Asallparties，Mabelexcepted，seemedsatisfiedwiththecoursethediscussionhadtaken，nooneappearedtothinkitnecessarytopursuethesubject。SupperwasnosoonerendedthantheSergeantdismissedhisguests，andthenheldalongandconfidentialdialoguewithhisdaughter。
　　Hewaslittleaddictedtogivingwaytothegentleremo-
　　tions，butthenoveltyofhispresentsituationawakenedfeelingsthathewasunusedtoexperience。Thesoldierorthesailor，solongasheactsundertheimmediatesuper-
　　visionofasuperior，thinkslittleoftherisksheruns，butthemomenthefeelstheresponsibilityofcommand，allthehazardsofhisundertakingbegintoassociatethemselvesinhismind：withthechancesofsuccessorfailure。Whilehedwellslessonhisownpersonaldanger，perhaps，thanwhenthatistheprincipalconsideration，hehasmorelivelygeneralperceptionsofalltherisks，andsubmitsmoretotheinfluenceofthefeelingswhichdoubtcreates。SuchwasnowthecasewithSergeantDunham，who，insteadoflookingforwardtovictoryascertain，accordingtohisusualhabits，begantofeelthepossibilitythathemightbepartingwithhischildforever。
　　NeverbeforehadMabelstruckhimassobeautifulassheappearedthatnight。Possiblysheneverhaddisplayedsomanyengagingqualitiestoherfather。forconcernonhisaccounthadbeguntobeactiveinherbreast。andthenhersympathiesmetwithunusualencouragementthroughthosewhichhadbeenstirredupinthesternerbosomoftheveteran。Shehadneverbeenentirelyathereasewithherparent，thegreatsuperiorityofhereducationcreatingasortofchasm，whichhadbeenwidenedbythemilitaryseverityofmannerhehadacquiredbydealingsolongwithbeingswhocouldonlybekeptinsubjectionbyanunremitteddiscipline。Onthepresentoccasion，however，theconversationbetweenthefatheranddaughterbecamemoreconfidentialthanusual，untilMabelrejoicedtofiudthatitwasgraduallybecomingendearing，astateoffeel-
　　ingthatthewarm-heartedgirlhadsilentlypinedforinvaineversinceherarrival。
　　Thenmotherwasaboutmyheight？Mabelsaid，assheheldoneofherfather’shandsinbothherown，lookingupintohisfacewithhumideyes。Ihadthoughthertaller。
　　Thatisthewaywithmostchildrenwhogetahabitofthinkingoftheirparentswithrespect，untiltheyfancythemlargerandmorecommandingthantheyactuallyare。
　　Yourmother，Mabel，wasasnearyourheightasonewomancouldbetoanother。
　　Andhereyes，father？
　　Hereyeswerelikethine，child，too。blueandsoft，andinvitinglike，thoughhardlysolaughing。
　　Minewillneverlaughagain，dearestfather，ifyoudonottakecareofyourselfinthisexpedition。
　　Thankyou，Mabel——hem——thankyou，child。butI
　　mustdomyduty。IwishIhadseenyoucomfortablymarriedbeforeweleftOswego。mymindwouldbeeasier。
　　Married！——towhom，father？
　　YouknowthemanIwishyoutolove。Youmaymeetwithmanygayer，andmanydressedinfinerclother。butwithnonewithsotrueaheartandjustamind。
　　Nonefather？
　　Iknowofnone。intheseparticularsPathfinderhasfewequalsatleast。
　　ButIneednotmarryatall。Youaresingle，andI
　　canremaintotakecareofyou。
　　Godblessyou，Mabel！Iknowyouwould，andIdonotsaythatthefeelingisnotright，forIsupposeitis。
　　andyetIbelievethereisanotherthatismoreso。
　　Whatcanbemorerightthantohonorone’sparents？
　　Itisjustasrighttohonorone’shusband，mydearchild。
　　ButIhavenohusband，father。
　　Thentakeoneassoonaspossible，thatyoumayhaveahusbandtohonor。Icannotliveforever，Mabel，butmustdropoffinthecourseofnatureerelong，ifIamnotcarriedoffinthecourseofwar。Youareyoung，andmayyetlivelong。anditisproperthatyoushouldhaveamaleprotector，whocanseeyousafethroughlife，andtakecareofyouinage，asyounowwishtotakecareofme。
　　Anddoyouthink，father，saidMabel，playingwithhissinewyfingerswithherownlittlehands，andlookingdownatthem，asiftheyweresubjectsofintenseinterest，thoughherlipscurledinaslightsmileasthewordscamefromthem，——anddoyouthink，father，thatPathfinderisjustthemantodothis？Ishenot，withintenortwelveyears，asoldasyourself？
　　Whatofthat？Hislifehasbeenoneofmoderationandexercise，andyearsarelesstobecounted，girl，thanconstitution。Doyouknowanothermorelikelytobeyourprotector？
　　Mabeldidnot。atleastanotherwhohadexpressedadesiretothateffect，whatevermighthavebeenherhopesandherwishes。
　　Nay，father，wearenottalkingofanotber，butofthePathfinder，sheansweredevasively。Ifhewereyounger，Ithinkitwouldbemorenaturalformetothinkofhimforahusband。
　　’Tisallintheconstitution，Itellyou，child。Pathfinderisayoungermanthanhalfoursubalterns。
　　Heiscertainlyyoungerthanone，sir——LieutenantMuir。
　　Mabel’slaughwasjoyousandlight-hearted，asifjustthenshefeltnocare。
　　Thatheis——youngenoughtobehisgrandson。heisyoungerinyears，too。Godforbid，Mabel，thatyoushouldeverbecomeanofficer’slady，atleastuntilyouareanofficer’sdaughter！
　　Therewillbelittlefearofthat，father，ifImarryPathfinder，returnedthegirl，lookinguparchlyintheSergeant’sfaceagain。
　　Notbytheking’scommission，perhaps，thoughthemanisevennowthefriendandcompanionofgenerals。
　　IthinkIcoulddiehappy，Mabel，ifyouwerehiswife。
　　Father！
　　’Tisasadthingtogointobattlewiththeweightofanunprotecteddaughterlaidupontheheart。
　　Iwouldgivetheworldtolightenyoursofitsload，mydearsir。
　　Itmightbedone，saidtheSergeant，lookingfondlyathischild。thoughIcouldnotwishtoputaburthenonyoursinordertodoso。
　　Thevoicewasdeepandtremulous，andneverbeforehadMabelwitnessedsuchashowofaffectioninherparent。
　　Thehabitualsternnessofthemanlentaninteresttohisemotionswhichtheymightotherwisehavewanted，andthedaughter’sheartyearnedtorelievethefather’smind。
　　Father，speakplainly！shecried，almostconvulsively。
　　Nay，Mabel，itmightnotberight。yourwishesandminemaybeverydifferent。
　　Ihavenowishes——knownothingofwhatyoumean。
　　Wouldyouspeakofmyfuturemarriage？
　　IfIcouldseeyoupromisedtoPathfinder——knowthatyouwerepledgedtobecomehiswife，letmyownfatebewhatitmight，IthinkIcoulddiehappy。ButIwillasknopledgeofyou，mychild。Iwillnotforceyoutodowhatyoumightrepent。Kissme，Mabel，andgotoyourbed。
　　HadSergeantDunhamexactedofMabelthepledgethathereallysomuchdesired，hewouldhaveencounteredaresistancethathemighthavefounditdifficulttoover-
　　come。but，bylettingnaturehaveitscourse，heenlistedapowerfulallyonhisside，andthewarm-hearted，generous-
　　mindedMabelwasreadytoconcedetoheraffectionsmuchmorethanshewouldeverhaveyieldedtomenace。Atthattouchingmomentshethoughtonlyofherparent，whowasabouttoquither，perhapsforever。andallofthatardentloveforhim，whichhadpossiblybeenasmuchfedbytheimaginationasbyanythingelse，butwhichhadreceivedalittlecheckbytherestrainedintercourseofthelastfortnight，nowreturnedwithaforcethatwasincreasedbypureandintensefeeling。Herfatherseemedallinalltoher，andtorenderhimhappytherewasnopropersac-
　　rificewhichshewasnotreadytomake。Onepainful，rapid，almostwildgleamofthoughtshotacrossthebrainofthegirl，andherresolutionwavered。butendeavoringtotracethefoundationofthepleasinghopeonwhichitwasbased，shefoundnothingpositivetosupportit。Trainedlikeawomantosubduehermostardentfeelings，herthoughtsrevertedtoherfather，andtotheblessingsthatawaitedthechildwhoyieldedtoaparent’swishes。
　　Father，shesaidquietly，almostwithaholycalm，Godblessesthedutifuldaughter。
　　Hewill，Mabel。wehavetheGoodBookforthat。
　　Iwillmarrywhomeveryoudesire。
　　Nay，nay，Mabel，youmayhaveachoiceofyourown——
　　Ihavenochoice。thatis，nonehaveaskedmetohaveachoice，butPathfinderandMr。Muir。andbetween_them_，neitherofuswouldhesitate。No，father。Iwillmarrywhomeveryoumaychoose。
　　Thouknowestmychoice，belovedchild。noneothercanmaketheeashappyasthenoble-heartedguide。
　　Well，then，ifhewishit，ifheaskmeagain——for，father，youwouldnothavemeoffermyself，orthatanyoneshoulddothatofficeforme，andthebloodstoleacrossthepallidcheeksofMabelasshespoke，forhighandgen-
　　erousresolutionshaddrivenbackthestreamoflifetoherheart。noonemustspeaktohimofit。butifheseekmeagain，and，knowingallthatatruegirloughttotellthemanshemarries，hethenwishestomakemehiswife，Iwillbehis。
　　Blessyou，myMabel！Godinheavenblessyou，andre-
　　wardyouasapiousdaughterdeservestoberewarded！
　　Yes，father，putyourmindatpeace。goonthisexpe-
　　ditionwithalightheart，andtrustinGod。Formeyouwillhavenownocare。Inthespring——Imusthavealit-
　　tletime，father——butinthespringIwillmarryPathfinder，ifthatnoble-heartedhuntershallthendesireit。
　　Mabel，helovesyouasIlovedyourmother。Ihaveseenhimweeplikeachildwhenspeakingofhisfeelingstowardsyou。
　　Yes，Ibelieveit。I’veseenenoughtosatisfymethathethinksbetterofmethanIdeserve。andcertainlythemanisnotlivingforwhomIhavemorerespectthanforPathfinder。notevenforyou，dearfather。
　　Thatisasitshouldbe，child，andtheunionwillbeblessed。MayInottellPathfinderthis？
　　Iwouldratheryouwouldnot，father。Letitcomeofitself，comenaturally。ThesmilethatilluminatedMabel’shandsomefacewasangelic，asevenherparentthought，thoughonebetterpractisedindetectingthepassingemo-
　　tions，astheybetraythemselvesinthecountenance，mighthavetracedsomethingwildandunnaturalinit。No，no，_we_mustletthingstaketheircourse。father，youhavemysolemnpromise。
　　Thatwilldo，thatwilldo，Mabel，nowkissme。Godblessandprotectyou，girl！youareagooddaughter。
　　Mabelthrewherselfintoherfather’sarms——itwasthefirsttimeinherlife——andsobbedonhisbosomlikeanin-
　　fant。Thesternsoldier’sheartwasmelted，andthetearsofthetwomingled。butSergeantDunhamsoonstarted，asifashamedofhimself，and，gentlyforcinghisdaughterfromhim，hebadehergood-night，andsoughthispallet。Mabelwentsobbingtotherudecornerthathadbeenpreparedforherreception。andinafewminutesthehutwasun-
　　disturbedbyanysound，savetheheavybreathingoftheveteran。
　　CHAPTERXX。
　　Wandering，Ifoundonmyruinouswalk，Bythedialstone，agedandgreen，Oneroseofthewilderness，leftonitsstalk，Tomarkwhereagardenhadbeen。
　　CAMPBELL。
　　ItwasnotonlybroaddaylightwhenMabelawoke，butthesunhadactuallybeenupsometime。Hersleephadbeeutranquil，forsherestedonanapprovingconscience，andfatiguecontributedtorenderitsweet。andnosoundofthosewhohadbeensoearlyinmotionhadinterferedwithherrest。Springingtoherfeetandrapidlydressingherself，thegirlwassoonbreathingthefragranceofthemorningintheopenair。Forthefirsttimeshewassen-
　　siblystruckwiththesingularbeauties，aswellaswiththeprofoundretirement，ofherpresentsituation。Thedayprovedtobeoneofthoseoftheautumnalglory，socom-
　　montoaclimatethatismoreabusedthanappreciated，anditsinfluencewaseverywayinspiritingandgenial。
　　Mabelwasbenefittedbythiscircumstance。for，asshefancied，herheartwasheavyonaccountofthedangerstowhichafather，whomshenowbegantoloveaswomenlovewhenconfidenceiscreated，wasexposed。
　　Buttheislandseemedabsolutelydeserted。Theprevi-
　　ousnight，thebustleofthearrivalhadgiventhespotanappearanceoflifewhichwasnowentirelygone。andourheroinehadturnedhereyesnearlyaroundoneveryobjectinsight，beforeshecaughtaviewofasinglehumanbeingtoremovethesenseofuttersolitude。Then，indeed，shebeheldallwhowereleftbehind，collectedinagrouparoundafirewhichmightbesaidtobelongtothecamp。
　　Thepersonofheruncle，towhomshewassomuchaccus-
　　tomed，reassuredMabel。andsheexaminedtheremainderwithacuriositynaturaltohersituation。BesidesCapandtheQuartermaster，thereweretheCorporal，thethreesol-
　　diers，andthewomanwhowascooking。Thehutsweresilentandempty。andthelowbuttower-likesummitoftheblockhouseroseabovethebushes，bywhichitwashalfconcealed，inpicturesquebeauty。Thesunwasjustcast-
　　ingitsbrightnessintotheopenplacesoftheglade，andthevaultoverherheadwasimpendinginthesoftsub-
　　limityofthebluevoid。Notacloudwasvisible，andshesecretlyfanciedthecircumstancemightbetakenasahar-
　　bingerofpeaceandsecurity。
　　Perceivingthatalltheotherswereoccupiedwiththatgreatconcernofhumannature，abreakfast，Mabelwalked，unobserved，towardsanendoftheislandwhereshewascompletelyshutoutofviewbythetreesandbushes。Hereshegotastandontheveryedgeofthewater，byforcingasidethelowbranches，andstoodwatchingthebarelyperceptibleflowandre-flowoftheminiaturewaveswhichlavedtheshore。asortofphysicalechototheagitationthatprevailedonthelakefiftymilesaboveher。Theglimpsesofnaturalscenerythatofferedwereverysoftandpleasing。andourheroine，whohadaquickeyeforallthatwaslovelyinnature，wasnotslowinselectingthemoststrikingbitsoflandscape。Shegazedthroughthedifferentvistasformedbytheopeningsbetweentheislands，andthoughtshehadneverlookedonaughtmorelovely。
　　Whilethusoccupied，Mabelwassuddenlyalarmedbyfancyingthatshecaughtaglimpseofahumanformamongthebushesthatlinedtheshoreoftheislandwhichlaydirectlybeforeher。Thedistanceacrossthewaterwasnotahundredyards。and，thoughshemightbemistaken，andherfancywaswanderingwhentheformpassedbe-
　　forehersight，stillshedidnotthinkshecouldbedeceived。
　　Awarethathersexwouldbenoprotectionagainstariflebullet，shouldanIroquoisgetaviewofher，thegirlin-
　　stinctivelydrewback，takingcaretoconcealpersonasmuchaspossiblebytheleaves，whileshekeptherownlookrivetedontheoppositeshore，vainlywaitingforsometimeintheexpectationofthestranger。Shewasabouttoquitherpostinthebushesandhastentoheruncle，inordertoacquainthimofhersuspicions，whenshesawthebranchofanalderthrustbeyondthefringeofbushesontheotherisland，andwavedtowardshersignificantly，andasshefanciedintokenofamity。Thiswasabreathlessandatryingmomenttooneasinexperiencedinfrontierwarfareasourheroineandyetshefeltthegreatnecessitythatexistedforpreservingherrecollection，andofactingwithsteadinessanddiscretion。
　　ItwasoneofthepeculiaritiesoftheexposuretowhichthosewhodweltonthefrontiersofAmericawereliable，tobringoutthemoralqualitiesofthewomentoadegreewhichtheymustthemselves，underothercircumstances，havebelievedtheywereincapableofmanifesting。andMabelwellknewthatthebordererslovedtodwellintheirlegendsonthepresenceofmind，fortitude，andspiritthattheirwivesandsistershaddisplayedundercircumstancesthemosttrying。Heremulationhadbeenawakenedbywhatshehadheardonsuchsubjects。anditatoncestruckherthatnowwasthemomentforhertoshowthatshewastrulySergeantDunham’schild。Themotionofthebranchwassuchasshebelievedindicatedamity。and，afteramoment’shesitation，shebrokeoffatwig，fastenedittoastickand，thrustingitthroughanopening，waveditinreturn，imitatingascloselyaspossiblethemanneroftheother。
　　Thisdumbshowlastedtwoorthreeminutesonbothsides，whenMabelperceivedthatthebushesoppositewerecautiouslypushidaside，andahumanfaceappearedatanopening。AglancesufficedtoletMabelseethatitwasthecountenanceofared-skin，aswellasthatofawoman。A
　　secondandabetterlooksatisfiedherthatitwasthefaceoftheDew-of-June，thewifeofArrowhead。Duringthetimeshehadtravelledincompanywiththiswoman，Mabelhadbeenwonbythegentlenessofmanner，themeeksimplicity，andthemingledaweandaffectionwithwhichsheregardedherhusband。OnceortwiceinthecourseofthejourneyshefanciedtheTuscarorahadmani-
　　festedtowardsherselfanunpleasantdegreeofattention。
　　andonthoseoccoasionsithadstruckherthathiswifeexhibitedsorrowandmortification。AsMabel，however，hadmorethancompensatedforanypainshemightinthiswayunintentionallyhavecausedhercompanion，byherownkindnessofmannerandattentions，thewomanhadshownmuchattachmenttoher，andtheyhadparted，withadeepconvictiononthemindofourheroinethatintheDew-of-Juneshehadlostafriend。
　　Itisuselesstoattempttoanalyzeallthewaysbywhichthehumanheartisledintoconfidence。Suchafeeling，however，hadtheyoungTuscarorawomanawakenedinthebreastofourheroine。andthelatter，undertheim-
　　pressionthatthisextraordinaryvisitwasintendedforherowngood，felteverydispositiontohaveaclosercommu-
　　nication。Shenolongerhesitatedaboutshowingherselfclearofthebushes，andwasnotsorrytoseetheDew-of-
　　Juneimitateherconfidence，bysteppingfearlesslyoutofherowncover。Thetwogirls，fortheTuscarora，thoughmarried，wasevenyoungerthanMabel，nowopenlyex-
　　changedsignsoffriendship，andthelatterbeckonedtoherfriendtoapproach，thoughsheknewnotthemannerherselfinwhichthisobjectcouldbeeffected。ButtheDew-of-Junewasnotslowinlettingitbeseenthatitwasinherpower。for，disappearinginamoment，shesoonshowedherselfagainintheendofabarkcanoe，thebowsofwhichshehaddrawntotheedgeofthebushes，andofwhichthebodystilllayinasortofcoveredcreek。Mabelwasabouttoinvitehertocross，whenherownnamewascalledaloudinthestentorianvoiceofheruncle。MakingahurriedgesturefortheTuscaroragirltoconcealherself，Mabelsprangfromthebushesandtrippedupthegladetowardsthesound，andperceivedthatthewholepartyhadjustseatedthemselvesatbreakfast。Caphavingbarelyputhisappetiteundersufficientrestrainttosummonhertojointhem。ThatthiswasthemostfavorableinstantfortheinterviewflashedonthemindofMabel。and，excusingherselfonthepleaofnotbeingpreparedforthemeal，sheboundedbacktothethicket，andsoonrenewedhercommunicationswiththeyoungIndianwoman。
　　Dew-of-Junewasquickofcomprehension。andwithhalfadozennoiselessstrokesofthepaddles，hercanoewasconcealedinthebushesofStationIsland。Inanotherminute，Mabelheldherhand，andwasleadingherthroughthegrovetowardsherownhut。Fortunatelythelatterwassoplacedastobecompletelyhidfromthesightofthoseatthefire，andtheybothentereditunseen。Hastilyexplainingtoherguest，inthebestmannershecould，thenecessityofquittingherforashorttime，Mabel，firstplac-
　　ingtheDew-of-Juneinherownroom，withafullcertaintythatshewouldnotquitituntiltoldtodoso，wenttothefireandtookherseatamongtherest，withallthecom-
　　posureitwasinherpowertocommand。
　　Latecome，lateserved，Mabel，saidheruncle，be-
　　tweenmouthfulsofbroiledsalmon。forthoughthecook-
　　erymightbeveryunsophisticatedonthatremotefrontier，theviandsweregenerallydelicious，——latecome，lateserved。itisagoodrule，andkeepslaggardsuptotheirwork。
　　Iamnolaggard，uncle。forIhavebeenstirringnearlyanhour，andexploringourisland。
　　It’slittleyou’llmakeo’that，MistressMabel，putinMuir。that’slittlebynature。Lundie——oritmightbebettertostylehimMajorDuncaninthispresencethiswassaidinconsiderationofthecorporalandthecommonmen，thoughtheyweretakingtheirmealalittleapart——
　　hasnotaddedanempiretohisMajesty’sdominionsingettingpossessionofthisisland，whichislikelytoequalthatofthecelebratedSanchoinrevenuesandprofits——
　　Sancho，ofwhom，doubtless，MasterCap，you’lloftenhavebeenreadinginyourleisurehours，moreespeciallyincalmsandmomentsofinactivity。
　　Iknowthespotyoumean，Quartermaster。Sancho’sIsland——coralrock，ofnewformation，andasbadaland-
　　fall，inadarknightandblowingweather，asasinnercouldwishtokeepclearof。It’safamousplaceforcocoa-
　　nutsandbitterwater，thatSancho’sIsland。
　　It’sno’veryfamousfordinners，returnedMuir，re-
　　pressingthesmilewhichwasstrugglingtohislipsoutofrespecttoMabel。nordoIthinkthere’llbemuchtochoosebetweenitsrevenueandthatofthisspot。Inmyjudgment，MasterCap，thisisaveryunmilitaryposition，andIlooktosomecalamitybefallingit，soonerorlater。
　　Itistobehopednotuntilourturnofdutyisover，
　　observedMabel。IhavenowishtostudytheFrenchlanguage。
　　Wemightthinkourselveshappy，diditnotprovetobetheIroquois。IhavereasonedwithMajorDuncanontheoccupationofthisposition，but’awilfu’manmaunha’hisway。’Myfirstobjectinaccompanyingthispartywastoendeavortomakemyselfacceptableandusefultoyourbeautifulniece，MasterCap。andthesecondwastotakesuchanaccountofthestoresthatbelongtomypar-
　　ticulardepartmentasshallleavenoquestionopentocon-
　　troversy，concerningthemannerofexpenditure，whentheyshallhavedisappearedbymeansoftheenemy。
　　Doyoulookuponmattersassoserious？demandedCap，actuallysuspendinghismasticationofabitofveni-
　　son——forhepassedalternatelyfromfishtofleshandbackagain——intheinteresthetookintheanswer。Isthedangerpressing？
　　I’llno’sayjustthat。andI’llno’sayjustthecontrary。
　　Thereisalwaysdangerinwar，andthereismoreofitattheadvancedpoststhanatthemainencampment。Itought，therefore，tooccasionnosurprisewerewetobevisitedbytheFrenchatanymoment。
　　Andwhatthedevilistobedoneinthatcase？Sixmenandtwowomenwouldmakebutapoorjobindefend-
　　ingsuchaplaceasthis，shouldtheenemyinvadeus。as，nodoubt，Frenchman-like，theywouldtakeverygoodcaretocomestrong-handed。
　　Thatwemaydependon——someveryformidableforceattheverylowest。Amilitarydispositionmightbemadeindefenceoftheisland，outofallquestion，andaccord-
　　ingtotheartofwar，thoughwewouldprobablyfailintheforcenecessarytocarryoutthedesigninanyverycreditablemanner。Inthefirstplace，adetachmentshouldbesentofftotheshore，withorderstoannoytheenemyinlanding。astrongpartyoughtinstantlytobethrownintotheblockhouse，asthecitadel，foronthatallthedif-
　　ferentdetachmentswouldnaturallyfallbackforsupport，astheFrenchadvanced。andanentrenchedcampmightbelaidoutaroundthestronghold，asitwouldbeveryun-
　　militaryindeedtoletthefoegetnearenoughtothefootofthewallstominethem。Chevaux-de-frisewouldkeepthecavalryincheck。andasfortheartillery，redoubtsshouldbethrownupundercoverofyonwoods。Strongskirmishingparties，moreover，wouldbeexceedinglyser-
　　viceableinretardingthemarchoftheenemy。andthesedifferenthuts，ifproperlypiquetedandditched，wouldbeconvertedintoveryeligiblepositionsforthatobject。
　　Whe-e-e-w-，Quartermaster！Andwhothed——listofindallthementocarryoutsuchaplan？
　　Theking，outofallquestion，MasterCap。Itishisquarrel，andit’sjustheshouldbeartheburtheno’it。
　　Andweareonlysix！Thisisfinetalking，withavengeance。Youcouldbesentdowntotheshoretoop-
　　posethelanding，Mabelmightskirmishwithhertongueatleast，thesoldier’swifemightactchevaux-de-frisetoentanglethecavalry，thecorporalshouldcommandtheentrenchedcamp，histhreemencouldoccupythefivehuts，andIwouldtaketheblockhouse。Whe-e-e-w！
　　youdescribewell，Lieutenant。andshouldhavebeenalimnerinsteadofasoldier。
　　Na，I’vebeenveryliteralanduprightinmyexpositionofmatters。ThatthereisnogreaterforceheretocarryouttheplanisafaultofhisMajesty’sministers，andnoneofmine。
　　Butshouldourenemyreallyappear，askedMabel，withmoreinterestthanshemighthaveshown，hadshenotrememberedtheguestinthehut，whatcourseoughtwetopursue？
　　Myadvicewouldbetoattempttoachievethat，prettyMabel，whichrenderedXenophonsojustlycelebrated。
　　Ithinkyoumeanaretreat，thoughIhalfguessatyourallusion。
　　You’veimaginedmymeaningfromthepossessionofastrongnativesense，younglady。IamawarethatyourworthyfatherhaspointedouttotheCorporalcertainmodesandmethodsbywhichhefanciesthisislandcouldbeheld，incasetheFrenchshoulddiscoveritsposition。
　　buttheexcellentSergeant，thoughyourfather，andasgoodamaninhisdutiesaseverwieldedaspontoon，isnotthegreatLordStair，oreventheDukeofMarlborough。I’llnotdenytheSergeant’smeritsinhisparticularsphere。
　　thoughIcannotexaggeratequalities，howeverexcellent，intothoseofmenwhomaybeinsometriflingdegreehissuperiors。SergeantDunhamhastakencounselofhisheart，insteadofhishead，inresolvingtoissuesuchorders。
　　but，ifthefortfall，theblamewilllieonhimthatorderedittobeoccupied，andnotonhimwhosedutyitwastodefendit。Whatevermaybethedeterminationofthelatter，shouldtheFrenchandtheiralliesland，agoodcommanderneverneglectsthepreparationsnecessarytoeffectaretreat。andIwouldadviseMasterCap，whoistheadmiralofournavy，tohaveaboatinreadinesstoevacuatetheisland，ifneedcomestoneed。Thelargestboatthatwehaveleftcarriesaveryamplesail。andbyhaulingitroundhere，andmooringitunderthosebushes，therewillbeaconvenientplaceforahurriedembarka-
　　tion。andthenyou’llperceive，prettyMabel，thatitisscarcelyfiftyyardsbeforeweshallbeinachannelbetweentwootherislands，andhidfromthesightofthosewhomayhappentobeonthis。
　　Allthatyousayisverytrue，Mr。Muir。butmaynottheFrenchcomefromthatquarterthemselves？Ifitissogoodforaretreat，itisequallygoodforanadvance。
　　They’llno’havethesensetodosodiscreetathing，
　　returnedMuir，lookingfurtivelyandalittleuneasilyaroundhim。they’llno’havesufficientdiscretion。YourFrenchareahead-over-heelsnation，andusuallycomeforwardinarandomway。sowemaylookforthem，iftheycomeatall，ontheothersideoftheisland。
　　Thediscoursenowbecameexceedinglydesultory，touch-
　　ingprincipally，however，ontheprobabilitiesofaninva-
　　sion，andthebestmeansofmeetingit。
　　TomostofthisMabelpaidbutlittleattention。thoughshefeltsomesurprisethatLieutenantMuir，anofficerwhosecharacterforcouragestoodwell，shouldopenlyrecommendanabandonmentofwhatappearedtohertobedoublyaduty，herfather’scharacterbeingconnectedwiththedefenceoftheisland。Hermind，however，wassomuchoccupiedwithherguest，that，seizingthefirstfavorablemoment，sheleftthetable，andwassooninherownhutagain。Carefullyfasteningthedoor，andseeingthatthesimplecurtainwasdrawnbeforethesinglelittlewindow，MabelnextledtheDew-of-June，orJune，asshewasfamiliarlytermedbythosewhospoketoherinEng-
　　lish，intotheouterroom，makingsignsofaffectionandconfidence。
　　Iamgladtoseeyou，June，saidMabel，withoneofhersweetestsmiles，andinherownwinningvoice，——verygladtoseeyou。Whathasbroughtyouhither，andhowdidyoudiscovertheisland？
　　Speakslow，saidJune，returningsmileforsmile，andpressingthelittlehandsheheldwithoneofherownthatwasscarcelylarger，thoughithadbeenhardenedbylabor。
　　moreslow——tooquick。
　　Mabelrepeatedherquestions，endeavoringtorepresstheimpetuosityofherfeelings。andshesucceededinspeak-
　　ingsodistinctlyastobeunderstood。
　　June，friend，returnedtheIndianwoman。
　　Ibelieveyou，June——frommysoulIbelieveyou。whathasthistodowithyourvisit？
　　Friendcometoseefriend，answeredJune，againsmilingopenlyintheother’sface。
　　Thereissomeotherreason，June，elsewouldyouneverrunthisrisk，andalone。Youarealone，June？
　　Junewidyou，nooneelse。Junecomealone，paddlecanoe。
　　Ihopeso，Ithinkso——nay，Iknowso。Youwouldnotbetreacherouswithme，June？
　　Whattreacherous？
　　Youwouldnotbetrayme，wouldnotgivemetotheFrench，totheIroquois，toArrowhead？
　　Juneshookherheadearnestly。
　　Youwouldnotsellmyscalp？
　　HereJunepassedherarmfondlyaroundtheslenderwaistofMabelandpressedhertoherheartwithatender-
　　nessandaffectionthatbroughttearsintotheeyesofourheroine。Itwasdoneinthefondcaressingmannerofawoman，anditwasscarcelypossiblethatitshouldnotob-
　　taincreditforsinceritywithayoungandingenuousper-
　　sonofthesamesex。Mabelreturnedthepressure，andthenheldtheotheroffatthelengthofherarm，lookedhersteadilyintheface，andcontinuedherinquiries。
　　IfJunehassomethingtotellherfriend，letherspeakplainly，shesaid。Myearsareopen。
　　June’fraidArrowheadkillher。
　　ButArrowheadwillneverknowit。Mabel’sbloodmountedtohertemplesasshesaidthis。forshefeltthatshewasurgingawifetobetreacheroustoherhusband。
　　Thatis，Mabelwillnottellhim。
　　HeburytomahawkinJune’shead。
　　Thatmustneverbe，dearJune。Iwouldratheryoushouldsaynomorethanrunthisrisk。
　　Blockhousegoodplacetosleep，goodplacetostay。
　　DoyoumeanthatImaysavemylifebykeepingintheblockhouse，June？Surely，surely，Arrowheadwillnothurtyoufortellingmethat。Hecannotwishmeanygreatharm，forIneverinjuredhim。
　　Arrowheadwishnoharmtohandsomepale-face，re-
　　turnedJune，avertingherface。and，thoughshealwaysspokeihthesoft，gentlevoiceofanIndiangirl，nowper-
　　mittingitsnotestofallsolowastocausethemtosoundmelancholyandtimid。Arrowheadlovepale-facegirl。
　　Mabelblushed，sheknewnotwhy，andforamomentherquestionswererepressedbyafeelingofinherentdeli-
　　cacy。Butitwasnecessarytoknowmore，forherappre-
　　hensionshadbeenkeenlyawakened，andsheresumedherinquiries。
　　Arrowheadcanhavenoreasontoloveortohate_me_，
　　shesaid。Ishenearyou？
　　Husbandalwaysnearwife，here，saidJune，layingherhandonherheart。
　　Excellentcreature！Buttellme，June，oughtItokeepintheblockhouseto-day——thismorning——now？
　　Blockhouseverygood。goodforwomen。Blockhousegotnoscalp。
　　IfearIunderstandyouonlytoowell，June。Doyouwishtoseemyfather？
　　Nohere。goneaway。
　　Youcannotknowthat，June。youseetheislandisfullofhissoldiers。
　　Nofull。goneaway，——hereJuneheldupfourofherfingers，——somanyred-coats。
　　AndPathfinder？wouldyounotliketoseethePath-
　　finder？HecantalktoyouintheIroquoistongue。
　　Tonguegonewidhim，saidJune，laughing。keeptongueinhismout’。
　　Therewassomethingsosweetandcontagiousinthein-
　　fantinelaughofanIndiangirl，thatMabelcouldnotre-
　　frainfromjoininginit，muchasherfearswerearousedbyallthathadpassed。
　　Youappeartoknow，ortothinkyouknow，allaboutus，June。ButifPathfinderbegone，Eau-doucecanspeakFrenchtoo。YouknowEau-douce。shallIrunandbringhimtotalkwithyou？
　　Eau-doucegonetoo，allbutheart。thatthere。AsJunesaidthis，shelaughedagain。lookedindifferentdi-
　　rections，asifunwillingtoconfusetheother，andlaidherhandonMabel’sbosom。
　　OurheroinehadoftenheardofthewonderfulsagacityoftheIndians，andofthesurprisingmannerinwhichtheynotedallthings，whiletheyappearedtoregardnone。
　　butshewasscarcelypreparedforthedirectionthedis-
　　coursehadsosingularlytaken。Willingtochangeit，andatthesametimetrulyanxioustolearnhowgreatthedangerthatimpendedoverthemmightreallybe，sherosefromthecamp-stoolonwhichshehadbeenseated。and，byassuminganattitudeoflessaffectionateconfidence，shehopedtohearmoreofthatshereallydesiredtolearn，andtoavoidallusionstothatwhichshefoundsoembar-
　　rassing。
　　Youknowhowmuchorhowlittleyououghttotellme，June，shesaid。andIhopeyoulovemewellenoughtogivemetheinformationIoughttohear。Mydearuncle，too，isontheisland，andyouare，oroughttobe，hisfriendaswellasmine。andbothofuswillrememberyourconductwhenwegetbacktoOswego。
　　Maybe，nevergetback。whoknow？Thiswassaiddoubtingly，orasonewholaysdownanuncertainpropo-
　　sition，andnotwithataunt，oradesiretoalarm。
　　NooneknowswhatwillhappenbutGod。OurlivesareinHishands。Still，IthinkyouaretobeHisinstru-
　　mentinsavingus。
　　ThispassedJune’scomprehension，andsheonlylookedherignorance。foritwasevidentshewishedtobeofuse。
　　Blockhouseverygood，sherepeated，assoonashercountenanceceasedtoexpressuncertainty，layingstrongemphasisonthelasttwowords。
　　Well，Iunderstandthis，June，andwillsleepinitto-
　　night。OfcourseIamtotellmyunclewhatyouhavesaid？
　　TheDew-of-Junestarted，andshediscoveredaverymanifestuneasinessattheinterrogatory。
　　No，no，no，no！sheanswered，withavolubilityandvehemencethatwasimitatedfromtheFrenchoftheCan-
　　adas。nogoodtotellSaltwater。Hemuchtalkandlongtongue。Thinkswoodsallwater，understandnot’ing。
　　TellArrowhead，andJunedie。
　　Youdomydearuncleinjustice，forhewouldbeaslittlelikelytobetrayyouasanyone。
　　Nounderstand。Saltwatergottongue，butnoeyes，noears，nonose——not’ingbuttongue，tongue，tongue！
　　AlthoughMabeldidnotexactlycoincideinthisopinion，shesawthatCaphadnottheconfidenceoftheyoungIn-
　　dianwoman，andthatitwasidletoexpectshewouldcon-
　　senttohisbeingadmittedtotheirinterview。
　　Youappeartothinkyouknowoursituationprettywell，June，Mabelcontinued。haveyoubeenontheislandbeforethisvisit？
　　Justcome。
　　Howthendoyouknowthatwhatyousayistrue？
　　myfather，thePathfinder，andEau-doucemayallbeherewithinsoundofmyvoice，ifIchoosetocallthem。
　　Allgone，saidJunepositively，smilinggood-humoredlyatthesametime。
　　Nay，thisismorethanyoucansaycertainly，nothav-
　　ingbeenovertheislandtoexamineit。
　　Gotgoodeyes。seeboatwithmengoaway——seeshipwithEau-douce。
　　Thenyouhavebeensometimewatchingus：Ithink，however，youhavenotcountedthemthatremain。
　　Junelaughed，heldupherfourfingersagain，andthenpointedtohertwothumbs。passingafingeroverthefirst，sherepeatedthewordsred-coats。andtouchingthelast，sheadded，Saltwater，Quartermaster。Allthiswasbeingveryaccurate，andMabelbegantoentertainseriousdoubtsastotheproprietyofherpermittinghervisitortodepartwithoutherbecomingmoreexplicit。Stillitwassorepugnanttoherfeelingstoabusetheconfidencethisgentleandaffectionatecreaturehadevidentlyreposedinher，thatMabelhadnosooneradmittedthethoughtofsummoningheruncle，thansherejecteditasunworthyofherselfandunjusttoherfriend。Toaidthisgoodreso-
　　lution，too，therewasthecertaintythatJunewouldrevealnothing，buttakerefugeinastubbornsilence，ifanyat-
　　temptweremadetocoerceher。
　　Youthink，then，June，Mabelcontinued，assoonasthesethoughtshadpassedthroughhermind，thatIhadbetterliveintheblockhouse？
　　Goodplaceforwoman。Blockhousegotnoscalp。
　　Logst’ick。
　　Youspeakconfidently，June。asifyouhadbeeninit，andhadmeasureditswalls。
　　Junelaughed。andshelookedknowing，thoughshesaidnothing。
　　Doesanyonebutyourselfknowhowtofindthisisland？haveanyoftheIroquoisseenit？
　　Junelookedsad，andshecasthereyeswarilyabouther，asifdistrustingalistener。
　　Tuscarora，everywhere——Oswego，here，Frontenac，Mo-
　　hawk——everywhere。IfheseeJune，killher。
　　Butwethoughtthatnooneknewofthisisland，andthatwehadnoreasontofearourencmieswhileonit。
　　Mucheye，Iroquois。
　　Eyeswillnotalwaysdo，June，Thisspotishidfromordinarysight，andfewofevenourownpeopleknowhowtofindit。
　　Onemancantell。someYengeesetalkFrench。
　　Mabelfeltachillatherheart。AllthesuspicionsagainstJasper，whichshehadhithertodisdainedentertaining，crowdedinabodyonherthoughts。andthesensationthattheybroughtwassosickening，thatforaninstantsheim-
　　aginedshewasabouttofaint。Arousingherself，andre-
　　memberingherpromisetoherfather，shearoseandwalkedupanddownthehutforaminute，fancyingthatJasper’sdelinquencieswerenaughttoher，thoughherinmostheartyearnedwiththedesiretothinkhiminnocent。
　　Iunderstandyourmeaning，June，shethensaid。
　　youwishmetoknowthatsomeonehastreacherousytoldyourpeoplewhereandhowtofindtheisland？
　　Junelaughed，forinhereyesartificeinwarwasoftenerameritthanacrime。butshewastootruetohertribeherselftosaymorethantheoccasionrequired。HerobjectwastosaveMabel，andMabelonly。andshesawnosuffi-
　　cientreasonfortravellingoutoftherecord，asthelawyersexpressit，inordertodoanythingelse。
　　Pale-faceknownow，sheadded。Blockhousegoodforgirl，nomatterformenandwarriors。
　　Butitismuchmatterwithme，June。foroneofthosemenismyuncle，whomIlove，andtheothersaremycountrymenandfriends。Imusttellthemwhathaspassed。
　　ThenJunebekill，returnedtheyoungIndianquietly，thoughsheevidentlyspokewithconcern。
　　No。theyshallnotknowthatyouhavebeenhere。
　　Still，theymustbeontheirguard，andwecanallgointotheblockhouse。
　　Arrowheadknow，seeeverything，andJunebekill。
　　Junecometotellyoungpale-facefriend，nottotellmen。
　　Everywarriorwatchhisownscalp。Junewoman，andtellwoman。notellmen。
　　Mabelwasgreatlydistressedatthisdeclarationofherwildfriend，foritwasnowevidenttheyoungcreatureunderstoodthathercommunicationwastogonofurther。
　　Shewasignoranthowfarthesepeopleconsiderthepointofhonorinterestedinherkeepingthesecret。andmostofallwassheunabletosayhowfaranyindiscretionofherownmightactuallycommitJuneandendangerherlife。
　　Alltheseconsiderationsflashedonhermind，andreflectiononlyrenderedtheirinfluencemorepainful。June，too，manifestlyviewedthemattergravely。forshebegantogatherupthedifferentlittlearticlesshehaddroppedintakingMabel’shand，andwaspreparingtodepart。Toattemptdetainingherwasoutofthequestion。andtopartfromher，afterallshehadhazardedtoserveher，wasre-
　　pugnanttoallthejustandkindfeelingsofourheroine’snature。
　　June，saidsheeagerly，foldingherarmsroundthegentlebutuneducatedbeing，wearefriends。Frommeyouhavenothingtofear，fornooneshallknowofyourvisit。Ifyoucouldgivemesomesignaljustbeforethedangercomes，somesignbywhichtoknowwhentogointotheblockhouse，howtotakecareofmyself。
　　Junepaused，forshehadbeeninearnestinherintentiontodepart。andthenshesaidquietly，BringJunepigeon。
　　Apigeon！WhereshallIfindapigeontobringyou？
　　Nexthut。bringoldone。Junegotocanoe。
　　IthinkIunderstandyou，June。buthadInotbetterleadyoubacktothebushes，lestyoumeetsomeofthemen？
　　Gooutfirst。countmen，one，two，t’ree，four，five，six-
　　hereJuneheldupherfingers，andlaughed——alloutoftheway——good。allbutone，callhimoneside。Thensing，andfetchpigeon。
　　Mabelsmiledatthereadinessandingenuityofthegirl，andpreparedtoexecuteherrequests。Atthedoor，how-
　　ever，shestopped，andlookedbackentreatinglyattheIn-
　　dianwoman。Istherenohopeofyourtellingmemore，June？shesaid。
　　Knowallnow，blockhousegood，pigeontell，Arrow-
　　headkill。
　　Thelastwordssufficed。forMabelcouldnoturgefurthercommunications，whenhercompanionherselftoldherthatthepenaltyofherrevelationsmightbedeathbythehandofherhusband。Throwingopenthedoor，shemadeasignofadieutoJune，andwentoutofthehut。MabelresortedtothesimpleexpedientoftheyoungIndiangirltoascer-
　　tainthesituationofthedifferentindividualsontheisland。
　　Insteadoflookingaboutherwiththeintentionofrecog-
　　nizingfacesanddresses，shemerelycountedthem。andfoundthatthreestillremainedatthefire，whiletwohadgonetotheboat，oneofwhomwasMr。Muir。Thesixthmanwasheruncle。andhewascoollyarrangingsomefish-
　　ing-tackleatnogreatdistancefromthefire。Thewomanwasjustenteringherownhut。andthisaccountedforthewholeparty。Mabelnow，affectingtohavedroppedsome-
　　thing，returnednearlytothehutshehadleft，warblinganair，stoopedasiftopickupsomeobjectfromtheground，andhurriedtowardsthehutJunehadmentioned。Thiswasadilapidatedstructure，andithadbeenconvertedbythesoldiersofthelastdetachmentintoasortofstore-
　　housefortheirlivestock。Amongotherthings，itcon-
　　tainedafewdozenpigeons，whichwereregalingonapileofwheatthathadbeenbroughtofffromoneofthefarmsplunderedontheCanadashore。Mabelhadnotmuchdifficultyincatchingoneofthesepigeons，althoughtheyflutteredandflewaboutthehutwithanoiselikethatofdrums。and，concealingitinherdress，shestolebacktowardsherownhutwiththeprize。Itwasempty。and，withoutdoingmorethancastaglanceinatthedoor，theeagergirlhurrieddowntotheshore。Shehadnodiffi-
　　cultyinescapingobservation，forthetreesandbushesmadeacompletecovertoherperson。AtthecanoeshefoundJune，whotookthepigeon，placeditinabasketofherownmanufacturing，and，repeatingthewords，blockhousegood，sheglidedoutofthebushesandacrossthenarrowpassage，asnoiselesslyasshehadcome。Mabelwaitedsometimetocatchasignalofleave-takingoramityafterherfriendhadlanded，butnonewasgiven。Theadjacentislands，withoutexception，wereasquietasifnoonehadeverdisturbedthesublimereposeofnature，andnowherecouldanysignorsymptombediscovered，asMabelthenthought，thatmightdenotetheproximityofthesortofdangerofwhichJunehadgivennotice。
　　Onreturning，however，fromtheshore，Mabelwasstruckwithalittlecircumstance，that，inanordinarysituation，wouldhaveattractednoattention，butwhich，nowthathersuspicionshadbeenaroused，didnotpassbeforeheruneasyeyeunnoticed。Asmallpieceofredbunting，suchasisusedintheensignsofships，wasflutteringatthelowerbranchofasmalltree，fastenedinawaytopermitittoblowout，ortodrooplikeavessel’spennant。
　　NowthatMabel’sfearswereawakened，Juneherselfcouldnothavemanifestedgreaterquicknessinanalyzingfactsthatshebelievedmightaffectthesafetyoftheparty。
　　Shesawataglancethatthisbitofclothcouldbeob-
　　servedfromanadjacentisland。thatitlaysonearthelinebetweenherownhutandthecanoeastoleavenodoubtthatJunehadpassednearit，ifnotdirectlyunderit。andthatitmightbeasignaltocommunicatesomeimportantfactconnectedwiththemodeofattacktothosewhowereprobablylyinginambushnearthem。Tearingthelittlestripofbuntingfromthetree，Mabelhastenedon，scarcelyknowingwhatherdutynextrequiredofher。Junemightbefalsetoher，buthermanner，herlooks，heraffection，andherdispositionasMabelhadknownitinthejourney，forbadetheidea。ThencametheallusiontoArrowhead’sadmirationofthepale-facebeauties，somedimrecollectionsofthelooksoftheTuscarora，andapainfulconsciousnessthatfewwivescouldviewwithkindnessonewhohades-
　　trangedahusband’saffections。Noneoftheseimagesweredistinctandclear，buttheyrathergleamedoverthemindofourheroinethanrestedinit，andtheyquickenedherpulses，astheydidherstep，withoutbringingwiththemthepromptandcleardecisionsthatusuallyfollowedherreflec-
　　tions。Shehadhurriedonwardstowardsthehutoccupiedbythesoldier’swife，intendingtoremoveatoncetotheblockhousewiththewoman，thoughshecouldpersuadenoothertofollow，whenherimpatientwalkwasinterruptedbythevoiceofMuir。
　　Whithersofast，prettyMabel？hecried。andwhysogiventosolitude？TheworthySergeantwillderidemybreeding，ifhehearthathisdaughterpassesthemorn-
　　ingsaloneandunattendedto，thoughhewellknowsitismyardentwishtobeherslaveandcompanionfromthebeginningoftheyeartoitsend。
　　Surely，Mr。Muir，youmusthavesomeauthorityhere？
　　Mabelsuddenlyarrestedherstepstosay。Oneofyourrankwouldbelistenedto，atleast，byacorporal？
　　Idon’tknowthat，Idon’tknowthat，interruptedMuir，withanimpatienceandappearanceofalarmthatmighthaveexcitedMabel’sattentionatanothermoment。
　　Commandiscommand。discipline，discipline。andau-
　　thority，authority。Yourgoodfatherwouldbesoregrieveddidhefindmeinterferingtosullyorcarryoffthelaurelsheisabouttowin。andIcannotcommandtheCorporalwithoutequallycommandingtheSergeant。Thewisestwaywillbeformetoremainintheobscurityofaprivateindividualinthisenterprise。anditissothatallparties，fromLundiedown，understandthetransaction。
　　ThisIknow，anditmaybewell，norwouldIgivemydearfatheranycauseofcomplaint。butyoumayinfluencetheCorporaltohisowngood。
　　I’llno’saythat，returnedMuirinhisslyScotchway。
　　itwouldbefarsafertopromisetoinfluencehimtohisinjury。Mankind，prettyMabel，havetheirpeculiarities。
　　andtoinfluenceafellow-beingtohisowngoodisoneofthemostdifficulttasksofhumannature，whiletheoppo-
　　siteisjusttheeasiest。You’llno’forgetthis，mydear，butbearitinmindforyouredificationandgovernment。
　　Butwhatisthatyou’retwistingroundyourslenderfingerasyoumaybesaidtotwisthearts？
　　Itisnothingbutabitofcloth——asortofflag——atriflethatishardlyworthourattentionatthisgravemoment。
　　If——
　　Atrifle！It’sno’sotriflingasyemayimagine，Mis-
　　tressMabel，takingthebitofbuntingfromher，andstretchingitatfulllengthwithbothhisarmsextended，whilehisfacegrewgraveandhiseyewatchful。Ye’llno’
　　ha’beenfindingthis，MabelDunham，inthebreakfast？
　　Mabelsimplyacquaintedhimwiththespotwhereandthemannerinwhichshehadfoundthebitofcloth。
　　Whileshewasspeaking，theeyeoftheQuartermasterwasnotquietforamoment，glancingfromtheragtothefaceofourheroine，thenbackagaintotherag。Thathissus-
　　picionswereawakenedwaseasytobeseen，norwashelonginlettingitbeknownwhatdirectiontheyhadtaken。
　　Wearenotinapartoftheworldwhereourensignsandgaudsoughttobespreadabroadtothewind，MabelDunham！hesaid，withanominousshakeofthehead。
　　Ithoughtasmuchmyself，Mr。Muir，andbroughtawaythelittleflaglestitmightbethemeansofbetrayingourpresenceheretotheenemy，eventhoughnothingisin-
　　tendedbyitsdisplay。Oughtnotmyuncletobemadeacquaintedwiththecircumstance？
　　Ino’seethenecessityforthat，prettyMabel。for，asyoujustlysay，itisacircumstance，andcircumstancessometimesworrytheworthymariner。Butthisflag，ifflagitcanbecalled，belongstoaseaman’scraft。Youmayperceivethatitismadeofwhatiscalledbunting，andthatisadescriptionofclothusedonlybyvesselsforsuchpur-
　　poses，_our_colorsbeingofsilk，asyoumayunderstand，orpaintedcanvas。It’ssurprisinglyliketheflyofthe_Scud’s_
　　ensign。AndnowIrecollectmetohaveobservedthatapiecehadbeencutfromthatveryflag。
　　Mabelfeltherheartsink，butshehadsufficientself-
　　commandnottoattemptananswer。
　　Itmustbelookedto，Muircontinued，and，afterall，IthinkitmaybewelltoholdashortconsultationwithMasterCap，thanwhomamoreloyalsubjectdoesnotex-
　　istintheBritishempire。
　　Ihavethoughtthewarningsoserious，Mabelrejoined，thatIamabouttoremovetotheblockhouse，andtotakethewomanwithme。
　　Idonotseetheprudenceofthat，Mabel。Theblock-
　　housewillbethefirstspotassailedshouldtherereallybeanattack。andit’sno’wellprovidedforasiege，thatmustbeallowed。IfImightadviseinsodelicateacontin-
　　gency，Iwouldrecommendyourtakingrefugeintheboat，which，asyoumaynowperceive，ismostfavorablyplacedtoretreatbythatchannelopposite，whereallinitwouldbehidbytheislandsinoneortwominutes。Waterleavesnotrail，asPathfinderwellexpressesit。andthereappearstobesomanydifferentpassagesinthatquarterthatescapewouldbemorethanprobable。I’vealwaysbeenofopin-
　　ionthatLundiehazardedtoomuchinoccupyingapostsofaradvancedandsomuchexposedasthis。
　　It’stoolatetoregretitnow，Mr。Muir，andwehaveonlytoconsultourownsecurity。
　　Andtheking’shonor，prettyMabel。Yes，hisMajesty’sarmsandhisgloriousnamearenottobeoverlookedonanyoccasion。
　　ThenIthinkitmightbebetterifweallturnedoureyestowardstheplacethathasbeenbuilttomaintaintheminsteadoftheboat，saidMabel，smiling。andso，Mr。Muir，Iamfortheblockhouse，intendingtoawaittherethereturnofmyfatherandhisparty。Hewouldbesadlygrievedatfindingwehadfledwhenhegotbacksuc-
　　cessfulhimself，andfilledwiththeconfidenceofourhavingbeenasfaithfultoourdutiesashehasbeentohisown。
　　Nay，nay，forheaven’ssake，donotmisunderstandme，Mabel！Muirinterrupted，withsomealarmofmanner。
　　Iamfarfromintimatingthatanybutyoufemalesoughttotakerefugeintheboat。Thedutyofusmenissuffi-
　　cientlyplain，nodoubt，andmyresolutionhasbeenformedfromthefirsttostandorfallbytheblockhouse。
　　Anddidyouimagine，Mr。Muir，thattwofemalescouldrowthatheavyboatinawaytoescapethebarkcanoeofanIndian？
　　Ah，myprettyMabel，loveisseldomlogical，anditsfearsandmisgivingsareapttowarpthefaculties。Ionlysawyoursweetpersoninthepossessionofthemeansofsafety，andoverlookedthewantofabilitytousethem。
　　butyou’llnotbesocruel，lovelycreature，astoimputetomeasafaultmyintenseanxietyonyourownaccount。
　　Mabelhadheardenough：hermindwastoomuchoc-
　　cupiedwithwhathadpassedthatmorning，andwithherfears，towishtolingerlongertolistentolovespeeches，whichinhermostjoyousandbuoyantmomentsshewouldhavefoundunpleasant。Shetookahastyleaveofhercompanion，andwasabouttotripawaytowardsthehiltoftheotherwoman，whenMuirarrestedthemovementbylayingahandonherarm。
　　Oneword，Mabel，saidhe，beforeyouleaveme。Thislittleflagmay，oritmaynot，haveaparticularmeaning。
　　ifithas，nowthatweareawareofitsbeingshown，mayitnotbebettertoputitbackagain，whilewewatchvigilantlyforsomeanswerthatmaybetraytheconspiracy。andifitmeannothing，why，nothingwillfollow。
　　Thismaybeallright，Mr。Muir，though，ifthewholeisaccidental，theflagmightbetheoccasionofthefort’sbeingdiscovered。
　　Mabelstayedtoutternomore。butshewassoonoutofsight，runningintothehuttowardswhichshehadbeenfirstproceeding。TheQuartermasterremainedontheveryspotandinthepreciseattitudeinwhichshehadlefthimforquiteaminute，firstlookingattheboundingfigureofthegirlandthenatthebitofbunting，whichhestillheldbe-
　　forehiminawaytodenoteindecision。Hisirresolutionlastedbutforthisminute，however。forhewassoonbe-
　　neaththetree，wherehefastenedthemimicflagtoabranchagain，though，fromhisignoranceoftheprecisespotfromwhichithadbeentakenbyMabel，heleftitflutteringfromapartoftheoakwhereitwasstillmoreexposedthanbeforetotheeyesofanypassengerontheriver，thoughlessinviewfromtheislanditself。
　　CHAPTERXXI。
　　Eachonehashadhissuppingmess，Thecheeseisputintothepress，Thepansandbowls，cleanscaldedall，Rearedupagainstthemilk-housewall。
　　COTTON。
　　ItseemedstrangetoMabelDunham，asshepassedalongonherwaytofindherfemalecompanion，thatothersshouldbesocomposed，whilesheherselffeltasifthere-
　　sponsibilitiesoflifeanddeathrestedonhershoulders。ItistruethatdistrustofJune’smotivesmingledwithherforebodings。butwhenshecametorecalltheaffectionateandnaturalmanneroftheyoungIndiangirl，andalltheevidencesofgoodfaithandsincerityshehadseeninherconductduringthefamiliarintercourseoftheirjourney，sherejectedtheideawiththeunwillingnessofagenerousdispositiontobelieveillofothers。Shesaw，however，thatshecouldnotputhercompanionsproperlyontheirguardwithoutlettingthemintothesecretofherconferencewithJune。andshefoundherselfcompelledtoactcautiouslyandwithaforethoughttowhichshewasunaccustomed，moreespeciallyinamatterofsomuchmoment。
　　Thesoldier’swifewastoldtotransportthenecessariesintotheblockhouse，andadmonishednottobefarfromitatanytimeduringtheday。Mabeldidnotexplainherreasons。Shemerelystatedthatshehaddetectedsomesignsinwalkingabouttheisland，whichinducedhertoapprehendthattheenemyhadmoreknowledgeofitspo-
　　sitionthanhadbeenpreviouslybelieved，andthattheytwoatleast，woulddowelltobeinreadinesstoseekarefugeattheshortestnotice。Itwasnotdifficulttoarousetheapprehensionofthisperson，who，thoughastout-
　　heartedScotchwoman，wasreadyenoughtolistentoany-
　　thingthatconfirmedherdreadofIndiancruelties。AssoonasMabelbelievedthathercompanionwassufficientlyfrightenedtomakeherwary，shethrewoutsomehintstouchingtheinexpediencyoflettingthesoldiersknowtheextentoftheirownfears。Thiswasdonewithaviewtopreventdiscussionsandinquiriesthatmightembarrassourheroine：shedeterminingtorenderheruncle，theCor-
　　poral，andhismenmorecautious，byadoptingadifferentcourse。Unfortunately，theBritisharmycouldnothavefurnishedaworsepersonfortheparticulardutythathewasnowrequiredtodischargethanCorporalM’Nab，theindividualwhohadbeenleftincommandduringtheab-
　　senceofSergeantDunham。Ontheonehand，hewasres-
　　olute，prompt，familiarwithallthedetailsofasoldier’slife，andusedtowar。ontheother，hewassuperciliousasregardstheprovincials，opinionatedoneverysubjectcon-
　　nectedwiththenarrowlimitsofhisprofessionalpractice，muchdisposedtofancytheBritishempirethecentreofallthatisexcellentintheworld，andScotlandthefocusof，atleast，allmoralexcellenceinthatempire。Inshort，hewasanepitome，thoughonascalesuitedtohisrank，ofthoseveryqualitieswhichweresopeculiartotheserv-
　　antsoftheCrownthatweresentintothecolonies，astheseservantsestimatedthemselvesincomparisonwiththena-
　　tivesofthecountry。or，inotherwords，heconsideredtheAmericanasananimalinferiortotheparentstock，andviewedallhisnotionsofmilitaryservice，inparticular，asundigestedandabsurd。Amoreimpracticablesubject，therefore，couldnotwellhaveofferedforthepurposeofMabel，andyetshefeltobligedtolosenotimeinputtingherplaninexecution。