"The rude fortification was soon completed, and served as a shelter
till night, when the American troops silently departed. Taking to
their boats, the next day they reached the _Isle Aux Noix_?"

_William_. "Is not that a French name?"

_Gen. P_. "Yes; my son--a name given to the Island, while the French
had possession of it. Do you know where it lies?"

_William_. "It is a small island, near the northern extremity of Lake
Champlain."

_Gen. P_. "Right. It is pronounced _Eel-o-nwar_; and signifies the
_island of nuts_."

_John_, "Did the people find walnuts there, father?"

_Gen. P_. "Some kind of nuts doubtless, my son; but whether walnuts,
or hazel nuts, or some other kind, I am unable to say."

_Henry_. "Pray, John, don't ask so many foolish questions, I want to
hear the story."

_Gen. P_. "But you would wish your brother to know the _reason_ of
things, would you not, master Henry? It was quite a proper question,
and one it seems none of us can answer. We must examine the point some
time, and let master John know.

"The American troops had not been long a this island, before many of
them were taken sick and sent to the hospital. Crosby was of the