the common soldier enlists when drunk," he continued, "and +then, out of revenge, or because he has to--I knew an officer who had +to--he runs all risks and marries upon the first opportunity." + +"Does that often happen?" she asked demurely. + +"Yes, over and over again," he replied more gravely. "Sometimes a +soldier will be married for years before his captain finds it out. He +has nothing to keep his wife on, so he leaves her with her people or to +potter for herself till he comes home again. Then in the end, if a man +has been steady and seldom in the guardhouse, they give him a chance to +take his wife and children with him, particularly when there is little +marching to be done; but a tramp of a thousand miles is a different +thing." + +"I'm sorry for the poor children." + +"Yes, and I'm sorry for the Corporal; he's a brave soldier and has +promise of promotion. But it will be hard for him with his wife dead and +his children away. What is more, sweetheart, I'm sorry for Mrs. Manning, +who will have one woman less to go with her on her long journey." + +"You foolish fellow, I'm all right." But she tightened her clasp upon +his arm and cuddled closer. + +"Of course you are, and the dearest woman that ever lived. But Mrs. +Jenkins would have been a help to you." + +"Oh, do send the chaplain, please!" she interrupted in trembling +accents. + +"Yes, dearest," and kissing her at the door of their stateroom, he +hastened away on his errand. + + + + + CHAPTER VII. + + +The next day was Sunday, but a sad day on the _North King_; for it was +known by daybreak throughout the long line of bunks in the forecastle, +that the woman was dead. + +The rugged tars, inured to the vicissitudes of warfare and the hardships +of a never ending life on the sea, would have thought nothing of +dropping a man overboard--"for what is a man more than a sheep?" And the +brave soldiers, who time and again had rolled a fallen comrade hastily +into a hole to keep his body from falling into the hands of the enemy, +would only have been putting one more man out of sight. But this was a +woman, the wife of a fellow-soldier, who had dared to leave her children +that she might be with her husband and his comrades through all the +terrors of a long winter march. The conditions were different. In +importance there was no comparison. And when Chaplain Evans, after +reading morning prayers on that still December morning, announced that +the funeral service would be at three o'clock in the afternoon, there +were long lines of compressed lips and rigid features as well. All +hearts were softened. By-and-bye all was over, and the sealed bag was +dropped into the ocean. Then the men lined up and one by one grasped the +Corporal by the hand, mutely telling him of their love and sympathy. It +was all the poor fellow could stand. Perhaps it was bad form. They had +never had a similar experience to guide them. But it told Corporal +Jenkins that their hearts were true; and after the last clasp he strode +away by himself to shed silent tears over his lost wife and motherless +bairns. + + * * * * * + +For two days there was a subdued aspect onboard. The men joked less. +There were fewer guffaws. Even "Sally" was not sung; and all on board, +from the Colonel downward, bore the aspect of men impressed with the +fact that something unusual had happened. + +But soon a change came. Everything in the past was forgotten. The actual +present became of vital moment, for in the early morning, "Sail ahead," +sounded from the look-out. "Three-masted. +West-by-sou'-west-and-over-to-larboard." + +"What flag?" shouted the officer on duty. + +"Too far off. Can't tell yet," was the answer. + +In another minute, Captain Osborne was there too; and in the distance, +brightened by the sunlight, he discerned a little speck of white canvas. +The hull of the vessel was still hidden by the curve of the ocean. +Bringing his glass to bear, he exclaimed to Sir George who stood beside +him: + +"I see it now; and, by heaven, it's the Yankee flag!" + +"What's her course?" he yelled to the man aloft. + +"Bearing down upon us, tacking to nor'-east. Now I see her flag. It's +the Stars and Stripes. Looks like a man-of-war. The black spots must be +her guns." + +"Clear ship for action," shouted the captain in ringing tones. + +Quickly the decks were swept of all but guns, canister and shot. Pikes, +pistols and rifles were ready. Gun tackles were lashed. Every man was at +his post. + +In five minutes the distant vessel loomed up into clearer vision. The +Stars and Stripes were there sure enough. Sweeping down upon them, the +tightly built little craft was full of fight and bent upon the +offensive. + +"She's plucky to attack us," exclaimed the captain, "with the odds in +guns and ship room in our favor." + +"Yes, but look at her speed. How she scoots through the water!" + +"There! She's tacking again," muttered the captain. "When her +larboard-side heaves to, we'll take time by the forelock and open fire. +Be ready, men!" + +In another minute the American vessel gracefully swept around, setting +every sail in good position for the conflict. Then the captain signalled +for a round from the larboard guns. Instantly the big cannon bellowed +forth their messenger of death. But it was none too soon, for at the +same moment smoke issued from the bow of the frigate, and a twenty pound +ball plunged through the ranks on the deck of the _North King_, +shattering one of the boats to pieces. + +"A good shot," said the captain quietly, as his men carried off a dead +seaman and a couple of wounded soldiers. + +"Her name's the _Delaware_," said Sir George, who was using his glass. + +"We've hit her," ejaculated the captain. "There's a hole in her +forecastle and her bowsprit's gone. Give her the rest of the larboard +guns." + +That the _Delaware_ was injured was evident, for although continuing to +fire, she tacked again and put on full sail to increase the distance +between herself and the British ship. + +A fierce yell rang out from the men. The order for chase was given and, +wild with enthusiasm, every stitch of canvas was put on in hope of +overtaking the retreating _Delaware_. The sun shone overhead among +white-cap clouds, and the sea was tossing big waves and foamy jets over +the sides of the ships; while at brief intervals one or other continued +to belch out its thunder and its shot. + +But the distance was too great for many of the balls to be effective. +The Yankee fire did some damage to the rigging and sent a nine-pound +ball through a porthole, making havoc inside, and wounding men; but as +she was creeping further away the fire of the _North King_ did little +service. Over and over again the gunners aimed at her mizzen-mast, but +it didn't budge. They were not sure that the shot even touched the ship. +The fight was discouraging. At last there was a new manoeuvre on the +frigate. + +"They are making desperate efforts over there," commented the Colonel. + +"Yes," exclaimed Captain Payne, who was also closely watching the +_Delaware_, "they are placing their biggest gun in the stern, right +behind the mizzen-mast. Our fire has destroyed the railing and you can +see what they are at." + +"Good Lord! to rake us with their big ball as a parting salute," was +Osborne's comment. "But we'll be even with them," and he hurried forward +to give his command. + +"That gun must be disabled at any cost," he yelled to his men, and with +another shout they tried to do his bidding. + +That the _Delaware_ was determined to carry out her plans was evident. +With her stern to her foe, her men were taking in sail to diminish the +intervening distance and make the shot more telling. + +"If they would only let us get within musket range," suggested Captain +Payne. + +"We might reach her now," exclaimed Sir George. "Give the order, +Captain. Having once fired that d----d cannon they will put on sail +again." + +By Captain Osborne's order half a dozen balls whirled away from the +muzzles of the forward guns, simultaneously with the crash of the +musketry. Through his glass, Sir George saw a gunner at the big cannon +fall, while the main deck of the frigate was torn up by the cannonading. +But the big gun was still uninjured, and the _Delaware_ had its revenge. +Another seaman stepped into place and put a match to the magazine. Then +with terrible force the huge ball crashed above water mark into the prow +of the _North King_. + +A yell could be heard from the Americans, for they saw the damage they +had done; but as another broadside from the liner smashed into their +rigging, they hoisted full sail again and gradually swept out of range. +The exasperating effects of slow sailing could not be helped; and the +battle being over, attention was directed to the dead and wounded, and +the damage done. + +How much the _Delaware_ was injured it was impossible to tell, for she +did not return to the attack. Steadily the distance increased between +the two ships, and before night came, the last trace of the frigate was +discerned from the mast head, disappearing over the horizon. + +Much against her will Helen had remained in her stateroom during the +whole of the contest. She had not appeared on deck that day when the +_Delaware_ was first seen, and the order to clear the decks given. After +the battle, however, she went to the prow of the boat with Harold, in +time to see the clipper's heels gradually disappearing. + +"Are you glad it is over?" he asked, as he slipped his arm around her. + +"I suppose I should be," was her answer, fixing her eyes on the distant +frigate, "but I don't know that I am. It was audacious for a little +thing like that to attack a big war vessel like the _North King_. They +have killed some of our men, too; a pity you didn't give them a +thrashing. Perhaps you couldn't?" + +"Why, Helen, what a fighter you are!" + +"I came by it naturally, I suppose." This time she laughed. "If the +feeling had not been inherited, perhaps I would not have been willing to +have come with you at all." + +"And now you cannot turn back even if you want to." + +"But, dearie, I don't and never did." + +"Not even when the enemy were killing our men?" he asked, looking +earnestly into her eyes. + +"No, not even then," she said; "but I think Sir George might have let me +come on deck." + +"And expose the only lady we've got, and she my wife, to the hellish +dangers of battle. No, indeed, my dear. What do you take us for?" + +"If we have another fight I'll ask him," was her answer. + +"And I suppose you think he will consent?" + +But there were no more battles, in that voyage at least. + +The wounded men progressed favorably, considering that there was no +regular surgeon on the ship; and by the time they reached port they were +almost well again--ready to be transferred to the military hospital as +convalescents. + +Christmas was over, and the New Year had arrived, before they passed +Sable Island. But on the next day, they were in the long harbor, and +passing McNab, they saw in the distance the little city of Halifax. + + + + + CHAPTER VIII. + + +Helen stood on deck, wrapped in seal coat and gauntlets, looking at the +snow-covered town as the _North King_ sailed up the harbor. Many vessels +were already anchored. The bright winter sun showed to advantage the +picturesque little city. The dazzling whiteness of the roofs, the varied +contours of the houses, the glittering pinnacles of church spires, the +little groves of naked trees, backed by the ever-green verdure of pines +and cedars, all helped to make an interesting picture. + +Most of the buildings were of wood, many being simple log cabins; while +others were block-houses of more pretentious mien, whose timbers had +been hewn into shape in the forest. Here and there a more stately +dwelling, built of granite boulders or lime-stone rock, mingled with the +rest. + +What added much to the weird picturesqueness of the outlook, as Helen +gazed upon it, was the glitter of icicles from many of the roofs, as the +dazzling sunlight fell upon them. Then there was the far-reaching canopy +of snow; while over beyond the houses were hills and craggy rocks and +clumps of trees; and back of all, as distant as eye could see, the +wide, interminable forest. + +"How strange!" she exclaimed, drawing closer to her husband. "I never +thought it would be like this." + +"But is it not beautiful?" he asked. + +"Yes; still it looks like a little town at the very end of the world," +said Helen, with a shiver. "Pretty indeed, but where are the Indians? Is +that the Citadel?" + +"Yes, that is the Citadel. Although I see no Indians, there are the +red-coats. Look! yonder is a company at drill." + +"Ah! that is more natural! It makes me like it better. How wonderful it +all is!" + +Suddenly a violent gust of wind carried the snow in drifts from the +roofs of the houses. A grey cloud swept over the sun, and for a brief +space the glittering whiteness of the prospect was over. Gradually the +ship neared the wharf, and protected by heavy sticks of timber hanging +over its side, it ground against the big bulwarks, and with huge ropes +was made fast to the dock. + +Colonel Mason and his staff were waiting for them; and no sooner had the +gangway been laid than they came on board to welcome the officers of the +big warship, as well as the men of the 100th Regiment. Those were not +days of Atlantic cables and telegraphic dispatches; and although word +had been received by the last ship from Liverpool that Sir George Head +was coming out with a small body of troops, the exact date of departure +was not announced. + +"Right welcome!" exclaimed Colonel Mason, as he shook Sir George and +Captain Osborne by the hand. "Long expected, but here at last." + +"Rough voyage! Six weeks of it. Glad it's over," was Sir George's +laconic reply, as with equal heartiness he returned the greeting. + +While introductions were made, Helen and Harold stood in the background, +but the quick eye of Colonel Mason soon noted them. + +"Lieutenant and Mrs. Manning," said Sir George at last. "You did not +know, Colonel, that we had a lady on board." + +"An unusual but a pleasant surprise," was the answer, as the officer +bowed over her hand. "I extend to Mrs. Manning a most cordial welcome." + +Helen looked very handsome that morning. The keen air had given a rosy +tint to her cheek. Her eyes sparkled with interest and her +closely-fitting fur coat set off her beauty to advantage. + +"We never expect ladies to cross the Atlantic in midwinter, particularly +on a man-of-war," Colonel Mason continued, turning to her again. "It +takes rare courage, madam; and it is delightful to find it possessed by +so young and charming a lady." + +Colonel Mason was a courteous and gallant officer of the old school. + +"Thank you, sir," she replied, her face flushing with pleasure. "It was +a little trying to be the only one on board; but the officers were very +good to me. I hope I did not tax their patience too much." + +"She was all right," exclaimed Sir George with a laugh, "until after the +battle--just a little skirmish, you know--when she wanted to install +herself as head nurse to the fellows who were wounded--" + +"Oh, Colonel!" she exclaimed, in amazement, turning suddenly upon him. +"How could you?" + +"Why! isn't it true?" he replied merrily. "But, Mason, what news of the +war?" he continued with more gravity. "Word over the sea travels so +confoundedly slow; I have heard nothing for two months." + +"I am glad to say the report is encouraging," was the reply. "General +Hampton's forces were defeated and driven back by De Salaberry at +Chateauguay Junction; and with Hampton and Wilkinson have gone back to +winter on the American side of the line. Then, too, only a few weeks +ago, Colonel McClure, the terror of the Twenty-Mile Creek, was driven +back by Colonel Murray's regulars, assisted by loyal Indians. Up to +September the invaders were right in the country all along the line; +but, thank God, we can hold our own now, and intend to keep it." + +"That's good news. And how is it on the lakes?" + +"Ah, that is different! So far we have had the worst of it. That naval +battle of Put-in-Bay was a terrible disaster to us. Commodore Perry of +the American fleet was too much for Barclay. It ended in a perfect rout. +In their hands all our officers, and half the crews of our boats, were +either killed or wounded. The fact is, that battle undid all that Brock +accomplished by his great victory at Hull." + +"That's bad, indeed! But what of Michigan? Surely you have better news +from there." + +"Gone from us forever, I fear. We must be satisfied if we can hold our +own territory, but that we're bound to do." + +"To which we all say 'Aye,'" and Sir George's words were echoed by the +little group of men who had gathered round them. + +"You have dispatches for me, I believe," said Colonel Mason, preparing +to lead the way. + +"Yes," replied Sir George. "I will give them to you when we reach the +Citadel." + +Sleighs with broad runners, curled up behind and before, comfortably +cushioned, and well supplied with buffalo robes, awaited them; and +cheers rang out from the crowd on the wharf as the officers, with Helen +by the side of her husband, landed and took their seats. In a few +minutes the sleighs in single file dashed away in the direction of the +Fort. + +"This is just lovely," cried Helen in glee. She had never seen a sleigh +before. The ponies trotted off at a swinging pace, the circlet of bells +around each of them ringing out merrily. + +"First impressions are a sure omen of the future," returned Harold. +"This is my first sleigh ride, too, and like you, I am delighted." + +"Look at those boys and girls," she cried again as they turned a corner. +Handsleighs and toboggans, loaded with children, were shooting down a +neighboring hill at a tremendous speed. "I wonder if some of them won't +be killed?" + +"Not likely," replied Harold. "They are used to it. And use is second +nature. You'll be coasting yourself some day when we get to Penetang." + +"Coasting? Is that what they call it?" + +Soon the sport of the children was out of view. Another turn was made +and, driving along a level street, they ascended the hill to the +Citadel. + + * * * * * + +"These orders are very explicit," said Colonel Mason to Sir George, +three hours later, as the two sat together before a blazing fire. They +were the only occupants of the room. + +"That's Wellington's forte," was the answer. "Emphatic precision in the +smallest detail, as well as the largest. Not a bad policy either, if it +is an iron rule." + +Colonel Mason read on: + +"Two companies of the 100th Regiment, under Sir George Head, to march +from Halifax on snowshoes, or otherwise, through Nova Scotia and New +Brunswick to Quebec. Then on to Montreal and up the Ottawa river to +Hull. From there to travel as nearly due west as possible, on the lines +of the old Jesuit trail, through to Georgian Bay on Lake Huron, which +will be their destination; upon which bay a garrison must forthwith be +erected. All goods, ammunition and garrison effects required, must be +carried on sleighs accompanying the troops; and, when necessary, roads +must be specially made for the purpose. One imperative order of the +march is that the column must arrive at Lake Huron before the winter is +over and the ice broken up--otherwise, the latter part of the march will +be much more difficult to accomplish." + +"And when is the break-up likely to take place?" Sir George asked. + +"About the beginning of April," was the reply. + +"Which means, that in less than three months, in the dead of winter, we +must travel a thousand miles; and that a large part of the journey will +be through forest that has never been broken." + +"A severe undertaking," was Colonel Mason's comment. "But, as the +marshes and lakes will all be frozen, the winter season is in your +favor, Sir George. The only pity is that you were not here before +Christmas; then your time would have been ample." + +"We expected to arrive two weeks ago. It was the storms and not the +skirmish that delayed us." + +"Something you could not avoid. How many men have you, Colonel?" + +"Two full companies with the exception of several killed and half a +dozen wounded." + +"A few men of your regiment were left with us by the Marquis of +Tweeddale, when he went west. What say you to exchanging the sick list +and filling up your number? If I mistake not, you will need every man." + +"Thank you--a good suggestion." + +"What about stores for the journey?" + +"Oh! the _North King_ has a full supply; but it will take some days to +unload, as well as to secure horses and guides; and in this matter we +will have to call upon you for assistance." + +"I had orders from the War Office to that effect some time ago, so you +will have nothing to fear on that score. Both men and horses will be +ready for inspection to-morrow. The enigma to me is: what is Lieutenant +Manning going to do with his wife? I understood from her at lunch that +she expected to go with you." + +"That is the intention," said Sir George, smiling at the amazement of +his host. + +"Ye gods!" cried the latter. "Do I understand that this young and +charming lady is to accompany you through all the hardships of a +midwinter journey across half a continent?" + +"Hardly that, Mason. Say a quarter instead of half. Still the +arrangement is final so far as a woman can make it," was Sir George's +answer. + +"Well it beats me! But you must have other women with you, of the 100th. +She cannot be the only one." + +"We had three soldiers' wives, but unfortunately one of them died on the +way. Under the circumstances is there anything you can suggest that will +make it easier for Mrs. Manning?" + +"Only this, that if the journey for her is irrevocable, when you arrive +at Quebec, pick out one or two first-class habitant women to go with +her. When you secure good ones they are invaluable. They know the +country and can endure anything, are as bright as crickets, and as sharp +as steel traps." + +"A good idea, Colonel, thank you. I'll make a note of it." + +"But what is all this about, Sir George? What do you really expect to do +when you reach Penetang?" + +"The order is to establish a fort, build a ship-yard, and found a +colony; and when the end is accomplished, leave one of my officers in +command and return home." + +"I see, I see; and that officer is to be Lieutenant Manning." + +"I did not say so," said Sir George with a smile. + +A tap at the door interrupted the conversation. Colonel Mason arose and +opened it. + +"May I come in?" was the question, and a sweet, grey-haired lady, with a +troubled face, presented herself. + +"Certainly, my dear," replied her husband. "Sir George and I were just +finishing our conversation." + +"I hope I am not intruding," she answered, looking from one to the +other, "but if at liberty there is something I would like to speak to +you about, while you are together." + +"We are at your service," replied Sir George, "and so far as I am +concerned, you could not have chosen a better moment." + +And so saying, he courteously placed a chair for her. + + + + + CHAPTER IX. + + +"I'm all in a flutter and scarcely know how to begin," commenced Mrs. +Mason, stroking down the folds of her dress, and looking timidly at Sir +George. + +"Well, what is it about, Marion?" Colonel Mason asked, surprised at such +an unusual exhibition of feeling on the part of his wife. + +"Oh! it's about that dear young creature you brought over with you, Sir +George. She tells me that she is going with her husband and the troops +right through that dreadful forest. The idea is terrible. Perhaps I have +no right to; but I beg to intercede. Can not the plan be changed?" + +"Did Mrs. Manning wish you to intercede?" Sir George quietly asked. + +"No, indeed! I did not even tell her what I thought, but waited until I +could obtain your permission to speak." + +"Do you know, Mrs. Mason, that it is by her own desire that she is +going?" said Sir George, gravely. + +"But she doesn't know," protested Mrs. Mason, emphatically. "It would be +a shame to take such a young girl out and let her freeze to death on +that terrible journey." + +"No danger of that, I think," was the smiling rejoinder. "The officers +of the 100th Regiment are too gallant to allow such a thing to occur." + +"Oh! I know you will do what you can," returned Mrs. Mason, changing her +attitude a little; "but when you think of the snow and the ice and the +intense cold, and all the terrors of the trip, would it not be better to +let her stay with us for the winter, and have her go on to the new fort +in the summer after it is built?" + +"Ah! That is an entirely different matter, and very kind of you to +propose it. But if I know Mrs. Manning aright, she will be the last +person in the world to consent to a change in the programme." + +"But may I not speak to her? I know Colonel Mason will consent." + +"Certainly, my dear," assented that gentleman. + +"May I ask her to remain with us for a few months then?" she said again, +turning to Sir George. + +"Undoubtedly you may. And if she is willing to stay in Halifax for the +winter, with her husband's consent, of course, I shall be very happy to +leave her to your care." + +Thanking Sir George for acceding to her request, Mrs. Mason withdrew. + +"It is a dilemma," said Colonel Head, after the door had closed. "And +probably a more serious one than I imagined when I sanctioned it. Still +I think the pros and contras will balance each other. The presence of a +lady in our midst may render our march a little more troublesome, +possibly make our speed a little slower, as well as necessitate greater +care in our appointments on the road. But it will have a good effect, +too. Mrs. Manning is a true lady and is thoroughly in love with her +husband. So it will put the fellows on their honor and make them show a +bit of genuine chivalry as well. She is as bright as a fairy, has lots +of pluck, and what is more, has a capital voice. We can take care of her +and I don't think we'll be out in the end." + +"From your view of the case, I don't think you will," was Mason's +comment. "Still the thing is so unprecedented that it will be impossible +to eliminate the element of risk." + +"Life would not be worth living if we could," returned Sir George. "We +always have it." + +"Well, here's to a successful march and happy ending, whether you take +the lady with you or not." + +And the two gentlemen touched their glasses and drank the toast. + + * * * * * + +By this time Mrs. Mason had returned to her own little parlor where +Helen was still resting. Extending both hands she exclaimed: "I have got +it beautifully arranged, my dear; you are to stay with us for the +winter. Sir George Head has given his consent." + +"But, my dear Mrs. Mason----" + +"Now, no objecting at all," interrupted that lady with great vivacity, +as she held Helen's hands tightly within her own. "You need not say a +word but accept the conditions. The idea of you going in January on that +desolate trip is terrible. It is appalling. Now, you must stay with me +and enjoy Halifax while your husband with the rest of the men cut the +road through the woods and build the fort; then you ----" + +"This will not do, Mrs. Mason," Helen in turn interrupted. Her face was +already flushed with excitement. "It is very good of you; but really you +do not understand the conditions. My going with the troops is +imperative. I am sorry you spoke upon this subject to Sir George, for +the only reason I had in crossing the ocean was to go with my husband +and the soldiers on this journey." + +"But the intense cold?" + +"I have lots of woollen things and furs." + +"For hundreds of miles there is not a house." + +"The men will build shanties and heat them with big fires." + +"But the wolves! In winter they are intensely savage and hunt in large +packs." + +Here Helen discomfited her hostess by a ringing peal of laughter. + +"Pity if two companies of soldiers cannot keep a pack of wolves from +eating up a poor lone woman!" she exclaimed. "No, no, Mrs. Mason, +argument is out of the question. I came to go with them and go I will." + +"I suppose I must give in then," said Mrs. Mason, pensively. "You are +incomprehensible. To think of a girl giving up home and friends and +undertaking such a journey in the dead of winter beats me." + +"Ah! but there's something at the end of it, Mrs. Mason," returned Helen +warmly, "which will repay one for all the difficulties and fatigues by +the way." + +"And what is that, pray?" + +"They say that Penetanguishene, and all the islands there, make one of +the most beautiful pictures in the wide world. The old Jesuit Fathers +used to declare that the rocky islands of the bay were in summer just +like Paradise." + +"And to prove it," exclaimed Mrs. Mason, "they froze to death in the +winter to be sure of the comparison; but never mind, my dear, if you are +determined to go, we must do our best to make the trip comfortable for +you. You shall have a little break in the tedium of travel anyway. Our +annual military ball takes place here on Friday night, and you must be +our honored guest. It will not be as large as usual, for some of our +officers have been killed in the war, and others have been wounded. +Still it will be nice and the Governor, Sir John Sherbrooke, and his +wife will both be there." + +"I am afraid I have not anything to wear," said Helen. "You know I did +not expect to attend balls in my new life in the woods." + +"But what of your wedding dress?" + +"That was of white satin; but, of course, it was high neck and with long +sleeves." + +"Still you must have had lace and ornaments of one sort or another with +you?" + +"Oh, yes! I have some rare old Indian lace of my mother's and a white +crepe veil that my grandmother wore at her wedding." + +"Well, you have the materials. That is very fortunate. And as there are +two more days, we'll see what my own dressmaker can do for you." + +"And where is the ball to be?" Helen asked with growing interest. + +"In the Grand Hall at the Citadel. And let me whisper in your ear: We +will see that you are the belle of the evening." + +"You forget that I am an old married woman!" exclaimed Helen with a +laugh. + +"Perhaps you are," commented Mrs. Mason, raising her eyebrows, "but +nevertheless you will conquer the hearts of the men--every one of them." + +Just then Harold entered the room, and hearing Mrs. Mason's statement, +he laughingly declared that he was already jealous. But when she told +him of the discussion relative to the prospective overland journey, he +folded his wife in his arms and kissed her--not once nor twice--but many +times. Whereupon Mrs. Mason put on her spectacles and commenced to +count over the names of the invited guests. + + + + + CHAPTER X. + + +The old Citadel was brilliantly illuminated. Lights gleamed in every +window. The snow was shovelled clean from the footpaths, and guardsmen +had made smooth the drives for incoming sleighs. The full moon shone +with softened lustre from a cloudless sky, filling the air with +voiceless music, and enveloping with chastened beauty the wide stretches +of ice and snow which mantled the earth. + +Within the citadel a bevy of pretty girls, aided by the junior officers, +had decorated the doors and windows with elaborate care. Festoons of +cedar, sprigs of holly and bunches of red berries, softened by the light +from the candelabra, while innumerable lamps of archaic design added +variety and beauty to the scene. + +The ballroom was decorated with national and colonial flags, those of +the 100th being added to do honor to the occasion; while the Vice-Regal +chair was surrounded with rugs of rich and rare texture. In a +tete-a-tete corner to the left of the main entrance, luxurious, +long-haired, polar bear skins littered the floor; while, on the opposite +side, the feet of the guests sank deep in the furs of buffalo from the +west. + +"What a characteristic room!" exclaimed Helen, as she stood for a moment +at the wide entrance, leaning on the arm of her husband. "I never saw so +many flags and beautiful skins in one room in my life." + +"Nor I either. Still the setting is appropriate--the flags a token of +the present war, and the skins a trophy of the huntsmen's prowess. Furs +are one of the main products of the country, you know." + +"I wonder if it can produce as many women?" said Helen, glancing over +the Hall. "There are few but men here yet." + +"All the more triumph for the women who are," was his answer, as he +looked down with love into her eyes. + +The Governor and Lady Sherbrooke, with Mrs. and Colonel Mason and Sir +George Head, were receiving when they entered. Officers of the garrison +and several from the _North King_ were there, as well as civilians with +their wives and daughters. + +"May I have the honor of the opening quadrille with you?" said Colonel +Mason to Helen after presenting her. + +"I shall be only too happy," was her answer. But a faint flush rose to +her cheek. She would prefer to have danced the opening one with her +husband. + +"The guests are still coming, and our dance will be soon; _au revoir_ +until then." + +Harold and she passed on. More than a dozen ladies had by this time +arrived--most of them young and some very pretty, with white shoulders +and graceful figures. Not a few had flashing diamonds, brought by their +mothers from the old land over the sea, and they sparkled like the eyes +of their winsome wearers as they mingled with the men. + +"How pretty they are!" said Harold, _sotto voce_. "As fresh as if new +from England." + +"I don't see any of the blue noses they talk about," Helen returned. "It +must be a healthy climate, Harold, if it is cold." + +At this moment Judge and the Misses Maxwell were announced. The Judge, a +large and portly man, crowned with periwig, had a keen, intelligent +face. He was accompanied by his two daughters. One was of the large +blonde type with blue eyes and flaxen hair, always smiling in a decided +way of her own. The other, Miss Maud, was of a different type. No one +would have taken them for sisters. Slight in build and quick in +movement, there was a winsome charm about her that was very engaging. +Perhaps the most distinguishing feature in her manner was her strong, +unconscious frankness. Her features were regular and her eyes black, +while her wealth of dark hair and sweet countenance combined to make her +irresistibly charming. One would think from the color of her hair and +eyes that she should have been a brunette; but her skin was exquisitely +white and the petal of a delicate rose seemed to have planted its hue +upon her cheek. + +In attire the two young ladies differed as much as in personal +appearance. The blonde was dressed in white; but Maud had a robe of +chameleon hue, that reflected in changeable lustre every flash of light +that fell upon it from the chandeliers above. The delicate fulness +revealed by the low corsage was partially hidden by a bunch of violets +from her own indoor garden, while a little circlet of pearls and minute +diamonds flashed upon her neck. + +"What character there is in that face!" said Helen to Mrs. Mason a +moment later, as the Colonel joined her for the dance. + +"Yes, there is. Would you like to know her?" + +"I would indeed!" + +"I will introduce her after the quadrille is over." + +"Thank you." + +Sir John Sherbrooke escorted Mrs. Mason to the upper end of the room. +Then came Sir George and Lady Sherbrooke, followed by Captain Osborne +and one of the colonial dames, while Colonel Mason and Helen brought up +the rear. Together they formed the set for the opening quadrille--and +stately and beautiful it was, as Helen remembered long afterwards. + +All eyes were fixed upon the four couples. With elaborate bows and +graceful formality, they stepped through the figures of the dance. The +measured music from the violins and harps beat a slower time in the days +of our forefathers than now; and there was a dignity and solemnity in +the first dance of the period--almost equivalent to the sacred decorum +of a religious rite--that in this rushing age has been forgotten. + +"Mrs. Manning--Miss Maud Maxwell," said Mrs. Mason after the dance was +over. "You young ladies have each expressed a desire to know each +other." + +As they clasped hands and looked into each other's eyes, several moments +passed away; thoughts seemed to be uttered without words. + +"Strangers, and yet not strangers," said Helen. "I could fancy I had +known you for years." + +"It must be the same feeling," said Maud, still holding the extended +hand; "a sweet joy in seeing you, although we never met before." + +"It is all owing to the talk you have made among us," said Mrs. Mason, +taking each young lady by the arm and leading the way to one of the +tete-a-tete corners already referred to. "Maud was always ambitious, +headstrong, wayward. Perhaps a little chat between you two will do each +good. There, I will leave you, but with so many gentlemen and so few +ladies, I cannot guarantee a minute by yourselves." + +"Would you care for a companion in your journey west, Mrs. Manning?" +Maud asked in a swift, low voice, as Mrs. Mason, accepting the arm of +an officer, left them. She must speak while the chance lasted. + +"I know I would," was Helen's startled answer; "but after all that is +said against it, I fear that I could not conscientiously advise." + +"It would be simply glorious to go," said Maud, enthusiastically. "Out +in the starry night with the trees cracking and the wolves howling, +while you are rolled up in your buffalo robes, snug and warm, and safe +from all danger." + +"You young enthusiast! What a splendid companion you would make!" + +"Would I?" and the girl's eyes flashed. "Oh, if I only could!" + +At this moment Mrs. Mason returned to introduce another gentleman. + +"Mrs. Mason," said Helen as they arose from their seat. "Do you know +that Miss Maud Maxwell would like to be one of our party?" + +"That is not surprising," was the answer. "I've known Maud ever since +she was a baby, and she was always a Tom-boy." + +"Why traduce my fair name?" said Maud with a laugh. + +"My dear, is it not true?" + +"Please don't be pathetic. I'd like to go; that is all." + +"And you really mean it?" Helen asked, looking gravely into the girl's +face. + +"Yes, I do. But I suppose there will be little chance. Father would +oppose it, and no doubt Sir George would also. Still I would give +anything to go with you. But I am engaged for this waltz. Mrs. +Manning--Doctor Beaumont." + +And she walked away with him as Harold joined them. Helen followed the +doctor for some moments with her eyes. His face had a French cast, +although his skin was fairer and his hair lighter than is usually found +in that race. + +"The doctor is devoted to Maud," said Mrs. Mason, "although I do not +think she cares for him." + +"Is he the surgeon who is to go with the regiment?" Harold asked. + +"I think not. Dr. Fairchild is the man spoken of," said Mrs. Mason. "I +suppose I should not mention it, but as you are one of the officers it +can do no harm to tell you. I believe that Dr. Beaumont would like to +go. It will however be finally decided to-morrow." + +"Thank you for telling us," said Helen. "I suppose it is out of the +question about Miss Maud going?" + +"Entirely out of the question." returned the elder lady emphatically. +"If they should happen to appoint Dr. Beaumont, she would not dream of +going. H-m, h-m," she continued, wisely shaking her little grey head; +"that throws new light upon it; I do not believe she will really want +to go." + +"My dear, if we do not commence we shall lose our waltz," exclaimed +Harold to his wife, "It is half through already." + +"A thousand pardons, dearie. It is our first since we were married. I +wouldn't miss it for the world," and her winsome smile thrilling him +again, as it had always done, they glided over the floor. + + * * * * * + +The next afternoon Maud visited Helen at the Citadel. + +"Our little chat remained unfinished," were almost her first words. +"There were so many unmarried officers at the ball last night that the +gentlemen outnumbered the ladies, and I did not get a chance to speak to +you again." + +"You were sensibly occupied, and I forgive you," returned Helen. "I know +I danced more than I have done for years, and yet only managed to have +two waltzes with my husband." + +"I like Lieutenant Manning," returned Maud. "I had a polka with him, and +his chivalry took me, for he stopped before our dance was over to escort +old Mrs. Tindall across the room. Most young men would have let the lady +look after herself." + +"I knew what I was doing when I married Harold," said Helen with glowing +face. "You see I think so much of my husband that I am willing to +travel to the ends of the earth with him." + +"I would have to love a man like that or I would never marry," said +Maud. + +"You'll find him some day, if you have not already. And what about +Penetanguishene? Do you still desire to be one of our party?" + +"Yes and no," was the girl's reply, her mouth assuming for the moment a +set expression. "I'm afraid I said too much last night. Much as I would +like to go I find it will be impossible. So there is no use even +thinking about it." + +"Perhaps later when our fort is built and the war is over, you will +come." + +"Possibly," and her eyes melted into a dreamy expression. "Let me thank +you for the suggestion. If I can I will." + +"It is probably better so," said Helen, puzzled at such a speedy change +of attitude. + +At this moment Mrs. Mason entered the room. + +"I have just received the latest news," she said. "It was announced at +the officers' quarters this morning, that Dr. Beaumont has received the +appointment as surgeon to the 100th. Colonel Mason told me only a few +minutes ago." + +Helen involuntarily glanced at Maud, but at this moment the frank +expression was absent. Did she know already? + +"Is not this a surprise?" said Helen. "Of course I know nothing about +the appointment, only that rumor last evening gave the place to Dr. +Fairchild." + +"So it did," said Mrs. Mason; "but his father is not well and can ill +spare him. Perhaps that is the reason of the change." + +"I have just been taking back some of my own foolish talk," said Maud, +looking directly at Mrs. Mason. "My sudden fancy of going west with the +regiment was inspired by the fortitude of this brave lady--just an +enthusiastic idea that cannot be realized." + +"But she has promised to visit me at Lake Huron after the war is over," +said Helen. + +"The very time you ought to go yourself," was her hostess' comment. + +Mrs. Mason was one of those kind-hearted ladies who, having no children +of their own, consider it their duty to interest themselves in the +children of others. She always had two or three of her young lady +friends under her wing, and was never contented unless endeavoring to +pilot them to their destined haven. She must not only guide them aright, +but see also that they did not wilfully go wrong. That Maud Maxwell, in +her estimation the sweetest girl in all Halifax, should be allowed to go +on that desperate western journey was not to be thought of for a moment. +If she could not prevent the newly arrived bride from sacrificing +herself on the altar of a "crazy idea," she certainly could prevent Maud +from following suit. At all events she would try. + +There were more ways of killing a cat than one. Persuasion in one +quarter might have no effect, but a square talk in another, might; and +Maud's incomprehensible coolness with Dr. Beaumont might be turned to +advantage. Socially as well as professionally he was a very estimable +young man; and Mrs. Mason was surprised, knowing how deeply he was in +love with Maud, that a better understanding had not been arrived at +between them. Now, however, when she discovered that Maud intended to +make a special appeal to both Sir George and Colonel Mason to allow her +to accompany Helen on the journey, she concluded to turn the association +between Dr. Beaumont and the maiden to the best account, and in her own +quiet way put an end to the mad "project." + +What passed in the way of a curtain lecture between Colonel Mason and +his spouse after the ball was over, there was no one to tell; but the +celerity with which the medical appointment was discussed, decided upon, +and ratified when morning came, was somewhat remarkable. Sir George and +Colonel Mason were closeted together for half an hour after breakfast; +and then a couple of orderlies were summoned, and messages dispatched to +both of the doctors, containing the results of the decision. As a +consequence, Dr. Beaumont's mind was filled with conflicting thoughts +when he received the message. The first impression was surprise, for he +knew it had been otherwise arranged; but as the decision now was final, +he must obey, and his relation to Maud disturbed him. To leave her at +once might render his unreturned love hopeless. If he could have +remained, possibly he might win her yet; but to go away now and stay +perhaps for years, with the attentions and hearts of other men +continually at her feet, seemed more than he could bear. + +Still there was the other side to view. The post of surgeon to the 100th +was a distinct promotion; for he and Doctor Fairchild were both army +officers, and it flattered the spirit of rivalry which existed between +them to be selected over his fellow. The illness of Dr. Fairchild's +father was quietly hinted to both gentlemen as the probable cause of the +change; but the possibility that Mrs. Mason might have had something to +do with the final appointment, was not thought of, much less mentioned. + +The die was cast however, whatever would come of it, and Dr. Beaumont +realized that he must prepare at once for the journey. The mixed blood +of his parentage had made a strong man of him; for he possessed the +passion and vehemence of the Frenchman from his father, tempered by the +stolidity and integrity of the Scotch race from his mother. + +After reporting himself at headquarters, and rapidly making preparations +for the prospective march, it was late in the evening before he could +spare time to call at the Judge's. He had sent no message to Maud. +Still he hoped and believed that she would be ready to receive him. She +must have heard of his appointment. Would she be glad or sorry? How +would she welcome him? Was it possible that she would rejoice at being +relieved of the attentions of an unwelcome suitor? Or was it imaginable +that she would be glad of his promotion, and reward his devotion by +encouragement on the very eve of his departure? + +At any rate he would see and know the truth; and, after walking past the +house several times to soothe his nerves and check the rapid beating of +his heart, he finally knocked at the door for a final interview with +Maud. + + [Illustration: "Thank you very much!" exclaimed Harold + + _Page 27_] + + + + + CHAPTER XI. + + +Henri Beaumont, although a native of Quebec, was a graduate of an +English university, and it was in London, after obtaining his degree, +that he received his appointment on the medical staff of a British +regiment under orders for Canada. For two years now he had been +stationed in Halifax, and although during the war with the United States +he had seen some active service, his duties had been chiefly confined to +professional work among the troops stationed at the Citadel. + +It was there that Maud met him. Perhaps if she had been less +indifferent, the conquest would not have been so easily accomplished. +But the impression was made at the beginning, and notwithstanding her +apparent coolness, time seemed only to strengthen the one-sided bond +that existed between them. + +His heart was in a tumult as he entered the house that night--hope and +expectation did not balance each other--and minutes elapsed after +meeting Maud before the loud throbs beneath his jerkin ceased. + +"I am sure you heard the news?" he said retaining the hand which she +attempted to withdraw. "I am ordered to be ready to march with Sir +George's men in two days." + +"Yes," she replied, finally retracting her hand, "and I congratulate +you. Your friends, while sorry to lose you, will be glad of your +promotion." + +"That is very kind; but I would give the world to know that some one +really cared." + +He was growing serious already. So she threw back her head and with a +gentle laugh exclaimed: + +"Oh, my dear doctor, you don't know how much we shall miss you!" + +"Mon Dieu, Miss Maud! That is very well. But you know what I mean. When +I go away I can't return for a year at least. It is the time, the +absence, that I think of. Won't you give me a chance at all? You know +how I love you." + +"You have your chance now, Doctor--founding a fort--establishing a +settlement--perhaps building a city. That should be enough for any man +to face." + +"But it is not enough, mon ami." The doctor's face flushed and his eyes +glittered as he drew his chair nearer. "I want my love returned. I have +kept myself straight and pure for love of you, Mademoiselle. Do you care +for me at all? Will you not give me one promise before I go?" + +He was pleading very earnestly, a gleam of intense love illuminating his +face. Maud's manner softened a little, although she felt no responsive +thrill. She was not sure of her own heart, and was too wise to commit +herself when she experienced no warmer feeling than that of friendship. + +"You ask for more than I can give," she said. "If I do not love you, how +can I promise?" + +"Have I a rival then?" he asked with passionate earnestness. + +"How dare you ask such a question!" she answered with flushed face. "I +am in love with no one." + +"Then why not grant my desire? In my heart no one can take your place. +For long months I shall see only one other lady, and she the wife of a +brother officer. But I will found a settlement and build a city, too, if +you will only promise to be my--my sweetheart--when I come back again." + +"Oh, you silly man! I promise nothing. Why not simply wait and see. When +away on your long march (she did not tell him how gladly she would have +undertaken it herself if he had not been going) your mind and time will +be occupied with other things. You will never think of me." + +"Never think of you!" he exclaimed passionately. "Perhaps it would be +better for me if I never did. But I shall think of you every day when on +the march, and every night when in the woods we pitch our camp. When the +smoke arises from the pipes of the men around our fires, my thoughts +will be of you; and when rolled in blanket and buffalo robes, during +the long winter nights, I may see the stars through the tall trees, and +hear the owls hooting in the forest; but beyond the stars I shall see +your face, and in my dreams I shall hear your voice. No, Maud Manning, I +may go away, but you cannot get away from me. You fill my soul, my +heart, my whole being. You are my star, my light, my love--and it will +be the same in Penetang, no matter where you are." + +Spite of herself his words thrilled her, and unconsciously she rose to +her feet. She could not sit still any longer. What manner of man was +this French-Scotchman? This passionate pleader, this determined lover? +This soldierly fellow, who, while he worshipped her, accepted the order +to march to the end of the earth, for time indefinite, without a single +murmur of regret? She had never until now been seriously impressed with +his personality. She had seen the passionate, demonstrative side of his +nature; but its integrity and strength, its staunch chivalry and +unselfish devotion, were something new to her--and it was with a feeling +not unlike reverence that she heard his last words. A species of +humility almost akin to love was gradually stealing over her. + +"I am sorry," she said at last, but her voice this time was low and +sweet. "I should have told you sooner." + +"Told me what?" he exclaimed eagerly. "That you never could love me?" + +"No, not that." His intensity was so great, so real, that she dreaded +the future that seemed imminent in his face. She must give him hope, +however slight, until time could soothe the vivid chords of his being, +and until she could read aright the inmost thoughts of her own heart. + +"What then?" was his question. + +"Can you not suggest something else? We have always been friends," she +said. + +"Promise me to remain free for a year. I will do my best and come back +then," he said. + +"Yes, _Monsieur le Docteur_, for one more year I will not love any one, +for one more year I will be free." And the tone filled his soul with +music. The cloud was raised--the veil was lifted. + +"And I will write," he said. "Will you answer?" + +"Yes," was her quiet response. + +"Oh, Mon Dieu! I thank you," was his comment. His face had lost its +sadness. + +They stood together under the chandelier. He, excited, determined, +passionate, with love in every look and gesture, but controlling himself +by a strong effort. She, introspective, observant, wary; and yet with a +warmer kindliness towards her companion than she had ever felt before. + +"I must go," he said at last. "Just a kiss to seal our promise." And he +threw his arm out to clasp her to him. But with one step backward she +raised the hand that was held in his and the kiss fell upon it instead. + +"Good-bye and God be with you," she said. + +"And may He keep you until I return," was his prayer; "but shall I not +see you again? There may be time enough to-morrow?" + +"It would be better not." + +She stood at the door and watched him descend the steps. Then he turned +and, with a last look and a sweep of his chapeau, he disappeared into +the darkness. + + + + + CHAPTER XII. + + +On the day of the march the temperature was almost down to zero, and the +sky a clear pale blue. The order had been issued for the little column +to be ready at nine o'clock sharp; and cold as it was the whole town was +astir. Union Jacks were flying in honor of the occasion, and many people +were out on the street to witness the departure. The few days that had +elapsed since the arrival of the _North King_ had not passed idly away. +A score or two of teams had been purchased. Long sleighs, bobsleighs, +carryalls had all been secured, and many of them loaded with goods that +Captain Payne had brought over the sea for the building and provisioning +of the prospective fort. Then there were fur robes and blankets, +kettles, pots and tins for the journey, stores of all sorts, and +provisions for the men, fodder and blankets for the horses, as well as +the reserve supply of ammunition, all packed in capacious sleighs, with +drivers ready and horses snorting impatiently for the order to start. + +Punctual to the minute the companies lined up in the square by the +Citadel. + +Sleighs for Sir George and his officers, one for Helen and Harold, and +another for the soldiers' wives, were there in regular order. Then came +the heavy sledges of the commissary department, and last of all the +"bobs" containing the building supplies and ordinance outfit for the new +fort at Penetang. + +As the bell of the little old church on the hill struck nine a salute of +two guns from the Citadel was fired in honor of the event. Adieus had +all been said; hand-shaking was over; and as the shrill tones of the +bugles sounded, the order to march was given. Then the crowd cheered and +the sleighs started upon their long journey; while the soldiers in heavy +overcoats formed a double column and brought up the rear. + +For the commencement of such a journey the day was excellent. The roads +were good, the snow well packed, and soon the procession of ponies and +sledges commenced to swing along at a rapid rate. + +"Put my coat collar higher, please," said Helen to her husband as they +neared the outskirts of the town. Quick driving had made her feel the +cold air more keenly. + +"Will that do?" he asked. + +"Yes," she replied. "It keeps the wind out. These hot bricks for the +feet are delightful. What a glorious day for a ride! But look at that +big snow bank right in front of us! Bateese! don't upset us, please!" + +"Bateese nevare upset. Et is only de dreef," returned the Frenchman, and +with a crack of his whip he circled around the sloping end of the bank +as the other drivers had done before him. + +It was not so nearly an upset as Helen imagined, but she breathed more +freely when the huge pile of snow was behind them. + +"Do we meet many drifts like that?" she asked a little timidly, for it +was her first experience. + +"Oh! dat is noting," replied Bateese, tossing his head; "but dere is a +great big wan, high as yer head, right on de slope by de beeg hill, jess +befor' you cam to de lumber camp--Gar--he be a fine wan." + +And the habitant cackled and cracked his whip again. + +"Still we can pass it all right?" said Harold. + +"Nevare can tell," returned Bateese, shrugging his shoulders. "It ees on +de end of a heel, where two winds meet--an 'eet may be flat as de diable +in de mornin'--an' so big at night dat you couldn't see ovare de top if +you was ten feet high." + +"How then do you manage?" inquired Helen, who, seeing a twinkle in the +eye of Bateese, was regaining courage. + +"Oh, some tam you go roun, some tam over top after deegin' de snow +awa--and some tam," he continued very impressively, "you make a +tunnel--camp all night in de meedle--and deeg out a t'oder side next +day." + +"And what do you do with your horses while camping?" Harold asked with a +smile. + +"Oh! dat's easy," replied Bateese with perfect gravity. "We jess deeg +places for dem beside de camp--don't have go out in de cole to feed 'em. +Dey eat snow for vater, and de leetle fire keep us all warm." + +"That's a pretty good one, Bateese." + +"Oh, no, jess a leetle wan; tell you some more bime-by." + +And the Frenchman's infectious laughter was joined in by both Helen and +Harold as they scudded to the jingle of the sleigh-bells merrily along +the road. + +In a couple of hours the riders had left the heavy sledges and the +soldiers far behind. They had passed the clearings. Open fields became +less frequent, and the stretches of forest more continuous. Sir George +had inquired minutely into the nature and difficulties of the road; and +although he believed that the march for days would be outside of the war +arena, he had sent forward a strong scouting party to reconnoitre. + +The direction they were taking for the first part of the journey was +almost due north, following the sleigh track, which finally joined the +Truro-road along the banks of the Shebenacadie. + +The troops and heavy sledges would come up later, but the order was to +make the first halt at a lumber camp on their line of march, at which +arrangements were already being made by the scouting party for their +reception. By noon the Colonel's sleigh headed the file at the top of a +long hill. Dr. Beaumont was with him. + +"There it is!" he cried. "Yonder are the scouts. + +"You know the place then?" said Sir George. + +"Yes, I've often been here. Mr. Mackenzie has one of the finest lumber +camps in Nova Scotia. See, he is out now talking to Sergeant Banks." + +"A thrifty Scotchman, eh! I hope Banks has managed it. I would like the +whole troop to dine at the camp without touching our rations. You can +settle with Mr. Mackenzie afterwards," he concluded, turning to Captain +Payne. + +"It will be a great relief," returned the latter, "and give us a longer +march this afternoon. Nothing like making a good start on the first +day." + +The sergeant saluted as they drove up. + +"Mr. Mackenzie, this is our Colonel," he said, touching his cap. + +And a tall, massively built Scotchman, with shaggy hair and rugged +features, grasped Sir George's hand warmly. + +"Your men have been telling me about you, sir," he exclaimed. "I am glad +to see you. You must a' be hungry after your cold ride. The cook's doin' +his best to gie ye all a bite. Come right in. Your men can feed the +horses at the stable. Guid sakes, you've got a leddy with ye! and some +women folk, too!" and he finished by doffing his hat gallantly to +Helen. + +"Yes, we are hungry and glad to call a halt, Mr. Mackenzie, and I know +Mrs. Manning will be tired enough to rest." + +Here Harold introduced his wife and the group went inside. The huge +shanty was built entirely of logs, the inside walls hewed flat, the +chinks filled with wood and then covered level with plaster. One side of +the long wall was not more than six feet in altitude, but the opposite +one was twice as high to allow for the sloping slab roof. Scattered +along the two sides were a series of little windows, while in the far +end a pile of dry logs was burning brightly in a huge fireplace. Dining +tables of pine boards, supported on cross sticks, stretched the length +of the room, and were already laden with platters and cups in +preparation for the meal. The cross head table was built in a similar +manner, but instead of benches on either side, there was an array of +chairs, and perhaps in honor of the occasion, clean white sheets were +spread upon it for the coming meal. + +The rough, homely comfort about the place seemed attractive after the +cold drive, and elicited warm compliments from the Colonel. + +"Oh, it will do for the woods," returned Mackenzie, good-humoredly. "We +keep our men warm and comfortable and feed 'em well. The consequence is +that they like the job, and every man of 'em is glad to come back to +the camp when the next season opens." + +"But does not the war interfere with your work and make your men +enlist?" the Colonel asked. + +"Yes, sometimes; but it is a good thing to have a reputation. If peace +was declared to-morrow, I could get twice the men I need. As it is, half +the young men in the colony have listed. And yet I have all I want. But +dinner is almost ready, so Sir George, you and your men might put your +things in my office here; and, Mrs. Manning," he exclaimed with another +bow, "I haven't got a leddy's boudoir, but if you are not afraid of an +old bachelor's quarters, you might fix and rest yourself in my own den." + +"I shall be only too glad," returned Helen. "This big shanty is so +comfortable, I am sure I would be too warm, if I kept my furs on." + +"Well, just make yourself at home. You are welcome to any little thing I +can do for ye. But, ma sakes, what became o' the other weemen?" + +"Oh, they went off to the men's kitchen with their husbands," returned +Sir George. "You know Corporal Bond and Private Hardman were of the +reconnoitring party." + +And closing the heavy door of Mackenzie's den, Helen laid her wraps upon +his bed. A little mirror was hanging by the window and without delay she +arranged her hair. Then she washed in the pewter bowl and sat down in +the arm chair, the only seat in the room. Soliloquizing, she began to +realize what was before her. Through the little window she saw that the +shanty was close to the woods, an impenetrable forest on every side. +Only half a day out from Halifax, and notwithstanding the presence of +her husband, in a certain sense alone. And if alone, when blessed with +the rude comforts of the log camp and the generous cordiality of the +owner, what must it be when out in the forest night after night, through +all the long months of the winter? There could be no shadow of turning +now--no possibility of retreat. Still she did not lament. It was only +that life seemed more tense--more binding--infinitely more positive and +real! + +A little later, Harold came for her, and they joined Mr. Mackenzie, Sir +George and the officers at the head table, in the big hall of the +shanty. Their host placed Helen and Sir George as his guests of honor. +Then the big gong sounded and the shanty-men in smock frock and blue +jean overalls filed in and took their places. + +"That's a motley crowd, Sir George," said Mr. Mackenzie. They could +easily be observed by the Colonel, for his seat commanded a view of the +whole room. + +"Yes, you have many nationalities here: German, English, Scotch, Irish, +French," said Sir George. + +"But Johnny Canucks are on top every time," was the answer. "They stand +the work well, and make fine lumbermen. They have their peculiarities, +though. See how they spread their molasses on their pork instead of +their bread." + +"Like the Dutchman sleeping on straw with his feather bed on top of +him." + +"Or the Irishman with his potatoes and point." + +"Yes, but the French and the Dutch make the most of it, while Pat +contents himself with a joke." + +"And on it he fattens," returned Mackenzie with a laugh. "But I tell you +my men are well fed, the grub's rough but wholesome, and we often eat a +calf or a deer at a meal besides a pile of other stuff. Our table +doesn't differ much from theirs either," he continued, "but to-day in +honor of our guests, particularly Mrs. Manning and yoursel', Sir George, +I told the cook to make it extra fine. By George, he's sending us +griddled tenderloin, roast turkey and stuffed partridges as well." + +Then they had baked potatoes, cranberry sauce, salaratus cakes and tea. + +"We've only got brown sugar, Mrs. Manning, I'm sorry to say," he +continued, turning to Helen. "And unfortunately our coos are all dry." + +"It's a genuine feast," returned Helen, "and I'm thirsty enough to drink +anything." With an effort she controlled the muscles of her face as she +drank the beverage. Lumber-camp tea in those days was a nauseous draft +to any but the woodsmen themselves. + +By-and-bye the meal was over and Helen made a hasty run to the kitchen +department to see what the women were doing. The lumbermen, too, filed +out of the room to make way for the soldiers who at that moment were +marching down the hill. They were hungry after their long tramp, and did +not require a second bidding, when word came that the tables were ready. + +In offering to settle for the meal so freely granted, the response was a +surprise to Sir George. + +"Take pay for a feed!" cried the Scotchman with a laugh. "Not much, I +reckon we can stand it without smashing the camp. Thank ye kindly, +though." + +"This is too generous altogether," was the protest. + +"Not at all," replied Mackenzie. "Scotch bodies are canny, but when they +say a thing they mean it." + +"Well! we'll not forget you," said Sir George, as he grasped the +generous donor by the hand. "Perhaps some day our turn will come." + +Soon the teams were ready again, and several of the marching officers +took the places of those who had ridden. The result was that Chaplain +Evans was assigned to a seat in Helen's sleigh, while Harold walked +with his men. + +"It can't be helped," said the Lieutenant, as he gave his wife a +momentary caress. "I shall have to ride and march turn about until +Quebec is reached. But you are in good company and there is no danger." + +"Well," replied Helen, forcing a laugh, "your absence will make your +presence all the dearer; so good-bye, sweetheart." + +"Until to-night," was his answer, and throwing her another kiss, he +placed himself at the head of his men. + +"How much further do we go to-day?" Helen asked of Sir George, who came +to speak to her for a moment before getting into his sleigh. + +"About fifteen miles, I think. We want to camp at Shebenacadie to-night. +There will be accommodation in a settler's house for you and the women, +but for the rest of us, the men will have to put up shanties, and the +sooner we get away the better. The scouting party went ahead two hours +ago on snowshoes, so they will have them started when we arrive." + +"But what after to-night?" said Helen. + +"I'm afraid we'll have to camp, women as well as men," said the Colonel +with a shrug, and stepping into his sleigh, the cavalcade started. + + + + + CHAPTER XIII. + + +For more than an hour the drive was rapid, the country being less +undulating and the road smoother. Still the way was always through the +woods. Tall pines everywhere stretched skyward, while on the lowlands, +ashes and elms spread out their grey branches, in vivid contrast to the +evergreen above. Scrub oaks on the hillocks still carried the dead red +leaves of the past year; while here and there a beech or a maple added +its varied beauty to the winter landscape. + +Although the road lay for miles along the banks of the Shebenacadie, its +waters could only occasionally be seen. Now and then a wider vista +opened, and a bit of the dashing river, rendered free here and there by +a more rapid current, added picturesqueness to the view. At other places +the bed of the stream was covered with ice, save for an occasional +rollway, where the lumberer had piled his sawlogs upon its broken +surface. + +The drivers had covered more than half the distance to the proposed camp +when they reached the top of a long ridge stretching out on either side. +At the foot of the incline, a stranger sight than they had yet seen +attracted their attention. It was a circle of Indian wigwams, in the +lowest part of the valley, no doubt placed there to protect them from +the winds that prevailed in the uplands. One of the lodges was taller +and broader than the rest, but in other respects they were alike, and of +the usual cone form. + +In the centre of the circle was a huge log fire, around which stood a +promiscuous lot of Indians, squaws and papooses, watching the +approaching sleighs. + +"Are these Indians always friendly?" the Chaplain asked of Bateese, as +they gradually neared the little Indian village. + +"Oui, Monsieur, yees," was the answer. "Dey be Micmacs, and Micmacs goot +Indians. Not like de Hurons, who scalp all de tam. But let white man +cheat a Micmac, or run away wid heem squaw; den by Gar he have revanche. +He follow dat man till he kill him wid his hatchet, den put him in de +ground; and no wan ever hear of him no more." + +"Whew!" exclaimed Helen, with a little shiver. "They must be very good +Indians, indeed, if they kill a man for cheating." + +"Ah, madame! so dey be. Just treat Micmac square, he treat you square +too." + +"How do they build their wigwams?" the Chaplain asked. "They are very +substantial looking." + +"Vell, I tell you. I been in dem manys de time. Dey juss as warm as +Madame's boudoir wid lettle stove in it. Dey make 'em of cedar poles, +tight in groun' and fastened togeder tight at top. Den dey bind dem +roun' all ovare wid strong green bark put on like shingles, and so close +dat water can't get in. Dey make 'em in summare so it dry by wintare. +Nex dey put on straight spruce branches all over de outside and spruce +green branches all over de inside--till it is like de man from de +contree--green all de way tru." + +"Bateese, I didn't know you were so witty," exclaimed the Chaplain. + +"Vell, by Gar, ef a man drive all de tam, day after day all wintare +long, most tam wid no wan to spoke to, an' ees femme or ees fille a +t'ousand miles away, ef ee can't jess tink of somet'ing funny he die." + +By this time the chief with a number of his tribe were out on the road, +and on the approach of Sir George's sleigh he threw up his right arm and +shouted: + +"Kwa." + +"Yer honor, the spalpeen means how do yees do," said Pat, Sir George's +driver, in a low voice. + +"I'm very well, thank you," replied the Colonel, extending his hand. But +the Indian ignored the proffered cordiality. + +"Be jabers, he can talk English, too, for I've heerd him," muttered Pat +in a still lower key. + +"Kwa wenin," next said the Indian, looking straight into the eyes of +Sir George. + +Pat this time remembered more fully, so he turned and spoke aloud: "He +means, who are you? Tell him your name, Sir George, and he'll answer +yees in English." + +"Sir George Head, Colonel of the Soldiers of the Great Father." + +"It is well. White Bear--Chief Micmacum tribum. Always everything two +ways me speakum," replied the Indian in a dignified manner; while this +time he accepted the hand of the Colonel, retaining it firmly in his own +for some moments. The Micmacs, in their association with the whites, had +made a strange jumble of the language. Still, White Bear's English being +intelligible, a few minutes' conversation followed. + +The chief had seen the scouts already, who, after telling him that Sir +George and his soldiers were coming, had gone ahead to prepare for the +night's camp. + +Evidently from the way the chief and his braves strutted around, they +had put on their best costumes in order to meet the representative of +the Great Father. + +White Bear was only armed with a tomahawk, but he was dressed in full +Indian costume, with leggings, moccasins, hunting shirt and wampum belt; +while his head dress, though of mink, was made in civilized style. The +men who stood a few feet in his rear were dressed in more nondescript +fashion. Two or three had muskets, and more than one hatchet and long +knife could be seen beneath the blankets they wore. Further back, but +outside the wigwams, the squaws were huddled together, and beyond them +the children. + +"Great Father send braves, Yankees you fightum?" said the Indian, +feeling proud of his English. + +"Not this time," said Sir George. "The Great Father sends his men to +trade with the Indians up the Ottawa and on the great lakes toward the +setting sun." + +"Takum squaws too?" was the next question, with a side glance at Helen +and the women in the next sleigh. + +"Not many squaws," replied Sir George, gravely. "Just enough to make the +men behave themselves. More will come by-and-bye." + +"When White Bear make bargain squaw nevel speakum," said the Indian, +sententiously. + +"Do you hear that, Mrs. Manning?" cried the Colonel to Helen, who was +near enough to hear the words of the conversation. "But we must drive +on. I am glad to have met you, Chief." + +Again they shook hands; White Bear once more raised his right hand above +his head as before; and, simultaneously, the band of Indians joined in +the parting salutation, "Kwa." + +The tone was so fierce and loud that the women started. It sounded more +like a war-whoop than an expression of good-will; and they were glad to +commence their journey again. But the Indians remained where they were +until the last of the sleighs had passed. Then Sir George raised his +helmet in salute, and in answer to his courtesy, White Bear pulled off +his mink skin and once more yelled "Kwa." Whereupon the sleighs +quickened their speed to make up for lost time, while the Indians +returned to their lodges. + + + + + CHAPTER XIV. + + +The second night of the long march was passed by all in newly made camps +far away from human habitation. It was very different from the first +night, in which a comfortable house was secured for the lodging of the +women, refreshing both Helen and the soldiers' wives for the next day's +travel. But this time they, too, had to abide like the soldiers in the +woods. + +The sun was still above the horizon when the sleighs reached the little +valley in which it was decided to pitch their camp for the night. The +spot was well chosen, being sheltered from the winds. It lay close to a +little tributary of the Shebenacadie. + +Already the scouting party had commenced work. They had felled a big +pine across a narrow ravine, leaving space between it and the earth +sufficient to utilize it as a beam pole for a large improvised wigwam. +Some of the men were chopping off the long branches and leaning them +against the fallen trunk, while others were cutting down saplings for a +similar purpose. + +"That's a good beginning," said the Colonel, as he stepped out of his +sleigh and stretched his limbs after the cramping of the long drive. "A +fine selection, too; lots of water and no wind. Now, every man must do +his best, for it will be dark in an hour, and it will take until then +for the troops to arrive. Chaplain, cannot you and the Doctor fix a +place at one end of that shanty specially for Mrs. Manning, and make it +snug and warm? She will have to camp out with her husband this time." + +"That will be clerical work of a new kind," replied Mr. Evans with a +laugh. "But I can say grace over it while Beaumont does the fixing. How +will that do?" + +"Capital. If you will also arrange the rugs and blankets while attending +to your devotions," responded the Doctor. "I think the wigwam idea +excellent. When hunting in winter I always prefer a shanty to a tent." + +"Come along, then," exclaimed the Chaplain. "I see they've got the poles +up at that end already. If Madame will excuse us, we'll soon fix her +little boudoir; and by the time Lieutenant Manning arrives, he'll find +his castle built and his lady waiting at the gate to receive him." + +"It is very good of you," said Helen. But there was a look of concern +upon her face, for they had hoped when starting to cover five more miles +that day, in which case they would again have found a house for her to +pass the night in. As it was, there was nothing but woods on every side, +and even Harold would not arrive until the darkening. + +Colonel Head's kindly eye noted the distress, which Helen was doing her +best to hide. + +"There is no help for it. We've got to take things as they are," he +exclaimed cheerfully. "It may be a good thing after all that we can't +cover the other five miles. The men are tired enough, and this spot is +simply ideal for a camping ground." + +"I believe it is," returned Helen, who in watching a dozen men swing +their axes to good advantage, was regaining her courage. "The women are +helping and so will I." + +Every one worked hard. Sir George, too, was constantly on the move, +issuing orders and making suggestions to facilitate the completion of +the preparations for the night. The experience in army life, which the +soldiers' wives had learned in Europe, proved of advantage now. It was +on this account they had been selected to accompany the column, and the +wisdom of the choice was proving itself already. What added cheerfulness +to the prospect, too, was the big fire of dead timber built by the +scouts. + +Helen watched with interest the details of the work going on around her. +She was laying in a store of knowledge for future use; and before the +wigwams and tents were ready for the night, she helped not a little to +make them comfortable. + +As the tired men marched down the hill to the camp, some of the wigwams +were ready for occupation. The horses had been provided for in an +enclosure made by the arrangement of the sleighs, and supper was ready. +Caldrons of pork and beans were sizzling on the fire, while tea and +bread from the Halifax supply were there for all. The officers' mess, +too, was a jolly one with its added fresh meat, biscuits and jam. + +"My darling," said Harold to his wife, after the meal was over and they +stood together for a few minutes by one of the blazing fires. "I realize +now more than ever what you have sacrificed for me, and how much you +were willing to endure." + +"Don't talk in that way, please," she returned, pressing his arm, but at +the same time dashing away a tear. "I was very willing to come, Harold, +and I have never been sorry that I did." + +"And a brave little woman you are." + +"I try hard. It will be easier when I get used to it. The worst of all +is the loneliness, but that I knew would come." + +"It is the hardest at the start, dearest," he said, holding her tighter +by the hand. + +"Forgive me, Harold. I know I am silly, but this is the anniversary of +my mother's death. Is it any wonder that I should feel a little blue? +But never mind my foolishness, I will be better to-morrow." + +"Foolishness, indeed! You are the dearest and best woman that ever +lived. I had not forgotten either; and if I could I would have been +with you all day." + +"Well, I'm not going to be disconsolate any more," she exclaimed in a +gayer tone. "You have not seen the dainty little wigwam that the Doctor +and Chaplain have fixed up for us among the pine branches. They have +covered the floor with pine needles. Then our bed is the funniest thing +of all. It is a pile of small pine branches, covered with another of +cedar. Over that are blankets, next a huge buffalo robe and pillows, and +over all some more blankets and another buffalo robe on top. For a door +you shove a slab of wood away and squeeze in. When inside you light a +candle to find a sloping branchy roof, seven feet high on one side and +four on the other, with a floor space that is quite large and green +branches all around." + +"Is that your cozy corner Mrs. Manning is talking about?" said Dr. +Beaumont, who at this moment joined them. + +"Yes, she is giving a graphic description of your skill as a builder," +replied Harold, laughing. + +"We did our best, and the Chaplain said grace over it, too; but it is +not much in the way of a lady's bed-chamber; sans stove, sans windows, +sans crockery, sans everything, but a place to sleep in," said the +Doctor. + +"Well, I only hope that your quarters will be as comfortable," was +Helen's laughing comment. + +"Thank you, we looked after that. What is more, we fixed our own bunk +right next to yours, so that if anything happens to the Queen of our +party, we shall be on hand to attend to her wants forthwith, whether +medical or spiritual," rejoined the Doctor. + +"How kind you are! What's that?" she exclaimed, turning her head to +catch the sounds, for in the distance a long shrill howl was heard. + +"Dem's wolves, Madame," said Bateese, as he brought up another armful of +wood for the fire. "Dere's anoder and anoder, sacre! de'll be lots o' +dem to-night." + +"What a gruesome sound!" returned Helen with a shiver. + +"The pack must be large," said Sir George, as he approached with Captain +Payne. "You had better give orders," he continued to the latter, "to +have big fires kept up all night. They say that when the wolves are +numerous as well as hungry, they will even attack a camp if not well +guarded. What do you know about them, Bateese?" + +"Some tam dey very fierce, Monsieur, and when hongree will chase 'eem +right roun' de fire till 'ee shoot 'eem dead." + +"They are not coming this way," said the Chaplain, who was also +listening. + +"Na, na," said Bateese. "Dey smell long way off, and go 'roun' and +'roun' before ever dey come to camp." + +"You don't say that we are in for fun to-night, do you?" + +"Don't say noffin," replied Bateese with a shrug. "Only dey won't be +here for a long tam anyway." + +"Will you take me to see the other women, Harold, before we go to bed?" +said Helen with another little shiver. + +"You are surely not afraid with such a body of troops around you, Mrs. +Manning?" queried the Colonel. + +"Not a bit, Sir George," was her answer, and she turned upon him a face +that showed no trace of fear, "but I want to visit the women a few +minutes and see how they fare." + +"By jove, we are blest with having such a woman with us!" said the +Colonel to the little crowd about him, as the two moved away. "It gives +us a bit of civilization right in the woods; and God knows we need it. +She's a treasure, and you men must do what you can for her." + +"We will all do that, sir," was the hearty response. + +Helen found the women seated on a log with their husbands beside a fire +near the middle of the men's quarters. They, too, were discussing the +wolf question. + +"Just listen!" exclaimed Mrs. Hardman in alarm. "There must be twenty of +'em. They might come to us when there is such a lot." + +"Let 'em come," said Mrs. Bond, tossing her head. "What's twenty wolves +agin two 'undred men?" + +"That's not it," said the other woman. "They're such sneaks. They say +they can squeeze into any 'ole. I wouldn't want one of them beasts in my +bunk for a bed-fellow." + +"You need not be alarmed," said Lieutenant Manning. "There will be a +fire in front of each camp all night, and plenty of men on guard. If the +women are afraid though, Corporal, it might be better to put in a few +more stakes to block up the bunks more thoroughly." + +"P'raps it would. We'll attend to it, sir." And the two men went off to +cut the stakes and put them in place. + +Helen remained with the women a little longer, while Harold crossing +over to speak to the Colonel, told him of Mrs. Hardman's alarm. Sir +George laughed. Nevertheless, he gave the final order to double the +guard for the night, with relief every two hours instead of three. At +ten o'clock the bugle sounded the men to bed. + +The large fires in front of the camps made them warm and comfortable; +and in another hour the whole camp was still, while the guards on duty +stood and lounged around the blazing fires. Silence and quietude reigned +supreme, save for the crackling of the faggots and the howling of the +wolves. For a time the sounds were very distant, seemingly miles away. + +Hour after hour passed by. Snuggled beneath the blankets the men and +women were sleeping. Suddenly the howling, which had been circling in +the distance the whole of the night, concentrated in one direction, and +gradually the sounds grew louder and the tones clearer. + +Captain Cummings, knowing that the drivers would be familiar with the +country and the habits of the animals, had arranged for two of them to +take part with the pickets on each watch. This time both Bateese and Pat +were on duty. + +"Sacre! de dem wolf comin' straight for us," exclaimed the former. + +"Be jabers! They're on a bee line down the Truro-road," added Pat. "In +foive minutes the howlin' pack 'll be on us as sure as shootin'. Pile on +the dry pine, boys," he called out in a higher key. "Whin ther's a big +pack and a cowld night, it'll take a tremendous fire to keep the +spalpeens from sessling right into us." + +"We'd better call out the men," suggested a private. + +"Holy Peter! we must call the drivers too, or the horses 'll be afther a +stampede," was the answer. + +But both drivers and soldiers had heard the wolves and were up. Captains +Cummings and Payne and Sir George, too, were already out, and the men, +many of them only half dressed, with guns in their hands came tumbling +after them. + +"We may as well see the end of this," cried the Colonel. + +"Heavens! Yonder they come," shouted Cummings; and at the top of the +long incline, leading out of the valley, a dark, surging mass could be +seen clearly in the moonlight. + +On they came straight down the road, filling the air with unearthly +yells. Some in the centre were on a steady run; others at the side +scampered irregularly to the right or left; while a few young and lanky +fellows leapt madly over the backs of others in order to get to the +front. + +"Quick, men! Rifles ready," called out Cummings, as the men got into +position before the unusual foe. The wild rush of the wolves was checked +as they neared the blazing fires. Still, as Pat said, "Numbers made them +bould." There were more than a score of the hungry brutes; and the sight +of fire was not enough to divert their attention from horses and men +that they saw within their reach. + +As they struck the camp they set up a more terrific howl than ever, and +made a sort of momentary halt. The leaders, a couple of huge fellows, +turning grey with age, seemed in a quandary whether to turn to the right +or to the left. Then they made a rush toward the riflemen who stood +nearest, and the whole pack came on. + +"Fire!" cried the Colonel. + +One of the old greys dropped and several others with him. With a +cowardly yell the animals veered; but it was only for a moment. Then, +some savagely turned on their fellow-comrades to tear them limb from +limb, while others scattered to right and left. Again the men fired, and +then charged with fixed bayonets, rushing on the animals with cold +steel. + +By this time the whole force was roused, and clinching their guns +appeared on the scene. But brief as it was, the battle was almost over. +A number of the wolves were killed, some were wounded and others, still +unhurt, retreated into the forest; while one or two, surrounded by the +bayonets of the men, made a wild dash through the camp for the woods on +the further side. + +Helen did not go to sleep early that night. The excitement of the day's +travel, together with the new conditions, had unsettled her nerves. +Consequently, a couple of hours passed away before sleep came, and then +troubled dreams marred her rest. + +The mad yells of the wolves as they neared the camp awoke both her and +Harold. With a suppressed scream, Helen clutched her husband as he +sprang up to don his outer-clothing. Then came the fire of the first +shots. + +"Don't leave me," she pleaded, in momentary terror. "What if a wolf +should squeeze in between the poles!" + +"No fear of that, dearest," he answered, pulling on his boots and tunic +in less time than it takes to tell. "But I won't leave you. There has +been no general call for the men as yet." + +"The only way in or out is through that passage," she cried, calm again, +and busy dressing while she spoke. The shooting continued and the shouts +of the men grew louder, while there was less yelling of the animals. +Then came a wild hurrying and stampeding around the camp. Harold had +stuck a lighted candle in a crotch and a brace of pistols in his belt. +In another moment he was ready for anything. + +"What's that?" exclaimed Helen with a wild shout. + +Harold turned instantly, and by the dim light saw that the slabs at the +entrance were being wriggled. + +"By heavens, it's a wolf!" he shouted, and almost without taking aim he +fired one of his pistols at the head of a monster which was squeezing +between the poles. The bullet grazed his shoulder, but with a gruesome +howl and snapping jaw he continued forcing himself into the narrow cell. +Helen, shrinking to the further end, seized a dirk from the sheath in +which it hung, while Harold fired his second pistol. This time the ball +passed through the wolf's neck into his body. Still he was not killed, +and snapping savagely he floundered into the room. + +Then came the life and death struggle between Harold and the wolf. With +his empty pistol he struck him a fierce blow upon the head, while the +wolf's teeth clutched the young man's leg. + +"Quick, the knife," he gasped, and like a flash the dirk was buried in +the brute's heart. The jaws relaxed. The leg was free again and the huge +wolf rolled over. + +The candle was still alight as Harold staggered, a gory spectacle, to +his couch. Helen, too, was trembling and spotted with blood. Bravely she +had faced it all and had not swooned. + +"How terribly he has bitten you!" she cried with quivering lips. + +"Only a scratch," was his answer. But the shots and Helen's screams had +been heard, and the poles were being forced aside. Sir George, the +Doctor, Cummings and others had come to the rescue. + +"What in heaven's name have you here?" cried the former in consternation +as, in putting his head in, he almost fell over the body of the dead +animal. + +"We've been entertaining a wolf," Harold gasped. + +"And he's been trying to kill my husband," Helen added, bravely keeping +back the tears. + +"You're not dead yet, though," exclaimed the Doctor. "Can you stand up, +old man?" + +"Certainly I can." And Harold, spattered with blood, rose to his feet. +"The rascal nipped my leg, though. Perhaps you had better look at it, +Doctor." + +"Come outside then, if you can walk." He managed to reach the blazing +fire, followed by Helen. And there the Doctor dressed the wound. + +When the other men dragged out the dead animal before putting the place +to order again, they were amazed at their discovery. + +"Why, it's the big she-wolf!" Cummings exclaimed. "The mate of the old +grey that was shot. What a desperate fight Manning must have had!" + +"And his wife," echoed Sir George. "The wonder is that she retained her +senses at all." + +Harold's hurt was not a severe one. Fortunately it was but a dying snap, +and the blood on his clothes was from the wolf. So he cleaned and +changed them; and Helen with water and sponge refreshed herself too. +Half an hour later they returned to their own wigwam. But the men had +not been idle. They had made it over again; and they found their bunk as +good as new. So after each had taken a glass of old wine, which Harold +had fortunately brought with him, they once more retired to rest. The +outside guards were changed, and soon the men of the troop were trying +to sleep again, in preparation for the next day's march. + + + + + CHAPTER XV. + + +Notwithstanding the exciting disturbances of the night, to both men and +beasts, the troops were up by daylight. Breakfast was over, the camp was +struck, and all were ready to march before the sun in the clear winter +sky was much above the horizon. During the last of the preparations, +Helen, wrapped in her furs, was seated on a log by one of the fires. +While waiting for Harold she was busy jotting down notes in a scrap book +that lay on her knee. + +"Well, dearie!" he exclaimed, as he joined her with a slight limp. "We +start in ten minutes. Are you quite ready? But what is this you are +doing?" + +"Just scribbling a bit," she replied. "Commencing my diary. And how is +the leg? It must hurt you." + +"Only a little. The Doctor has dressed it again. He says it is a mere +trifle. The thick folds of my trousers saved me from a bite that might +have been serious. So you are turning historian, are you? Commencing, I +suppose, with a thrilling tale of adventure." + +"Last night's experience should be thrilling enough to make a record +of, don't you think?" was her answer. + +"Well, yes; if you only put it down right. You should commence with an +account of the brave lady who, without fear, seized a dagger and by her +dexterity saved the life of her husband." + +"What do you take me for? Any more nonsense like that?" + +"There is no nonsense about it, my dear. Where would I have been but for +you? Both my pistols empty, clutched by a big wolf, and no knife within +reach until you handed it to me. No, my dear Mrs. Manning, you were +veritably your husband's preserver. Put it down quick, for we have +scarcely a minute to lose." + +"It is too late," she returned with grave perspicacity. "The first +chapter is closed. What I have writ, I have writ, and there's the end +o't." And closing her scrap book she opened her reticule to put it in. + +"But my brave lady," he cried. "My heroine of the midnight battle, won't +you let me see what you have writ?" + +"That is a question," was her laughing answer, putting her bag behind +her back. + +"Why so?" he asked. + +"Because----" + +"Because what?" + +"Because you shouldn't see anything I put down. I just thought I would +write a bit each day until we get to Penetang; but there are things +which a woman would not want to tell to a man, even her husband." + +"I never thought of that," he replied gravely. "Still, there may be +truth in it." + +"I don't want to be mean, Harold," she said relentingly, handing him the +scrap book. "Read it this time, but please let me write what I want +without showing it to you again, until we reach Penetang anyway. I +promise that you may read the whole of it then if you insist." + +"Well, I agree," he replied, stooping to kiss her. "Writing letters to +nobody with nobody to read them." + +"Who else should read them but the nobody for whom they were written," +was her laughing response. + +The horses were harnessed, but he had still time to glance hastily over +the first entry of her diary. It ran thus: + +"Shebenacadie, Nova Scotia, Jan., 1814. + +"Just three days and nights since we left Halifax. The weather sharp, +cold and bright, with scarcely a cloud in the sky at any time, and jolly +long drives they have been. We had great fun at a lumber camp on our +first day out. A good-natured Scotchman was what they call 'Boss' and he +made it very pleasant for us. He gave us an excellent dinner and was +very gallant to us all, but he tried to be funny, too. For instance, he +told me it was lucky I was not going to stay in Nova Scotia, for if I +did, I would become a 'blue-nose' like the rest of the women, for I was +catching the disease already. + +"I laughingly repudiated the charge and told him it was a calumny upon +the Nova Scotia women, for their noses were all a natural color. + +"'My dear woman,' he replied, 'I'm no daft. Their noses are all blue, +but for the sake of effect they just paint 'em pink.' + +"The Doctor heard him and shook with laughter, while Mr. Mackenzie +reiterated: 'Fact, madame, fact! When you come back jess ask Mrs. Mason +and she'll tell you.' I feel sure he was joking, although my nose was a +little blue at the time from the extreme cold. Still the 'Boss' is a +fine specimen of his race; rough, generous and warm-hearted. I wonder if +he has a wife. If not the sooner he gets one the better, for like Harold +he could make a woman happy. + +"That afternoon we passed an Indian camp. Some of the redskins were +armed, and as there were a lot of them, and only a few of us in sleighs, +it didn't seem safe, until we had driven on and they had shouted their +last 'Qua.' + +"But the horror of all was last night, only three or four hours before +dawn, where, if it had not been for a providential candle, Harold would +have been killed. Oh, that blessed candle! I have stowed it away already +among my most valuable belongings in commemoration of the event. The +fiendish eyes of that gaunt wolf made my blood run cold as he wriggled +through the bars into our camp. Harold shot him twice with his pistols +and afterwards stabbed him to the heart with his dagger; still he could +not have done it but for that little candle which he had stuck between +the branches before the fight began. What a terrible scene it was! When +Harold and the brute were locked together and the blood spurted all +over, I felt sure that it was Harold's. I almost fainted. But somehow I +just wouldn't. So I grabbed hold of the wolf's leg and helped to roll +him on his back. It was all the help I could give. The whole thing was +horrible to think of. It made my blood curdle. But I don't care so long +as Harold is all right. I always knew what a good, true man my husband +was, but never before did I know how brave he could be. He's the----" + +But here the record broke off abruptly, caused no doubt by the said +Harold's arrival. "I wonder how you purposed concluding that last +sentence?" he asked with a laugh, as he handed back the book. "Possibly +the dash was merely a happy substitute for something else." + +"On second thought I don't think I'll finish it," she said, dryly. "Just +leave it for you to conjecture." + +"And am I to read no more chapters?" he asked. + +"Not even one," she replied, nodding her head. "A woman's fiat is like +the law of the Medes and Persians--it cannot be altered." + +"So be it," he assented, while he helped her into the sleigh. "I shall +restrain my curiosity until the manuscript is finished. But woe betide +you if you do not let me read it then." And they both laughed. + +The next moment the bugles sounded, the sleighs and troops were already +in order, and on the word of command the journey was resumed. + +Helen's diary continued. + +"Camp, ---- miles northwest of Truro, Jan'y ----, 10 p.m., 1814. + +"I thought I would write a little in my diary every day when I +commenced, but here, on the very start, I have missed a day already. +Perhaps it was because Harold, on account of the wolf's bite, has been +with me ever since. To-day it has been terribly cold, and I was afraid +he might be worse, but thank heaven he is not. The roads are still good +through this mountainous region, and without many drifts either. Bateese +pretends to be disgusted. He says they are not worth a 'tam,' for he has +been doing his best to find a drift to camp in ever since we started. So +we laugh and tell him it is foolish to despair. + +"Last night we were on the lookout for wolves again. We sat on logs +around the camp fires until quite late listening for them; but there was +not a single howl. We did hear something, however, that was at least +more amusing. The men had made our little camp comfortable for us, and +Harold and I were having a chat by ourselves before turning in for the +night. Perhaps I felt moody again in the still air and deep solitude of +the woods. It was so new and strange to me--so different from anything I +had ever experienced. + +"Suddenly we heard singing in the habitants' camp. The drivers were +seated around their own fire and listening to Bateese. I wonder if I can +remember the words of the quaint little song. It ran something like +this: + + Ma luffly gal she ees so neat, + She be ma femme come by-am-bye; + She ope her leetle mouf so sweet + An' all de day sing lullaby. + + Ven she vas baby dress in print, + Her petite nose vas vide an' pug, + So dat it make her eyes go squint + Ven she shut up her leetle mug. + + Her arms so short, her feet so long, + Dey make you tink of kangaroo; + Still, mon devoir, I sing ma song + An' tell de story all to you. + + But she so fair, her hair like gold, + Her bref is like de rose to smell; + An' vat care I for tings I told, + I luff dat leetle gal so well. + + An den who cares vat people say? + Mon Dieu! e'en d'ough de night owls sing, + It ees no mattare. Ve'll be gay + An' Cure'll marry us in spring. + +"Then the men laughed and we laughed too. Somehow it roused my spirits, +and I liked Bateese all the better for singing his foolish little +ditty." + +Diary continued. + +"Miramichi River, New Brunswick, 240 miles from Halifax, Feb. ----, +1814. + +"I intended to write in my diary every day when I started, but, 'The +best laid schemes of men and mice gang aft aglee.' Several weary days +have gone since I used my pencil last. I was more than half sick and did +not feel like writing. But now I am better; so start anew and will try +to keep it up. Harold has been very good to me; and so have the Doctor +and the Chaplain, and the Colonel and everybody. Still travelling twenty +miles a day, no matter how you feel, is no joke, particularly when you +have to camp out in improvised shanties every night, no matter how +intense the cold. Two of the days it stormed furiously and Bateese had +all he could do to keep our sleigh from upsetting in the drifts. Some of +the others did go over much to their discomfort, and we began to prize +Bateese all the more for his dexterity, even if he does brag a bit. When +the blast was the keenest both the women got their noses frozen. That +was two days ago, and their driver discovered it just as we stopped to +camp for dinner. + +"'By gar!' he cried out vehemently, 'de vemen's noses bot' be friz.' + +"Bateese dropped his lines into Harold's hands and almost with a bound +reached the other sleigh. Then the two men commenced at once to rub the +frozen noses with snow, much to the disgust of the women. But opposition +was useless. It was the right thing to do, and at the same time a rare +joke to the Frenchmen who continued to jabber their patois. + +"'Be quiet now, Femme Bond,' cried Bateese. 'You no want your nose drop +off.' + +"'Ardman never look at 'im femme again wid big hole in him face," yelled +the other. ''Old steel I say.' + +"The women realized the truth and slowly the white ivory hardness of the +two noses disappeared, and they became red and soft again. + +"Dey must cover de face wid wraps all de rest of de day" was Bateese's +parting injunction as he left them to return to his own sleigh. + +"We are lucky in having Bateese for a driver. He is usually so amusing +with his stories. At first we used to believe all he said. Now we +discriminate, and laugh at his tales about bears and things as heartily +as he does himself. Speaking of Bruin reminds me that I saw wild bears +for the first time yesterday. Harold was with me. The Colonel's sleigh, +as usual, was just in front of ours; and as our horses slowly ascended a +steep hill on the curve, we saw a big black bear, with two little cubs +some months old, sitting on her haunches right in the road--a most +unusual thing, for bears as a rule hibernate during the winter. + +"Sir George's horses reared, while the men in his sleigh picked up their +guns and fired. The old bear dropped, but the little ones were not hurt, +and instead of running away they cuddled beside their dead mother. Such +a pitiful sight! Some of the men clamored to keep the cubs for mascots; +and the habitants declared that the journey would be lucky if they did. +I was glad when the Colonel gave his consent, for I hated the idea of +killing the cunning little things; and if left without their mother they +would surely die. So some stayed behind to skin and dress the bear, for +it was so much added to our larder; and also to fix a box to put the +little cubs in. Funny, too, that this should happen on what they call +'Bear-day.' + +"And last night we had roast bear for supper. It has a strong taste, but +as I am getting well, and hungry again, I relished it as a change from +our regular diet. + +"Harold was telling me afterwards that one of the cubs is a male and the +other a female; and that the two companies are to have one apiece. The +funniest part of it is that they christened them both with singaree--one +to be called Helen and the other Manning. I knew the officers were very +kind, but I never suspected that the soldiers cared a button for me. +Pshaw! There's a tear on my paper. I wonder where it came from?" + + + + + CHAPTER XVI. + + HELEN'S DIARY CONTINUED. + + +"Restigouche River, Feb. ----. + +Four more days' journey without writing a line: and then the long, long +nights. The same old story; riding all morning, then helping the women +to fix things for dinner in the woods. Then riding all afternoon till +nearly sundown, followed by the excitement and turmoil among the men, in +building camps for the night. It is a strange life to lead. Three weeks +since we left Halifax, and only once inside a house during all that +time. Just think of it. Camping in the woods among the hills every night +no matter how it snows or how it freezes. Still, as long as it has to +be, the woods are better than an open plain; and the denser, the kinder, +for they break the cold winds from the icy northland. There is always a +big fire before each shanty when we retire for the night; but after you +get into bed, the soughing of the winds through the trees of the forest +sounds very weird. Down in the valley where the men pitch the tents may +be still; but away in the tops of the tall pines, a whole legion of +elfs are sounding their harps and scampering through the branches. How +often when you lie still with eyes wide open, waiting for sleep that +will not come, you can see the glittering stars through the chinks above +you, while the fairy imps go by in myriads, blowing their tiny whistles +and twanging their lutes in tune to the elfish music of the night. +By-and-bye, tired nature whiles you to the silent land; but the dirge +goes with you even to the world of dreams. + +"Then by the break of day the bugle sounds. Up you start to make a crude +toilet. You stow away your little bits of goods and chattels, eat your +breakfast of biscuit and bacon and tea, and while men are tearing your +bunk to pieces and packing it for the journey, you in turn take your +place in the caravan, counting the days of the fathomless past and the +inevitable days of the future. + +"But how lucky it is that there are incidents to note. It keeps one +thinking, so I watch the officers and men in their strange methods. +Sunday, Monday and Saturday are alike to them; except that the Chaplain +holds a short service after breakfast every Sunday morning. Just as +battles are fought more frequently on Sunday than any other day, so +soldiers when marching want to cover more ground on that day than any +other. I wonder if it is because they want to follow our Saviour's +teaching? + +"Then all seem to have forgotten the past. They live in the actual +present. Even the Chaplain, whom one would expect to find as grave as a +judge, is, I verily believe, the jolliest man in the whole party. He +doesn't seem to have a single care. One day as we halted for dinner, a +big black squirrel got cornered among some logs; and he was the first to +jump from his sleigh to try and catch him. Of course others followed to +join in the chase. But the squirrel was not to be caught, and he chirped +merrily as he scampered up a beech tree. Captain Cummings was for +shooting him. + +"'Let the poor beggar alone,' cried the Chaplain with a hearty laugh. +'When we run it's our fun, when he runs it's his.' + +"Another time when it was his turn to ride in our sleigh, I happened to +say as we neared the camping ground that I would dearly love to have +venison for supper again. + +"'Do you hear that, Bateese?' he cried to the driver, giving him a punch +in the back. 'Madam says she won't eat a bite of supper unless you +provide her with venison steak.' + +"I looked at him in astonishment; but before I could speak, Bateese +exclaimed: + +"'All right, Padre, we'll get it, me an' you. 'Alf hour early dis time. +Bateese know place well. Pat tend horses, you bring rifle, an' come wid +me. Sacre! Big fonne.' + +"'It's a go,' replied the Chaplain, and jumping from the sleigh, he had +a word with the Colonel. In another minute he was back again. + +"'And what shall be your choice, Madam?' was his question. 'Rump steak, +devilled kidneys, or sirloin?' + +"'When you shoot your deer, Chaplain, I will tell you,' was my laughing +answer, for I had not the remotest idea that the suggestion would be +carried out. + +"But in another minute, Mr. Evans and Bateese, each with a rifle over +his shoulder, plunged into the forest along the winding of the +Wapskeheden river. I was almost sorry then over my suggestion, for I did +not know what might happen before they returned, and, woman-like, felt +nervous. Half an hour later when the sun was setting, and the trees +beginning to snap and crack with the frost of the coming night, we heard +a couple of shots, but they were far away. + +"'They've found their game at last,' said Sir George. 'I suppose Bateese +is a good shot, though I never heard of the Chaplain distinguishing +himself in that line." + +"'He was one of the crack men of the 91st before he was transferred to +the 100th,' said Captain Payne, who with Harold joined Sir George and +myself as we stood by the fire. + +"It was pretty dark before the hunters returned. When within hailing +distance they shouted for help. Then all came in together dragging a big +buck by the horns. + +"'Who shot him?' was the general question. + +"'Oh, de cure he be goot shot,' said Bateese. + +"'I hit his shoulder, but Bateese put a bullet through his heart,' said +the Chaplain. 'Now, Madam,' he continued, turning to me, 'what is your +answer to my question. + +"'Venison steak from the breast,' I answered at random, not knowing one +part from another. + +"'Because it is nearest the heart, and deer-heart at that. But I think +you'll try the rump too,' and he went off to give his orders to the cook +with a ringing laugh. + +"One gets one's eyes strangely opened on a trip like this. I don't know +that meeting so many men, and none but men, is good for one, either. +When you come in such close touch with them day after day, you find them +so different from each other; and so different too, from what you +expected them to be. Sometimes I feel startled, turning with open, arms +to Harold, my one rock of defence. And yet it is needless and foolish to +feel so. They are all so good and kind and yet so free and easy, that I +feel like drawing myself together and being alert for hobgoblins that +never come. They say 'the witches we dread most are those we never +meet.' + +"Still there is one man in Harold's company that I don't like, even if +he is his captain; four times during our journey has he ridden by my +side for the afternoon drive, and each time I liked him less. He is a +bachelor; and it is not that he does or says anything that is +offensive, but there is an insinuating way about him that I cannot bear. +There is not a more courteous or polite man in the two companies; but +then there does not seem to be any sincerity in what he says. He laughs +at religion, and, in a cynical way, scoffs at what he calls the mock +pruderies of the world. I never went a great deal into society; the +sorrows of my girl-life prevented me; but I don't like to have my +respect for what I do know dragged in the dust. I do wish the Colonel +would not put him with me again. Still, I would not have it known that I +dislike him. It would make my position more uncomfortable, and, what is +more, might do Harold harm. A feud between the captain and lieutenant of +the same company over the wife of one of them, might be romantic, but +could never be pleasant. What is more, we have a long future before us, +five or six weeks or more before we can arrive at our journey's end. I +almost shiver at the thought of it. But that won't do. I must brave it +out. If faint heart never won fair lady, neither did timid woman ever +bring a villain to her feet. Fortunately no one will ever see this +screed but Harold, and not even he till we get to Penetang, unless my +position becomes unbearable. Perhaps if I had a lady friend with me I +would not even have writ it down. + +"Lake Temiscouata, Lower Canada, Feb. ---- + +"For the last two days we have been travelling due west, almost close +to the northern limit of the States. On this account Sir George has kept +the troops and sleighs together. Indian scouts have been sent to the +south and front, and we have been travelling more slowly, to be prepared +for any surprise. + +"Runners came in yesterday from the border with the message that the +American forces are at least a hundred miles away, and that there is no +prospect of fighting again before the spring opens. I think our men were +a little disappointed. This is the nearest to the United States that +they will be during all their journey to Lake Huron; and they would like +to have at least one fight just to show their pluck. I believe Harold in +his heart is as keen for action as they are; but on my account he +expresses himself the other way. For my part I am glad to hear that the +Yankees have the good sense to keep to their own side of the lines. + +"For the last three nights, we three women, Mrs. Bond, Mrs. Hardman and +myself, have had houses to sleep in--actual houses. Settlers' log +shanties with board floors; each time with a big log fireplace at one +end of the living room. Oh, it was a luxury to sit down on wooden chairs +at the clean pine tables again; to eat our supper of mush and milk and +buckwheat pancakes; and our breakfast of pork and potatoes, wheaten +cakes and molasses! Then we sat down together just like sisters. There +was no distinction in the backwoodsman's shanty. We were too glad to +get even a glimpse of civilization again to think of hair-splitting +distinctions; and whether we did it outwardly or not, I am sure we +inwardly thanked God for supplying our wants so comfortably on these two +happy nights. There was a strong resemblance in the cabins, although +they are more than twenty miles apart. Each has the Scotchman's +"ben-place" to sleep in, partitioned off from the ordinary living room. +On the first night the two beds occupied by the settler, his wife and +children were vacated for our use, while the family, with generous +hospitality, slept on the floor in the larger room. Last night the +conditions were very similar, and again I had a bed to myself. These +homely people have a warm place in my heart, and I shall never forget +their unselfish kindness. + +"This must be a pretty spot in the summer time. Our officers' and +soldiers' camp is on the banks of the Temiscouata. High hills all around +and little lakes throughout the region. They say they are full of fish; +and through holes in the ice, our men this morning caught a lot of +pickerel and bass for breakfast. But we women in the cabin were quite +satisfied with the good things that the Scotch housewife provided. + +"To-day, as well as yesterday, I left some silver behind me, but it was +interesting to see the perversity with which the good housewife +persisted in declining it. If her husband had been present, his canny +Scotch nature would no doubt have been more reasonable. + +"'Guid sakes, misses,' said our hostess, 'I dinna want no siller. Ye are +aye welcome to the bit I gie ye, an' tho we never see the color o' +English shillin's in these parts, I willna take them frae ye for the wee +pickle ye've taen.' + +"Notwithstanding all my urging, the woman kept her hands behind her +back. So I rolled the money up in a piece of paper and laid it on a +little shelf by the wall. This time there was no demur, and with a +friendly smile she bade me 'guid-bye an' a safe journey through them +awfu' woods.' While I was speaking to our hostess the women slipped away +to be with their husbands for a minute before starting; and Harold came +for me as I left the house. + +"'It is my turn to march this morning, dearie,' he said, 'so Captain +Cummings will take my place.' + +"'But in the afternoon I shall have you to myself,' I returned, +restraining my annoyance as much as I could. 'Still, why Captain +Cummings this time? He was with me only day before yesterday.' + +"'You see, dear, you have them in order.' + +"'Scarcely that, I have had neither the Doctor nor the Chaplain for four +days,' I replied in a low voice. I felt like rebelling, but was afraid +of arousing Harold's suspicion. + +"'I did not think of it in that way, sweetheart,' he exclaimed, while he +laughingly raised my chin. 'Possibly as captain of our company, he +expects greater privileges. You don't dislike him, do you?" + +"'Why should I?' I replied, while carefully buttoning my fur coat. 'He +is always polite. Perhaps I am getting a little bit tired of these long +drives. But I musn't grumble. How long will it take to reach Quebec?' + +"'Several days yet, but Sir George has promised us two or three to rest +when we get there. Keep your heart up, dearie. I expect we can secure +houses for you to sleep in after this all the way through to Montreal. +Good-bye till I see you at noon.' + +"The sleighs were drawn up near the door, and the next minute Captain +Cummings joined me. + +"'This is an unexpected pleasure,' he remarked as he tucked the robes +around me. 'Sir George wanted to have a special talk with Beaumont this +morning about surgical matters, so he requested me to take his place. +There, are you quite comfortable?' he asked, solicitously. + +"'Yes, thank you,' I replied. 'Do we march with the men to-day or go +ahead?' + +"'On ahead,' was his answer. 'We shall be close to the U.S. boundary +line for another day yet, but as they have never had troops in this +region, the Colonel thinks we are perfectly safe in leading the way. We +are off on the trot already.' + +"The road here was smooth, and Sir George's sleigh was spinning ahead of +us. + +"'Still, it would be alarming to be attacked, with the soldiers miles +behind us,' I remarked. + +"'Even if they did,' said the Captain, 'unless the forces were very +strong, we could defend ourselves until the men came up. Every man of us +is well armed.' + +"'That may be,' I volunteered, 'but what of the women?' + +"'Oh! the chivalrous Englishmen will always protect them,' was his +laughing rejoinder, as he extended his gauntletted hand, seemingly with +the intention of placing it over mine. But, suddenly feeling the +chilliness of the air, I withdrew it beneath the buffalo robe. + +"'It is good of you to say so,' I said, 'our officers are always both +gallant and brave. + +"'I am glad you have such infinite faith,' he returned with a light +laugh. + +"'Why shouldn't I have? They say there are none truer than the men of +the Hundredth in the whole of the King's brigades.' + +"'Quite true, and pray God that their history may never be tarnished.' + +"Then with a piercing look he relapsed for a time into silence. The road +was well beaten, winding in and out among the hills, and occasionally +stretching in a direct line over the frozen surface of a lake. Sometimes +a ravine would be crossed or a steep hill climbed; and as we neared +Temiscouata, Mounts Lennox and Paradis loomed up before us. More than +once smoke curled upward among the distant trees, indicative of the +wigwams of Indians or the cottages of settlers. + +"Little of interest occurred, however, until near noon; when suddenly an +Indian, whom Bateese said belonged to the Ottawa tribe, bounded out of +the woods and rushed up to the Colonel's sleigh. The whole line at once +called a halt, and Sir George signalled for Captain Cummings to join +him. I could see from the faces that something serious had occurred, and +that the discussion was one of more than usual significance. + +"But I must break off here, for I have not the heart nor the time to +tell the rest of the happenings of that terrible day. Perhaps I can +later. We shall see." + + + + + CHAPTER XVII. + + +"This Indian brings a bit of genuine news," said the Colonel to +Cummings. "An attack is to be made upon us at Chestnut Hill, two miles +west of here." + +"An attack by whom?" the Captain asked. + +"By a company of recruits made up of Yankees and disaffected Canadians +from the lumber camps. They have heard that we are a squad of soldiers +taking supplies to Quebec, and have undertaken to surprise us and +capture the booty." + +"They will have their hands full," said Cummings. + +"That's what they are aiming at," chimed the Chaplain, with whom +negative virtues were always at a discount. + +"We'll fill more than their hands," sternly responded the Colonel, as he +turned to Cummings. "You had better send orders to Captain Payne to join +us in full force with all possible speed." + +In the meantime Sir George called a halt where they were. The place was +well sheltered, and could readily be protected against attack. He also +sent scouts forward to ascertain the strength and equipment of the +invading force, with instructions to report as soon as possible. + +But another Indian runner had carried the news to the marching force, +and very soon a messenger arrived from Captain Payne. The soldiers were +crossing Pecktawick Lake, only a mile away, and would be with them +immediately. In a few minutes the men of the two companies were in +sight, coming out on a double quick from a turn in the road. + +Sir George acted with alacrity; not a minute was lost. In a few brief +words he explained the situation and gave his orders. Then the men +marched ahead--a small, well-stationed force being left to protect the +women and sleighs. + +On their way they met the returning scouts with the news that the +invaders numbered about a hundred rough-looking, but well-armed fellows. + +It was a bold move for a company of recruits to attempt to arrest the +march of double their number of veterans, notwithstanding the rich booty +at stake. Presumably, however, they did not know the strength of their +opponents, and the prize that might be obtained was a tempting one. + +Sir George now divided his force into right and left flanks, with +central attack. Payne to take the former, and Cummings the latter; each +to push his men quickly over the hard snow, while Sir George himself led +the main force over the beaten road. + +After arranging details, the Colonel gave the final order. + +"We must carry the hill, no matter what it costs. The centre to do the +first firing, then the flanks. Now, right and left, march!" + +The men had been under steady tramp for hours, the last half-mile on the +run, and were going into action without food; but they were eager for +the fray. Allowing the flanks to advance first, on account of the +density of the woods and the unbroken snow, Sir George led on his men. + +A quick march brought them to the foot of the hill, and on the top could +be seen a number of blue coats and peaked hats bobbing among the trees. +Sir George at once widened out, but it was none too soon, for a volley +of bullets whistled through them. Two or three of his men dropped, and +among them Corporal Jenkins. Lieutenant Smith, too, had his arm +disabled. + +"By heaven, this is too much!" exclaimed Sir George. "They shall pay for +it. Double quick; but not a shot must be fired till I give the order." + +The men, scattering wide of each other among the trees, hurried on; +while orderlies took charge of the dead and wounded. + +The Yankees, stimulated by the success of their first shot and meeting +with no response, hurried to the edge of the hill to fire again. Then +came Colonel Head's command: + +"Halt, fire!" + +The aim was well taken. The heavy storm of bullets riddled the men of +the attacking force, and some of them fell. Almost at the same moment +volleys were fired from the right and left flanks. The combined attack +was a surprise and staggered the Southerners. + +"Quick, charge!" cried the Colonel. Then the men bounded forward. The +irregularity of the ground, the up-hill work, the trees and the snow +prevented precision of movement, but with a shout the order was obeyed. +Finding themselves hemmed in on three sides by a larger and better +equipped force than their own, the Americans fired another volley and, +picking up some of their wounded, beat a retreat. + +It was Captain Cummings who commanded the left division, and seeing the +direction that the Yankees were taking, he tried to head them off. But +the ground was too uneven, and he contented himself with a parting +fusilade. + +By this time Sir George had reached the summit of the hill, only to find +it vacated. On it, however, were several dead bodies, as well as a +couple of wounded men whom, in the hurry of retreat, their comrades had +deserted. Soon the main body was joined by the flank divisions, and as +it was unlikely that the attack would be renewed, the order was given to +return to the improvised camp. + +In the list of casualties, Corporal Jenkins and a private were killed, +while several others, including Lieutenant Smith, were wounded; but it +was the loss of Jenkins that grieved his comrades most, for they had not +forgotten the death of his wife on the _North King_. + +With the bodies of their own men waiting for burial, there was not much +mirth at mess that day. Still, they were glad that the fight was over, +and that with so little delay they could continue the march. The grave +being dug, Jenkins and the dead soldier were sorrowfully consigned by +the Chaplain to their last resting-place. + +"What about the dead on the hill?" Captain Payne asked of Sir George. + +"That's for their comrades to say when we are gone," was his answer. + +"But about the prisoner with compound fracture of the leg?" asked Dr. +Beaumont. "He's not in good condition to travel even by sleigh." + +"Oh, but he must!" exclaimed Sir George. "The man's alive, and we've got +to take him, whether we will or no. What of the other fellow and of our +own men?" + +"Lieutenant Smith is the worst; he has a serious flesh wound of the +forearm, but no broken bones. The other Yankee is suffering more from +loss of blood than anything else and able to travel if we can find room +for him." + +"Well, arrange them as best you can, Doctor, but we must start at once. +Bateese tells me that there is another lumber camp twelve miles further +on our way. Perhaps we can reach it to-night." + +"Excellent," returned the Doctor. "We can leave our prisoners there, _et +maintien le droit_." + +The idea was well received by Sir George and, late as it was, they +continued the journey. The sun was already sinking in the west, and it +would take hours after dark to reach the camp. Still, the march could be +accomplished, for the moon was in its second quarter and all danger of +renewed attack was believed to be over. The surprised party of untrained +invaders already regretted their rashness, for they realized the +strength of their opponents as well as the inutility of following them, +as every mile now carried them further into Canadian territory. + +So the order was given for the sleighs to again take the lead and report +as quickly as possible at the lumber camp of the prospective arrival of +the troop. + + + + + CHAPTER XVIII. + + HELEN'S DIARY. + + +"The Citadel, Quebec, Feb. ----, 1814. + +"We arrived at Point Levi two days ago. What a delight it was to be in +the vicinity of civilization again! On the other side of the great St. +Lawrence was the famous old city. And how glad I was to drive over the +frozen river to this haven of rest. The air was keen, for the smooth ice +stretched up and down as far as the eye could see, and the wind from the +east was very piercing, but we didn't mind that. + +"Now, we are all, officers, men and women, as well as horses and +baggage, comfortably lodged and quietly resting. And, although tired, I +am already getting glimpses of this historic and venerable place. What a +fortress, with its massive walls and many gates! What steep ascents! +What quaint churches! What a mighty river, stretched though it be in +ice! + +"Then to think, as I sit here by this high window, far above the crowds +and tinkling sleigh-bells of the lower town, that I am just resting on +an oasis for a day or two, before setting out over the desert of ice and +snow again. + +"Even now the last few weeks are like a dream to me. One of those long, +disturbed visions, in which you have to, whether you want to or not. +Every day a definite number of miles to cover; it mattered not how the +snow fell or the winds blew, or how intense the cold; whether you slept +beneath pine boughs and could see the stars twinkle above you, or +whether you had the luxury of sleeping in a woodsman's shanty; it all +had to be endured. Thank heaven, the first division of our journey is +over, and our little rest will prepare us for the second. + +"Harold tells me that the officers of the Citadel say we have made one +of the quickest winter marches on record. There is satisfaction in that, +even if we did take a month to do it in. I hear, too, that the +Commandant of the Citadel has been congratulating the Colonel on the +despatch with which he defeated the invaders at Temiscouata. For my +part, I think the less said about it the better. It would be a poor +thing if two companies of regulars could not put to flight one of raw +recruits. It was too bad, though, to lose two of our best men. Poor +Jenkins! What a sad fatality! The mother to die and the father to be +killed. The silver lining to the terrible climax is that the children +were left at home. + +"Oh, I must say a word about Lieutenant Smith! He is such a retiring +fellow that I knew little about him, although we had travelled together +all the way from the London docks. But after he was shot, our sleigh +being very comfortable, I proposed to Harold that he should have a seat +with me whenever it was not occupied by himself. The consequence is that +I have only had an occasional word with my particular friend, Captain +Cummings, since the day of the battle, and not a single drive. I was +quietly killing two birds with one stone, though nobody knew it. But Mr. +Smith's arm is better now--and, forsooth, we may return to the old order +of things--unless some other member of the staff should be similarly +unlucky. + +"Smith is so young a fellow that I felt like mothering him. Fortunately, +it was his left arm, and as I sit on the left side of the sleigh the +sore arm was between us, protecting it from the pressure of the buffalo +robe and also from the cold. The boy is of good family, has high ideals, +and wants to win his way to fame. Just the kind of fellow I would like +for a friend. And if I am to make my home in Penetang without a single +lady to stand by me, and without relatives either, except my dear +husband, I may need a true, disinterested friend some time. Who knows? +Yes, and guileless, gentle, brave Lieutenant Smith, the man who was +wounded in our first battle, shall be the man. + +"Talking of men, there is some one else I want to take right through +with us, and that is Bateese. The jolly, genial, conceited, whimsical, +but reliable, habitant. But if we take him we must take his wife also. +For days before we arrived here he could talk of little else than his +'femme,' but there was a sad tone about his musical jargon that was +unusual. + +"'Madame,' he exclaimed one day, after a long silence. 'You not know, +Emmiline, mine vife. She live wid me in Kebeck.' + +"'I didn't know you had a wife, Bateese.' + +"'Oh, oui, married dis two year.' His tone was persuasive. + +"'I would like to know her,' I replied. + +"'Vell, I will bring her to you. She vas ma fille, bootiful, petite, so +young. Den de cure at Kebeck marry us--seem long tam--still only two +year. Den she grow into grand jolie femme. Bime-by she have twins--wan +garcon, wan wee leetle gal, petite an' putty as you nevare see. Mus' I +tell you de story? Eet no laughin', eet sad.' + +"'Yes, tell me,' I could not but acquiesce. + +"'Oh, sacre!' he exclaimed, giving the lazier horse an extra touch of +the whip. 'When de hot summare com, Bateese was away drivin' de carryall +along de revare down by de sea, de leetle Emmile go sick and die. An' +Emmiline was full of broken heart. Den when de fall came, scarlet fevare +steal like de diable after ma leetle Louis--ma cher fils--he die, too. +Ah, mon Dieu! Et nearly kill ma femme, an' it drive Bateese clean +crazee. Didn't care a sacre if Yankees lick Cannayans--didn't care how +soon I die--didn't care for nuffin! But dat no do. Poor Emmiline lay +sick four week in bed--Doctor said nevare get well no more. So Bateese +shake hisself and forget de dead babies to tend his leetle wife--say his +pater nostra ten times a day--go to church every tam de priest tell him, +give medicine all de whole tam. And, by gar, she get well at last. Den +Bateese had to leave her an' go on dis long trip to Halifax--an' has not +seen her again sence wintare cam.' + +"'It is a sad story, Bateese, but you will soon see her now. Where does +she live when you are away?' I asked. + +"'She stay wid her modare, close by de Abraham plain, where de French +General de Montcalm licked de Engleese.' + +"He said this with a sly glance out of the corner of his eye, but with a +very grave face. + +"'I thought it was General Wolfe who licked the French,' was my mild +rejoinder. + +"'Vas eet? mauvais memoree,' he returned, gently tapping his forehead. +'Vell, dey both die, anyway, and bury in de same grave. Et not much +mattare which win. French Cannayans steel have Lower Canady and, by gar, +dey always will.' And in spite of his grief for his dead babies, he +concluded his narrative with a long, low chuckle to himself. + +"It was on this occasion the thought came to me, that if Bateese went +with us to Penetang, Emmiline might go in place of the Corporal's wife. +That would give us three women besides myself. Only a small number at +best, and, if necessary, I would be willing personally to bear the +expense. + +"Well, to-day she came up to see me, and I was quite taken with the +little French woman. She has a sweet face with a wee touch of sadness in +it, owing to the loss of her children. But it is not a face to retain +its melancholy. She has a little turn-up nose, rosy lips and bright +black eyes, and, like most of these habitant women, an abundance of dark +hair. She looks as though she might be very devoted to any one she +liked, and I will speak to Harold about it to-day." + + "Quebec, Feb. ----, 1814." + +"Last night a large party was given in honor of Sir George at the +Commandant's residence. Harold and I, and all our officers, were there, +the Chaplain as well. What a handsome old place it is, just like an old +European castle suddenly planted in the new western world! + +"The first person that interested me there was Sir George Prevost, the +Governor-General of Canada, the most talked-of man in the whole country. +He seems to be such a strange combination of weakness and strength, and +little as I know about such matters, the two opposites seem to be +vividly impressed upon his face. His kindness and courtesy have a +favorable impression upon the social life of which he is the leader; but +the weak chin and irresolute mouth tell a different tale when fighting +his country's battles, and, lackaday, this has been proved over and over +again already. + +"But this is something I suppose I have no right to talk about, even to +you, my little diary. So I will chat of the old place, of its lofty +halls and tapestried boudoirs. What rare old paintings are on the walls, +and so many of them French! It was in fine spirit for the English +conquerors of this old aristocratic colony, to retain so many of the +portraits of the nobles of the French regime. + +"While on our voyage I read a good deal about the country that was to be +my home, and seeing the names of the old French governors under their +pictures only impressed their history more vividly upon my memory. The +strikingly handsome portrait of Baptiste Colbert, Louis the XIV's +minister, was there, too. The man who, a hundred and fifty years ago, +did so much for New France. How well his picture sets off the east hall +near the main entrance! The long, wavy locks of his court headdress well +suit the keen, dark eyes and clear-cut features; while the ruffles and +sword, and gaiters depict him every inch the courtier as well as the +gentleman. + +"De Mezy, De Tracy, De Courcelles and Count de Frontenac, the daring +discoverer and bitter opponent of the English, were all there. What +tales they could tell of the days of the old regime, and of the strife +which lasted for years, until Wolfe and Montcalm fought it out at the +cost of their own lives and buried the hatchet between the nations! + +"The old armor and Indian trophies hanging on the walls of room after +room in this old seigniory are very curious. The peculiar windows, too, +quite took my fancy. They are deeply set within the massive masonry, the +sills standing three or four feet from the floor, with cushions placed +on them to serve as seats, while benches below the sills act as stools +for the feet to rest upon. + +"How well the elite of Quebec filled the old house that night, although +gathered together with such brief notice, and with what pleasantry they +greeted us! All seemed desirous to do what they could to help us to +forget for the time our journeyings. And they were just as courteous as +they were jovial, from our host and hostess down to the youngest of the +beaux and belles of New France. The Quebec girls are even prettier than +those of Halifax. For one thing, there are more of them, and another, +there is a larger French element from the old noblesse, and to me the +educated and cultured Canadienne has a charm of her own that is very +fascinating. + +"Dr. Beaumont seemed to enjoy himself thoroughly. I wonder how much he +really cares for Maud Maxwell? Several times he has sat by my side for +half a day in our drives, but, to my surprise, he rarely mentioned her +name. Being half French I expected his vivacious nature would express +itself more freely. Perhaps it was the canny Scotch overshadowing the +Southern blood that kept him silent. + +"But this time he seemed to have no care. He talks French beautifully, +and several times I heard him in animated conversation with one or other +of the smiling demoiselles in their mother tongue. He seemed to be +enamoured most with one Louise de Rochefort. Several times he danced +with her, and she talked the purest English; sometimes they used the one +language, and sometimes the other. She was quite different from Maud +Maxwell. Although not fair, her face was brilliant with a clear +transparency, and her brown eyes and exquisite mouth, when wreathed in +gentle laughter, made her expression very winning. She had many +admirers, but none were so attentive as he. Late in the evening, when +the Commandant took me in to supper, they were tete-a-tete in a corner +over salad and ice. + +"Harold noticed the little flirtation, too, and said afterwards that it +would have a good effect upon the Doctor in compensation for the +coolness of the winsome Maud. + +"The Commandant's wife was very kind to me. As a strict disciplinarian, +she did not try to dissuade me from completing the journey to Penetang; +but it was evident that she was astonished that I had undertaken it, +and hinted that it would be a wise thing to remain in Quebec until the +war was over--almost another Mrs. Mason. If she had known how determined +I was she would have said less about it, I am sure. + +"Perhaps one-third of the ladies present are Anglo-Canadians. I believe +I was introduced to all of them. They are charming--not so stiff and +stately as society ladies in England--but just as courteous and, +perhaps, kinder in manner. I like them and wish there was a prospect of +having at least one as neighbor in my prospective home in Penetang. + +"These Canadians, both French and English, take great interest in the +war, which is almost at their doors. When not dancing, they continually +discussed it. Still, dancing was the feature of the evening, and I must +have been specially honored, for I never danced so much in my life +before. My first waltz was, of course, with my husband. Then who should +ask me for the next but Captain Cummings. It was odious to dance with +him when my aversion was so strong. I hope I did not show it, and with +all my heart I wish I did not dislike him so much, for he is very +graceful and dances beautifully. Still, he looks at you with those great +black eyes of his, as if he could read your very thoughts. I wonder if +he influences other women as he does me. Of this I have no chance of +knowing. Oh, those eyes! How you have to fight them with all your might, +and yet never say a word! Somehow the fates have given me a hint to +beware, and I pray God to have me take it. I wonder if Harold would +laugh at me if he saw what I am writing. + +"'It is an exquisite pleasure to waltz with you again,' he said, in his +low, penetrating voice, as we made our second circle round the room. I +had heard that he was always chagrined when he had a poor partner, so I +purposely made a misstep, while I replied: + +"'You flatter me. I never was a graceful dancer, and, as you see, I am +out of practice.' + +"'Pardon me, but that was my clumsiness,' was his comment. 'It will not +occur again.' + +"And, if anything, he held me closer. I did not dare to repeat the step. + +"'Not so tight, please,' I whispered, scarcely a minute later. + +"'They have waxed this floor so confoundedly that one cannot help it,' +he returned smoothly, and with a smile that rivalled Mephistopheles. 'We +must not let these French-Canadians surpass the English in their own +waltz.' + +"'In a matter of competition they would be sure to win,' I replied +coldly. + +"'Why so?' he asked. + +"'They are more graceful than we are.' + +"'Free and easy, you mean. They have an abandon which the English girl +does not possess. No, no, Mrs. Manning, I would not exchange a dance +with you for a hundred with these Canuck maidens.' + +"'Again you are flattering.' + +"'Not in the least. You remember our waltz at the Halifax ball. Well, +the one I had with you was worth all the others put together. It will be +so to-night, even if this is the only one you honor me with. Ah! it is +over now. And here comes that odious little Frenchman to claim you for +the next. Bah! I could see him in Hades. But, never mind, I shall +remember that to-night you have blessed me with a few minutes' exquisite +pleasure.' Again his eyes opened wide, and with a quick flash, the look +seemed to penetrate my soul. An unpleasant thrill came over me and +turning away I accepted the arm of Colonel Joquelin for the next +waltz." + + + + + CHAPTER XIX. + + HELEN'S DIARY. + + +"Montreal, Feb. ----, 1814. + +"Another week of hard driving and marching is over. Sometimes we had +night quarters for the men, always for the officers and women. Still, I +was so tired each night, and there were so many little things to attend +to, that my diary has been neglected. Now, however, we are comfortably +quartered at the foot of the mountain, and while Harold is away +attending to matters of the regiment I will try to make up for lost +time. + +"I had a long talk with Sir George at the Commandant's on the night of +the ball at Quebec, and was delighted at his ready consent to have +Emmiline and her husband go with us to Penetang. When he said that she +might be my own special servant I offered to pay the expense of the +journey for her. + +"'That cannot be thought of,' was his reply. 'I always intended to +secure another woman to take the place of the one who died, and I assure +you I am more than pleased that you have found one to suit.' + +"It was very kind of him, and the next morning I told the good news to +Bateese. In his exuberance of spirits he threw his hat up in the air. + +"'By gar!' he exclaimed, 'such fonne to have ma femme. She no spik much +Angleese, but teach soon she quick--tree or four week she spik everyting +goot as Bateese. She bonne scholare an' tak prize when leetle gal at +seminare.' + +"And so she came, and they made room for her in the sleigh with the +other women. I was afraid that the soldiers' wives would quarrel with +the little woman, yet, so far, there is not even an inkling of war among +them. + +"Speaking of war. Montreal is the place for the signs of it. I was +surprised to see so many troops in the city, more by far than there were +either in Halifax or Quebec, regulars and colonials combined. They are a +determined-looking lot of men and well drilled. + +"Harold tells me that everything on the frontier is still quiet and, so +far, the American General Wilkinson has not renewed his attack. Both +sides are making preparations for a final conflict, and it will be fight +to the finish when the summer comes. + +"Our rest here is going to be short, for we have a third of our journey +yet to cover, and, being over the roughest part of the road, it will +take longer to accomplish. Lakes and rivers have still to be crossed, +and all must be done before the ice breaks up. Hence, although we +arrived yesterday, we start again to-morrow. + +"To-night, however, we are invited by the officers of the Montreal +regiment to a toboggan slide at the mountain, with a supper and dance +afterwards. It will be my first ride on one of these swift-running +sledges. They look dangerous as they fly so quickly down the hills, but +if safe for others they should be safe for me, and I am glad to have the +opportunity to try the sport before we make our final parting from +civilization." + +The next day. Diary continued. + +"I must jot down the impressions of last evening while fresh in my mind. +The meet was at a place called 'The Cedars,' almost half-way up the +mountain, and from which there is an irregular decline down to the St. +Lawrence. One of the attractions was that the toboggans, by the long +descent, would be carried far out over the surface of the river. + +"What a jolly lot of people they were! A score of officers in uniform, a +few civilians and a bevy of Montreal's prettiest girls, chaperoned by +officers' wives and matrons of the city. + +"As an Englishwoman, I am loyal to my own land and people. Still, +whether due to the atmosphere, to lighter living, or the freer life they +lead, the young ladies you meet here seem to have more spirit, quicker +movement and clearer skins than the average English girls that I have +known. But this is another digression, Mrs. Diary, and again I say, +'_pecavi_.' + +"We were lucky to have so good a night. The air was cold and still, and +our position at the top of the slide gave a fine view of the lower city, +with its myriads of lights from the houses and streets. Countless stars +covered a sky only slightly dulled in lustre by the pale, half moon; +while on the hillsides far and near clumps of evergreens stood out +clearly upon their background of snow. + +"Introductions, buzz of voices, gay laughter, occupied some minutes as +we collected on the little plateau at the head of the slide. All were +busy, too, getting their rigs in order. Toboggans are funny-looking +things--flat-bottomed, turned up in front like a South Sea Islander's +war canoe. But they are very comfortable when you have cushions to sit +on and robes to put over you. + +"Captain Thompson, of the Montreal Rifles, was our leader, and one would +almost think he was marshalling his troops as he issued his orders. + +"Quickly he had us going, and it was jolly enough as soon as we got used +to it. Off our toboggans sped, one after another, down the mountain, +crackling and whistling over the snow, giving each and all a vivid +pleasure in the swift, exhilarating ride. At first the grade was even +and smooth in its descent, then undulating, then on a level for another +hundred feet, finally down a little abyss, and away for hundreds of +yards over the icy surface of the river, between mighty ships frozen at +their anchorage for the winter. Here, carryalls for the riders and long +sleighs for the toboggans awaited us to take all back again to repeat +the sport. + +"Harold and I sat together on one of the sledges, and I must confess +that when we started to descend the hill at almost lightning speed I +felt terribly frightened and grasped him firmly around the waist. He +only laughed while he whispered: + +"'Don't be frightened, dear; you'll get used to it in another minute,' +and so I did. + +"We had a number of rides and were commencing our last one when an +accident happened. It was on the sled in front of ours, and we were in +the act of starting when I saw a man fall off. + +"'Why, that is Captain Cummings!' I exclaimed, my heart making a +tremendous leap. + +"'Yes, it is,' returned Harold; 'what can have happened?' and he rushed +over to give assistance. + +"He was trying to rise to his feet but could not. + +"'It's that confounded leg of mine,' I heard him say. 'My ankle got +twisted under the runner. I don't think it's broken though. What do you +say about it, Beaumont?' + +"And the Doctor on his knees examined the joint, the Captain being +propped up by another officer. + +"'No bones broken,' was his comment. 'You must have got a terrible +wrench though, the way the joint flaps about. Is it very painful?' + +"'Excruciating,' returned Cummings. 'The joint has been weak ever since +Vittoria. I got it twisted then.' + +"'Well, we'll take you back to quarters and dress it. No dancing for you +to-night, that is certain. Don't know that it will be safe for you to +travel with us to-morrow, either.' + +"'In both of which I differ from you,' said the Captain, with a supreme +effort at self-control, notwithstanding the pain. 'Take me back to the +hotel and dress the joint. Then help me into the ballroom. I can watch +the others even if I cannot waltz. As to going with the troop, why +certainly I'll go,' and for a moment he cast a sharp glance in my +direction. + +"I believe I shivered again. + +"An hour later all our party were at the French hostelry partaking of +prairie chicken, oyster patties and singaree, and when we made our entry +into the ballroom, there sat in state Captain Cummings. He had evidently +preceded us. Of course, he was the lion, and the ladies rivalled with +each other to sit out the different dances with him. Harold told me I +must do it, too, so my turn came with the rest. + +"'I don't know but I'm a lucky dog after all,' he undertoned, as he +squeezed my hand. + +"'It cannot be lucky to be lame,' I replied, as I sat down beside him. + +"'A soldier takes his knocks as he gets them,' was his comment, 'but I +had no expectation of taking Lieutenant Smith's place so soon. + +"'Perhaps you won't need to. A night's rest will do wonders, mayhap the +injury is more imaginary than real,' I said. + +"'I know the effects too well to be deceived. The injury is too devilish +to heal in a week or fortnight, either,' he replied, drily. + +"'Why go with us at all, then?' + +"'Because I'm wanted when I get there. I won't be in anybody's way, +except for the riding instead of walking, and as yours is the most +comfortable sleigh for an invalid, I fear, dear madam, I must crave your +indulgence--Say, Manning!' he exclaimed to Harold, who just then joined +us. 'I was telling your wife that Smith gives such a capital report +about your sleigh that I feel like begging the privilege of occupying a +part of it for the next two or three days.' + +"Harold winced and flushed as well. Was he, too, getting suspicious? + +"'I think that might be arranged satisfactorily, dearie,' he said to me +in somewhat constrained tone. + +"'That depends upon the Captain's meaning,' I replied. 'It would be too +much for me to give up your seat when it is your turn to ride. But for +the rest of the time it is different.' + +"'Thank you,' responded Cummings. 'That is exactly what I mean.' + +"So in order to secure half a loaf he asked for a whole one, and got it +without demur. How could I help it?" + + + + + CHAPTER XX. + + +Dreary enough were the next few days for the adventurous troop, as they +wended their way westward. The sky was heavily clouded, while a gusty +wind blew the pellety snow into the faces of the men and women as they +walked or drove over their destined route. Drifts filled the sleigh +tracks, and the packing of the road by those who took the lead was a +weary business. Progress was slower than ever, accommodations along the +line absent, and general camping again became a feature of the journey. + +"What place have we here?" Sir George asked of his new driver on the +evening of the fifth day from Montreal as they called a halt in the +vicinity of two or three little cabins. + +"They call it Sparksville," was the reply, "after a fellow named Sparks. +He lives in the village of Hull across the river there. They say he +bought it from the Government for a song, and has made his money out of +sales already." + +"So these shantymen are the owners," said the Colonel. + +"No, siree, the lumbermen from Montreal bought from Sparks, these men +only cut the timber." + +"And splendid stuff they've got if these pieces are samples." + +"You bet your last pound," returned the man, with the easy nonchalance +of a westerner, "Montrealers wouldn't put their money into it if there +wasn't a good chance of getting it out again. What's more, they say this +is a splendid site for the building of a big city." + +"Are these shanties the only buildings on this side of the river?" Sir +George asked. + +"Yes, 'cepting a little sawmill down in the hollow and a cabin beside +it." + +"Well, we'll camp here for to-night. They couldn't accommodate us in +yonder village if we did cross." + +And so the order was issued. + +His men by this time were well accustomed to the oft-repeated duty. +Putting up tents, cutting down trees, trimming poles, building temporary +huts, flooring them with boughs of cedar, arranging timber and +evergreens to protect the inmates from prevailing winds, and gathering +dry wood for necessary fires, were matters of detail which they +accomplished with alacrity. It was marvellous how neat and cozy a camp +the two companies, assisted by the trained drivers, could build in an +hour or two of twilight. + +Sir George and the Doctor, leaving Cummings in the rig, joined Harold, +who was helping his wife out of their sleigh. + +"You are not ill, Mrs. Manning, I hope," exclaimed Sir George, who had +never before seen her require so much assistance to alight. + +"Just stiff and cold after the long drive," was her answer, as with a +sudden effort she straightened herself. + +"Madame tired long tam, no let 'em spak," said Emmiline, who on +Bateese's example was learning to speak "Angleese quick." She was +already attached to her new mistress. + +"It is lucky to find houses here, such as they are," said Harold, as he +folded Helen's fur coat more closely around her, while he noticed that +her teeth were chattering. + +"We'll try this shanty," said the Doctor, approaching one. A large dog +jumped out as the door opened, barking vociferously, and followed a +moment later by a half-breed Indian. + +"We have a sick woman with us," said Beaumont, "and want to put her in +your cabin for the night." + +"No come ma shanty," replied the man, fixing himself squarely across the +doorway. "Me trapper--live 'lone." + +"Entre nous, mon ami, voila une femme tres malade," returned the Doctor +in a more conciliatory tone, "et je vous donnera cinq francs." + +"Arjent comptant porte medicine. Oui, oui, monsieur. Entre vous," +returned the trapper, slipping to one side and allowing him to enter. + +A fire was burning on a rude hearth at one end of the floorless shack, +and the ground was packed hard everywhere but around the sloppy doorway. +A wooden settle covered with skins stood at one side, while a couple of +rough benches, together with a kettle or two, completed the outfit. + +By the time the Doctor had made a cursory survey, Harold and Helen, +followed by Emmiline, had joined him. + +"Will you let me have the whole shanty for to-night if I pay you for +it?" Harold asked. + +The cunning eyes of the half-breed glanced rapidly over the whole party. +Then he answered with a drawl, while he looked quizzically into the +officer's face: + +"Yah--pour, say five franc, s'il vous plait." + +"Well, you shall have it." + +"Pay me now." + +"No," replied Harold. "I will give two now--the balance in the morning +if you tell us all we need to know." + +The half-breed shrugged his shoulders, but accepted the money and, after +answering several questions, took his leave. Helen sat down on the bench +by the fire, but her teeth still chattered, while her blue lips and +contracted features indicated the severity of the chill. + +"My dear, what can possibly be the matter?" Harold asked in much alarm. + +"It is an attack of the ague," said the Doctor; in an aside: "Mon Dieu! +it is too bad." + +"Can nothing be done?" he asked again. + +"Yes, and we'll do it at once. Peruvian bark and brandy are our +sheet-anchors." + +So he busily prepared a large dose of the medicine, which she washed +down with half a glass of brandy and water. + +"Fortunately the hut is new, and probably free from vermin," said the +Doctor. + +"It might be better for the women to sleep here," said Harold. "There +will be room enough, and with the fire they can cook what is needed. +What say you, Helen?" + +"Divide the hut and stay with me. Then it will do," she replied. "We +must have a man in the house, even though it is a shanty." + +The bark and brandy were taking effect. The chills soon stopped and +Helen felt warm again. + +Later in the evening a cord was stretched across the long, narrow room, +and quilts thrown over it to form a partition. Harold and his wife took +possession of the end near the fire, while the three women improvised a +bed for themselves in the other half. + +"I hope we are not going to have a sick lady on our hands," said Sir +George to the Doctor, after his final visit. + +"I hope so, too," was the reply. "Ague is difficult to control when once +established, but, taken at the start, it can be broken. Fortunately, +this is her first attack. She will be better to-morrow." + +"Perhaps we had better leave her for a day or two to rest and +recuperate. I will speak to Manning about it. What say you?" + +"Why not let to-morrow's report decide?" said the Doctor. "I could tell +better after seeing her again." + +To this the Colonel assented. + +The spot chosen for the camp was well protected, the temperature mild +for February, and all slept soundly. The bugle sounded at break of day +and the whole camp was astir. It was unusual for the officers to rise as +early as the men, but the keynote of Helen's illness roused them, and +the first question put by each was concerning the condition of the +patient. + +Captain Cummings, with a crutch, was hobbling about for the first time, +and insisted on swinging along with the Doctor to make inquiry. + +The report was favorable. Helen had slept a little. The other women were +up, and a good fire was burning. + +"How is Madam now?" the Doctor asked of Harold. + +"Her head is still aching. You had better see her." + +So he led the way behind the screen. + +"What about resuming the journey?" he asked, after looking closely into +her face. + +"By rule, in the army, all must travel, and I have will enough to abide +by it," she answered, wearily. + +"There is no rule for you unless you are well able to follow it," he +returned with a smile. + +"But how could I possibly remain behind?" + +"You might stay for a time at Hull, across the river." + +"That won't do," she exclaimed, the tears starting. "I am better now, +and can stand it very well. The worst is that my ears buzz and my head +aches, but when out in the air again these will pass away." + +"Don't be alarmed about the ears," said the Doctor, cheerily; "that +comes from the medicine I gave to stop the chill." + +Turning to Harold he had a brief conference with him. + +"I have a plan that might answer," he suggested. + +"Sir George will do anything that is necessary," returned Harold. + +"Well, it is this. The newest sled will hold four people. We can retain +it here with the best team. Madam can lie where she is until noon. Then +you and I and the driver will remain with her and, starting early in the +afternoon, overtake the troops by night." + +"Will our separation from the men be safe?" Harold asked. + +"Perfectly, monsieur," was the reply. "We might meet a few Indians, but +they are all our allies." + +"How do you like the plan?" Harold asked of his wife. + +"Very well, if you are sure we can overtake the men by night," was her +answer, as she closed her eves again. + +"Madam, it shall be done," said the Doctor, and he went out to complete +arrangements. + +"I hope you have a good report," said Cummings, who was still waiting. +Harold told him and then sought the Colonel. + +"The idea is an excellent one," said the latter. "Some of our baggage +sleighs will also be delayed, for I've given orders to purchase an extra +supply of feed for the horses at Hull. Of course during the summer the +order is to supply us by the boats on the lakes--all right if the war is +over, or if we whip the Yankees--but the other way if they beat us." + +Some of the officers were nonplussed. Soldier-like, not bearing +responsibility, they had never given the matter a thought, and the +suggestion opened up a new difficulty. + +"Don't take the thing too seriously, my men," Sir George finally +exclaimed with a laugh. "It will come out all right, as everything does +with the British soldier whichever way it goes. But I want to take a +look at the river from yonder crest for a minute or two while we have +time." + +"Well!" he exclaimed again, as he cast his eye upon the hamlet on the +other side of the Ottawa. "This is the first time I have ever marched +_by_ a _town_ and camped outside." + +"Why not change the name Sparksville[1] to Bytown, and give that as your +reason, sir," suggested Smith. + +"Not so bad," replied the Colonel briskly. "A garrison town could be +built here, with fortifications, and this dashing river at our +feet--providing Hull were in the hands of an enemy." + +"Which can never be," put in the Doctor, "unless the French cut loose +from the British and the Ottawa divides them." + +"In that case we'd build a citadel," said Captain Payne, "and change +Smith's Bytown to Out-away, as our command to the enemy." + +"Which means," said Sir George, who was amused at the play upon words, +"that we'd take the Hull of Ottawa." + +"Sacre!" cried the Doctor with a flush, "that could never be. The Lower +Province is stronger than the Upper one, and could beat it any day. + +"Hoity, toity, man!" exclaimed the Colonel, elevating his eyebrows and +smiling good-humoredly at the irate Anglo-Frenchman. "I should not think +you would care exceedingly which way it went." + +A general laugh followed, and the next moment the bugle sounded. + +[Footnote 1: The original name of Sparksville, after a while, was +changed to Bytown, and finally to Ottawa, capital of the Dominion of +Canada.] + + + + + CHAPTER XXI. + + HELEN'S DIARY. + + +"Roche Lake, Madawaska River, March ----, 1814. + +"One hundred miles yet to face over this weary way! Oh, why did I come? +Harold is well and strong, and could have done without me; while I am a +drag to him and the whole troop besides. It is two weeks since we left +Sparksville, or Bytown, as Lieutenant Smith calls it, and I have had +that miserable ague, in spite of the Doctor's medicine, every two days +since we started. Sometimes I have a funny kind of delirium with it. +While it lasts my head buzzes and whirls, and when I walk I feel as if +travelling with tremendous speed, and keep looking over my shoulder to +see if some hideous object is not chasing me. The sensation is horrible, +and the only relief is stillness. Even the motion of the sleigh affects +me, no matter how quietly I sit. During those long drives along the +Madawaska River the feeling was sometimes terrifying. I stood it while I +could. At last Harold spoke to Sir George, and he promised, if I could +endure it till we arrived at Roche Lake, to have a shanty built for me +in which I could rest until able to finish the journey. The reason he +chose Roche Lake was because we would there leave the smooth surface of +the ice for heavier marching through the forest. + +"It was very good of Sir George. He sent men on ahead to build the +shanty, and now here we are, and a cozy cabin they have made of it, +although isolated at least a hundred miles away from any other white +man's dwelling. But I must jot down how it is built. To my surprise they +put in a little window and a heavy board door they were taking out for +the new fort. The roof is of split logs laid flat and covered with pine +branches, and as it won't thaw for a month there is no danger of the +snow melting and running through. The chimney is built of slabs of green +timber put across one corner, leaving a hole in the roof; and the sides +and back of the fireplace of sheet iron, intended for the smithy. It may +be crude, but we women folk--astonishing how clannish the life is making +us--find it very comfortable, considering the long nights we have so +often spent in the woods with a shelter not quarter so good. + +"The journey from Bytown has been very weird to me, owing to my ague. +Still, I can remember the facts, I think. After Harold, the Doctor and I +started that first afternoon, we drove until nearly dark along the old +Jesuit trail before we overtook the men. They were putting up the camp +for the night, and had taken special care to provide for my comfort, so +that next morning, notwithstanding another chill, I was ready to +continue the journey. After that, for three whole days, we were guided +by Iroquois Indians, cutting our way through the woods to Calabogie +Lake. These red men of the forest are not very picturesque. We saw +nothing of their feathers and wampun and war paint. Perhaps that is +because we are so far from the frontier, where all the battles are +fought. Their dress resembles that of the habitants, and they are +proving themselves both friendly and trustworthy. Nearly every day they +bring in fresh venison or bear meat for sale, and to-day we were +astonished by a present from them of a huge elk. + +"Strange, however, we rarely see the squaws. Perhaps it is because they +know that our men are a body of warriors going through the country, who +would have little use for women. + +"How our soldiers rejoiced on being ordered to march on the ice of the +Madawaska! The river in some places is wide, winding in and out through +a rugged and open country, but the ice is thick and the surface smooth +and without drifts, save occasionally near a sudden bend. So, except +where the rapids interfered, we had steady marching and driving for days +over a road of our own make, and not along the Jesuit trail. The great +drawbacks are the depths of snow to be shovelled away or tramped down, +and the wearisome windings of the river. + +"Harold tells me that a hundred miles as the crow flies on the Madawaska +would be two hundred by the windings of the stream. + +"But my ague is coming back. I must stop my scribbling, and will start +it again to-morrow. It is so lonely out here in the woods that writing +is like talking to an old friend. Oh, those wretched little imps! There +they are again! You infernal bug-a-boos! You think you frighten me, do +you? Oh, I wish Harold was here, but he can't be until night! How my +head aches and swims, too! Still, I hate to give in. There, Emmiline in +the other end is singing. So I will put down what she says, if I can, in +spite of the little fiends who have been chasing me ever since I left +the Ottawa. + + Rock-a-bo babee up de tree + Like vas de early morn, + And ve vill mak de feu de joie + And roast de Ingin corn. + + Rock-a-bo babee, airly an' lat, + Ven sweet de birdies sing; + Petite garcon laugh an' ee grow fat, + An' make de woods to ring. + + Rock-a-bo babee, Patre is come + From drivin' ever so far, + Over de rivare, so glad he's home + To wife and child, by gar. + +"What a mercurial nature! She feels well and can sing a child song, +notwithstanding all her sorrow." + + * * * * * + +Diary continued next day. + +"My ague was not so bad yesterday, though I did see the little devils, +and was disconsolate and blue all day, the bottom for a while being +knocked out of everything. But the long rest helped me, and now that I +feel better and have time, Mrs. Diary, I will have a good long chat with +you. The men finished fixing the shanty this morning. The two women have +a big kettle of water boiling outside and are doing some washing for the +men. They say there is enough to keep them busy every day for a week. +Emmiline--and, by the way, she sang that ditty very sweetly +yestereen--is cooking over the fire at the other end of the room. She's +as happy as a queen and is singing again. This time it's habitant love +song. How good-natured and volatile these French-Canadians are! The loss +of her two babies seem to be entirely forgotten in the joy of travelling +out west with her husband. Outside we can hear the axes of Bateese and +another driver chopping firewood for our camp. Harold, as well as Bond +and Hardman, are all away with the Colonel and his men cutting a new +road in and out among the granite boulders through the woods. They will +be back to-night to remain with their wives until the morning. It seems +an awfully funny arrangement--four married men with their wives to sleep +together in a single shanty. What a terrible thing it would be if any of +them got mixed! + +"Strange, we never think of these things until they come upon us, and +then we take them as a matter of course--simply, I suppose, because we +have to. If I had known what lay before me on leaving England, I am just +as sure as--Still--I would have done a great deal for Harold--God knows +I would--and perhaps, yes, perhaps--What's the use of talking, anyway? +Whatever is, had to be; and whatever lies before us, we must face, +whether we will or no. + +"Still, these men are not a bit rude to me, and our long shanty is so +arranged that our end is cut off from the rest, though what is said in +ordinary talk can be heard all over the room. Then about our bed, I was +going to tell how we make it, but I won't, even to you, Mrs. Diary. + + "'Still keep somethin' to yoursel' + You'd scarcely tell to ony.' + +"But I must say something more about our drive. For three or four days +after leaving Bytown, Captain Cummings was with me the half of each day +while Harold was marching, and I must say he seemed a different man, +just as gentlemanly as he could be, and so kind and thoughtful that I +felt ashamed of having ever entertained suspicions. He was considerate, +too, for on recovering the use of his ankle earlier than he expected, he +suggested a return to the old role. I must say I was both glad and sorry +to get some one else now and then in his place. + +"Three days ago, though, one of my off days, in which I had no fever, he +again drove with me the whole afternoon, and as it had occurred more +than once before, I became interested in his conversation. He has read +and travelled so much that his talk is instructive, and before you know +it you are thrown off your guard. You vow to yourself that it shall +never occur again, and yet it does occur, even before you know it. That +afternoon we commenced almost at once to talk about Penetang. + +"'Yes,' he said, 'I have taken the trouble to learn a good deal about +it. It is short for Penetanguishene, the name given to it by the Ojibway +Indians, and is said to be very picturesque.' + +"'Has the name a meaning?' I asked. + +"'Yes, it signifies the rolling sands or the shining shores made by the +gods of the fairies for lovers to bask upon.' + +"'And do the Ojibways still live there?' I asked. + +"Oh, no! Governor Simcoe bought the section twenty years ago from the +Matchedash Indians for garrison purposes, and it is only now, by advice +of the present Governor, Sir George Prevost, that the idea is being +carried out." + +"'And so we are going there to build the fort,' was my response. + +"'Don't you think we are an admirable body for the purpose?' he asked. +'A valiant knight of the Cross, with full complement of officers and men +to establish the quarters and put up the building, and a lady of quality +to preside at our functions and be queen of the realm.' + +"'But what will you do with her in the meantime?' I asked merrily. 'Put +her on the rolling sands and shining shore until the fort is built?' + +"'That's just it,' he returned. 'Turn her into a sea nymph and give her +a tent to adorn until the building is finished.' + +"'You are very kind. But how came it, Captain Cummings, as chief officer +of the company to be stationed, that you did not get married and bring +your own wife to be queen and preside at your functions?' + +"'I had very good reasons,' he blurted out. 'First, the lady to whom I +was engaged flatly declined to come west when I hinted the matter to +her. She was not so brave as you are. Second, she was a hothouse plant, +and would have been out of place in a garrison settlement. Third, I did +not love her enough to bother with her company, even if she had been +willing.' + +"'And did she break the engagement?' + +"'I suppose so, and I am happy to say I'm a free lance again, ready to +gather the luscious fruit whenever opportunity occurs.' + +"'You don't believe then in the adage: 'Once in love, always in love?' + +"'Lieutenant Manning does,' he replied. + +"'And so does his wife,' was my response. + +"'Oh, of course, but I believe in friendship more than love, and you +must count me your staunchest friend when we establish ourselves on the +shining shores of Penetang.' + +"I thanked him, of course, and again I say what else could I do?" + + + + + CHAPTER XXII. + + +Through interminable forest of spruce, pine and hemlock; through scraggy +underwood, through clumps of tamarack poles, through dense cedar hedges; +in and out among boulders of rock hard as adamant, jutting crags and +angry precipices, over mounds of granite and shelving plates of +limestone; over hill and down dale, the men of the 100th slowly made +their way. Cutting down brushwood among rocky masses, made a narrow lane +through which soldiers, two abreast, could force a tortuous march; but +to make sleigh roads for teams to transport goods for settlement and +garrison was a more difficult matter. The way through the frozen +wilderness was unbroken, and Indian guides, as well as their own scouts, +were sent on ahead to locate the road they must cut. Even a deadlock was +possible, and to save interminable journeys around impassable ravines, +teams would be unhitched and horses saddle-bagged and led singly, while +men carried goods in their arms or on their shoulders to the smoother +way beyond. + +Many more days passed away as slowly but surely they forged ahead in a +south-west direction. Monotony of labor, monotony of snow, monotony of +cold, but variety of wilderness. Sometimes troops of squirrels chattered +and scampered around them. Bold, black fellows would run down tall pines +and angrily interrogate the drivers and, having delivered their message, +dart back from tree to tree and disappear in the distance. Mink would +run in and out among the boulders, sometimes brought down by a soldier's +gun, but more frequently lost in a hole in the ice, to reappear next +minute when distance lent safety to the view. Now and then a wild cat +was seen as well as heard, and in the early dawn the tail of the red +fox, as he darted across the smooth surface of a frozen lake and +startled the deer as they lay in sheltered nook or browsed among the +bushes. But of wolves they saw no more, though night was often made +hideous with their unearthly yells, always reminiscent of that one +occasion, so long to be remembered. + +At last, on a bright March morning, they drove out upon a broad, level +plain. Octopus feelers stretched out in every direction. They were on +the Lake of Bays. Next, with all the speed they could muster, they +struck southward along Muskoka River. Then over hill and dale, across +ponds and beyond Muskoka Lake. South and west was still the watchword +till Waubashene was left behind, and finally one day, with the bright +sun shining above them, the terminus was reached. + +"All things come to him who waits and prays the Lord to guide him!" +piously exclaimed the Chaplain. + +"God be praised, we're here at last, thanks to our perseverance," echoed +Sir George. "But waiting would never bring a man to his destined haven. +Egad! this is a fine spot! Looks well in winter, what must it be in +summer?" + +"Mon Dieu!" exclaimed the Doctor, whose expletives were always in +French, "if yonder is not a schooner frozen fast in the ice." + +"Yes, and by my father's ghost, there's a man on her deck taking stock +of us," cried Cummings. + +At this moment the men gave a loud cheer, which was answered by a whoop +from the owner of the boat. + +"The unexpected always happens," said Sir George; "who could imagine +that we should find a brig here? Captain, send down Bond and Hardman to +tell the man I would like to converse with him." + +In a short time the men of the little column, as well as horses and +sleighs, were gathered in an open space above the crest of the hill. On +two sides and behind them the forest extended illimitably, while through +the scattered trees in front, the surface of the bay stretched out for +miles. It was here they purposed camping in temporary shanties and tents +until permanent houses could be built. + +A week's rest at Roche Lake had improved Helen's condition, and now with +joy she welcomed the end of their long march. + +"Home at last," cried Harold, as their sleigh stopped. + +"Even if it is a snowbank," she responded with a laugh. + +"Scarcely that bad," said Sir George, who overheard her. "I see two or +three empty shanties yonder. They can be fixed a bit. And that little +schooner may have accommodation, perhaps. We shall soon know." + +The spot on which they stood was tramped hard by the many feet of the +men, and Helen alighted. + +"I wonder if there is a woman on board of her?" she questioned. + +"If there is, she's had a winter of it," commented Harold, "though not +as hard as you have had, dearie." + +"I can sympathize with any of your sex now, our own women particularly," +exclaimed Sir George, and extending his hand to Helen, he continued, +"and I congratulate you, Mrs. Manning, most cordially, may I say +affectionately, for the brave and noble fight you have put up during the +whole of this terrible journey. We are all proud of you, and when I tell +your uncle, Sir Charles, of the doings of the brave lady we took out to +the west, he will simply be amazed." + +Helen's cheeks flushed, and her eyes drooped as she murmured her thanks, +but her thoughts were wandering off in another direction. + +"You are not going back soon?" she asked, timidly. + +"Certainly not for a while; but when summer comes I may have to, unless +you make the new fort so charming by your presence, that even an old +fellow like myself cannot tear himself away," replied the Colonel, +gallantly. + +"But how could we possibly do without you?" + +"Oh, that can easily be managed, and to save time, preliminaries are +already being arranged." + +"You are cold," said Harold, noticing the sudden whiteness of her face. +"Let us step to the fire." + +Already one was burning, and beside it she stood, silently watching the +men felling trees for the larger camp of the night. + +"This is Mr. Latimer, sir," said the Corporal to Sir George, touching +his hat; with him were Hardman and the shuffling skipper. "He owns the +craft." + +"Good day, sir," exclaimed the man, with a general air of amazement on +his face. + +"Good day to you," Sir George replied, extending his hand. "We were +surprised to find a boat in the ice with a live man on it at this time +of the year." + +"No more'n I was to see youse, sir; an' where the deuce you all comes +from beats me." + +"On sledges straight from the Pole," returned the Colonel with a smile. + +"So I suspect!" a humorous twinkle taking the place of the look of +astonishment, "but I didna think the Yankees could scare red-coats so +far north as that." + +"Not so bad! But who have you on that boat of yours, or are you alone? +In fact, have you any accommodations to spare? Two or three berths, for +instance." + +"There's me an' my old woman. If she's willin' possibly we might take in +two or three womenfolk, if they can put up with our fixings." + +The man took a side glance at Helen, who stood by the fire, and then at +the other women, but his eye immediately reverted to the first face. She +had regained her color and was attentively observing him. + +"Thank you," returned the Colonel, "but how do you happen to be frozen +up in this plight?" + +"That's easy told," returned the man with a nod. He evidently wanted to +have a talk. "Fact is, I'm a trader, dealin' with Indians and whites all +around the Georgian Bay. But you see this war bizness knocked me out a +bit, for it wan't safe to run a craft right in the teeth o' destruction; +so I waited till fall, and when the gunboats laid up for the winter I +pitched in and did a rushing business right up to December. Then the big +gale hit us, and I thought it would blow the _Bumble Bee_ to pieces, but +it didn't. She just drifted right to where she is. Lor! how it did blow +that night! An' it friz, too, like all creation! When mornin' came we +was froze in as solid as a rock, an' here we are yet, and likely to be +for a spell. Turn about's fair play. Straight bizness--none o' yer +foolin'! Where did youse all come from?" + +"From Halifax." + +"How in Sam Hill did you do it?" + +"By cutting our way through the woods." + +"Well, I swa'an!" The man pulled out a jack-knife and began whittling a +stick. Then he expectorated an exceedingly long distance, and finished +by exclaiming: "Golly, but you're bricks--and to think of having a leddy +with you, too!" + +"Thank you," said Sir George. + +"An' how much farther be you going? Clean through to the coast?" + +"No; this is the end." + +"An' you'll stay here?" + +"Yes." + +"An' build a barrack for the sojers?" + +"Yes." + +"By Jehupitee Cripes! If that don't beat all! I must tell my woman. +Won't the _Bumble Bee_ make a fortin'?" + +Latimer clapped his knee in high glee. Then he turned to shuffle down to +the boat to tell his better half the good news. + +"Stay!" called Sir George, and, turning to Harold, he continued: "You +and your wife had better go with Mr. Latimer and see what accommodation +he has to offer. It might save time." + +So, accompanied by Bond, they followed the man in single file down the +footpath through the snow. A steep but straight decline led to the level +of the frozen lake. About twenty yards from the shore lay the _Bumble +Bee_. It was a small craft with two masts and about nine feet beam. The +gunwale stood several feet above the ice, and beside the little midship +cabin the whole of the poop had been boarded in by a railing. A pile of +wood lay beside the boat, and as Helen stepped across the little +gangway, she noticed that the foredeck was cleanly swept. + +With arms akimbo, a middle-aged, stern-faced woman stood in the narrow +doorway, but her thick homespun dress and general air of tidiness and +thrift gave confidence to her visitor, notwithstanding the puzzled look +of inquiry with which she returned Helen's salutation. + +"These people want to know eff we'll tak' in boarders?" said Latimer, by +way of introduction. "What say you, Meg?" + +"He means," said Harold, "that we are stranded, and would like you, if +possible, to accommodate this lady and two or three other women until we +can build our own quarters." + +For a moment or two the woman looked straight into Helen's frank and +kindly eyes. Then her hard expression softened, and a smile lit up her +face as she accepted Helen's hand. + +"I guess I can," was her answer. "It ain't much, but such as I have +she's welcome to. About t'other women I don't know, for I haven't seen +'em yet." + +Helen's eyes filled with tears. + +"Thank you," she said. + +"Step right in, marm; the coop is warm if it is little, and there's a +chair you can sit down in," pointing to a little rocker which Latimer +had made for her. "It's kinder comfortable." + +"I'm sure it is," said Helen, and slowly she rocked herself to and fro, +while she listened to the talk of the woman. + +She felt strangely attracted by her. Some old memory link of the past +was aroused. Had she seen that face before, and if so, when and where? +While talking and asking questions Helen's mind was in an analytical +mood, dissecting, so far as she could, everything associated with her +appearance and life. Who was she? Where had she seen her? Was it +possible that their lives had ever touched each other--this woman, +double her own age and of different station? Yes, there was a link +somewhere. Of this she felt sure. She must solve the mystery, but not +now. To find a spot to rest in was enough for the present. + + [Illustration: "Strangers and yet not strangers" + + _Page 72_] + + + + + CHAPTER XXIII. + + +The few remaining hours of that 31st of March were well occupied by the +men of the 100th. Larger and better camps were pitched to last for many +nights, instead of one, until real barracks could be built. The Indian +wigwams, of which several were standing along the shore, proved to be +useless, but a couple of trapper-forsaken shanties for the time did duty +as officers' quarters. Fortunately, in each was a rough fireplace, and +big fires soon dried the dampness and made them passably habitable. So +with the women on the _Bumble Bee_, and officers and men in their camps, +the first night passed away. + +On the following morning the men strengthened their stakes, while Sir +George and Captain Payne had an earnest consultation over plans for the +future. + +"Of course," said Sir George, "a fort and barracks will have to be built +at once, whatever we do afterwards; the question is, which shall be +first and where shall we put them?" + +"Both important questions," returned the Captain. "There is another +serious one, too. In three or four weeks, perhaps half that time, +winter will break up. The spring thaw and cold rains will come, and +better shelter for our people will then be imperative." + +"True," said the Colonel. "You already have your plans." + +For some moments there was a pause while they scanned the outlook. + +"Yes," said the engineer at last, "beside the men's camp, near the +margin of the hill, will be a good place for the garrison. It commands +the whole length of the bay to its mouth and Beausoliel Island beyond. +You couldn't have a better place for a fort. In it you might have +officers' rooms as well, and later on build your shipyard at the foot of +the hill down by the bay." + +"What about the men's quarters?" + +"Build them right behind the fort." + +"You notice that little narrow island to the south of Latimer's boat?" + +"Yes; it commands the mouth of the harbor direct, and would be a fine +place to build a magazine with a battery of guns." + +"A good idea, Captain. When summer comes perhaps we can manage it with +our light cannon. It is lucky they were no bigger. If they had been it +would have been impossible to portage them so far through the woods." + +"To put up the buildings every man will have to work," said Payne. + +"There need be no reserve on that score," returned George. "How are you +off for tools?" + +"Starting at London and ending at Montreal, we secured a full +complement, including axes, broad-axes, shingle knives, cross-cut saws, +etc. Then all the drivers are skilled woodsmen, and can show our men how +to use them." + +"When will you be ready to start?" + +"Immediately after mess." + +"Another thing, Captain, we must not forget that Mrs. Manning is here to +stay. One of our first buildings must be for herself and her husband." + +"I thought of that. How would it do to put up a house at once big enough +to hold them and the officers, too?" + +"You might throw up a little cottage for them and a larger one for +ourselves. That would be better than the double combination. Then we +could wait a bit. For that matter, we might build the new fort of +stone." + +In another hour a score of axes were at work. Busy hands swung them from +morning until evening for many successive days. Saws were used to cut +the logs into necessary lengths, while the little Frenchmen with their +teams snaked the logs out of the woods into the clearing where the +houses were to be built. + +Some of the men cleared the ground of underwood and dug cellars with +bevelled edges for the coming dwellings; others, discovering a spring, +hollowed out the surface, put in a cedar block curb and turned it into +a flowing well; while another gang felled clear stuff white pines, sawed +them into short lengths and split them into shingles. + +And so, under control of Captain Payne, this complex host of industry +busied itself day after day, from early dawn until the darkening. The +weather was in every way propitious, and though it thawed in day time, +it always froze at night. The sun, in a clear sky, daily reached a +loftier altitude and shed a warmer ray, melting the snow until the water +ran in ripples to the lake. But the tightening each night saved the +situation. Every body knew that warm weather was coming, and with so +much impending, not a moment was lost. So the time passed until one +afternoon a man was squaring the butt-end of a log when Captain Payne +joined him. + +"Can you have all ready for the raising by Monday morning?" he asked. + +"For the first cottage, yes," the man answered, resting for a moment +upon his broad-axe. "It's the little one for the lady. Bateese and +Bouchere are both good hewers, and they will have the logs for the other +by the time we have the first up." + +"That's satisfactory. I'm glad you are prompt. We are going to have +rain." + +"Bateese says it will come inside of two days," replied the man, +glancing at the hazy mist which was gradually darkening the sky. + +"Oui, monsieur, rain sure," cried Bateese from the end of a log he was +hewing. "Dem leetle clouds lak sheep-wool all de sam, wid haze where she +touch de ice sure sign, sure as shooting, sure as de diable." + +"How can you tell? You were never here before, Bateese." + +"Sure all de same. Place make no difference. Jess as it was in Kebec." + +"You had better push things anyway, Blake," said the Captain. "He is +probably right. Come what will, we must have both houses shingled before +the storm breaks." + +"And so we shall, if the good Lord will only keep it off a bit longer. +But there's a pile of work to do yet. The shingles are ready, but the +roof slabs have to be split. We'll need more men, sir." + +"You can have twenty more for the barrack gang," said Payne. + +"That's all we've room for, but they'll be needed. Let us have 'em soon, +sir." + +"All right, my man." + +At this moment there was a wild yell in the woods, following a crash +among the trees, and from different directions men rushed to the spot +from which the sound came; while at the same time a messenger hurried +in. + +"What's the matter?" cried Sir George. + +"Teddy Barnes is killed. He is dead sure! Oh! where is the Doctor?" + +But Beaumont had heard, and with long strides was hastening to the spot. +Though unconscious, the man was not dead. A big shingle tree in falling +had brought down a slanting spruce, pinning Teddy down in the snow +without killing him outright. When the Doctor arrived the men were +trying clumsily to extricate him. + +"Sacre," screamed the Doctor. "Stop, I say! There's only one chance to +save him. The log must be cut. Bateese, you are the man. Swing your axe +for your life. Now, all take hold and lift the tree bodily till he cuts +it loose." + +The shrill words of Beaumont calmed the excitement and brought order out +of chaos. Every one sprang to his post and the mighty effort of the men +in direct line preceptibly raised the upper end of the heavy tree. On +examination, the Doctor was convinced that the deep snow in the hollow +in which he lay had saved the man from instant death. + +With prodigious energy Bateese swung his axe. Every blow sank deep in +the soft, green wood. Quickly the bevelled notch in the one side was +cut, followed in similar fashion on the other. In a few minutes the work +was done, the axe penetrating from side to side through the upper half. + +"Now, reedy--leeft, garcons, leeft!" cried Bateese. "Steddy." + +With a bound the Frenchman was at the Doctor's side, and while the men +lifted till the timber snapped, the two gently drew out the body of the +boy; but an ominous sound jarred upon their ears. The bones grated upon +each other. Then on a stretcher covered with blankets they gently laid +the lad and bore him back to the camp. + +"Will he live?" Sir George asked in deep concern. + +"No," said the Doctor. "The poor fellow's pelvis is smashed. He may not +even become conscious again, for his skull is fractured as well." + +"Pray God he may not, then," said Sir George, fervently. "Better to die +than live in hopeless agony." + +By the time they reached the men's quarters every one in camp knew. They +gathered together in groups and discussed the sad event, the first +calamity since their arrival in Penetang. A more careful examination +corroborated the Doctor's opinion. Consciousness never returned, and by +sundown he was dead. + +"What about the lad's burial?" Chaplain Evans asked of Sir George before +retiring for the night. + +"To-morrow is Sunday, let us have it then," was the sorrowful answer. +"Reveille at eight, breakfast at nine, full parade at ten, funeral at +eleven. Preach the Sunday sermon, Chaplain, and let the boys have a good +one. They deserve it. Then we'll give poor Barnes a full rifle salute +and taps as well." + +"You are right, Colonel," returned the Chaplain; there was moisture +between his eyelids; "but it is too bad to have a death in our ranks so +soon." + + + + + CHAPTER XXIV. + + +They buried the broken body of Teddy Barnes in a little oak grove on the +lower plateau, and the dead leaves on the branches soughed in gentle +requiem to the words: + +"Dust to dust, ashes to ashes," as they fell from the clergyman's lips. + +With serious faces soldiers stood around the open grave. Earth dropped +upon the coffin. The boom of guns echoed over forest and lake, and then, +as the sounds died away, the shrill note of the bugle told of a spirit +that had gone too soon to the God who gave it. The funeral service was +ended. + +"My men," said the deep voice of the Colonel as he glanced at the faces +around him. "This sad duty is over. We have buried a comrade who fell, +not fighting in battle, but doing his duty; and in his burial we have +given him the honors due the bravest soldier when struck down at the +cannon's mouth. + +"But, my men, we do not live for the dead, but for the living. We are +still practically without shelter, and though it is Sunday, I must bid +you work with might and main. Every man must be at his post. The +quarters for the officers, and barracks for the men, must be built and +have the shingles on before the rain comes. Otherwise we must face +disaster. So I ask you to disband until after dinner, and then, at one +o'clock sharp, your work must begin again." + +Standing around the grave of their comrade the two companies of the +100th sent up a rousing cheer for their Colonel, and then, scattering, +each man went where he listed. + +"That Colonel of yours is well named," said Latimer to Helen in the +afternoon, as he entered the little coop of the _Bumble Bee_, where she +was writing. "He's got a mighty good headpiece. Those fellows of his +work like niggers when he tells 'em to." + +"And should they not?" she asked, looking up from her folder. + +"Of course, it's their duty, and all that, but I've often seen fellows +shirk right again orders the moment the captain's back was turned." + +"Perhaps they didn't have the right kind of a captain." + +"That's about it," returned Latimer, nodding his head. "Though it's not +their regular dooty, and it's Sunday, them sojers are workin' like all +possessed--one lot sawin' an' choppin' an' splittin' an' +haulin'--t'other lot havin' a reg'lar raisin' bee. They'll have the +walls o' both them housen up by night, or my name ain't Latimer." + +"I don't think Sir George would have the men working that way to-day if +it were not necessary," said Helen, seriously; but she remembered a note +in her diary, written in the days of their long march. + +"It's necessary, sure enough, or they wouldn't have a shingle laid +before the flood comes. But the funny part of it is that the boys should +put on their best lick to-day. I reckon that speech of the Colonel's did +the bizness. If I'd been one of them, I'd ha' done my best, too." + +For some time Latimer stood beside the little stove without further +comment, and Helen resumed her writing. + +"Say, Mrs. Manning!" he exclaimed at last. "Do you think the Colonel has +any idee how the war's going? In a week or two the snow'll be all gone, +an' the ice broke up, an' to me it 'pears like he must be 'specting the +Yankee ships up to the bay here, or he wouldn't be buildin' a fort." + +"You should ask the Colonel," replied Helen, diplomatically. "I can't +tell you, perhaps he can. But about our buildings, the sooner they go up +the better. This terrible winter seems to have lasted a year at least." + +"Golly, no. It has just been the ordinaire. Still, I'll be glad to have +it open up an' get my boat out agin. Do you know it's jess bootiful out +yon' on the water when the spring comes. The hull east side of the bay +is chuck full o' islands, and they're as purty as a pictur. There are +thousands of 'em, little bits of fellows and great big ones, scattered +up and down like lambs on a pasture field or hickory nuts in the woods. +An' then they're all covered wi' bushes and trees like. What I've seen +of 'em allus looked like the place my old mother told of, where the +fairies lived, and, by jove, nobody but fairies could live there, +anyway, for they're nothin' but solid rock, the hull kit of 'em." + +"Now you're talking sense for the fust time," said Mrs. Latimer, from +the other side of the cribbed little room. "It's one o' the most +dangerous lakes you could find anywheres. Nawthing but rocks, rocks, +rocks, an' many a boat goes to smash on 'em every year, an' no tellin' +how many lives are lost, for they never come back to tell the story." + +"I didn't say they warn't dangerous," returned Latimer, sagely holding +his head to one side. "I jess said they was bootiful, and so they is. It +ain't every one can tell a purty thing when they see it; and more than +that," he added sententiously, "the bay is prolific." + +"Of what?" his wife asked in supreme contempt. + +"Why," he replied in disgust, "of fishes." + +"Awh!" she interjected. + +"I don't think there's a place on the lakes where the fishin's as good +as Georgian Bay. There's whitefish an' salmon trout, an' bass, an' +pickerel, an' sturgeon, an' muskilonge, 'an goodness knows how many +others. Oh, you can talk as you like, but when the sun is settin' in +big gold flashes--green islands all around you--clear water, still as +glass, beneath you--an' then the bass catchin' your hook as fast as you +throw it in, life's jest about worth livin'!" + +"Ned's on one of his tangents again," said Mrs. Latimer, with a shrug. +"If the _Bumble Bee_ ever gets stranded on the rocks it'll teach him +sense, but nothin' else will." + +"Don't be hard on a fellow, Meg," replied the man good-naturedly. +"Many's the time the _Bumble Bee's_ taken in fish by the bushel, an' she +never got stranded on the rocks yet; please God, she never will. She can +run agin the wind as fast as any smack I know of, an' I guess Ned +Latimer understands her gearings." + +"It was runnin' her gearings put us in this blessed hole, I reckon.' + +"We might have been wuss off. Lots o' firewood, lots o' fish and +venison, friendly Injuns for neighbors, an' not so terribly cold after +all, even if we was friz up in the ice." + +And the philosophical skipper went off to take another look at the +progress of the "Raisin'." + +"Latimer's allus easy goin' and onreasonable," said the wife, as she +watched him through the little window, while he ascended the hill. + +"It must have been hard for you to spend the winter locked in here," +said Helen. She felt like reconciling the incongruities between the +ill-mated pair, "but I shouldn't think Mr. Latimer an unreasonable man. +He may have made a mistake in letting his boat drift into the bay so +late in the season. Still, he has made it comfortable for you, and I +wonder what I could have done if your homelike schooner had not been +here, with a kind hostess in it to welcome me." + +"I suppose things is never so bad as they might be," said Mrs. Latimer, +her face relaxing a little. "And I'm glad to do something for ye--even +if it ain't much." + +Again Helen was startled. It was when the hardness wore off the woman's +face that the forgotten expression came back again. She had surely seen +it before, and the softened tone seemed familiar. Could she trace it +back through the years to the days of her childhood? It could not be +black-eyed Susan, who pinched her when she cried, and threatened to +pinch harder if she told? This woman's eyes were grey. Nor red-headed +Molly, who in her afternoon walk invariably left her with her mother to +be stuffed with black toffy, while she went off to gossip with the +barber's son? Her hair was too black ever to have been red. Nor the maid +who frightened her with ghost stories. Nor the namby-pamby one who +cuddled her with kisses and called her beatific names, until in childish +indignation she wrathfully rebelled. + +All these in rapid movement of memory were set aside, but the more she +thought, the more convinced she became that in the big medley of +domestic servitors of the long past, this woman somewhere played her +part. But the cobwebs were lifting. She would find her soon. + +"You have not always lived on the lakes, Mrs. Latimer?" she asked at +last. + +"I never did till I married Latimer." + +"And before that?" said Helen. + +"I was from New York; but that's ten year ago, and Latimer was a British +subject." + +"And did you never cross the ocean? One would think that, living so much +on the water, you would be sure to go over the sea." + +"So I have, mum, so I have. I went over twenty year ago come June as +servant to a New York lady and stayed there for a year, but I didn't +like it, so I come home agin." + +"Twenty years ago. And did you live for some time in South London, near +the Thames?" + +"Yes I did," answered the woman, with a start. + +"And worked as nursemaid for Mrs. Brandon, of Russell Street, near +Battersea Park?" + +"Good gracious alive, yes! Did you know her? Be you--" + +"Yes, I am little Helen Brandon, the child you put straddle-legged +around your neck to run a race with another nurse-girl from Henley +Street, at the other end of the row." + +"Land sake! Be you that child? Who'd a'thought it! An' then to meet you +here out in the wilds o' the wilderness!" The woman rose, and, with +flushed and agitated face, came towards her. + +Helen extended both hands, and Mrs. Latimer grasped them within her own. + +"It was rough play, and weren't the square thing to do, I reckon; still, +I don't think I hurt you, child." + +"You didn't hurt me much, but I was terribly afraid you might fall. If I +remember right, the other little girl screamed frantically at the last." + +"And well she might," returned the woman with a grin, "for Ann did the +very thing you were afraid of. She stumbled and rolled over, and I won +the race." + +"I must have been sadly frightened, for I remember crying over it in my +little bed that night, and my mother insisted upon knowing the cause--so +I told her--and I never saw you afterwards." + +"Oh, she gave me my _conge_ next morning, but I didn't care, for I had +decided to come back to the States as soon as that month's work was up." + +"You did not take another place, then?" + +"No; I sailed on the next ship, and then worked out in New York until I +came across Latimer--and was fool enough to marry him." + +"I hope you don't regret it." + +"Humph! don't I? But I'm glad to know who you are. There won't be no +more races, but I'll do all I can for you, an' help you to fix things, +too, when they get your house built. I took an awful fancy to you when +you was a kid, even if I was a leetle rough." + +"I felt sure I knew you from the first," said Helen earnestly. "I must +again thank you for your kindness, and I am sure we shall be very good +friends." + +"It is just a joy to see you when I think it out. The long ago is only +like yesterday. Just to think that the first white woman's face I should +see in four months should be that of the little rosy-faced darling that +I dangled in my arms and round my neck twenty long year ago. Ah, there +comes Latimer agin!" And her face hardened. "What does he want now, I +wonder? Why can't he let us be?" + + + + + CHAPTER XXV. + + +The woman went out to interrogate her husband, and Helen returned to her +writing, but in a few minutes Latimer came in again. + +"Is them letters you are at?" he asked, as she folded a sheet and +slipped it into her reticule. + +"Yes," she replied. "I hope to send them away when the lake opens." + +"Your post will be long in going," he said, wagging his head. "It may +take a month to clear the ice off the bay, and there ain't a single +post-office anywheres this side o' Little York, and being as the Yankees +fight well on the lakes, it might be dangerous to send letters that way +even when they was open." + +"Letters will keep," replied Helen, serenely, "And the Americans cannot +always have it their own way." + +"I didn't say they could; only what you have writ down will be an old +story before you get it off your hands." + +"Old stories are said to be the best, you know." + +"So I've heerd. It's none of my bizness, anyhow, an' as I tell my old +woman, you can do as you durned please." + +He threw back his head and cackled in apology for his rudeness, while +Helen folded her tablets and put on her wraps to go out. The hazy sun +was still an hour high. On the hill she could see her future home, with +walls up and rafter poles in place, and not far from it sounded the +"yo-heave" of the men who, with long pikes, were raising the logs of the +larger building. + +Gathering up her skirts to keep them out of the melting snow, Helen +hastened over to the scene. Harold was superintending the men on one +side as she joined him. + +"That'll be our new home, sweetheart," he said, nodding toward the +farther building. "How do you like it?" + +"Logs all round, it looks queer," was her answer. + +"Yes, but the shingles have to go on yet." + +"What about doors and windows?" + +"They will cut holes in the sides to-day, and put them in afterwards." + +"What a ninny I am not to think of it! How hard the men work!" + +"Yes; this house, too, has to be up to-night, and made ready for +shingles as well." + +"Oh, if the rain would only keep off!" + +"Yes, that would be grand. In the meantime we are all doing our best." + +Some men were splitting pine logs into slabs and hewing them down for +roof planks, and already they were being laid on the rafters of Helen's +house. Others were preparing shingles, chinking walls and cutting +apertures. Doorways, jamways, chimneys, were all being made. Every one +was busy. + +By the next afternoon much had been accomplished. Each man's coat was +off--work was unabated--no rain had fallen--but heavy clouds covered the +sky--and Bateese's prediction seemed likely of fulfilment. + +The shingling of Helen's house had been finished. A log fire was burning +on the andirons to dry the dampness and take away the green, while men +were doing their best in many ways to make it habitable. + +"Can I have my boxes brought in now?" Helen asked of Harold. "There's +the first drop of rain." + +"Yes, if the rubbish can be cleared out of the way." + +"Emmiline and I will see to that." + +Then Bateese and the soldiers brought over what was personal for Helen's +cottage; while she, her faithful Emmiline and Harold, did the rest. + +In the preparations of the officers' house progress had been slower, but +as it was evident that rain would be upon them heavily by night, the +energies of the men were taxed to their utmost. Bit by bit the place was +put in order, and load after load of goods were brought in and piled at +random even before the roof was closed in. + +"The shingling must be finished, no matter how it rains," cried Captain +Payne, "and every man shall have an extra ration of grog when it is +done. The officers will occupy this house to-night, no matter what +happens." + +The promise of extra liquor, for all were wet, stimulated to greater +exertion, and valiantly the men obeyed orders. By night rain came down +in torrents. Though drenched to the skin, the shinglers continued their +work until the last one was laid, and beneath the sheltering roof of +their new cottage Sir George and his officers gathered together before +the night closed in. + +Still, the walls of the barracks were only partly up, and for that night +the men, notwithstanding the rain, were obliged to return to their old +quarters. So with the women in the _Bumble Bee_, Harold and Helen in +their new cottage, the officers in their house, and the men in their old +camp, the night wore on. + +By-and-bye the east wind veered to the south. With warmer air and rain +the snow and ice melted rapidly away. But toward morning another change +came. The wind swept to the west and increased to a hurricane; savagely +the frozen surface of the bay broke up, toppling huge waves over each +other in fury, and forcing the ice blocks out to the freer space along +the eastern shore. So mad was the wind, so wild the elements, bursting +free from the icy grip of winter--that the lake at Beausoliel tossed +mountains high in a white-capped sea of foam. The trouble, however, was +not in the distance, but at hand. + +During the earlier hours of the night, tired out by their day's work, +the men slept soundly, notwithstanding the tempest. The pine-needle +padding of the roofs of the camp in some measure protected the bunks +from leakage; and, as the soldier heeds not the storm, save when +summoned to duty, on they slept. By-and-bye the wind increased in savage +fury. Stakes loosened, camp poles swayed, and at the earliest dawn the +sentry sounded the alarm. But it was none too soon. The men had scarcely +time to spring to their feet and don their jackets before the crash +came. There were oaths and yells and confusion; clashing of timbers and +popping of heads through the debris; while not a few derisive laughs +rang out above the sound of the screeching wind. + +"What a devilish row!" cried Corporal Bond to Hardman, as they fell over +each other in making their exit. "A complete flattener. Pray God, none +o' the boys are killed." + +"It beats all," returned Hardman, as a flying stick struck him on the +head and knocked him over. But he was up in a moment, vigorously rubbing +the place. "Jimminy Isaacs! Lucky the women are in the boat," he yelled +out. + +"Is it, though?" cried the Corporal, as a wild shout came from the +stormy bay beneath them. + +"Ba gosh! Vat's de matter wid de _Bumble Bee_?" yelled Bateese, who, +after crawling from beneath a stack of pine poles, rushed to their side. +There was commotion down there, no doubt, though what it was the +darkness hid from view. Away went Bateese, running with tremendous +strides and followed by others, realizing that possibly the women might +be in danger. + +Protected from wind and wave by the island already mentioned, the ice +between the latter and the shore withstood the force of the tempest the +longest. At the northern end of the protected channel lay the _Bumble +Bee_, and while stationary in the ice, the storm failed to rouse the +occupants. The sudden veering of the wind, however, changed the +flattened surface into a boiling cauldron. Tumultuously, the ice, worn +thin by the prolonged thaw, was broken into fragments, and the little +ship, frozen solid at her moorings for the whole of the winter, was +suddenly cast loose upon the waters. + +Latimer and his wife were both roused by the lurch of the boat. As an +old seaman, he knew at once what had happened. The rudder, too, was +gone, and he called loudly for assistance. At the same moment the women +screamed, for the boat tossed like a cockle shell beneath them. + +"Be easy, now," cried Latimer. "Don't make fools of yourselves! This +ain't the first sail the _Bumble Bee_ ever made." + +"If it ain't the first, it's the last," retorted his wife, fiercely. + +"Bet your bottom dollar she'll make many another yet. Hello, Bateese! +Ketch this rope when I throw it." + +But the distance was too great. + +"Hold on, wait a meenit," and Bateese ran to a pile of young beeches +that had been cut as pike poles for building. + +"That 'tarnal Frenchman," muttered Latimer. "The rudder's broken, and +we'll drift out of reach before he's back again." + +But Bateese knew better. + +"Tie loop on rope," he yelled as he hurried back. "Den we catch heem wid +pole." + +"Here's one for ye," and with tremendous effort Latimer threw out the +line again. As it uncoiled the end fell between fragments of ice ten +feet from the shore. + +"Dere, I tole you. Him no reach de bank, but nevare min', we catch heem +all de same." And stretching out to his utmost he hooked the fork of the +beech into the open end of the cable and drew it in. Being taut, there +was barely enough to reach the shore. + +"Give us more rope," shouted Bond. Another yard was paid out. + +"Not another inch to spare," cried Latimer. + +But the men had got hold of it and were pulling with all their might. +Still, the force of the current was a match for them, and it was not +until reinforced that they succeeded in drawing the boat in and lashing +it to a tree. + +Necessity for self-control was now over, and Bateese sprung excitedly on +to the _Bumble Bee_. + +"Oh, ma Emmiline. Mon cher ami!" Throwing his arms about his wife: "Mine +sweetheart--vive ma reine." + +"Oui, oui, Bateese!" she replied, the tears running on each side down +her face, "but don't be so fooleesh." + +The Englishmen were not so demonstrative. Hardman extended his hand to +help his wife to terra firma, she vowing that she would "never sleep on +that old thing again"; while Bond chaffed his wife good-naturedly for +"rasin' such a din in the fo'castle of the bloomin' boat." + +By this time it was daylight. The bugle sounded the men to mess, and the +day promising to be fine, orders were given to push the barracks for the +men, and to occupy them the coming night. All of which by diligent +effort they were able to accomplish. + +Having followed our heroine and the officers and soldiers of the two +companies of the 100th through their long and arduous march, locating +them finally at Penetang, and watching with interest their efforts at +the establishment of a fort, we must bid them adieu for a time and +return to the east in order to record other incidents which have an +important bearing upon our story. + + + + + CHAPTER XXVI. + + +Only twice did Maud Maxwell receive letters from Dr. Beaumont during the +months that followed that memorable morning when the companies started +out on their long march. One was from Quebec, in which he gave details +of the journey and an account of the dance at the Citadel, but he made +no mention of his meeting with the beautiful Louise de Rochefort. On the +whole, the letter, to Maud's mind, seemed cool. At this she felt piqued, +more than she cared to acknowledge to herself. The devotion declared by +the ardent lover on leaving, notwithstanding the coolness with which she +had received it, seemed scarcely to be adequately sustained. Why so +sudden a change? Had he forgotten her already? Was he contented to woo +nature in the wild woods of the west, in place of the maiden to whom he +had so recently declared his passion? + +But the next letter from Montreal was more cheering, for although the +canny Scotch, inherited from his mother, seemed, in the first part of +the letter, to have thrown a damper upon his passion, the conclusion was +in better form. There was a warmer ring--a plea for the future--a touch +of genuine sentiment. "You may not think of me," he said, "or if you do, +only as one whose presence is not missed; but I think of you as my +guiding star, my beacon light, urging me onward through the forest--over +ice and snow--along river and lake--to a little spot in the west which +is to be my home and, please God, yours also." Then he signed himself: +"By all that is holy," as one "who will ever be true." + +The coolness of the one letter, followed by the renewed passion in the +other, had a good effect upon Maud. Although she read the latter a +little indignantly and laid it aside, before long she took it up and +read it again. + +"He has no business to write me in that strain," she commented to +herself. "So cool at first, and, then almost as if we were betrothed; +when there is really nothing between us. Still, I do not dislike him. He +is such an independent fellow, and so strong and true." And, although +her eye flashed, she heaved a little sigh. + +It was the beginning of April--the very time that the men were pitching +their first camp on the bay of Penetang, and she speculated much about +the Doctor and Mrs. Manning. + +"If he had only remained in Halifax," she soliloquized, "I would have +done my best to be her companion. I am sure I am strong enough." And +seizing hold of a horizontal bar, placed at the end of her room, she +drew herself up with both hands and placed her chin above it, repeating +the exercise several times until she was tired. "Colonel Mason says I am +a good shot, too." + +"At it again!" exclaimed her sister Eugenia, who at this moment entered +the room. "I consider such exercises exceedingly indelicate for a young +lady. To think of a daughter of Judge Maxwell gesticulating and throwing +her limbs about in such a wild way is simply shocking." + +"You are about the only person who has the opportunity of being shocked +by my gymnastics," said Maud, elevating her eyebrows. "It cannot be such +a dreadful thing or Dad would never have had the bar put up for me." + +"You were a spoilt child, and he just humored you." + +"Bless the dear man for doing it. Come now, Eugenia, just try it once. +You've no idea how delightful it is to pull yourself up on this +cross-bar." + +"How dare you ask me? I couldn't think of such a thing." And the large +blonde tried ineffectually to look severe. + +"Oh, yes you could; and what's more, I've something interesting to tell +you. Still, I shan't say a word unless you try my bar." + +"What impudence!" + +"You know the conditions," said Maud, commencing to put on her hat. +"It's quite easy to try. You can keep your feet so close together that +a cat couldn't see between them. All you have to do is to hold on and +pull yourself up. See, even with my coat on I can chin the bar with one +hand. You surely can with two." + +"Don't be silly!" + +"Bah! it's just the finest exercise." + +"But what's your secret, Maud, without this silly nonsense?" + +"If you try my bar I'll tell you." + +"And won't you if I don't?" + +"Not while water runs nor grass grows," said Maud in mock solemnity, +buttoning on her gloves. + +With an air of resignation Eugenia walked up to the pole. She was taller +and heavier than Maud. Consequently, when she stretched out her long +arms and took hold, her knees bent ungracefully a foot above the floor. +Maud slipped behind her sister to hide her amusement. + +"Now, draw yourself up with all your might," she cried. "You must put +your chin on top of the pole." + +"I can't!" exclaimed Eugenia, who, with all her tugging, could only +raise herself a few inches and then let herself suddenly down again. + +"You must!" said Maud; "any child could do better than that." + +After another strenuous effort Eugenia stopped in disgust. + +"There," she exclaimed, sitting down to rest. "I have humored you in +your childish folly, what have you to say to repay me for my trouble?" + +"Well," returned Maud, unbuttoning her coat and taking a seat opposite +her sister. "It's about Captain Morris. When I was at Pennington's last +night he was there. From pure accident we were alone in the library for +a short time, and he proposed to me." + +"Humph! that's the third young man who has been silly enough to do it +already this year." + +"I can't help that," said Maud, gravely. "If they have no better sense +than to be enamored with my poor face, I am sure I am not responsible." + +"You are not, eh? And what was your decision this time?" + +"Just what you might expect. After declaring the grand passion, instead +of asking for a return of his love, he requested permission to at once +ask father for my hand. I suppose that's the English way of doing it." + +"And what did you say to that?" + +"That my surprise was very great, I couldn't think of such a thing, and +that I was too young and inexperienced even to dream of love." + +"Captain Morris is of good family and very wealthy," said Eugenia, +reflectively. "His father left a fine estate in the south of England, I +understand; and the Captain is his eldest son and heir." + +"I don't care what estates he has," was Maud's quick rejoinder; "if I +ever marry a man it must be for what he is, not what he has." + +"Very true, my dear," returned Eugenia, who viewed things generally from +a material standpoint. "Quite correct sentiments, but I have sometimes +noticed that incidental fortunes are not necessarily a bar to matrimony. +Usually they are the reverse. And Captain Morris himself is +irreproachable." + +"I know that he's nice and all that," said Maud, "and has charming +manners. I expect his regiment will remain here for a long time yet, as +all the troops have been ordered to the front, so I shall have ample +opportunities of seeing him again." + +"Well, my impression is that he is the best of the lot, and when +desirous of winning your hand you should give him the chance----" + +"Of winning my heart?" + +"Certainly. Another thing, it is not a bit fair to entangle so many men, +and then throw them overboard one after another." + +"But, my dear, I don't wish to entangle them. If they cannot control +themselves it is surely not my fault." + +"Don't talk nonsense, Maud. You know very well it is not your face that +does it." + +"'Pon my word, am I so ugly as all that?" interrupted Maud, with seeming +surprise. + +"It is your manner and what they call your character," said Eugenia, +with attempted severity. + +"Well, Eugenia, I wish you'd leave me to myself. I really like them all. +I can tell you candidly that I have not positively refused any of them, +and they are still my friends." + +"And how long is this condition to last?" + +"Ask me a year hence and I will tell you." And with a flushed face Maud +left the room. + + + + + CHAPTER XXVII. + + +From the time he was stationed in Halifax Captain Morris had always been +a welcome visitor at Judge Maxwell's. The possibility of being a suitor +for the hand of one of the daughters only increased the cordiality of +his reception, and notwithstanding Maud's seeming refusal, he still +availed himself of every opportunity to press his suit. Social functions +of one sort or other were also of frequent occurrence, and Maud accepted +his attentions, although she effectually parried any direct renewal of +the offer of marriage. + +Captain Morris had seen a good deal of life. Having abundance of means, +as well as his commission, he had always been lionized on returning home +from the wars. Yet each time he had gone away again heart free. Perhaps +he was getting a little bit blase. Possibly he overestimated his +importance in his own particular set, when he imagined that much of the +kindness extended to him was with an ulterior object. + +Be that as it may, the first look he had of Maud Maxwell was a beatific +vision to him--a picture that would not be blotted out. It planted +itself on his inner consciousness, leaving an impression that deepened +each time they met. + +There was a freshness, beauty and mental vigor in this young maiden that +were new to him, and the fact that his personal influence over her +matured so slowly, made him all the more desirous to win her love. + +As May opened, Halifax became additionally alive from the arrival of +more troops from England. It was but a little place in those days, not +numbering more than eight thousand people. Consequently, what interested +one interested all, and the whole place was astir to witness the +landing. + +Colonel Battersby, the commanding officer, was under orders to remain in +the Lower Province if necessary, but if not to push on by boat to +Quebec, and from thence to Montreal. The first interview he had with Sir +John Sherbrook and Colonel Mason settled the matter. + +"We are well defended already," said Sir John. "War vessels command our +harbor and coast line, and the regiments stationed here are all the +Citadel needs. No, my dear Colonel, I am glad to say that in the east we +do not require your services; but in the west, particularly in the Upper +Province, we do. That part of the country has a good future before it, +and we must stick to it, for when settled and developed it is destined +to become the garden of Canada." + +"One of the chief reasons why the Yankees want it, and why we are bound +to keep it," returned Battersby. "Will the St. Lawrence be clear of ice +now?" + +"Yes," replied Colonel Mason. "The season is early and the river open. +Molson's steamers can tug you as far as Montreal. If not wanted there, +you can march overland to Kingston." + +"Sir James Yeo has had two new vessels built this winter," said Sir +John. "This will help our Ontario fleet, and when you arrive he will be +able to transfer you to any point along the coastline that may be +necessary." + +"I am glad of that," replied Colonel Battersby. "I have always had a +desire to go west. At home we are just beginning to realize what Canada +is, but before this war commenced you might go from January to December +without hearing the name even mentioned." + +"What you say is true enough," was Mason's comment. "They send us poor +devils out here and then forget us. We might almost thank the Americans +for bringing on the war and opening the eyes of Englishmen to the fact +that we have half a continent here still under the old flag." + +"Is now and ever shall be," said the Governor. + +"To that I say Amen," said Battersby. "But we must not forget that the +fight is not over. The Americans are a strong people--like ourselves of +Anglo-Saxon blood--and they are making a stiff fight to enlarge their +territory. They have not forgotten their victories of '76." + +"I grant that, Colonel, but they will never succeed in this northern +region, whatever they did in the south, if Englishmen can help it." + +"Not while England can send out her continental regiments," said Mason. +"So far this year our men have done well. Witness the defeat of +Wilkinson at the famous old mill of Lacolle." + +"Yes," said Sir John, "but that would not have happened if Major +Handcock had not received timely reinforcements from the Fencibles and +Voltigeurs." + +"What is Sir James Yeo likely to do on the lakes this year?" Colonel +Battersby asked, looking alternately from one to the other. + +"We are too far off the scene of action to know exactly," said Sir John, +"though I believe he intends with his raw recruits, aided by a force +under General Drummond, to attack Oswego as soon as the lake opens. +By-the-way, Mason," he continued, turning to that officer, "could you +not spare Battersby a couple of companies out of one of your regiments?" + +"If he has room on his troopships to take them, we could," was the +answer. + +"Thank you; the more we have the merrier. You know we had several +hundred emigrants in our voyage out. They land here, so we can easily +take your men." + +In the afternoon of the next day, in a field below the fortress, a +review of the troops was held, and it was decided to close by selecting +from the garrison brigade the companies who were to go west. The day was +bright and warm, and the news having got abroad that a division from the +Citadel was to accompany Colonel Battersby's regiment up the St. +Lawrence, many of the townspeople hastened to the commons to witness the +parade, and among them the Misses Maxwell. + +"There is room, young ladies, in our carriage," said Mrs. Mason, who +drove up with another lady, "and with us you will have a better view." + +The offer was a welcome one, and they drove to the top of a little +crescent commanding a full view of the parade ground. Colonels Mason and +Battersby stood a short distance away watching the evolutions, which had +already commenced. + +"Your men have lost nothing of precision by their four weeks at sea," +said Colonel Mason. + +"No," responded Battersby, drily, "they seem to hold their own, even +with troops accustomed to discipline on land." + +"Our garrison men are always well drilled," said Mason, a little +stiffly. + +"Of course! Only I am astonished that soldiers fresh from the ocean +should lose their sea legs so soon." + +"Well," said Mason, in better humor as his own regiment swung around and +marched past over the green sod on the double quick, "your men are a +credit to their Colonel, and I don't see why you should not personally +choose the two companies you want to take." + +"Thank you kindly for the honor," said Battersby. + +"That is all right. Have you a choice?" + +"'Pon my word, of the men, no. They all look like well-drilled fellows, +with clean jibs, straight backs and honest mugs. It would be hard to +make one." + +"Of the officers have you?" + +"Not from the way in which they command their companies. Still, you have +one man I would like to have on my staff, if you can spare him, and +taking him I should expect to take his company also." + +"Who is that, pray?" + +"Captain Morris. He made a record for himself in Spain, and would do +excellent service out west if he had the chance." + +"By George, you have touched the apple of my eye!" exclaimed Mason, who +in making his offer had in mind the efficiency of the companies +themselves, without reference to the officers who led them. "Captain +Morris is the best officer we've got. He has seen the enemy's guns in +many a campaign and, between ourselves, is recommended for promotion." + +"Promotion will come quicker if taken out west than here at the +Citadel," said Battersby. + +"Sure enough. I gave my word and shall stand by it. If you will form the +squares I will speak to Morris now." + +The ladies in the carriage had not been inattentive listeners. The +unexpected announcement startled the Misses Maxwell. By-and-bye, while +the final manoeuvres were being accomplished, Colonel Mason joined them. + +"So you are going to send our brave boys away," said Mrs. Mason. + +"Yes, a few of them. It will prevent the fellows from rusting, and give +those that remain a little more to do." + +"Unfortunately, our brightest man is captain of one of the companies you +are sending off," said Mrs. Mason. + +"That's usually the case. The office seeks the man, and not the man the +office," returned the Colonel, with a glance at the occupants of the +rear seat. "And men of promise are always favorites with the ladies, I +notice." + +"If I were a man I'd like to go, too," said Maud. "I only wish I were +one." + +"I'm afraid you're not tall enough, my dear," said the Colonel, looking +gravely into the flashing eyes of the girl. "Five feet five inches is +the lowest height at which I could enlist a soldier." + +"I would put on high-heeled boots." + +"No use, Miss Maud. Recruits are always measured in their stocking +feet." + +And he went away laughing. + +The troops were formed in lines four deep, facing the crescent; and on a +signal from the Colonel, Captain Morris approached. For a few minutes +the two were in earnest conversation. Then, with a salute, Morris +returned to the head of his column and attention was called. + +"Men of the Garrison Corps," said Colonel Mason, in ringing tones. "We +welcome to our midst the officers and men of Colonel Battersby's column. +We are always glad to see comrades from over the sea. Their stay with +us, however, will be short. To-morrow they sail for the St. Lawrence +River. But they will not go alone. Our garrison is a strong one, and +much as we dislike to part with our men, we can spare some. So I have to +tell you that the officers and men of companies C and D will go with +them to help to fight the battles of our Country and our King. Three +cheers for companies C and D." + +Loud hurrahs followed, and with cheers for the visiting and garrison +corps, the review ended. + +The ladies drove back in the carriage together--Mrs. Mason having +invited the Misses Maxwell to a cup of tea before walking home. +Consequently, on leaving the Citadel, they were overtaken by Captain +Morris and Dr. Fairchilds. The latter already had been captivated by the +blonde and availed himself of the opportunity of leading the way with +her. + +"Were you surprised at the Colonel's announcement?" Maud asked of the +Captain as they dropped into line behind the other two. + +"A soldier learns never to be surprised," was his answer. "We expected +some would be ordered west, for the garrison is so full, but who would +be chosen was an enigma." + +He looked straight into Maud's face. + +"I heard Colonel Battersby give you great praise," she said, "but +perhaps it is a military secret." + +"Not necessarily, if said in public," was his answer. "Still, I may not +specially deserve it. The army is full of brave men." + +"Your name would not have been mentioned unless there had been good +reason." + +"Well, even granting that, what good can come of it, when the maid I +adore cares not a jot or tittle?" + +"Much good," was her answer, but she did not return his look. "A larger +life and promotion would be sure--the very things I would want if I were +a man." + +"Do you wish you were?" + +"What is the use?" + +"Your words should stimulate one, anyway, but can you say nothing more, +Miss Maud? We leave so soon--to-morrow--a soldier's life is in his hand. +Give him something to hope for and fight for as well." + +"Am I not trying?" she replied, with one of those bright flashes which +did such havoc with the men. "Higher rank and future glory!" + +"Fudge!" he exclaimed, impatiently. "I could buy a colonelcy if I wanted +it, without drawing a sword or leading a man to battle, if that is all." + +"The Captain Morris, Colonel Battersby was talking about, could not," +said Maud contracting her eyebrows and looking grave again. "He was a +genuine man, and every inch a soldier." + +"Thank you for your approval," and notwithstanding his effort at +self-control, Morris' face flushed with pleasure. + +Dr. Fairchilds and Eugenia had paused at the doorstep. For a moment the +four chatted on. + +"Will you call again, Captain Morris, before you leave?" Maud asked. + +"I have only to-night, and it may be late, but I shall be very glad to +come." + +The door opened and in another minute, returning the bows of the +gentlemen, the ladies entered. + + + + + CHAPTER XXVIII. + + +"Are you still playing fast and loose with Captain Morris?" Eugenia +asked as she and her sister were dressing for dinner. + +"I never play fast and loose with anyone," was Maud's answer. "I +explained everything to him a month ago, why repeat it again now?" + +"He is devoted to you, surely you must have a preference." + +"Not necessarily, my dear, but that reminds me. This will give me a good +opportunity to send a letter to Mrs. Manning. I promised to write her. +They say the troopships will carry the mail with them; and taking mine +as far as Montreal, perhaps Little York, it can be forwarded overland to +Penetang." + +"Have you written your letter already?" + +"No, but I shall have time immediately after dinner. Captain Morris does +not come until nine." + +The meal over, Maud repaired to her room and took out her tablet, +quill-pen and horn inkstand. For weeks she had been hoping for a second +letter from Helen, but none had come. Still she had much to tell, and +the hour was nearly gone by the time her letter was finished and the +envelope addressed. + +She did not, however, seal it at once. Alone in her room she sat for a +moment tapping her forehead. Then she took out another sheet and +commenced writing again. This time it was to Dr. Beaumont, in reply to +the two she had already received. + +While writing she was in deep thought, carefully weighing her words. She +put them down more slowly than in her longer letter to Helen. As she +finished, the big bell in the church tower struck nine. For another +moment she paused. Then placing the letter in a small envelope, and +addressing it, she put it in the larger one to Mrs. Manning, and sealed +the latter in three places after the manner of the time. As she finished +a message came that Captain Morris had arrived. + +"Montreal will be your headquarters, no doubt," she heard her father say +as she entered the room. + +"It will be farther west than that, I hope," was his answer. "Still we +are willing to go anywhere. My men are quite excited over it. Being +veterans, one would think they would be indifferent; but it is so long +since they were in battle, that they are just itching for a fight." + +"Human depravity--human depravity!" exclaimed the judge. "It can't be +over a year since you left Europe. Surely they had enough of it then." + +"You forget, sir," said Morris, "that it is the soldier's life. His +daily occupation--his meat and drink--and that a long interruption from +everyday occurrences only gives zest to a return to old conditions." + +"Still it is lamentable! however essential to our glory," said the +Judge, shaking his head. + +"It should not be lamentable when the cause is just. For that matter +empire was always maintained by the sword and always will be." + +"No, no!" said the Judge. "The arts of peace are winning their way. We +may not do without the cannon yet, but please God the time will come +when 'The lion shall eat straw like the ox, and the wolf and the lamb +shall lie down together at the cockatrice den, and a little child shall +lead them.'" + +"Will that time ever come?" said Maud, her brows contracting. "I suppose +it would be grand if it did." + +"Not in our time," said Morris. "But the strength of the sword may +hasten it." + +"The inevitable paradox." + +"Paradoxes are the truest lessons of life." + +"The soldier's life is an instance. He fights that peace may reign." + +"He is an enigma," said Maud. + +"No, he is the most human of men," said the Captain. "Though true +hearted, he can love as well as hate. He can face the cannon's mouth +without flinching an inch, and the next moment shed tears over a +comrade's grave. When storming a stronghold, he can see his best friend +shot down by his side, and step over his body without even giving him a +look." + +"I can understand that," said Maud gravely, "and a woman could do it, +too, if it had to be." + +"I know one woman who could," said Morris, and Maud's face flushed as +she turned away. + +At this moment the knocker sounded and Miss Maxwell ushered in Dr. +Fairchilds. + +"Knowing how fond you are of whist, Captain," she said, "I asked the +Doctor over for another rubber before you go. I hope you and Maud are +both agreeable." + +"Eugenia is fond of surprises," said Maud with a sharp glance at her +sister; "but I shall be glad to have you for my partner, Captain, if you +can spare the time." + +"Thank you, but our game must be short. I am due at the Citadel at +eleven, and a soldier has to obey orders to the minute, you know." + +Soon the table was arranged and the young people sat down to play. + +In cutting for deal the choice fell to Maud; and when she turned up +Queen of Hearts, Eugenia smiled significantly. By-and-bye the first two +games were over, each side scoring one. + +"Now for the rubber," said the Captain. Again it was Maud's deal, and +again Queen of Hearts was trump. + +"Extraordinary!" exclaimed Fairchilds. "Your hands have been red all +evening." + +"Not only that," said Morris, smiling across the table, "but my +partner's have always been hearts." + +"Peculiar," said the Doctor. + +"Very," said Eugenia. + +Maud bit her lip. + +For a while the game was played in silence, she and the Captain +gradually winning. Finally, his deal came, and cutting, the King of +Hearts turned up. + +"I score you one better!" he exclaimed to Maud. Their eyes met and a +ripple went round the table. The game was soon finished. They had won +the rubber. + +Refreshments were served, and half an hour later the gentlemen rose to +go. + +"My Queen of Hearts," said the Captain to Maud in a low voice as she +accompanied him to the hall. + +"To-night you were my King," she replied with a little laugh. "King of +Hearts in our little game." + +"And what is life but a game," he answered, "with hearts for trumps, +which we all try to win?" + +"Oh Maud!" exclaimed Eugenia, coming out of the drawing-room with Dr. +Fairchilds. "Could not Captain Morris take your letter for Mrs. Manning? +He could put it in with the rest of the mail." + +"I shall be delighted," said the Captain, turning again to Maud; "and +for that matter will post it at Montreal instead of here." + +"Really, I wouldn't put you to that trouble for anything," said Maud, +casting a glance of annoyance at her sister. "The post will go by the +same boat as you do, and if I take it to the office in the morning it +will be sure to be in time." + +"I am not certain of that," said Fairchilds. + +"It takes twice as long to send a letter to Quebec or Montreal by mail +as it does to go in person. Putting it in the office will not guarantee +a quick delivery, I assure you." + +"Still it is unimportant," persisted Maud, who shrank from making the +Captain the unconscious bearer of a message to Beaumont. "I am sure +Captain Morris will have quite enough to attend to without burdening +himself with my paltry despatch." + +"No trouble at all," reiterated the Captain. "I have a number of +documents to take care of anyway, and I will just put yours with the +others in safe keeping." + +While the rest were discussing, Eugenia had gone for the letter, and now +handed it to Morris. Maud saw that further resistance was useless, +without being disagreeable. The address ran: + +"Mrs. Manning, + Wife of Lieutenant Manning, + Under command of Sir George Head, + Harbor of Penetanguishene, + Georgian Bay, + Upper Canada." + +In those days letters were matters of importance even to persons +unconcerned, and outer wrappings were the public property of all. Hence, +the reading aloud of the address caused no comment. + +"Yes, Miss Maud, I am delighted to take charge of it, and shall forward +it to the end of its journey as soon as I possibly can. While in my +possession it will be a reminder of the one who wrote it; and the moment +it leaves my hands I shall send you word, telling how soon I expect it +to reach its destination." + +Maud with throbbing heart murmured her thanks. + +The Captain tried unavailingly to secure another minute to themselves, +and with an indefinite understanding that they might speak with each +other the next day he took his leave. + +But circumstances were not favorable. Every moment of his time was +occupied, and it was from the deck of the ship that he again saw her in +the distance. The vessel had parted from her moorings and was floating +out into the harbor when he discovered her among the crowd on the wharf. +Instantly his helmet was raised--a little handkerchief fluttered for a +moment in the breeze, and gradually the distance widened between them. + + + + + CHAPTER XXIX. + + +On a bright May morning, later in the month than the sailing of the +ships out of the Halifax Harbor, the sun shone at Penetang in vivid +warmth and splendor. The people were glad. Earth was putting on her +newest garb of green. The trees of the forest, tired of monotonous +nudity, were clothed in many tints; and even the tardy ones, the annual +laggards, were being roused from their lethargy. + +Part of the barracks had been finished and made comfortable for +habitation, and the foundations of the fort had already been laid. By +judicious division of labor in the soldier settlement, men were +portioned off in accordance with their special aptitudes, and every one +was busy. Blacksmith and carpenter shops stood side by side, and in them +forge, hammer, saw and chisel, did their work persistently from morning +until night. Under habitant direction, too, the first fallow had been +cleared, the brushwood and timbers piled up to dry for burning, and the +land made ready for the seed. + +In front of the cottage on this special morning, Helen was busily +arranging her little garden. Harold had dug the ground for her and +planted the seeds she had brought from England. She was examining the +little shoots that had already appeared very tenderly, as a link to the +far-away beyond the sea. + +"Good morning, Mrs. Manning," said Sir George Head as he approached. +"Your little flower beds are full of promise." + +"My fear is that the sun will burn the plants before they have a chance +to develop," said Helen; "the English climate is so different." + +"That depends," said the Colonel. "My gardener used to say that if +plants were watered at night, and shaded during the heat of the day, +they would stand the change from a cool to a hot climate very well." + +"Thank you, Sir George. I am glad to know. These little plants are very +dear to me." + +"You must not make too much of them," he said gently. "And how do you +like your new house?" + +"Better every day. The floors of those rip-saw planks have all been +laid, and it is such a comfort. I don't know how to thank you for having +the carpenters make them for us." + +"My dear, they are just getting their hands in. They may have to rip the +floor boards for the fort for all we know. Latimer tells me that the +nearest sawmill is on the east side of the lake a hundred and fifty +miles away; and when we can get them by boat from there is a question." + +"I may consider myself very fortunate, then." + +"Indeed you may." + +"And the _Bumble Bee_ sails--" + +"To-morrow, I think. It was badly damaged in that ice storm, and our men +have repaired it in return for Latimer's services." + +At this moment Dr. Beaumont joined them. + +"Latimer tells me," he said, "that the wind indicates a brisk land +breeze, and he purposes sailing to-night." + +"A sensible idea," echoed the Colonel. "The sooner he starts now the +better. I have engaged him to bring in fresh supplies if he can get +them. He wants to take our mail matter, too, but it is too risky a +venture. We must send it by help of Indian guides overland to Little +York." + +"Latimer has great faith in his own ability," said Beaumont. "He thinks +he can run down the whole coast line without being caught." + +"Perhaps he might, the eastern shore being out of the war arena, but +toward St. Clair and Detroit, unless they are again in the hands of the +English, his boat would be sure to be captured." + +"Would they attack a little boat like his?" Helen asked in surprise. + +"An enemy will take any prize he can get, whether great or small," said +the Colonel. "Still Latimer may secure supplies of some kind from the +shore settlements; and I will see that he does not run too much risk." +With these words Sir George returned to his quarters. + +"Shall you send a letter to Miss Maud this time?" the Doctor asked, +pulling his moustache first on one side and then on the other. + +"I think I shall. Not being official I might risk it with Latimer. I +have written a long one for her. She's a charming girl, and in the short +time that I had the opportunity I grew very fond of her," she replied, +looking up into his face. "Unfortunately I did not remain long enough in +Halifax to get acquainted with many of the ladies; but I had more than +one long talk with Maud, and I assure you I admire her very much." + +"You do not overestimate her, Mrs. Manning, and I am glad you like her." + +"I could not help it," she responded as she bent again to arrange her +plants. "She has high ideals and wonderful self-control, a true index of +noble character." + +"Yes, and she is as beautiful as she is good," said Beaumont +impressively. "One of the women men rave over, but cannot win." + +"They might as well cease their ravings--but not every one." + +"Do you think so, Madame? Strange that you should learn in days what has +taken me years to discover." + +"Perhaps one woman can read another woman's heart quicker than a man +can." + +"Mon Dieu! Je ne sais quoi. I would give a fortune to read hers." + +"Spare your ducats, Monsieur," said Helen with a light laugh. "But I can +tell you something without money. In one of our talks she said she would +never marry a man unless she loved him so much that she would gladly go +to the ends of the earth with him; but that he must rise to her ideal +before she would think of him at all." + +"Is that ideal very high? Can no one reach it? Mon Dieu! I know one man +who will do his best, give him only the opportunity." + +"Make the opportunity. Make the effort," said Helen earnestly. +"Remember, she is the only woman, he the only man. Both seek ideals, and +the divine is still above them." + +"Dear Madame, how good you are! You give me hope. Heaven knows how I +love her!" + +She had never heard him talk so before, and as they reached the cottage +she held out her hand. + +"Thank you, Dr. Beaumont, for your confidence. I wish you well. Yes, and +I believe, also, that you are worthy to win." + +The Doctor had the gallantry of his race, and bowing low, he raised her +fingers to his lips. + +"Harold is busy with his men at the new bridge," she said, looking over +in the direction of the island. + +"Yes," he assented. "He and Captain Cummings will be there with a large +force all day." + +"Please tell him, when you go down, that I shall be at the wharf to see +him before they leave for dinner." + +As the Doctor withdrew she entered the cottage. Emmiline was busily +preparing wheaten dough for the oven. Her sleeves were turned up, her +neck bare, and her dress fastened loosely at the girdle. A bright fire +burned in the open fireplace, and in it a square sheet-iron oven had +been placed to heat for the baking. + +"How is the bread, Emmiline?" she asked as she opened the window a +little wider. + +"Oh, 'tees bon, Madame. Salt risin' good to-day. Yesterday mauvais bad. +Oven nice heat. Put right in now." And she dropped the dough into a +square tin, patted it on the back, and placed it on the shelf in the +oven. + +"Now," she went on, "Je vatch de fire--not too 'ot--not too cole--jes' +de tres meedle." + +"You must not work too hard, Emmiline." + +"No fear, Madame. No fear 'tall. You jes' like Bateese; he al'us say +tak' car', Emmiline, tak' car'. I only laugh. I strong an' work all de +same." + +"Still I want you to be wise. Mrs. Hardman will do any heavy lifting for +you; and we cannot have you hurt yourself." + +"I know dat--an' it ees nice to have de vemin's house so close. Dey be +goot fellahs, bot'." + +"When are they going to finish the room upstairs for you, Emmiline?" + +"Oh, vere soon. De floor all right, de leetle window all right, and de +laddare work goot. Bateese say not much mattare for more, now summare +tam come." + +Emmiline's cheeks were rosy again. She had not the sallow complexion so +often seen; and moving so freely about the room, Helen's care for her +seemed almost groundless. + +The internal arrangements of the cottage were very simple. At one end +were two rooms; the one, Harold and Helen's bedroom, the other, the +store room, and in it the ladder to the upper story. The balance of the +floor space made the living apartment; and, in the meantime, Emmiline +and Bateese would occupy the upper room until after the event was over. + +After giving directions about dinner, Helen put on a Quaker sunbonnet, +and tripped over the green turf down to the edge of the water, where men +were driving cedar posts to support the crossbeams of the island bridge. +One gang were working close to the shore, another from a raft on the +water, while a third were at similar work on the island beyond. + +Captain Cummings had charge of the shore gang and Harold the island one. +Helen did not know it until almost on the spot. If she had, she might +have turned back. + +"This is cheering, to be visited by the lady of the fort!" exclaimed +Cummings, lifting his hat, "a delightful and unlooked-for compliment." + +"Thank you," returned Helen, lightly; "but I'm afraid the compliment was +unintended. I thought Harold was on this side, and ran down to have a +word with him." + +"What? to have words with your husband? Lucky for him he is so far +away," returned the Captain with a laugh. + +"Oh, they will keep till he comes to dinner!" said Helen, declining to +see his meaning. + +"Madame!" exclaimed Bateese at her elbow, "I tak' you ovare in mine +leetle canoe. See!" and he pointed to a birch-bark that he had bartered +with an Indian for a few days before. + +"Won't that be fine?" she returned, as she hastened to its side. "Are +you sure you won't upset me?" + +"Bateese nevare upset canoe, no nevare." + +"Oh, I remember, you are the man that never upsets anything!" + +Bateese's eyes twinkled. He remembered too. + +In another minute they glided over the water to the spot where the men +were working. + +"'And Helen--alluring comes across the briny deep!'" exclaimed her +husband. + +"Quite a mistake, Harold! I tasted the water and there isn't a bit of +brine in it." + +"How intensely practical! Don't you know that canoeing in Penetang +should be poetic?" + +"So it is," she replied. "Coming over made me dream of canoeing with you +in the long evenings over this very bay." + +"Yes, dearest. That's one of the delights in store for us. But come and +see where Sir George has decided to build the magazine." + +Parting the underwood they were soon upon a little hill, the highest +spot of the island. To the north was the mouth of the harbor; while to +the south, over the tops of Chippewa wigwams, lay the upper end of the +long, narrow bay. + +"Can those Indians be trusted?" Helen asked. + +"Yes, perfectly. They arrived and put up their tepees a few days ago. +They come here to fish every spring and go away again in the summer." + +"So they will remain for a while," said Helen with a slight shiver. + +"Probably. But they are nomadic and may go any time. Some bright morning +before you even think of it, they will fold their tents and glide away." + +"What a lot of them there are!" said Helen, prosaically. + +"Yes, there must be fifty at least, counting braves, squaws, papooses +and all. Latimer says the men will be very useful to us, while they +stay, as runners and guides." + +"I suppose Sir George meant these Indians this morning when he spoke of +sending the mail through the woods to Little York. But did you know +that the Latimers intend to sail to-night?" + +"Not positively, though I suspected as much." + +"That is one reason that I came to see you. Would it be safe to send one +of my letters on the boat; or must they all go by Little York?" + +"It would be safer by land than water, even if slower. Still a +non-committal letter might be risked if you are careful in the wording." + +"It is just a little message to Maud Maxwell and could not implicate any +one. I do so want to send a few words and get news from there. It seems +like an age since we left; and if it is lost it will not matter much. I +only sent one before, and that was from Montreal. + +"Well, do as you like, dearest. But my men are wanting me. They don't +know how to place that plank." + +They parted the bushes and in another minute were at the water's edge +again. + +"V'eell Madame go back right vey?" Bateese asked. + +"Wait a moment; those squaws want to speak to me." + +Two Indian women, clothed in blanket, short skirt and moccasins had been +waiting her return. The older one, with long black hair loose over her +shoulders, resembled the tall handsome girl beside her, and looked old +enough to be her mother. She touched Helen on the arm. + +"Pale-face squaw want moccasins?" she asked, holding out a pair +decorated with beads and quills. + +A strange thrill went through Helen as she felt the touch, and saw the +dark, fierce face of the Indian woman so close to hers. But with an +effort she controlled herself and answered: + +"Yes, I want moccasins. These will fit me. How much are they?" + +"Waupatheca not know. Pale-face tell her," said the squaw throwing up +her hand. + +"What shall I give her?" Helen asked of Harold, who turning from his men +watched the scene with amusement. + +"A piece of cloth, some needles and thread would be better than money," +he said. + +"But I haven't them with me." + +"Give the moccasins back and tell her you will come again this +afternoon. The Indians must not come to the house. Not so soon at any +rate." + +A dissatisfied expression came into the squaw's face; but she nodded and +turned away, as her daughter, also unsatisfied, pulled at one of the +strings of Helen's bonnet. + +"Little Moon want it!" she exclaimed eagerly. + +"Little Moon can't have it," returned Helen, arranging her hood and +shaking her head, "but I will bring you something too." + +The girl clapped her hands and laughed. + +"Where did you learn English?" Helen asked. + +"In Detraw," was her answer. + +"How did you get there?" she questioned. + +"'Jibway Indians and squaws go in canoes every summare," was the answer; +"sell skins, sell wampum, sell moccasin, sell fish, too." + +The black eyes of the girl wandered restlessly toward the men who were +working. + +"What is your name?" Helen asked. + +"Metsemee. It means Little Moon," she replied. + +"What a beautiful name!" + +"Pale-face squaw like it?" questioned the girl with a smile. + +"Yes, it is like the silvery moon itself. And your mother's name, she +did not tell me its meaning?" + +"Waupatheca means White Swan; she came from the setting sun--the +daughter of a Shawanee chief by the Wabash." + +"And your father?" + +"He is Big Thunder, Chief of the Ojibways. My mother calls him +Pepapaunway-Nenimkee, because the lightning flashes when he is angry." + +"Well, good-bye Metsemee," said Helen. "I will not forget my promise." + +Little Moon again flashed a look at the men. Then turning she followed +her mother to the tepees; while Helen, taking her seat in the canoe, was +paddled across the channel by her faithful servitor. + + + + + CHAPTER XXX. + + +In plain clothes, without letters or despatches but well supplied with +funds, Corporal Bond was chosen by Sir George to accompany Latimer and +his wife on the first trip of the _Bumble Bee_. The order was to go no +farther than was necessary, but to purchase provisions from the settlers +living along the shore of the lake; and to return with the proceeds to +the fort with all possible speed. This was outside of the ordinary scene +of conflict, and the trip could be accomplished, Latimer declared, with +safety. + +Mrs. Bond, accustomed to the vicissitudes of military life, took the +parting from her husband philosophically. She was proud of his selection +for the trust, and hoping for his early return wished him God-speed, +almost without a tear. + +Perhaps of the two women, Helen was the sorrier. She betrayed more +feeling, and with much reluctance parted with her old nurse again. When +the women were so few, the absence of one, particularly this one, seemed +like a desolation to her. + +"I shall soon be back again," said Mrs. Latimer, as Helen wrung her +hand. "So do not worry, child." She was thinking of the London days of +long ago, when she nursed her and carried her so often on her shoulders. + +"I wonder if she'll ever come back or is this the last I'll see of her?" +was Helen's thought as she brushed away a tear. + +The little brig spread its canvas, and by the darkening was speeding +outside the harbor into the open lake. + +A day or two later preparations were completed to forward official +despatches and letters overland to Little York--the party to consist of +Nenimkee, one of his Indians and two men of the regiment; and by +arrangement the chief reported himself at Sir George's quarters, the +evening previous to their departure, to receive final instructions. + +The sun had just set among pillars of sapphire and gold. The day had +been hot but the leaves were rustling upon the trees, for a gentle +coolness was coming. Still the mosquitoes were too many to be blown +away, and a smoke fire helped to nullify their ardor. Around it Sir +George and his officers seated themselves to await the arrival of the +chief. + +Nenimkee was a typical Indian--tall, middle-aged, with high cheek bones +and restless black eyes. To do honor to the occasion and his mission he +dressed in native costume that night with wampum belt, girdle, tomahawk +and knife. + +"Glad to see you," said Sir George, extending his hand. "These are my +officers, and this is Big Thunder, Chief of the Ojibways--one of his +Gracious Majesty's most loyal chiefs." + +Gravely and silently the Indian shook hands with the men as they rose. +Then he seated himself on a block by Sir George's side, and Lieutenant +Manning handed him a pipe well filled with tobacco. The smoking was +general and for some moments there was silence. + +"Good tobacco," was Nenimkee's first comment. + +"Yes," said the Colonel. "We always give the best to our friends." + +"Nenimkee take some on his journey?" were his next words. + +"Yes, you shall." + +"White chief good--always good to Indians." + +"Thank you, Nenimkee," said Sir George. "Are you long back from the war +path?" + +"Seven moons," was the answer. The Indian shrugged his shoulders and for +some moments again there was silence. + +"Tell us about it," said the Colonel. + +"Does Sir George want to know how the English were beaten, and driven +back, and the Indian Prince and his men slain?" Big Thunder asked with +flashing eyes. + +"Yes," said Sir George. "The story must be a sad one. The English +soldier does not like to hear of being beaten, but if true it is better +for him to know it." + +"And tell you about Tecumseh, and how Tecumseh fell?" + +"Yes. Tell it all." + +For some moments the Indian pulled vigorously at his pipe, and the men +around the fire could hear his heavy breathing, as he drew in the fumes +of the tobacco, and expelled them with every breath through his +distended nostrils. + +The last rays of the setting sun had disappeared, the wind had ceased, +and the air was silent again, save for the croak of the lake frogs and +the twang of a whip-poor-will in a neighboring tree. By-and-bye the +Indian laid his pipe to one side, and fixing his eye on a bright star in +the west far above the horizon, he commenced his story: + +"The Ojibways are of the Algonquin race," he said; "a people that +roamed, before the white man came, from the rising to the setting sun. I +will not tell you of our wars with the Iroquois and Hurons, and with the +people of the Great Father--which made the number of our braves less and +less, and our women so few that you could count them like tassels on a +little field of corn. But twenty moons ago, war sprang up from a little +cloud no bigger than a man's hand; and the people to the south of the +lakes dug up the hatchet and hurled it against the white men and the red +men of the north. So the Indians in council buried the hatchet among +themselves, and chose Tecumseh, the greatest warrior of the six nations, +to be their chief, and swore by the Great Spirit, that they would stand +side by side with their white brothers. Then it was that Algonquins and +Hurons and Iroquois united as they never did before; and with the pale +face Britons fought the common foe. + +"Tecumseh led three thousand Indians to the fight, while White Chief +Proctor led the British. For a while the enemy was driven back, their +warriors fell by hundreds, and many of their scalps hung at the belts of +Indian braves. + +"Then the foe got mad and gathering more men together drove our people +back to Amherstburg, where we fought them to the teeth. But the Great +Spirit forgot that we were his people--our day turned into night--our +victories into mourning. The Great Father's warships melted like snow +beneath the sun, and American cannons mowed down our men like grass." + +The Indian was growing excited. He sat erect, with hands gripping the +block beneath him, and eyes fixed afar off as if in a vision. + +"Did I say the Yankees whipped the English?" he commenced again in +hollow tones, forgetful of everything but the graphic outlines of his +terrible story. "Yes, but the big white chief was a coward and a squaw, +or it would not have happened. Tecumseh said so, and Tecumseh never +lied. Nenimkee stood by him when the news came that all the captains and +half the men on the lakes were dead, and the ships gone to the bottom. +Then the Great Chief's heart shed drops of blood in anguish, but his +eyes were dry, for an Indian never drops a tear. + +"For a time the war-whoop was over. White men and red men fled back to +the woods. Night and day they tramped through the forest back from the +lake and on by the river. But the Yankees were after them, and scorning +to die like dogs the Indians turned to meet their foe. Although the +coward Proctor forsook him, Tecumseh shouted the war-whoop of the +nations, and surrounded by his warriors with their tomahawks, met the +horsemen from the south. Man after man did Tecumseh slay. Covered with +blood and his body full of bullets he sprang at last upon Chief Johnson, +the Yankee foe, and dragged him to the ground. Then he drew his knife to +strike him to the heart--but it was too late--he had gone to the spirit +land and half his warriors went with him." + +"This is horrible!" exclaimed Sir George with a strong effort at +self-control, for excitement was depicted upon every face. "I knew +nothing of it. Not a word has reached me. But it is terrible to lose so +brave a chief as Tecumseh." + +"There was no one like Tecumseh," continued Nenimkee in tones like the +thrilling blast of distant thunder. "No arm so strong, no eye so true, +no heart so soft when his little ones and his Laughing Fawn were with +him. His bullet went straight to the bull's eye, and his arrow to the +heart of the moose. His tomahawk never wavered, but as lightning from +the eagle's eyrie strikes the tepee of the Indian, so his axe cleaved +the skulls of his enemies, while his knife spilled their life blood at +his feet. Now it is all over, and while the red man's blood cries for +vengeance, his heart bleeds for his chief." + +"How did you escape when so many were slain around you?" asked the +Colonel. + +"The sun went down as Tecumseh's war-whoop ended and Nenimkee led his +warriors deeper into the woods." + +"Did you lose many men?" + +"Forty braves went--only twenty came back." + +"You did not join the troops again?" + +"What use? All is quiet in winter. The Ojibways went straight to their +wigwams." + +"Do you know how the war goes this year?" + +"Only that the fight is toward the rising sun." + +"You will bring more news when you return?" + +"It will not take many days," said the Indian. "But the woods are thick, +the rocks many, and part of the way there is no trail." + +"Still you will find the nearest road?" + +"Does the crow fly crooked, or the nighthawk backward?" Big Thunder +asked, sedately resuming his pipe. + +"Nor does the Indian forget his cunning, nor the white man to reward his +friend," said the Colonel, gravely. "You are going on the business of +the Great Father, and he will expect his red brother of the forest to do +his best." + +"It is well. We will go quickly, and blaze the trees on the road, so +that a fool, though blindfold, could find his way back again." + +"Could not a bridle path be made through the woods to carry provisions +overland from Little York to Penetang?" suggested the Chaplain. + +"A good idea," returned Sir George. "We need them badly enough, and it +will not do at present to depend upon securing supplies by water." + +"A good trail can be made, but it will take two or three suns longer," +was Nenimkee's comment. + +"We will leave it in your hands, then," said Sir George, rising to close +the interview. + +"The white chief shall be satisfied." With this, Nenimkee left them, and +at sunrise on the following morning he started with his party for +Little York. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXI. + + +If it had not been for the game shot in the woods and the abundance of +bass and pickerel caught in the bay, provisions would have been scarce +at the new fort before summer opened. The heavy stock brought overland +during the long march had served them well, but it was drawing near to +an end, and all awaited with interest, not to say anxiety, the return of +the messengers from York. When they did come, they reported that the +trail was open for pack horses, and that supplies already purchased +would soon be on the way. + +In the meantime progress went on in the little settlement. The soldiers' +quarters were completed and made comfortable; the pile-driving for the +prospective bridge was finished, and even the stone walls of the new +fort were in progress of erection. In agriculture something had also +been done, for Indian corn and potatoes were growing well in the +habitants' clearings. + +What little they heard of the progress of the war was satisfactory, and +during the long, bright evenings, the day's work being done, the +stringency of discipline was often relaxed. Then officers and men, with +the exception of those on duty, would give themselves up to relaxation +and pleasure. + +Canoes had been purchased from the Indians, and swimming in the bay, as +well as spinning over its waters, soon became of nightly occurrence, and +none among the men enjoyed the sport better than Harold. So one evening, +when the woods were green, he took Helen for their first long paddle. +Captain Cummings and the Chaplain occupied a second canoe, while Sir +George and Captain Payne enjoyed a quiet smoke as they strolled along +the shore. The two birch-barks struck out past the northern end of the +island and paddled abreast toward the mouth of the harbor. In the west +the sun was setting in a golden flame behind the trees, while above them +the blue vault was dotted with little grey clouds, fretted with spangles +of silver. Scarcely a ripple disturbed the lake. Now and then a white +gull flew from side to side, and a sportive pickerel splashed the water +as he rose above the surface. + +In a little while, Lieutenant Smith and the Doctor joined them, paddling +over from the opposite shore. They had been hunting for partridge. + +"What success?" called out Harold. + +"Only two brace," was the answer. + +"Why not come with us for an hour's run?" + +"All right," and they dropped to the opposite side of Harold's canoe. + +"What a solitary outlook!" said Helen, casting her eye from shore to +shore. "Not another boat to be seen, and on land nothing but woods." + +"It's a mighty picturesque spot, though," said the Chaplain, who was +using his paddle a few yards to the right. "It is like the sea of glass +spoken of in Revelations, reflecting the sky of the Orient." + +"Or like the paradise of the houries," cried Captain Cummings, "where +the wood nymphs bathe in the lake and bask in the golden sunlight." + +"It is the promise of a fertile country," said Lieutenant Smith, "which +needs the woodsman's axe to clear it, and the toil of the settler to +cover it with happy homes." + +"Yes, and to make it yield its thirty, sixty and a hundred fold," echoed +the Chaplain. + +"Mon Dieu! but you are all wrong," exclaimed Beaumont, taking off his +hat and shaking his curly head. "It is just the forest of Penetang, +where the Iroquois and Hurons fought for ages, and where the Jesuits of +my people shed their life's blood and died among a race of unbelievers." + +"That means, Doctor, that it resembles itself," chimed in Helen, with a +laugh. "You are echoing ancient history--I would say it is like a +Quaker's hood, the water is the face of the wearer, the tall trees all +round it are the edge of the bonnet, the mouth of the harbor is the +chin, and the little islands beyond are the untied strings." + +A general laugh followed. + +"Bravo!" shouted Cummings. "But what are you going to do with my nymphs +in your Quaker bonnet?" + +"Put them behind the island where they cannot be seen," was her answer. + +"There are nymphs there already," cried the Doctor, "but instead of +behind the island, they are in front of it." + +And, glancing back, they could see the Indian women bathing. + +"I suppose the time will soon come when this little harbor will have +ships on it," said Helen, to change the subject. + +"Yes," returned Harold. "Sir George brought instructions with him from +England to build here the first brig." + +"And when will he commence?" + +"As soon as a saw mill can be built--not long to wait." + +"So there are lots of things in store for us, Mrs. Manning," put in the +Chaplain, with a laugh, "even if we have taken up our abode in a wooden +country." + +"Not a wooden country, Mr. Evans, but a country of woods." + +"And pray, what is the difference?" + +"As much difference as there is between a horse chestnut and a chestnut +horse." + +Again a ringing laugh was carried far out over the waters. + +"We men should always have you with us, Mrs. Manning, to keep away the +blues!" exclaimed the Chaplain, "and to that end I am just praying for +that castle of ours to be speedily finished." + +"One would think," returned Helen, elevating her eyebrows, "when the +builders work so hard, that the castle does not need your prayers. Would +it not be better to pray for the arrival of a lady companion for the +only lady in the camp, lest she might get the blues?" + +"That's what I say," cried the Doctor, energetically. "It's a deuced +shame to have Madame alone at the fort without a single lady friend, and +the sooner we secure a suitable companion for her the better." + +"Rather rough on you, Manning!" exclaimed Cummings, serenely. + +"'Pon my word, Doctor, I'll have to call you out, even if you are a +Frenchman," said Harold, with a laugh. + +"You know what I mean," returned the young man, his face flushing. "It +was a Frenchman's thought. I cannot think fast in English, you know." + +"Worse and worse!" exclaimed Cummings, with a laugh. + +Harold bit his lip. + +"How pretty that sunset is, with its deep golden yellow, so different +from England!" said Helen, who did her best to repress a sigh. With all +these men around her, even with her husband by her side, she was still +alone. + +"Yes, and with forest and lake, and sky and island, there is a +fascinating beauty." + +"The Indians say that to the north and west throughout the Georgian Bay +the islands are like the leaves of the forest, they cannot be counted," +Smith remarked. + +"Still new fields to conquer," added Harold. + +"New beauties to explore," said the Chaplain. + +The canoes had almost reached the "glittering sands" to the right of the +mouth of the harbor. The sun had set, and the gloaming was coming upon +them with the placid stillness of a summer night. + +"Suppose we return," suggested Helen. "It will be dark by the time we +reach the shore." + +"Paddle gently," ejaculated Smith in a low voice. "Let us wait a bit. +You see those bushes beyond the sandy beach. Three deer come down there +every evening to water--a buck with growing antlers and two does. If you +sit still and do not speak they will not notice you. The Doctor and I +will creep up a little nearer." + +Smith, who was the crack shot of the party, picked up his rifle, while +Beaumont, the skilled canoeist, paddled noiselessly toward the shore. +The former had only time to creep under cover of the bushes to a spot +where an open view could be obtained, when the deer, with heads erect +and led by the stag, marched slowly down to the water's edge. + +Not a paddle of the watchers moved, and scarcely a muscle. Beaumont sat +in his canoe grounded on the beach, with eyes fixed on the deer, for he +could just discern them beyond a stretch of sand. But Smith was +invisible. A few moments of silence and suspense. . . with head bent +forward the stag waded into the water, a doe on either side. Bang! went +the rifle. The stag reared and fell forward with a splash. Quick as +lightning his mates turned and fled to the woods, while a cheer rang out +from the men in the canoes, as they paddled over to the spot. + +"It was pitiful to see the poor does," said Helen, sensitively. + +"But it was a capital shot," returned Harold. "I was doubtful if Smith +could do it in the gathering darkness. It will make a good addition to +our vanishing larder." + +When they drew near Beaumont and Smith had dragged the handsome buck +further on to the beach. + +"Will it be safe to leave him here until the men come for him?" Smith +asked, as he received the congratulations. + +"I doubt it," said Beaumont. "Hark! yonder are wolves howling already. +They must be hungry to be out so soon." + +"The buck is too heavy to take in our canoe," said Smith, "unless the +Doctor, the lighter man, can return in one of yours." + +"Have him come with us," said Helen, turning to Harold. + +"Certainly," was his answer. "There will be no danger with such a +perfect canoeist." + +In a few more minutes they were paddling homeward. The half-moon was +hovering directly above them, and its sheen glowed in silvery light upon +the water. + +"Give us a French boat song, Doctor," said the Chaplain, who knew that +he had a rich tenor voice. + +"Not before miladi," was his answer. "If Madame will favor us first, I +will follow." + +"What will you have?" said Helen. + +"A song of the chase or a boat song, we don't care which," said Smith. + +"Well," replied Helen, with a smile at the ardor of the men. "If you can +imagine it is morning instead of evening, perhaps Scott's 'Hunting Song' +will do." + +The paddles almost ceased plying, and in the still night, her sweet +contralto voice filled the air from shore to shore. + + "'Waken lords and ladies gay, + The mist has left the mountain gray, + Springlets in the dawn are steaming, + Diamonds on the brake are gleaming; + And foresters have busy been + To track the buck in thicket green. + Now we come to chant our lay, + 'Waken lords and ladies gay. + + "'Waken lords and ladies gay! + To the greenwood haste away. + We can show you where he lies, + Fleet of foot and tall of size; + We can show the marks he made + When 'gainst the oak his antlers frayed. + You shall see him brought to bay, + 'Waken lords and ladies gay. + + "Louder, louder, chant the lay, + 'Waken lords and ladies gay! + Tell them youth and mirth and glee + Run a course as well as we; + Time! stern huntsman! who can balk, + Staunch as hound, and fleet as hawk? + Think of this and rise with day, + Gentle lords and ladies gay!" + +Sweetly the echoes died away over the water, thanks of appreciation were +murmured, and they were calling upon Beaumont to fulfil his promise when +another song was wafted from the shore towards them. + +"Why, that's Bateese," cried the Doctor. "He can sing better than I can. +Listen to him to-night, mine will keep for another day." + +"Hearken!" whispered Helen. "How quaint it is!" + + Plus jolie femme ees nice an' neat, + I sorry ven I leave 'er, + Mit eyes so blue an' lips so sweet + She's cunnin' as de beaver. + + She love me well, dis gal of mine, + For her I toe de scratch, sir; + Ba gosh! her name is Emmiline + An' I will be her match, sir. + + For she was reeche, wid pater's gold + An' farm down by de rivare; + But mon cheval, it had be sold + An' all my tings, pis aller. + + But now I work so hard again + To make up for my losses; + An' nevare more will give her pain + But cover her wid kisses. + + An' from dis time I'll work and wait + As never yet did lover; + An' pray Mon Dieu to bless our fate + An' make her mine forever. + + Den my sweet vife, ma fille so true, + Wid my fond arms around her, + Vill bless ma life, sweet entre nous, + An' make me still de fonder. + + An' when de leetle garcon come + An' fille so p'tite an' jolie, + We bless de Lord an' for de same + Will give him all de glory. + +The last verse almost took Helen's breath away, and, forgetting all +about Beaumont's song, she bade the officers good-night, and with +Harold hastened on shore to their own dwelling. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXII. + + +It was July before Colonel Battersby's column, after a long march from +Montreal, reached Kingston and joined the forces of General Drummond, +and none too soon, for word had been forwarded of the disastrous +invasion of the Niagara frontier under Brigadier-Generals Scott and +Ripley. Fort Erie had been taken, and Commander-in-Chief Brown, with a +heavy force, had advanced against Major-General Riall and defeated the +British forces at Chippewa. The country was ravaged, St. Davids burned, +Niagara threatened. + +With all possible speed General Drummond pressed forward his troops, but +it was the 25th of the month before Niagara was reached and Riall +reinforced. Part of Colonel Battersby's command was left with the +veterans stationed at Queenston, to oppose the landing of American +troops there; while the balance, including Battersby himself, as well as +Captain Morris and his company, continued with the main force in the +advance toward Lundy's Lane. + +At six o'clock of that memorable night, when Drummond's forces met +Riall's at the junction of Queenston Road and Lundy's Lane, they were +retreating before the superior force of the enemy. Countermanding the +retreat, the Generals at once placed their guns in strong position on +the hill. Eight hundred soldiers, however, added to the British troops +still came short of balancing the forces. Nevertheless, the famous +battle of Lundy's Lane commenced, and before night it was fiercely +raging. As it progressed, reinforcements were received on both sides. +This only added fuel to the flame, and it was not until midnight that +the battle ceased. + +Among orchards laden with fruit on hillside and summit, in little copses +of woodland, in open plain, throughout that long twilight, until the +pale moon sank in the west: + + "Roar of baleful battle rose + And brethren of a common tongue + To mortal strife like tigers sprung." + +What gave enthusiasm to Canadians and British in the contest was that +they were fighting for home and country. The attitude of defender and +invader can never be the same. The struggle of heart and soul against +mere mentality cannot be equal. The one has virile force in every fibre +of its being, ready to sacrifice life and limb to principle; the other +mere elusive energy, begotten of baser metal. + + [Illustration: "That'll be our new home, sweetheart" + + _Page 210_] + +Still, the American infantry fought with gallant determination. With +unfailing energy they made charge after charge to capture the British +guns. General Riall, now second in command, was wounded and captured, +and at nine o'clock it seemed as though the Americans would win. Then +reinforcements poured in on either side. Though tired from long marches +on that hot summer day, they at once rallied to the support of their +respective commanders, and lighted only by the faint moonlight and the +flash from the rifles, the struggle continued with redoubled fury. + +The English gunners stood manfully at their posts and swept with deadly +fire the lines of Brown's battalions. The carnage was terrific. White +men of the same blood, the same language, the same religion, nay, in the +highest ethics of the same race, shot each other down by hundreds, as if +life were of no moment, bayonetting each other to death in the light of +the silvery moon. + +At last, spurred on by the determination to carry the battery at any +cost, Colonel Miller, of the Twenty-first, made an impetuous rush, and +for a time captured the British guns. + +Now began the wildest scene of all--a hand-to-hand and +bayonet-to-bayonet struggle for mastery. General Drummond's men rallied +on every side, determined to fight to the bitter end, and hour after +hour the slaughter continued. Everywhere the fight went on. The shouts +of command, the thunder of artillery, the continual flashing of powder, +the clashing of steel, mingled with the roar of Niagara and the groans +of the dying, made it seem as though the demons of hell had been let +loose to ravage the earth. + +But six hours of mortal conflict were enough. Seventeen hundred men, +Britons and Americans, lay side by side, dead or wounded, on that field +of battle. The position of the British was too strong to be taken and +held, and the invaders, realizing the futility of further effort, +withdrew from the field, returning to Fort Erie, which they had already +captured, and where they more adequately intrenched their position. + +Left to themselves, the British were not long in making a change. Lights +were lit, and at once men were dispatched to examine the field and +search for missing comrades. + +Colonel Battersby, although he had led his men in the thickest of the +fight, had come off unscathed, but he knew that some of his officers had +been slain or wounded. To his horror, Captain Morris, the man of his own +selection, was missing. Eager to know the truth, accompanied by +orderlies, he went carefully over the field. Headless trunks, +disembowelled bodies, the dead, the dying, the wounded, were everywhere. +Agonizing groans came from the fallen, both English and Americans, while +side by side with them, stoic Indians with impassive faces did not utter +a sound. + +As they passed on, limbs were straightened, a comfortable position given +or a wound staunched, while now and then a few drops from a pocket +flask were poured between the lips of a life fast ebbing away. + +"Colonel, here's a captain's epaulets," ejaculated one of his men at +last. A light was thrown upon a body whose face was hidden in the moss +beneath an oak shrub. The man, though unconscious, still breathed, as he +lay in a pool of blood. Wiping his face, they gently turned it upwards. + +"My God! It is Captain Morris," exclaimed the Colonel. + +Tenderly they placed him in an easier position. Blood from the scalp and +side and leg were freely flowing. + +"Tell one of the surgeons to come at once," was the Colonel's order, +while he knelt to loosen his clothing. + +In a few minutes the doctor came and made an examination. + +"Suffering from concussion, as well as loss of blood," were his words. +"Let us lay him on a stretcher and carry him to quarters." + +In a few minutes they reached a vacant house on the lower side of the +hill, which they purposed using as a temporary hospital. + +"Who is it?" enquired General Drummond, as they approached. + +"Captain Morris, sir." + +"Ah, another brave man! One of our best officers! How many we have lost +in this terrible fight! Will he live, doctor?" + +"I hope so. He is not conscious, but he opened his eyes just now." + +"Thank God! You must do your best for him." + +"I will, sir." + +They placed him on a settee on one side of the room, and the doctor +dressed his wounds. + +"I saw him fall," came in a low tone from a man in the opposite corner, +whose foot had been shot off. He had fainted from loss of blood and the +leg had been bound up until it could be properly dressed. "I belong to +his company. Twice we were driven back--half our men had fallen--but he +drew his sword and rushed on again, calling us to follow him--then a +Yankee officer struck at him, so he knocked his sword back and ran him +through--but a couple of sogers came at the Captain with their +bayonets--that's the last I saw, for I got dizzy and fell--I didn't +think I was hurt." + +"You've said enough," said the doctor sharply. "We don't want you to +faint again." + +"All right, sir." + +There was a deep flesh wound in Captain Morris' thigh and a bayonet +thrust in his body, while the top of his scalp had been torn to the +skull by a bullet. + +"Pretty badly knocked out," said the doctor, "but not hopeless. His +pupils are still sensitive." + +The General expressed satisfaction as with Battersby he left the house. +Several other shanties near by were being utilized for the wounded. + +"I suppose the owners all fled on the approach of battle," said the +General to Colonel Scott, who had charge of the relief department. + +"Yes," was the answer. "This battle has been impending for days, and +orders were issued to the people to escape to the back districts without +delay." + +"They may as well stay away now," said Drummond. "There are hundreds of +wounded, and our first care must be for them. We may have beaten the +enemy, but it has been at terrible cost." + +"Your arrival, General, was a God-send. If your men had not come I don't +know where we would have been." + +"Your own vanguard helped to save us though. But the horror of it all--a +thousand men have bit the dust." + +"If we have fights like this, thousands more may do it yet before we are +through." + +"True, but it is a fight to the finish. We must hold our own. Never +relinquish an inch." + +For more than an hour Captain Morris remained unconscious. His continued +insensibility caused much concern, and Sergeant Dennis, his faithful +subaltern, was placed beside him to watch. + +After a while, he opened his eyes and looked vacantly around him through +the dim light. Gradually he took in the situation. + +"Ah!" he exclaimed at last, fixing his eyes on Dennis and looking at +his bandages. "I got hurt--did I?" + +"Yes, Captain, a trifle," was the answer. + +"And the battle--is it over?" + +"Yes, Captain; keep still." + +"Thank heaven!" + +For a time there was a pause, and the Sergeant put some whiskey and +water to his lips. + +"I must be badly knocked out," he ventured again, after a while. + +"Not so bad as some," was the answer. + +"Bad enough." + +"I will call the doctor or Colonel Battersby," said the sergeant. "I had +orders to report." + +"Wait a minute, Sergeant, it can't be three yet." + +"It is, nearly." + +"There is something you can do for me." + +"I will do anything in the world for you, Captain." + +"Thanks--you will be with me all night, won't you?" + +"Yes, till daylight." + +"Well, I'll tell you later--after the doctor comes." + +"He's here now." + +So the communication was delayed. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXIII. + + +Half an hour later, the Sergeant again had charge of the Captain. He was +weak and pallid, but his mind was clear, and he fixed his eyes on the +Sergeant's face. + +"Now, I can tell you," he said at last, with some difficulty. + +"You had better not," returned the man. "The doctor says you must sleep +before you try to talk again." + +"It will only take a minute--I've got to say it now," said Morris. + +"Very well," said the Sergeant, bending over him. "Speak low, Captain. +Don't say more than you can help." + +"It is only about two letters--they are in my wallet, and I want you +without fail to send them on. One is directed to Penetang--I intended to +forward it from York--but it was in the bottom of my wallet--and in the +hurry of leaving I did not do it. The other is one of my own to Halifax. +It, too, should have been sent on before we crossed the lake--but the +order to march was so sudden that I had not time. Do you understand?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I might have given them to the Colonel--but I did not want to bother +him. Whether I get well or not, I want this off my mind." + +"All right, sir. I will have them forwarded by the very first chance. +You may depend upon that." + +"Thank you, Sergeant." + +The Captain pressed his hand and closed his eyes. Soon he was asleep. + +The Sergeant, while he decided to carry out his instructions faithfully, +thought it singular that so trifling a matter should occupy the +attention of so sick a man. + +"Well, I have something for you at last," said Miss Maxwell to her +sister, one bright morning, several weeks earlier than the tragic events +of the last chapter. She had just returned from the Citadel, and holding +two letters high above her head, shook them gaily at Maud. + +"I am so glad," returned that young lady, holding out her hand. "Who are +they from? One from Mrs. Manning, I am sure." + +"Who do you suppose the other is from? Which of your lovers has written +you a letter?" + +Handing over one she still held the other aloft. + +"How foolish you are, Genie! This is the one I want to read first +anyway." + +Sitting down she broke the seal and commenced reading Mrs. Manning's +letter, apparently unconscious that the other was waiting for perusal. +The letter was a long one, and Maud's face glowed with pleasure as her +eyes ran rapidly over its pages. Parts of it she read aloud, and other +parts to herself. By-and-bye, when she had finished, she put it back +within its cover, and held out her hand for the other one. + +This was from Dr. Beaumont, and a slight flush suffused her cheek as she +perused its contents. Gravely she read it through to the end without +speaking a word. + +"Are you not going to read it to me?" Eugenia asked as she sat opposite, +quietly watching her sister's face. + +"You may read all of Mrs. Manning's letter and welcome," said Maud, "but +this from Dr. Beaumont I must keep to myself, for the present at least"; +and she slipped it into her pocket. "Was not Mrs. Manning brave?" she +continued. + +"Indeed she was. She tells all about the journey and the new settlement, +and the trials she had to endure." + +"Yes," said Maud, "but there's an undertone through it all--even in her +account of that terrible march along the Madawaska." + +Maud turned to the window and looked dreamily out, while unconsciously +she took the Doctor's letter from her pocket again and tapped the sill +with it, as if to keep time to her thoughts. + +"Dr. Beaumont comes in for his share of praise," said Eugenia as she +read on. "I don't see how they could have done without him." + +"Would not Dr. Fairchilds have done as well?" Maud asked in a low voice. + +"He did not get the chance," was Eugenia's quick response. + +"I always had doubt as to the real reason of that," said Maud. + +"Mrs. Manning says," continued Eugenia, "that she sent a letter a few +days before this one by a man in a sailboat, round by Lake Huron, but +that this would be sent through the woods by Little York. Did you get +the first one?" + +"No. Possibly it may not come at all, and if it does it will be later, +as the way by Georgian Bay would be much longer than the overland +route." + +"Have you been studying geography lately?" Eugenia asked, drawing down +the corners of her mouth. + +"It is not long since I left school, Miss Inquisitive." + +That afternoon they called upon Mrs. Mason, and as they expected, found +her loquacious upon the subject of Penetang. She said that Sir John +Sherbrooke and Colonel Mason had both received despatches from Sir +George. + +"I understand that you are a favored one, also," she continued +good-humoredly, turning to Maud. "Two letters all for yourself from the +little new garrison, while not another lady in Halifax has received +one." + +"All owing to my fortunate meeting with Mrs. Manning," returned Maud +with a slight flush. "Nearly all the troops were fresh from England, so +their letters would naturally be sent home instead of here. Mrs. +Manning's letter is very interesting. I brought it over for you to see." + +"Thank you, and may I read it to Colonel Mason?" + +"Certain parts, but not all. You will know what I mean." + +"I'll take care, my dear. Trust me for that--but was there not another +letter?--ah, ah, my lady--but I will ask no more questions"; and Mrs. +Mason, with twinkling eyes, laughed softly to herself. + +"Did not a ship come in to-day?" Eugenia asked. + +"Yes," replied Mrs. Mason, "with another regiment. The Colonel says it +is imperative for it to leave at once for Montreal as the war is not +over yet, and it has important letters to carry." + +"When will it sail, or did you hear?" Maud asked. + +"To-morrow, I believe." + +Maud's candle burned late that night again, and when the ship left for +Montreal the next evening the mail bag contained two letters for +Penetang, one to Mrs. Manning, the other to Dr. Beaumont. + +More than a month passed away. The fortunes of war had been ebbing and +flowing first on one side, then on the other--the belligerents on +neither being as yet satisfied. Still the conflict was nearing the end. +News travelled slowly then; but word of battle, even when three weeks +old, was just as interesting as it is now when the happening was only +yesterday. + +The news of Lundy's Lane had arrived. The Citadel and all Halifax were +excited over it, for although the British claimed the victory, yet two +of the companies that had served in the fort for years, had been in the +heat of the fight, and had lost more than half their men. + +In small garrison towns, stationary troops soon become identified with +the people, and the results of battle fill them with intense interest. +Having once heard the rumour of the conflict, the people were anxious to +hear more, and soldiers off duty were asked repeatedly for the latest +details. At every street corner the battle was discussed; while in the +homes it was the one absorbing theme. + +With the news also came that letter to Maud forwarded by the Sergeant, +but as already noted, written before the conflict. + +"Captain Morris' name is in everybody's mouth," said Judge Maxwell to +his daughters that evening. "The people are wild over him. They say he +is one of the bravest officers in the service. What a pity he was so +nearly killed!" + +"Nearly killed! Is it so bad as that, father?" Maud asked with trembling +voice. + +"The news is three weeks old, and we cannot tell what may have happened +in that time, but he was shot in the scalp and bayonetted in the body +and the leg. What is more, he was leading what remained of his men for +the third time, and struck down his opponent with his sword the very +moment that he fell. If that is not bravery you will have to search the +pages of history to find it." + +Maud's eyes flashed, and she shot into her father's face a look of +mingled exultation and anguish. + +"But his wounds, father, are they dangerous?" + +"Colonel Mason says, from the despatches, that he would not anticipate +serious trouble from one of them by itself--but from the whole combined, +particularly with midsummer heat, there might be. Still, without doubt, +all will be done for him that is possible." + +"Where are they keeping him, father?" + +"In a cottage near the battlefield, on the Niagara River. If they can +hold the place they will retain the settlers' houses for the use of the +wounded until they are well enough to be removed." + +"Who nurses the men, I wonder?" was Maud's next question. + +"There won't be much nursing," replied the judge. "The men will do what +they can to carry out the doctors' orders, but the poor fellows will +have a tough time of it no doubt. It is always the case in a military +campaign, no matter where you go or who is injured." + +"And can we do nothing?" + +"Nothing whatever, my dear. It is beyond the pale of civilization, one +might say. Throughout that region there are few settlements and no good +roads. Supplies are taken in with great difficulty, and often have to be +carried in on the backs of the soldiers. As for people here going over +to help, by the time they got there, the whole place might be deserted." + +"You are a Job's comforter, father." + +"Father's quite right," said Eugenia. "But it is terrible to think of +poor, brave Captain Morris suffering so frightfully. I wish those +dastardly Yankees were in----." + +"Not in Halifax," interrupted the judge with a smile. "We don't want +them here even if we could whip them, which I am not so sure about. But +you are on the wrong tack Genie. The Yankee soldiers are not dastardly. +They are just as brave as ours are, and in that very battle lost as many +men as we did." + +"But when the battle was over, and the Americans retreated," said +Eugenia, "who looked after their wounded?" + +"The British, of course." + +"And dressed the wounds of their enemies just the same as those of their +own men?" + +"Certainly. That's the only bit of civilization in it." + +"And what would the Americans do if they were the victors?" + +"Just as the English do." + +"There's Christianity in war after all," said Maud. + +"Another paradox," said the judge. "It is always the Christian nations +that do the most fighting." + +"Were not Napoleon's wars an exception?" + +"Not by any means. It was the Christian nations that opposed him; and +half of his own men professed the faith." + +"But how soon do they expect to hear again of the wounded?" Maud asked +somewhat impatiently. + +"The way is open now and word will come every week," replied her father. +"And thank God the war will soon be over!" + +Captain Morris' letter affected Maud differently to Dr. Beaumont's. It +stirred the martial enthusiasm in her nature to know that he had been a +hero in the fight. But the feeling changed as she thought on. He had +fallen bravely, probably without a murmur, but it was weeks ago. How was +he now? and in any case how intensely he must have suffered! And then to +know that he had written that letter, the only one she had ever received +from him, only a day or two before the fight that may have cost him his +life. Over and over again she read it; every word seemed to have a new +meaning. Was it not sad in tone--premonitory of coming evil? Was there +not a shadow behind the hand rendering dark the future, filling his +life with the elusiveness of love, and producing in his heart passionate +disdain? + +She shivered when she thought of what might have happened to him there, +and while proud that such a man should give her his confidence, she was +carried away with a passion of feeling that at the time she could +neither analyze nor understand. + +Would a letter reach him? If it only could? At any rate she must do her +part and send him a message. This time she wrote rapidly. She seemed to +be under physical obligation to do her most and her best, without a +thought of anyone but the wounded captain. After a while she finished +the letter and went to bed. + +Notwithstanding the restless tossing and wakefulness that followed, she +rose early to post it. Then her mind wandered off beyond Niagara to +Penetang; and, taking out another letter which she had often read +before, she thoughtfully perused it again. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXIV. + + +The ebb and flow of battles on sea and land in the War of 1812 and '14 +do not belong to this story. Sir John Sherbrooke's despatch of men fresh +from the European wars to Eastport, Castine, Bangor and Machias, Maine, +and the retention of the _Penobscot_ and _St. Croix_ by the British till +the war was over, are matters of history. So also is the victory of the +American General Macomb at Plattsburg, where with five ships of war and +fifteen hundred men he drove back twice as many British vessels and +troops under the command of their weak and incapable head. No wonder +that officers broke their swords and vowed they would never fight again +under such a leader. But on the war dragged, sometimes with success on +one side, sometimes on the other; and if it had not been for the +harassing blockade of the Atlantic seaboard, when Britain's navy, let +loose from European conflict, came over to fight the battles of her +colonies, it is hard to tell where the fratricidal war would have ended. + +Month after month passed by. Villages were pillaged; forts were captured +and recaptured; cities were bombarded and wasted; York was ransacked; +Niagara was burned; Washington was stormed by shot and shell and its +buildings set on fire. Even after peace was declared, the final battle +of New Orleans still had to be fought, where two thousand of the flower +of the British troops were lost within the trenches, their general slain +and the remainder put to flight, while only a handful of the American +defenders in their entrenched position were either wounded or slain. + +Such is war with its mighty agony, its seas of flowing blood, its +tumultuous passion, its frenzied rage, the most inhuman of all human +things; and yet withal, the purifier and ennobler of the races of men, +who would not do without it, and thank God that it was abolished? And +yet, when rights are trampled on, when liberty is invaded, when +oppression is rampant, with Empire in the van, who would not draw the +sword again, and thank God that by its glitter and fury, wrong could be +righted and truth made plain? + +At last peace was declared, and the tired people of both nations but of +the one race, wondered what they had been fighting about. + +Without solving the question they smoked the calumet, offering up the +fumes as incense while they fervently prayed that the tyrannies of life +should never again force them to draw swords against each other. + +To Penetang, however, the din of battle did not come. Month after month +during that first long summer, the troops revelled in the ways of +peace; and it was astonishing what progress they made in the practice of +the mechanical arts. In Captain Payne's engineering corps were +carpenters, masons, blacksmiths, saddlers, tailors, and men who had +followed a dozen other trades--all useful, aye, more than useful--in the +founding and establishment of the new garrison. + +By the end of August the walls of the stone fort were up and an army of +men were working with energy towards its completion. The design was to +have it ready for occupation before winter arrived. The trail cut +through to Little York had also proved of service, for as the months +passed by, mail matter and goods were carried regularly over to +Penetang. + +While all else denoted prosperity, the non-return of the _Bumble Bee_ +caused much anxiety; for throughout the long summer nothing was heard of +it, not a single word came from either Corporal or Skipper. Many were +the conjectures, and night after night was the subject discussed around +the camp fires of the little garrison. + +Mrs. Bond had a little room in Mrs. Hardman's quarters, and from her +larger experience and fuller confidence in her husband, she was the more +hopeful of the two. + +"Whatever has happened to Latimer, Peter Bond will be sure to come back. +He's the honestest man alive, and he'd die before he'd turn traitor," +were her words. + +"That's true; but suppose the Yankees 'ave shot the men and cabbaged the +boat?" suggested her pessimistic friend. + +"It might be," returned Mrs. Bond, tightly drawing in her lips, "but the +_Bumble Bee_ wasn't a fighting craft. Yankees might steal her, and all +she 'ad aboard, but it wouldn't be natural for 'em to kill the men. +They'll both turn up sometime. I'll warrant that." + +"She's just right," returned Private Hardman. "They may 'ave taken 'em +prisoners and looted the craft, but that's the worst that could 'ave +'appened 'em." + +"An' vat about de voman?" asked Bateese, who had just come down from +Helen's cottage. + +"They'd set her free, and she's hanging round till her ole man gets +off," said Hardman. + +"Mebbe," commented his wife. + +"Yes, mebbe," said Hardman. "They're not dead anyway. The Corporal will +come back again in time, but Latimer and his wife mayn't. Why should +they? They're gone three months. What 'ud be the use?" + +"We'll miss the woman worst," said his wife. "She's like one of +ourselves. It's too bad, when there's so few of us." + +"If my man turns up I won't care much about the rest," said Mrs. Bond. +"Though I did hear Mrs. Manning say that if it hadn't been for Latimer's +wife, when she first come, she didn't know what she would 'a done. But +my! She had a sperit. She kep' the ole fellow in his place I tell you." + +"Vas she de boss?" Bateese asked. + +"Inside that little box cabin of hers she was." + +"What about the obeyin' bizness, as the prayer book says?" enquired +Hardman. + +"Inside he did the obeying--outside, she did." + +"By Gar, dat's about vat it should be!" exclaimed Bateese. "Now, my +Emmiline she boss me inside alvays. She say, 'Bateese, you come here.' I +come. 'You go dere.' I come too. She say, 'Bateese, vous garcon, vat you +make dat splash on de floor?' I say, 'Pardonnez moi, mon ami,' She say, +'All right,' an' I don't make it no more. Den I go outside and make +splash all over eff I want to." + +"And do you want to?" said Hardman. For answer Bateese shrugged his +shoulders. + +"How is Emmiline tonight?" Mrs. Hardman asked. "I 'aven't seen her since +morning. + +"She be nice--but I stay 'most too long--she vant you to come and see +her again right away." + +"And how is the boy?" + +"Fine! Oh, mon fils, he beeg bouncing garcon. Doctare say he weigh ten +pound--an' he so goot he almost laff." + +"Bateese, you're crazy." + +"Veil! he open his eye and try to laugh--den--cause he can't, he cry." + +And Bateese hurried off, after his long wait, to tell Emmiline that Mrs. +Hardman was coming. + +One Sunday morning several weeks later, the Chaplain was waited on by +Bateese. Breakfast was over, and having arranged his books and notes, he +was putting on his surplice in preparation for the service he was about +to hold in the barrack yard. + +"Good morning, Bateese," said the Chaplain. + +"Goot mornin', Padre," replied the habitant, pulling his forelock. + +"What can I do for you?" + +The exceeding gravity of Bateese's countenance made his mission very +uncertain. + +"Nothing wrong, I hope. Is Madame Bateese well?" + +"Oui, oui, Padre." + +"And that big bouncing boy of yours?" + +"Yes, he tres bien, Monsieur." + +"Well, my man, I'm glad to hear it. Tell me now what you want. You see I +haven't much time to lose. The men are gathering for the service." + +"Veil, Monsieur, it ess about de boy. Ve call him George after de +Colonel, and Emil after me, and Emmiline want to have him baptize, vat +you call christen." + +"I'll be glad to do it, but you are too late for this service." + +"Dat all right--we don't vant no service--ve vant it done all by +hisself." + +"But the Church does not baptize its children that way. They are done in +the congregation before the people." + +"But, Padre, me an' Emmiline goot Cat'liques. Ve no Engleese. Only no +priest in de troop--and Emmiline go clean crazy if ve no get it done. +You know, Padre, ve loss our dear petite babees. Ve no vant to loss dis +wan too." + +"I see," said Mr. Evans. "You want me to christen the child privately." + +"Yees, Padre." + +"Well, bring him over to my quarters at three o'clock and I will do it +then." + +Bateese, while expressing his thanks for the Chaplain's kindness, still +appeared nervous and stood twisting his hat as before. + +"One more ting, Padre, Emmiline alvays goot Cat'lique. Alvays go to +church, alvays count her beads at night. Vell she see de cure before she +leave Kebec, and he say--if she ever have child again, an' leeve vere +dere is no priest--she must burn holy candles and have holy vater--an' +den some minister of some oder church could baptize de boy all de sam." + +"And have you got the candles and the holy water?" the Chaplain asked +with a smile. + +"Oh, yees--Emmiline bring everyting." + +"So she got them from the priest six months ago and brought them with +her to celebrate the christening." + +"Oui, Padre, she did." + +"She's a good woman," returned the clergyman, laughing heartily, "and +although its against the rule to use holy water and candles at a +christening, tell her I will do my best--and shall baptize the boy as +well as any priest could do it in Quebec--and to please her I will use +both." + +A halo of light spread all over the little Frenchman's face, and happy +as a king he hastened away to tell the good news to Emmiline. + +So that Sunday afternoon was celebrated the first christening among the +troops at Penetang. It was made memorable, too, in more ways than one, +for at the request of Emmiline, Mrs. Manning acted as godmother, while +in honor of its priority and from the fact that the child was named +after himself, Sir George accepted the position as godfather; both of +which events delighted not only the parents of the child but the whole +garrison as well. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXV. + + +The first summer at Penetang was full of new experiences for Helen. The +feminine loneliness was very trying, and if it had not been that her +hands and mind were always busy working and planning, she would have +felt the solitude even more than she did. The summer was half gone +before the first letters came; and the monotony of waiting was broken +only twice afterwards before the season was over. Fortunately, however, +they never came singly, and each bore reading again and again, before +the succeeding budget arrived. + +The absence of congenial companionship of her own sex was what she felt +most keenly. Still the presence of the little French woman, Emmiline, +gave a break to the monotony. Her lively chatter whiled away many an +hour; and with little Emil came new life; for Helen was deeply +interested in the welfare of her little godson. Possibly, also, the best +substitute for an absent friend may be the presence of that friend's +lover; and as Maud Maxwell was the one who had expressed a desire to be +with her in her western home, she longed for her the most. + +After Dr. Beaumont made Helen his confidant, they had many long talks, +and the more they talked the more she became convinced of his genuine +devotion. One afternoon this was particularly impressed upon her. It was +the day of the regular drill, and she was seated alone under an oak tree +in front of her cottage, re-reading one of her letters. Everything was +still around her, when being deeply absorbed, she was startled by the +approach of footsteps. + +"I beg your pardon, Madam!" exclaimed the Doctor. He had just returned +with a string of bass from the bay. "I am sorry if I have disturbed +you." + +"Don't mention it," she replied with a smile. "Everything was so still. +Why, what a catch you have had!" + +"They bite well to-day. Aren't they beauties? Two of them will weigh +three pounds apiece. Why is it so quiet here? Are all the men away?" + +"The soldiers, as you know, are drilling, and the habitants are +finishing the fallow." + +"I thought it peculiar to find you entirely alone." + +"None but the women and the sentinels are about." + +"I saw you reading a letter," said Beaumont, laying his fish behind a +log in the shade, and taking a seat beside them. "Is it a new one, may I +ask?" + +"No, I am sorry to say. I am foolish enough to read all these old ones +more than once." + +"More than once," he echoed. "Why, I read mine every day, sometimes over +and over again." + +"You extravagant man! You will wear them all out before the next supply +arrives." + +"Ah, but I am careful!" he laughingly replied, "and then I have only had +two from her. They both came with yours." + +"I hope another will come soon," she returned, following his wistful +gaze over the water. + +"Oh, yes, mon ami," he cried passionately. "Eight months since we left +Halifax, and only two letters." + +"It is three since our first ones went over the York trail, so we are +sure to receive others soon; and I know from the way Maud writes she is +interested in Penetang." + +"Interest is one thing and love is another," said the Doctor, dubiously. +"If I felt sure that the first would develop into the second, I would +praise the gods. But what is there to make it possible? A thousand miles +between us! I did not think an _affaire du coeur_ could be so serious; +but now I know it. When so distant she may never care." + +"You do not know the ways of a woman's heart, Doctor. She might not love +you then, but she loved no other; and before another man could win her +heart he would be weighed in the balance with yourself. Although absent, +rest assured you are not forgotten." + +"But to be remembered is not to be loved," said Beaumont again, "and a +present suitor may win what an absent one has lost." + +"Did it never strike you that distance itself might fan the flame of +love. My mother used to say that 'absence is the furnace in which true +love is tried! It tries the man but it tries the woman also.'" + +"If absence has increased hers as it has mine, I shall be more than +satisfied," said the Doctor. + +"Something in you appealed to her, that I know," said Helen. + +"Ah! She is divine," cried Beaumont, again becoming ecstatic. "I can +never forget her." + +"Did you never forget her?" asked Helen, demurely. + +"No, never." + +"Not even when dancing at the Citadel with Louise de Rochefort?" she +asked mischievously. + +Beaumont's face flushed. + +"Pardonnez, Madam, that was a little break--an hour's amusement--une +petite Mademoiselle of my own people, and in my own old city! What harm? +Surely you will not ask a Frenchman to stand at one side and allow all +the beauty and elite sweep past him in the gay valse without saying a +word. No, no, Madam, that would never do"; and he finished by shaking +his curls in a merry laugh. + +"And you think you are deeply, earnestly, sincerely in love with Maud?" + +"I swear it. She is divine, I say. Her glorious eyes, her ravishing +beauty, her inflexible will, her exquisite soul, make me her slave, and +I cannot help myself. Madam, I adore her. She is my patron saint, my +heavenly jewel on earth!" + +"You deserve to win her," said Helen, gravely. "Why not press your suit +by letter more strongly than you have ever done?" + +"That I cannot do. I gave her my word not to attempt it any more until I +see her. Of course I write; my letters are full of love. Mon Dieu! How +can I help it? But I am never to ask her to be mine until I see her." + +"In that case you must keep your promise, and as a true woman she will +think all the more of you. But there is one thing I wanted to ask. Have +you anything to keep a wife upon besides your salary as surgeon? You see +how practical I am." + +"Thank the Holy Virgin, I have. My father left me independent of any +income I may receive from the army." + +"One other point, Doctor. As your confidant you must excuse my queries. +How can you, a Roman Catholic, expect so staunch a Churchwoman as Maud +Maxwell to consent to be your wife?" + +"Truly a serious question--and one that I have not forgotten, but do you +know that religion is much more to a woman than it is to a man?" + +"It ought not to be." + +"That is true, though I am sorry to say it was not so in my mother's +case. My father was a French seigneur of Lower Canada and a Catholic, +while my mother was a Scotch Presbyterian. Why she joined my father's +Church I could never tell, except that my father was a dominant man, and +that there was no Presbyterian church within fifty miles of where we +lived. Consequently, my brothers and sisters and myself were all brought +up in the Catholic faith. What is more, Agatha, my sister, being +disappointed in love, entered a cloister, and is now a nun in a Montreal +convent." + +"That is sad." + +"Perhaps it is. Yet I would not say a word against the sisterhood or the +Romish Church. They are both maligned. But I am sorry that my only +sister, a bright and beautiful girl, should be hopelessly consigned to +the life of the cloister." + +"I appreciate your feelings, Doctor. But will this influence your own +future?" + +"It may. A sensible man should look to the future as well as the +present. If Maud Maxwell should ever become my wife, I would never ask +her to renounce her faith; I might even be willing to espouse +Protestantism, for which so many of my mother's ancestors died." + +"And if you don't marry Maud Maxwell?" + +"There's the rub!" exclaimed the Doctor, shrugging his shoulders. "I +shall probably stay where I am, for as I said, religion is not so much +to a man--I am broad enough to believe that if a man lives up to the +best that is in him--an upright and honorable life, and acknowledges the +eternal Fatherhood of God with Christ as his Saviour--whether he +believes in the Blessed Virgin or not--he is all right. He can follow +any creed he likes, from the simple Quaker faith of New England, right +up to that of the great Roman Church--the mother of them all." + +"I congratulate you on the breadth of your creed, Doctor." + +"A man's life is his creed." + +"That will be in the doctrines of the future, but it is not now, +unfortunately," said Helen. + +"Ah, hear the rifles, the target practice has commenced." + +"Yes, and it is time my fish were looked after; bon jour, Madam," and he +took them off to the cookhouse at the officers' quarters. + +In a few minutes Sir George and Captain Cummings came up from the target +field, leaving the other officers in charge; and as Helen had not yet +returned to her cottage, they joined her. + +"And how goes the shooting, gentlemen?" she asked, looking at the +Colonel. + +"Oh, bravely!" returned Sir George. "Your husband is one of the best +shots among the officers. They all take a round at it, you know." + +"What of Lieutenant Smith? Some one told me he was a capital shot." + +"So he is, the best in the regiment." + +"Hurrah for the two lieutenants!" exclaimed Helen, with a laugh. "What +of your own success, Captain Cummings?" + +"I don't profess to be an expert," he replied evasively; "if an officer +keeps his men up to the mark, he adequately fills the bill--Smith and +Manning have both done excellently, though." + +Cummings was smiling serenely, but there was an accentuation in his +words that grated on Helen's ear. + +"Do you know, my dear?" said Sir George, turning towards her, "that our +Fort will be ready in a week, and that we must have a grand opening to +do honor to the occasion?" + +"With torchlight procession, grand ball and finest orchestra of the +season?" suggested Helen. + +"Yes, more than that. We expect every lady within fifty miles at least +to accept our invitation." + +"I' faith, that will be fine"; but her animation was gone. There was dew +upon her eyelids. + +"I was joking," exclaimed the Colonel, "pray forgive. It is solitary +enough for you now, but it won't be for long. 'Twill be better +by-and-bye." + +"Please excuse my foolishness," returned Helen, bravely keeping back the +tears, "but do you really mean to open the Fort then?" + +"Yes, and joking aside, we intend to celebrate it with all eclat +possible, and we want you to do what you can to assist us." + +"You may rest assured of that, Sir George," she replied, "however little +that may be." + +"And I take this opportunity," he continued, swinging off his helmet +with a graceful bow, "to invite the first Lady of the land to be my +partner at the opening quadrille?" + +Helen had conquered her emotion and, although amazed, was equal to the +occasion. With a sweeping courtesy, she replied: + +"Your request is granted, sire." Although what in the world he could +mean by such an invitation she could scarcely imagine. + +Captain Cummings gave the Colonel a sharp glance and bit his lip. Helen +noticed it and so did the senior officer. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXVI. + + +Two afternoons later Helen went with the women Bond and Hardman to +gather blackberries, which were ripening in rich profusion upon bushes +scattered along the southern border of a copse of hemlock. The women had +been gathering the fruit for days, and on this occasion Helen had +arranged to go with them. For a while all laughed and chatted and picked +the berries side by side; but as the good patches became more scattered, +they drifted apart, each working on in silence. + +Helen's pail was almost full, and she was on the point of hailing her +companions to return to the garrison, when the report of a gun in the +adjacent woods startled her. There was a tramping, a rustling, a +dividing of the bushes, and the huntsman appeared. + +"This is a surprise! I hope my shot did not frighten you," exclaimed +Captain Cummings, who carried a brace of partridges in one hand and his +fowling-piece in the other. "I had no idea that there was anyone so +near. It was lucky that I was not shooting in this direction." + +"I am as much surprised as you are," replied Helen. "I thought all the +officers were in consultation this afternoon at the island." + +"Oh, yes! we gathered together for an hour. Sir George wanted to +discuss the arrangement of the guns and port-holes of the magazine. Then +some of us were detailed to duty; Lieutenant Manning to the men at the +bridge, Captain Payne to planting the guns, Smith to the fort works, and +myself, for a wonder, for an hour's sport. Don't you think I'm doing +pretty well for an amateur? This bird was not by any means near, yet I +took his head clean off." + +Helen acquiesced. She had not forgotten the conversation of the previous +day, but was gathering herself together, while thoughts innumerable +chased each other through her mind. + +"That magazine block-house will be a credit to Captain Payne," she +commented. "Its timbers are so large and square and smooth. One would +think they should last a century." + +"So they will. The funny point about the little island, just now, is the +presence of Indians at one end, while the building of the citadel is +going on at the other." + +"But the Indians are friendly." + +"Yes, and the chief has the reputation of being as great a warrior as +his daughter, Little Moon, has of being a beauty. Some of our men are +wild over her." + +"I wish they would leave Little Moon alone!" exclaimed Helen, angrily. +"She is a sweet girl, and I sincerely hope she has sense enough to keep +them in their place." + +"I am sure she has," returned Cummings, with a laugh. "It would not be +safe for any of them to trifle with his daughter's affections while +Chief Nenimkee is around. But one of the fellows is in genuine earnest, +and has already asked the Colonel if he could make her his wife." + +"Who is that, pray?" + +"Oh, that handsome young Irishman, Patrick O'Neil." + +"Did Sir George grant his request?" + +"Yes, conditionally, on good behavior during the next two months, +coupled with the consent of the chief." + +"And what about Little Moon herself? Does she care for him?" + +"I think she does, but she is a proud girl, and will need winning--a +part of the bargain Pat is ready for." + +"My pail is full now," said Helen. "Will you call the women, Captain? It +is time to return." + +"Wait a moment, please," said Cummings. + +Helen turned a questioning look toward him. Again she met that peculiar +expression in his eyes which she had seen so often. It was furtive yet +piercing, and gave her a little thrill. + +"I just want to talk with you a moment," he said lightly. "I so rarely +get a chance that I feel like thanking my stars when one does come in my +way." + +"Well, what is it?" she asked, reverting her gaze to the women, and +regretting to herself that they were nearer to the Fort than she was. + +"In the first place," he said with another laugh, "I wouldn't bother the +women about the pail. I can carry it myself until we catch up to them. +And in the next, why do you always take me so seriously? What have I +done to offend you? I am the captain of your husband's company, yet +apart from Sir George, with whom I often see you chatting, you talk with +the Doctor, or the Chaplain, or Captain Payne, or even Lieutenant Smith, +on the freest terms, while you almost avoid myself. Come, Madam," he +exclaimed, with a forced attempt at gaiety, "give an account of +yourself." + +Helen felt those piercing black eyes fixed upon her, although she was +not looking in his face, while a soothing, dreamy influence seemed to be +stealing down from her brain over her body and limbs, which required all +her strength of will to resist. + +"Well," she replied, with a supreme effort to control herself and keep +her eyes from involuntarily meeting his. "In the first place, I am +picking berries to assist the women, and must insist upon them taking +charge of my pail. In the second place, am perfectly aware that you are +the captain, and that my husband is only the lieutenant, but I have +never had the slightest desire to be discourteous to you. It would be +unreasonable for me to be so." + +"Nevertheless, by my faith, you might have been kinder," he returned, +with a deep modulation in tone, that was much akin to his look. + +"I am sorry if I have not been." There was a slight tremor in her voice. +"But I am sure the officers should not expect too much from the only +lady among them." + +"Do not mistake me, my dear Mrs. Manning," were his next words, in the +same deep undertone. "Give me, I beseech you, an equal chance with the +rest, and I shall be more than satisfied." + +Helen could scarcely control herself. His manner and bearing, some inner +potentiality, were producing an agitation upon her that would have been +impossible from the words only. + +Cummings saw this and was satisfied, and to add gratitude to the other +effects of the interview, he waved for the women to join them. They had +been expecting the signal for some time and hastened to obey, but were +too far off to have any idea of what was passing between Captain +Cummings and the sweet lady whom they all loved. + +"Mrs. Manning wants you to carry her pail of fruit," he explained to +them. "It is very full and she is tired. Good-bye, Madam," he continued, +again lifting his hat. "I want to get another brace before I return if I +can." + +In another minute he had disappeared. + +Helen's face was calm again, although her heart thumped wildly, and +forcing herself to speak to the women, she talked to them about the +berries. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXVII. + + +To Helen Captain Cummings was an enigma. She could not understand him, +and in search of a solution her mind persistently returned to the +interview in the woods, and the conversation that passed between them. +The more she thought of it, however, the more convinced did she become +that there was truth in the Captain's contention, and the question of +exhibiting equal cordiality in her relations with the officers of the +garrison presented itself to her mind in a new light. Possibly, she had +been less impartial than the conditions called for, and if so she was +willing to make amends. + +Yet there was another side to the question: the other officers were +spontaneous and candid in their dealings with her, while obscurity and +indefiniteness always seemed to have been impelling forces with +Cummings. There was something in his actions and manners that she could +not comprehend. Still, the fault might be in herself. All men were not +open-minded; and with a desire to be just, she determined to conquer, if +she could, that peculiar nervous tension which his presence when alone +with her always produced. + +There are things which every true woman fights out for herself. As a +complete entity, she does her own thinking, unguided and unaided, +revealing her inmost thoughts to none. Helen told Harold of the shot she +heard in the woods, and of Cummings' appearance immediately afterwards +in the berry patch beside her--even of his offer to carry her pail--and +then of his return to the woods to resume his shooting. But, paradoxical +as it may seem, she said nothing of the real nature of her difficulty +with Cummings. Of mental impressions received, she alone had the record. +Then why sow distrust between her husband and the Captain? No good could +possibly come of it. So unless matters became worse, she would refrain +from letting him, as she still refrained from showing him her diary. + +In a few more days, amid general rejoicing, the stone Fort was ready for +occupation. Order out of chaos had come at last, and it presented a fine +appearance on that memorable first of October, when its wide door was +thrown open for the first time to admit its future occupants. Above the +roof the Union Jack unfurled before the breeze, while the bugle boy, +with shrill piping, summoned all--officers and men--to join in the +celebration. + +Here and there around the building were little groups of soldiers, while +the Indians had gathered in front of the Fort to see how white men +conducted themselves on occasions like this. + +Early in the day, the last of the goods from Helen's house and the +officers' quarters were carried in and arranged, for it had been decided +by the Colonel that she must be queen of the citadel from the first, so +when three o'clock arrived, and Sir George took his place on a little +stand in front of the Fort to address the people, everything was in +order, and loud and prolonged cheers greeted him. + +"Officers and men of the 100th, French-Canadians and Indian brothers," +he commenced. "We may all congratulate ourselves on the progress made +since we came to Penetang. You have done your best. You have worked with +a will, and we have every reason to be satisfied with what we have +accomplished. Right through the summer we have had comfortable quarters +to live and sleep in, and now through the management of Captain Payne, +after six months of working and waiting, we open our garrison--our +little stone castle--of which every one of us is proud. Here we have a +home for the officers of our troops, and the upper storey, when supplied +with arms and ammunition, will enable us to defend our harbor against +any foe who may dare to invade us. As you know, too, to strengthen our +position we have built a bridge across to the island. On that island +stands our newly erected magazine, armed with the cannon which we +dragged through the woods all the way from Halifax--and over that little +magazine floats our country's flag (loud cheers). + +"Right in front of me, too, I am glad to see so many of the warriors of +the Ojibway tribe. To their brave chief Nenimkee we owe much. I would +have them remember that the white men never forget their red brothers, +and the Great Father across the sea thinks of them still. When word was +sent to him of the death of the brave Tecumseh, the Prince of the Six +Nations, while fighting the battles of the King, the command came back: +'Build me a ship at Penetang; make its masts strong; let its timbers be +of the best woods of the forest; let its braces be of the toughest iron; +let its cords be of the purest hemp, and its sails of the finest flax. +Then it shall be manned with the guns that I will send you, and it shall +be called by the name of the mightiest of all warriors, Tecumseh.'" + +A wild yell filled the air, every Indian bounded off his feet, and for a +few moments the terrific war-whoop of the Ojibways deafened the ears of +the astonished listeners. The unexpected announcement was only +understood by the chief and a few of his men, but the effect upon them +was magical. They forgot their accustomed reserve, and in the excitement +of the moment showed their appreciation by a note, the most intense that +they could utter, and every other Indian took the utterance as the +command of his chief. Quiet, however, soon returned, and Sir George +concluded his speech. + +"In the name of the Great Father," he continued, "I thank our red +brothers for their approval. A ship will be commenced very soon. Captain +Payne will build it, and next summer it will be launched." + +"Of one other thing I would remind our officers and men. A sweet lady, +whom you have all learned to love, will be mistress of our castle, and I +know you will treat her with that courtesy and kindness which she so +richly deserves. She will adorn the office with grace and dignity, and +it will be our pleasure to make her life happy, and to show our +appreciation of her bravery in so willingly casting in her lot with her +husband and ourselves." + +Again the applause was long and loud, and in this even the Indians +joined. + + * * * * * + +Night came. A score of candles lit up the white timbers of the entrance +chamber of the Fort. All the ladies within fifty miles of Penetang had +honored the Colonel's invitation by a kindly acceptance, but they +numbered only one. + +Painted wooden chairs, imported by Indian trail from Little York, stood +around the walls of the room, and the oaken table, hewn out of wood from +the forest, and covered with damask from England, had been lifted to +another room to clear the floor for the opening quadrille. + +The bugle boy, who had played his violin for years in the old land +across the sea, had brought it with him, and with his old boots +polished and buttons shining, stood ready to play again; while officers +in full regimentals were chatting over the event, awaiting the entrance +of the lady who was to adorn their citadel. + +But Harold and Helen, in their own little room, were slow in coming. The +former had finished his toilet and was affectionately fastening a +necklet of pearls around his wife's neck. + +"I am sorry you are so nervous, dear," he said, noticing that her hand +trembled. + +"How can I help it, Harold?" she asked. "It is no light ordeal to be the +only lady, and Sir George tells me he wants to open the Fort in the old +English fashion with a quadrille." + +"If you cannot bear it, darling, I will ask him to omit the dance." + +"Oh, no, not for the world! I will be all right after we start. How do I +look?" + +"Just as you are--the dearest and sweetest woman that ever lived," was +his answer, as he pressed upon her lips a passionate kiss. + +Helen threw her arms around his neck, and something like a sob broke the +stillness, but it was only for a moment. + +"I am better now," she said, looking up with a smile. A couple of +glittering tears were hanging between her lashes, but he kissed them +away. + +As Helen and Harold entered the large room, all the gentlemen arose. But +there were only seven in the whole company--the two lieutenants, the +two captains, the doctor, the chaplain and the commander of all. + +Sir George was attired with rigid punctiliousness, as though attending a +ball at St. James. A massive gold chain, which he rarely wore, encircled +his shoulders above his epaulets, while medals presented by his +Sovereign, for services in eastern wars, adorned his breast. With the +gallantry of an old courtier he bowed to Helen and offered his arm. + +"Permit me to have the honor," he said, and accepting his escort, +together they walked around the room. + +"Our pictures have not yet arrived," he continued gaily. "You know our +London artists are slow coaches, and I will have to prod them to their +duty when I get over there." + +"That will be very kind," said Helen, with glistening eyes. "But just +now we are very glad to get the white walls without the pictures." + +"Very true," was his comment. "Even glorious old Rome was not built in a +day; but I will not forget. Gentlemen," he continued, with a bright +smile around the room, "choose your partners for the opening quadrille +of Penetang." + +Immediately the officers took their places. It had been prearranged. +Captain Cummings and the Chaplain were their vis-a-vis; the Doctor and +Harold to their right; Captain Payne and Lieutenant Smith to their +left. + +The twang of the violin was the signal for the first step, and with +their hands on their hearts the gentlemen bowed to their ladies fair. +Soon a ripple of laughter went around the room, and Helen was herself +again. + +Since meeting Captain Cummings in the berry patch she had been careful +to be cordial with him, and this evening was particularly gracious. As +his vis-a-vis, she smiled up in his face as he took her hand, and did +her best to meet his piercing look of admiration without shrinking. +Perhaps it was in recognition that he pressed hers, retaining it for a +moment. Then, with stately dignity, following the example of Sir George, +they stepped through the figures of the dance. + +But it was soon over and, leading Helen to the best seat in the room, +Sir George exclaimed: + +"Now I declare the Fort duly opened for the honor and defence of our +King and country." + +"And let all the people say 'Amen'!" cried the Chaplain. + +And a chorus of "Amens" echoed through the room. + +A couple of games of whist followed, and songs were sung by Helen and +Dr. Beaumont. Then they had coffee and cake, and a glass or two of old +Madeira. But by midnight the revelries were over, and the opening of the +Fort which for so many years overlooked the bay of Penetang, was +successfully concluded. + +After all was over, some of the men went out for a smoke before turning +in for the night, while Helen and Harold retired to their own room, but +Lieutenant Smith, the accurate shot, the daring soldier, the interested +observer, wandered away by himself. Since Helen's care for him when +wounded in the beginning of the long march, he had cherished an almost +filial affection for her, and the events of the past months had not been +unnoticed by him. + +Moodily, he wandered down to the water's edge and away along the shore. + +"She's an angel on earth," he muttered to himself, "and he's a miserable +hound. I wonder her husband don't see it. By my faith, I'll not forget +her goodness to me, and rather than see her wronged, I'll call him out +whatever comes of it." + +The young man stopped speaking, but went thundering along the shore, as +if to stifle the anger he could with difficulty repress. By-and-bye he +quieted down and turned to walk home again, but the muttering came back +and was bound to have its say. + +"The devil of it is," he soliloquized, "Cummings is to be the captain of +the Fort, of higher rank than Manning, while both are to live under the +one roof; but never mind, Tom Smith, keep your eyes open, and remember +that truth and right are high as heaven." Then, whistling softly to +himself, he went in to pass his first night with the rest of the +officers in the new Fort. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXVIII. + + +By November the war was over in Canada, and the declaration of peace +heralded far and wide. Moreover, it was whispered among officers and men +at Penetang that Sir George would soon be leaving them, and that the wet +earth, due to the fall rains, was the chief cause of his delay. He had, +in fact, received orders to transfer himself and body-guard over land to +Little York as soon as the road was favorable for the march. + +This matter, however, he kept for a time to himself. In some things he +consulted his staff before acting, while in others, perhaps equally +important, he kept his own counsel. It was this trait in his character +that gave him the reputation of possessing a bit of the will of the Iron +Duke. Possibly for the same reason he had been chosen to lead the +midwinter march to Penetang. Hence the officers of his staff rarely +questioned him concerning his plans for the future; although they talked +among themselves pretty freely about any prospective change. + +In the meantime Helen did her best to fill her position to the +satisfaction of all at the new Fort. Sometimes the strain was very +severe upon her, notwithstanding the kindness and courtesy of the men. +In this regard Cummings surpassed them all. He hovered around longer, +was the first to come and often the last to go; would read her thoughts, +forestall her actions, and often, when unobserved, that piercing look of +his would appear for a moment. Still, agitation would not have time to +occur, as with bow and smile he would pass on. + +Gradually the aversion which Helen felt for him became less poignant. +Yet, as the weeks followed each other in quick succession, she felt more +and more unhappy. + +Harold was much concerned about her, and dreading the approach of +illness desired her to consult the Doctor; but she only laughed, and +declared that it was the extra duty of being Lady Bountiful that was +wearing upon her, and that when winter arrived, she would be well and +strong again. + +Sir George also watched her keenly. In a bantering way he often tried to +read her thoughts, but his efforts usually ended in the relation of some +amusing tale to make her laugh and forget. + +But Sir George was not the only observer. Lieutenant Smith had his eyes +open, and at last, seizing an opportunity when alone with the Colonel, +he decided to have his say. + +"May I have a private talk with you this morning, Sir George?" he asked, +with some trepidation. It was a bold thing to interview his superior +officer upon such a subject--and this he well knew. + +The Colonel gave him a keen glance for a moment before he answered: + +"Yes, but not until noon. This morning I want you to summon all the +officers to my room immediately after drill. I have something important +to communicate." + +There was much speculation among them during the next hour or two, and +punctually at twelve o'clock they were all present. + +Sir George cast his eye over each as he entered. + +"Gentlemen," he said in a decisive tone, as he took his seat, "the time +has come when it is advisable to make a change in our arrangements here. +I find that to carry out orders from England it will not be necessary to +maintain quite so large a force at Penetang. The war is over. We have +not had any fighting since we arrived, and a smaller body of men will be +sufficient to man our garrison. It must be remembered also, that one of +the main objects to which Penetang will be devoted will be ship-building +for the lake service. Our engineer, Captain Payne, will require to +remain, and in the coming year his force will be increased. But as our +garrison is now in a satisfactory condition, we can afford to part with +some of our men without in any way sacrificing its interests. After +thinking the matter out carefully, I have finally decided to leave the +Fort under the command of Captain Payne. The rest of the officers will +remain with him, with the exception of Captain Cummings, who, with +fifty men, will accompany me by trail to Little York, and from there to +Montreal. Weather being favorable, we shall march in three days." + +"Egad, sir!" exclaimed Captain Cummings, "I always understood that I was +to have command of the Fort whenever you left. Why so sudden a change?" + +"I have already explained," said the Colonel, coldly. "The movements of +a body of infantry are never regulated by cast iron rules, neither are +those of its officers." + +"Can no change be made, sir?" said Cummings, his face flushed and angry. +"I would much rather remain and do what I can for the growth of the +place than go east again." + +"My orders are decisive," said the Colonel, rising to his feet, +indicating that the conference was over. "In three days everything must +be ready for the march of fifty men under the command of Captain +Cummings for Little York, now known as Toronto. I shall also march with +the company. As many details have to be attended to, all officers will +require to assist at once in carrying out the arrangements." + +In a very few minutes Sir George was alone in his room. He folded his +papers, put them away and, opening the door, said to Emmiline: + +"Tell Mrs. Manning that I wish to speak with her." + +Helen soon appeared. She suspected nothing of what had occurred. Still, +her eyes were bloodshot. She had been weeping. + +"My child," said the Colonel, taking her hand. "Come into my room for a +moment." As he closed the door, she looked up into his face with +questioning surprise. + +"You are a brave girl," he said, "and if you were my own daughter I +should be proud of you; but there are some things even you cannot bear. +As you know, I have decided to place the care of the Fort in younger +hands, but I am not going away alone. Captain Cummings will return to +the east with me. + +"Oh, thank God, thank God!" she exclaimed with a sob, and unable to +restrain her feelings any longer, her face flooded with tears. + +"Hoity, toity, my dear. I didn't expect all this," cried the Colonel in +distress. "If I had known things had come to such a pass I would have +sent the rascal away long ago." + +With a strong effort Helen controlled herself. + +"Oh, do not mention it again, please," she pleaded, "or his name either. +Harold even does not know it. I just thought it was something I had to +bear, but it was killing me. How can I ever thank you enough?" + +For answer the good old Colonel stooped down and kissed the weeping +woman. + +Three days later, the fifty men with Sir George and Captain Cummings at +their head started for Toronto. Adieux were said, but somehow Lieutenant +Smith did not find it necessary to have his conference with the +Colonel. + + + + + CHAPTER XXXIX. + + +It was a beautiful day in the autumn when the frigate _Beaver_ passed +McNab Island and sailed up the long harbor to Halifax. Wonderful tints +of the forest, from russet brown through red, orange and yellow, to the +dark green of the juniper, stretched out beyond the little city, while +orchard trees laden with fruit, pasture lands cropped by the cows, and +stubble fields still golden from the harvest, added zest to the outlook +of the tired soldiers coming home from the war. + +On the deck of the frigate sat Captain Morris, surrounded by a number of +men. The sick, the wounded, the well, were there; but they numbered all +told scarcely a third of the force that went out hale and buoyant for +the conflict only a few months before. + +It had been heralded that the Halifax column was returning, and people +gathered at the dock to welcome them as they neared the landing. Among +the little groups of red-coats standing close together many a face was +recognized, and when Captain Morris, aided by a subaltern, rose to his +feet, the whole company were greeted with an enthusiastic cheer. + +"Another for Captain Morris," called out a soldier fresh from the +Citadel. And they gave it. + +"A tiger," was the next shout. + +Again the yell was loud and long. This time the Captain, with long beard +and haggard face, limped forward, and with his left hand raised his +helmet in acknowledgment. + +"It is good to have you home again," said Colonel Mason, whose carriage +was waiting for him. "You've lost in flesh, Morris, but, egad, you've +got it back in glory." + +"How many of my men are dead, though," returned Morris, with a ghastly +smile, "and the poor devils who were wounded. See yonder man with both +legs shot off by a cannon ball, and the two at the side there, each +minus an arm." + +"True enough," said Mason. "I'd rather be shot off the face of the earth +than maimed as that poor fellow is. But it's been rough on yourself, +Captain." + +"I was lucky to get off as well as I did," said Morris, more cheerily. +"A month or two's rest and a sea voyage will do wonders for a man." + +"Are you going so soon?" + +"It won't be long." + +That afternoon the Misses Maxwell called to see him. Maud wanted to +postpone the visit to the following day, but Eugenia insisted that it +was the right thing to do, and she would go alone, if Maud would not +accompany her. + +"You have written to him twice," she said, decisively, "and as a +friend, if nothing more, it would be heartless to defer the visit." + +Colonel and Mrs. Mason were with him when the young ladies were +announced. They were both shocked at his attenuated form, although +heightened color improved his appearance for the moment. + +"You will excuse my rising," he said, as they shook hands. "The doctors +tell me that this pitiable limb of mine should not be moved more often +than I can help. I am a sorry scarecrow, too, and a left-handed one at +that." + +"We are glad you are home again, and in Mrs. Mason's care," said Maud. +Her voice trembled and her face flushed, for his thin fingers held her +hand tightly. + +"We'll feed him on the fat of the land," said Mrs. Mason, who had the +reputation of being an excellent purveyor for the sick. + +"Captain Morris deserves all we can do for him," echoed the Colonel, +with a smile, "and what is more, I have it on good authority that his +name will appear in the next issue of the _Gazette_." + +At this moment there was a rap on the door and the maid handed in a +paper. + +"Here it is," said the Colonel, adjusting his spectacles. "First on the +list of promotions--'To the rank of Major, Albert Edward Morris, of C +Company, of the ----th Royals, for distinguished bravery in the +Anglo-American campaign.'" + +"This is news to me," was Morris' comment. + +Maud's eyes flashed, but they were looking out of the window and not at +him. + + * * * * * + +But the Major made slow progress toward recovery. The diversity and +extent of his wounds prevented rapid healing, and Christmas was long +past before the pain and the limp were gone. By March, however, he was +well again. Even the cicatrix on his scalp was invisible, for his hair +was made to cover it. Then he commenced to visit his friends as of old, +and there was no house in Halifax that he went to more frequently, or in +which he was more welcome than that of Judge Maxwell. + +That he was a devoted admirer of Maud the whole family knew, but their +progress as lovers did not seem to be rapid. At least so thought +Eugenia. + +"You have no heart," she said to Maud one day, indignantly. "You know +that he loves you, and yet you never give him an opportunity to declare +himself." + +"If he desires he can surely make one," returned Maud, "but he is too +wise for that. What is the use of doing useless things?" + +"Do you mean you really do not care for him?" + +"Caring is not loving." + +"You might say the same of Dr. Beaumont, and yet you correspond?" + +"But I gave him a promise--" + +"That you would not become engaged to anyone for a year," interrupted +her sister. + +"Yes." + +"That year expired months ago. You are free now to do as you please." + +"Yes, and free to remain as I am. Is it not my own affair?" + +Eugenia looked perplexed. + +"But has Dr. Beaumont pressed his suit in his recent letters?" she +asked. + +"He certainly has not. He is biding his time, nothing more." + +"Surpassing his time, you mean. If in earnest he should have been here +before now, or at least have given good reason for delay." + +"Don't be absurd, Eugenia, I did not say he hadn't given a reason." + +"Well, reason or no reason, Major Morris is the better man of the two--a +brave soldier--a gallant officer--beloved by his men--of fine old +family--a good Churchman--and owner of a beautiful estate. Goodness +gracious! what has Dr. Beaumont to show in comparison with Major Morris +as an eligible match?" + +"My dearest sister, you might be a scheming mamma, selling off your +daughter to the highest bidder!" exclaimed Maud, with a laugh. "'Pon my +word, though, it must be something else. Has Dr. Fairchilds so tied you +up that you are afraid another medico might do the same with me? Would +the double 'Vis Medicatrix,' as they call it, be too much for us, +altogether? Is that the issue?" + +"Don't be unreasonable, Maud. You acknowledge that there is nothing +serious between you and Beaumont. He's a thousand miles away, living in +a little garrison in the woods without prospect of change. Major Morris, +on the other hand, is right here, and, although devoted to you, will be +ordered home again on one of the first ships. Now is an opportunity for +you that will never occur again." + +"It is a serious question," said Maud, once more becoming grave. "When +is your marriage to take place? I have forgotten the exact date." + +"The last Thursday in May." + +"I doubt very much if the companies of the --nth Royals will sail before +then. There is still time enough, and rest assured, Genie, I despise a +woman who willingly entangles a man in order to throw him overboard." + +"The very thing you are doing, though." + +"Genie, you are unjust to me." + +"The deed may not be wilful but the end is the same," persisted her +sister. + +And Major Morris did not remit his attentions. Being off duty he +frequently doffed his uniform and appeared at the Judge's in laced coat, +knee breeches and silk stockings. Sometimes he had a spicy bit of news +to relate, a story from the camp, or an item from over the sea. It was +always interesting. He did not often find Maud alone; and he soon +discovered that he succeeded better in strengthening her regard by not +being too exclusive in his attentions. + +He knew well that he had a rival; and although a touch of jealousy might +have been the real cause of his retention of that letter until reaching +Lundy's Lane, for he suspected that there was another one inside; yet, +he was too true a gentleman to make unwarranted capital at the expense +of the absent lover. If he could honorably win her hand and heart, and +carry Maud back to England on his return voyage as his wife, he would be +the happiest man alive; but to accomplish this by attempting to weaken +her regard for Beaumont, was not in his line. He must make her affection +for himself grow stronger. That was all. + +When both he and Beaumont were away from Halifax, honors were easy, and +each could strive alike. But actual presence gave him the advantage, and +if he could not succeed in winning her love fairly, now that he had the +field to himself, Morris felt that he deserved to be vanquished. + +Men do not die of broken hearts, however. The wound may be deep, but in +time it will heal; and he was willing to abide by the truth of his +philosophy. + +"What luxuriant tulips, Miss Maud!" said the Major. This time he found +her alone, gathering them from a bed by the lilacs in her garden. + +"Yes," she said, laughingly. "They stand shoulder to shoulder like +soldiers on a battlefield. You see how ruthlessly I am slaying them." + +"Scarcely that," was his comment; "you are simply carrying off the +wounded." + +"Ah!" she said, shaking her head; "but how many of the wounded will +live?" + +"All of them; judging by your habit, they will simply die a natural +death." + +"How do you make that out?" she asked, looking up quickly. + +"Simply, that by putting them in water in the shade, as is your custom, +the flowers will live as long as when left on their stems in the +garden." + +"Have you found the philosopher's stone yet?" she questioned with an +arch look. + +"No," he replied, "only the observer's; but have you heard the latest +news? It only came an hour ago." + +"No, what is it, please?" + +"Sir George Head, who has been stationed with the men in Montreal all +winter, will be here in a week; and, with what remains of the --nth +Royals, will sail at once for England." + +The announcement dropped very quietly from the Captain's lips, pregnant +though it was with so much to himself. Maud started and turned pale. The +mention of Sir George and the Captain's company in the same breath, +placed the Doctor and the Major in a relationship that she had +heretofore declined to realize. Something seemed imminent, she hardly +knew what. + +"Which means that you will go with him," she said at last avoiding his +eye. + +"Yes, Miss Maud, that is what it means; and besides the gruesome and +terrible things that have happened, the beautiful and happy days I have +spent in Halifax will be at an end." + +"If the gruesome things have surpassed the pleasant ones, you will +rejoice when all is over," said Maud gently, regaining her self-control. +"In such case I know I should." + +"Women are different from men," was his comment. "Perhaps men do not +balance things so clearly. With us I fear every experience of life +stands alone. The terrible reality of the slaying of a thousand men in a +night may be one thing; but the presence of a single thread of sunshine +which enthralls you and penetrates your whole being is another." + +"You are very poetic as well as practical, Major Morris, and I think you +are right," said Maud, determined not to understand him. "What you say +of the soldiers is terribly sad; but about the sunshine, we have many +threads of sunshine here. I was born in Halifax and never even crossed +the ocean; but from all I hear we have five times as much sunshine in +Nova Scotia as you have in England." + +"Egad! I suspect you are right," was his answer, as she went off in a +little ripple of laughter, her cheeks aglow with color. "It must be the +sunlight that freshens your beauty and puts that damask upon your +skin." + +"Now you flatter. But 'pon my word it is a good thing. It makes you +brown as a berry in March, red as a rose in June, and blue as a plum in +November." + +"I thought it was the wind that did the first as well as the last," he +said, watching her ever-changing face. + +"It helps," she replied demurely. "But Old Sol always does his share." + +"Well," he said dryly, "in my case the order will have to be changed. I +expect to go into the plum business in June." + +"It is said to be a very fine industry," she said, looking downwards and +pulling the petals from the twig of lilac that she had broken from a +neighboring bush; "but in all conscience, I always thought you army men +looked down upon trade." + +"No, indeed," he returned, smiling broadly, as he took in the humor of +the situation. "I don't believe in looking down upon any honest calling, +even raising plums." + +And they both went off in a peal of laughter, though before she was +through, Maud's eyelids glistened with tears. + + + + + CHAPTER XL. + + +"So he thinks that a flower severed from the soil and placed in the +shade will flourish as well as in its native sunlight," Maud mused after +he went away that morning. "Had he a special meaning I wonder?--and +about balances, his words contained one sure enough. What is that +English home of his like, anyway? And his people, sedate and +punctilious, just as my mother says hers were? No wonder he talked about +the shade. They say over there it rains seventy days and shines seven. +If I had let him he would have asked me to give up our glorious sunshine +again. Ah, me, life is a funny problem anyway! There's the east and the +west, and here I am in the middle. Gadzooks! as my father would say, I +wish I knew what to do. I suppose the Doctor will be coming back +soon--to buy new clothes of course! Funny, how he took me at my word +when I set him down last year. Since then, although endearing enough, he +never talks out and out of love--waiting till he comes, I suppose--and +not very definite upon that either. Perhaps some dusky maiden in the +west may yet steal the young man's heart away. What of Little Moon, the +Ojibway chief's daughter, that he raved about in one of his letters? +Pshaw! She would never suit Beaumont! Well! I like Major Morris with his +English drawl, his bravery, his knee breeches, and his shade out of +sunlight. And I like Dr. Beaumont with his passion, his Mon Dieu's, his +life in the glorious west, and his controlled faithfulness. But by my +faith, do I love either well enough for marriage? Ah, there's the rub, +Maud Maxwell! What a little minx you are anyway, not to know your own +mind better than that!" + +Impatiently she tossed off her hat and finished fixing her tulips. But +she did it with unusual care that morning, and an hour afterwards her +mother said she never saw them so beautifully arranged before. + +The preparation for Eugenia's wedding monopolized the long hours during +those May days; and Maud did not have much time for thought. There were +clothes to select, gowns to make, milliners and dressmakers to see, +boots and gloves fresh from England to be examined and selected with a +connoisseur's eye; and in all Maud did her part. + +Eugenia, too, had set her heart on seeing her sister marry the Major, +and having settled all the preliminaries of her own nuptials in her own +decided and placid way, she was prepared during the little time that +remained to devote herself to furthering her sister's interests. Hence, +instead of retreating to a quiet corner each evening with her lover, the +Major and Maud invariably made two of her party; and so intense was Dr. +Fairchilds' devotion, that anything that Genie suggested immediately +became law. + +In the evenings they played whist, or visited the Art Loan Exhibition, +which the good people of Halifax had got up for the benefit of the +orphans and widows of Canadian soldiers. Or they went to the music hall +to see amateur artists, officers of the garrison, and the young people +of Halifax, perform in the name of the same good cause. And so each +evening the four inseparables were almost invariably together. + +Maud enjoyed it too, for the Major's visits would soon be over; and by +judicious fencing she succeeded in parrying anything like a direct +declaration again. Each night she went to bed thankful that the end had +not yet come; and yet suspicious of what the future day might bring to +pass. + +One evening, however, fortune favored Morris. He had gotten himself up +with elaborate care, for this was the last night they could devote to +whist; and probably the last evening that he would be off duty, for Sir +George's ship had been sighted and would be in harbor that night. + +"It grieves me to disappoint you," said Maud, after the usual greeting. +"My sister and Dr. Fairchilds are out driving. They expected to be back +early, but a messenger has just arrived with the news that the Doctor +was detained professionally on account of an accident, and it will be +impossible for them to return for an hour yet." + +"Ah! I am sorry for ourselves as well as the injured," said the Major, +smiling. "But can we not utilize the time? Just the chance for a talk, +the very thing that I have been praying the gods to grant us this long +time." + +"I did not know that your prayers were so earnest," she laughingly +returned, as she picked up a trifle of needlework to help her thoughts +run smoothly. + +"Yes, and I must speak again," he continued. "We can be serious as well +as jolly." + +"My dear Major!" exclaimed Maud with a light laugh. "We have the +jolliest talks every time we meet. Don't talk of seriousness, please." + +"One cannot be merry forever," was his answer. + +"Genie says we should always pursue the even tenor of our way," was her +quick response. "So I propose that while I use my needle you read aloud +either 'Young's Night Thoughts,' or Gray's Elegy,' as a tonic to our +gaiety. + +"Not a bad idea," said the Major, picking up a book at random. "Perhaps +this will do as well." + +And he commenced to read Burns's sonnet: + + "'Oh, wad some power the Gifty gie us + To see ourselves as ithers see us.'" + +"That's just it," interrupted Maud. "Now I'll express your sentiments +with which I entirely agree. 'She's a rollicking, jolly girl, full of +dash and nonsense, doesn't care a fig for anybody; as for falling in +love, that's impossible, for she hasn't a heart any bigger than a +chipmunk.' How will that do for a commencement?" + +"Only fairly well. Pray go on." + +A spark of fire flashed from her eyes as she continued: + +"'She's got the crazy idea that she lives in a glorious country, where +the sun shines ten months in the year, and she'd rather die an old maid +in it than go to another one for all the wealth of Ind.'" + +"How eloquent you are!" he said, stroking his moustache over compressed +lips and looking toward the ceiling. "Should my rendition come next?" + +"That would be delightful!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands in +well-assumed mirth. "You tell me what I think of you, which will be your +own sentiment of yourself." + +"Well," he said reflectively, "he's an arrant fool, filled with the +old-fashioned notion that men were brave and women true--that love +nestled in the heart of every woman, and that it only required the right +man and the right place to make it blossom as the rose. He fondly +imagined that old England was the Queen of the Seas, and that her homes +were the freest, the fairest, the loveliest in the wide world, and he +dreamed of wooing and winning a fair damsel with flashing eyes, +generous impulses, daring heart, and making her the wife of his bosom, +the goddess of his love, the mistress of his home in the mansion and +groves of his forefathers. But he was a daft and silly wight, and didn't +know what he was doing." + +What answer Maud would have made to the flowing speech it is difficult +to tell, but there was a rap at the outer door, a hurrying along the +hall and a mingling of voices that riveted her attention. + +"An officer wants to see you, Miss Maud," said the maid. + +"Show him in, Catharine," was her astonished answer, for the hour was +already late. + +"Dr. Beaumont!" she exclaimed, with flushed face, as she quickly rose to +meet him. + +"Maud Maxwell," was his only answer, as he grasped her hand in both of +his, and looked down into the face that was ever near him, and of which +he had dreamed so often. + +In another moment she remembered that they were not alone. + +"Major Morris--Dr. Beaumont"; and the two men clasped hands. Morris' +expression was one of honest but pained surprise; Beaumont's, one of +pleasure that needed no questioning. Maud's eyes told him that he was +welcome. That was enough. + +The Doctor's old regimentals had stood long and hard service, while his +face was bronzed with travel and his hair unkempt. Still Maud +thought--as he stood in careless attitude, so different from the dapper +young man of long ago--that he was handsomer than ever. The contrast +with the Major was marked. His clean-cut features, lace coat and silk +stockings would have ornamented a drawing-room in London; while anyone +could see that Beaumont had been a denizen of the woods. + +He might have waited until his tailor had made him new again, but he +would not; and with the wild freedom that the west had given, must be +taken for himself, or not at all. Standing there, quick as a flash, he +had taken a fresh grasp of life and knew his bearings. + +The two men met again as old friends. + +"I am proud of you, Morris," said the Doctor. "Slow as news travels in +the west, word came at last, and your name was in everybody's mouth." + +"Thank you," said the Major, forcing a smile. "But it's an old story +now. When did you arrive?" + +"Less than an hour ago. As luck would have it, I reached Quebec just as +Sir George Head was leaving for Halifax on the _North King_." + +"The ship he came out on with the 100th Regiment," said Maud. + +"Yes," said Beaumont, "and he returns home to England on the same +vessel." + +"It will surprise the people here as much as your arrival," said Maud. +"Did no one know you were coming?" + +"No one in Halifax knew until I landed," said the Doctor. "My +opportunities were so uncertain that I took advantage of the first one +that offered." + +"And who is looking after your patients while you are away?" the Major +asked. + +"Oh, we don't have many! It is a healthy place, and as luck would have +it, Dr. Sparling, of Little York, came over the trail with a party of +friends, so the officers being willing, I persuaded him to take my place +for a couple of months, and here I am." + +"How delightful!" said Maud, "and what of the brave, devoted Mrs. +Manning?" + +"She's the queen of our colony, loved by everyone; the same forever. And +I must not forget, she sent her warmest love to you, and with it this +letter." + +"I will write her to-morrow, and tell her how well you have delivered +her message." + +"Well, I'm glad to see you, Beaumont," said the Major, rising and +extending his hand. "I shall be at the old quarters for a day or two +yet, but it will not be for long, as my company sails with Sir George +when he leaves for the east. But come and see me any time, and welcome +until then." + +Maud accompanied him to the door. He took her hand without a word, and +for a moment their eyes met. + +"Believe me," she said earnestly, "I did not know it." + +"I do believe you," he replied in a low voice, "but what of my faith in +women?" + +"Surely you have not lost it?" she said, grasping his hand in both of +hers, and looking earnestly into his eyes. + +"What else can one do? Wounds of the flesh are nothing, but what of the +heart--the spirit of the man?" + +"I am sorry," she spoke in a still lower tone, and her voice trembled. +"But you will not give way. Your soul is as brave as your heart is, and +you will live to love and win a woman more worthy of you far than I +could ever be." + +Suddenly, he threw his arm around her, pressed a kiss upon her cheek, +and was gone. + + + + + CHAPTER XLI. + + +A lump rose in Maud's throat, and a spasm crossed her features as she +closed the door. Then she stopped to put a tray in order, making a noise +in getting it even. It took her more than a minute to arrange it +properly, but when she entered the parlor again her face was as though +nothing had happened. + +For a moment Beaumont looked at her keenly, but her features told no +tale. The human heart is inscrutable, and a true woman never tells +everything, even to her dearest. So, hidden in Maud's bosom was a little +story of man's devotion, which ever after remained unspoken, and +unforgotten, too. + +Beaumont bowed over her hand and led her to a seat again. + +"For months and months I have longed for this hour," he said. "Even +after I started, three weeks of a journey seemed almost like years; but +now that I see you, I know that I have not come in vain." + +"Please don't talk in that way," said Maud, with a half-frightened look +in her face. "Speak of anything, but not of that to-night." + +"Mon Dieu! Surely I am not wrong?" + +"Oh, something else, just for to-night," she pleaded. "You came so +unexpectedly, without a moment's warning," and then she added archly, +"You expect too much, sir, you must remember that I am the same Maud +Maxwell that I was a year ago." + +"Mon ami, forgive me!" he exclaimed, penitently. "I will do whatever you +say." + +And they talked of many things, but chiefly of Penetang, of the journey +to York by trail, then by schooner to the St. Lawrence, down the rapids +in a rowboat, guided by Indians, to Montreal; schooner again to Quebec, +and then on the _North King_ with Sir George. + +"The dear old Colonel! I quite learned to love him through Mrs. +Manning's letters," said Maud. + +"He's a brave commander, as well as gallant gentleman," returned the +Doctor, "and we missed him terribly after he left. Still, our Fort was +established, and taking fifty men away from the new quarters gave the +rest more room." + +"The winter would be the hardest upon you," said Maud. + +"On the whole, we did well though. The frost was keen but we learned how +to meet it, and another winter we'll be better prepared." + +"How did you secure supplies?" she asked. "You are so far away from the +east." + +"They were brought chiefly by trail from Little York, except fish and +game, which our own men always secured." + +"It must be the hunter's paradise," said Maud, enthusiastically. + +"The whole northern country is like a preserve," replied Beaumont, +keenly watching her animated face. "When you come to Penetang you, too, +must learn to follow the chase." + +"Oh, what became of Corporal Bond?" she suddenly asked. "Did he ever +return?" + +"Yes, he came back at last. Latimer's craft was captured by an American +gunboat when entering the St. Clair River, and everything was +overhauled. Corporal Bond was retained a prisoner until the war was +over, while Latimer, who declared himself to be an American, was allowed +with his wife to go free and keep the boat." + +"Under what plea did they retain the Corporal?" Maud asked. + +"On the ground that they knew he was an English soldier, notwithstanding +his plain clothes. Still, they treated him well, and after the treaty +was declared, gave him a pass to Little York." + +"There would be great rejoicing when his wife met him again." + +"Yes; and there was throughout the garrison, for Bond is a genuine +soldier." + +"One other thing I want to ask. It is about the pretty little Indian +maiden you wrote of so charmingly." + +"Oh, Little Moon is now a soldier's wife--growing contented and +civilized in a little cottage which the two have to themselves." + +"How romantic!" + +They chatted for a while longer. Then they parted--but her last words +were like her first: + +"Not to-night--not to-night--you must wait until to-morrow." + + * * * * * + +Three days later the white wings of the _North King_ unfurled as they +swept out to sea. Good old Sir George had come and gone. On the bridge +beside him stood the Major, whose brave face, kindly eyes and compressed +lips told of nothing but the brave and gallant officer. Silently they +watched the receding shore. + +"Another chapter of life closed," said Sir George at last; "though full +of story, it will never be opened to me again." + +"Yours was a chapter worth living," said Morris. "You have founded a +fort and established a colony, which will go on growing, and may last +forever." + +The Colonel shook his head. + +"Simply my duty," was his answer. "And what will become of the place in +the end, God only knows. So far as military fame is concerned, you beat +my record. That fight at Lundy's Lane was the turning point in the war, +and your valor there is too well known to be forgotten." + +"Pshaw, Colonel! I was only one of the many. Every man did his duty, and +with all that, the bloody horror of it takes away the glory." + +"We'll turn the leaf down, anyway," said the Colonel, wheeling around +and looking out to sea. "Now, blow ye winds for Old England, where wife +and children await with eagerness the old man's return." + +"Oh, yes," assented Morris, "and I don't think my dear old mother has +forgotten her soldier boy." + +By night the shore was out of sight, for the wind was from the west and +they were far out at sea. + + * * * * * + +The good town of Halifax was not by any means dull during those closing +days of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and +fifteen, for the double wedding was in everybody's mouth. Judge +Maxwell's daughters were both to be married on the same day. + +The bell of the little English church rang merrily out on that bridal +morning, and for hours before the ceremony fair maids were decorating +with spring flowers and evergreens the aisles and chancel; for never +before had the marriage of two sisters been celebrated within its walls +at the one time. + +Major Morris, though now far out at sea, had not forgotten the brides, +for that very morning was delivered to each a little package bearing his +name. Eugenia's gift was a resplendent ornament of sapphire and gold, +which enriched the beauty of her golden hair. But Maud's, though less +brilliant in its setting, was more unique. She was alone when she +unpacked the parcel and read the enclosed note. It ran thus: + +"Miss Maud. I do not expect to see you again; but as I leave, there is +something you can do for me. I desire you to accept with my sincerest +wishes this little necklace as a token of my love. It was made of jewels +of India in the days of Clive. It bears a noble and honorable history, +and I know by your acceptance, its record will go on untarnished. God +bless you! Farewell." + +Without looking at the costly trinket, Maud with glistening eyes read +and re-read the words. Then she kissed them passionately over and over +again. Another moment was spent in thought--but only a moment, for time +was precious--then with decisive hand she tore the little letter into a +thousand fragments and dropped them into the open grate. + +Beneath the letter was a card containing the congratulations of the +donor. Then she picked up the dainty little gift. It was a beautiful +circlet of jewels and golden beads, with carved clasps of wonderful +formation. In the centre was a large translucent opal, and as Maud +looked into its silent depths, she fancied she could read its hidden +history through the long generations of the past. + +For a few minutes before leaving for church Beaumont was with her. + +"See," she said, as she handed him the card and necklet, "I have +something else to show you. It is a pretty little thing that came this +morning. May I wear it?" + +"Certainly, my darling. How unique it is! Mon Dieu! Where could it come +from? Possibly from the banks of the Nile. Mayhap from India. How very +handsome it is! Morris was always a good fellow. Pity he couldn't have +stayed for our wedding." + +"Pity, indeed," said Maud, contemplatively, as the bridegroom fastened +the jewels about her neck. + + * * * * * + +Six weeks later there was rejoicing at Penetang. The Doctor had +overstepped his time, but as he brought his winsome bride with him, the +_locum tenens_, as well as the garrison, were willing to forgive. They +had come out with tourists from York, and Maud, for the first time in +her life, had the satisfaction of camping for a couple of summer nights +in the woods. + +The experience of this western trip was full of joy for her, and with +the eagerness which was part of her nature, she looked for new pleasure +in each day's journey. Beaumont had told her the wolf story in which +Helen and Harold were the heroes of the hour, and during the second +night from York, while the wolves were howling in the distance, she lay +awake for awhile actually longing for a similar experience. + +Of all the denizens of that little northern garrison none yearned for +Maud's arrival as did Helen Manning, and when the two women met they +stood for minutes in a long and close embrace, while tears ran down +their faces. + +"This is foolishness," said Helen. + +"Is it?" said Maud. + +"But how good of you to come." + +"Of Henri to bring me." + +"Yes, you both deserve credit," said Helen, laughing--laughter and tears +are very near akin--"but how could he help it, when Harold set him so +good an example?" + +"I once told you I would go to the ends of the world with a man if I +loved him--just like yourself." + +"So that is your reason. A very good one, too." + +"Yes, I came first for my husband, second for you, dear, and third," her +eyes flashed as she looked around, "well, for the people of Penetang." + +Then they all clapped hands and laughed, settling her place forever in +the hearts of the little community. + +The afternoon's sun was nearing the horizon, and the little bay lay +before them surrounded by trees of wondrous tints--a thing of beauty. + +"Oh, how delightful!" exclaimed Maud; "and this is to be my home--a +veritable fairyland." + +"We will make it one for you if we can," returned Helen, with a bright +smile. + +Maud's eyes wandered quickly over the quaint buildings which already +stood here and there upon upland and shore, until finally they rested +upon the island. + +"And what is that little white house standing among the trees?" she +asked. + +"That is our magazine," said Harold, who stood hand in hand with his +wife. "The little citadel that guards our bay." + +"And that scaffolding down at the water's edge. It looks as if they were +putting up the masts of a ship." + +"So we are," said Captain Payne. "The war is over, and we may never have +to fight again, but in memory of a great chief and brave warrior, we are +building the _Tecumseh_." + +"And you see that pretty cottage," said Beaumont, gently taking his +wife's arm and pointing towards it. "That is our own little home. La +bonne madame has made it ready for us. Won't you come to it, darling; +you need a rest." + +"Yes, Henri, I shall be glad to; I am very happy, but very tired." + + + =Transcriber's Notes:= + original hyphenation, spelling and grammar have been preserved as in + the original + Page 4, "heart. I shall do" changed to "heart. "I shall do" + Page 12, "it would would be" changed to "it would be" + Page 48, 'watching the Delaware,"' changed to 'watching the Delaware,' + Page 73, "conscientiously ad vise" changed to "conscientiously advise" + Page 86, 'prayer; but shall' changed to 'prayer; "but shall' + Page 89, "with a smile," changed to "with a smile." + Page 97, "miles, I think," changed to "miles, I think." + Page 112, "tremenduous fire" changed to "tremendous fire" + Page 112, "call the dhrivers" changed to "call the drivers" + Page 118, "up by daylight," changed to "up by daylight." + Page 126, "''Ardman never look" changed to "'Ardman never look" + Page 155, "known-how determined I was she-would" changed to + "known how determined I was she would" + Page 160, "a oboggan slide" changed to "a toboggan slide" + Page 163, differ from you," changed to differ from you,' + Page 169. "s'ill vous plait" changed to "s'il vous plait" + Page 172, "hold four people," changed to "hold four people." + Page 188, from'beats me.' changed to from beats me." + Page 190, 'to the coast?' changed to 'to the coast?"' + Page 192, "past was aroused" changed to "past was aroused." + Page 203, "an' sturgeon an'" changed to "an' sturgeon, an'" + Page 219, 'You are about changed to "You are about + Page 244, "noble character?" changed to "noble character." + Page 246, 'she went on,"' changed to 'she went on,' + Page 250, "a little messsage" changed to "a little message" + Page 265, "end I I am" changed to "end I am" + Page 266, '"Smith, who was' changed to 'Smith, who was' + Page 268, 'a perfect canoeist.' changed to 'a perfect canoeist."' + Page 268, "Hunting Song' changed to 'Hunting Song' + Page 269, "her match, sir;" changed to "her match, sir." + Page 279, "Its is only" changed to "It is only" + Page 281, "within its cover." changed to "within its cover," + Page 294, 'pulling his forelock."' changed to 'pulling his forelock.' + Page 295, '"Bateese, while expressing' changed to 'Bateese, while + expressing' + Page 297, "The femnine" changed to "The feminine" + Page 300, 'the woman also."' changed to 'the woman also.'"' + Page 303, "Fatherhood of of God" changed to "Fatherhood of God" + Page 307, "while the buildng" changed to "while the building" + Page 320, "although the talked" changed to "although they talked" + Page 324, "Adienx were said" changed to "Adieux were said" + Page 338, "trifle of needlewok" changed to "trifle of needlework" + Page 339, "agree. "'She's a" changed to "agree. 'She's a" + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's In the Van; or, The Builders, by John Price-Brown + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE VAN; OR, THE BUILDERS *** + +***** This file should be named 35203.txt or 35203.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/5/2/0/35203/ + +Produced by Marcia Brooks, Ross Cooling and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at +http://www.pgdpcanada.net (This file was produced from +images generously made available by The Internet +Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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