done, waking up to a sort of Berserker fury, dealing blows with an
almost superhuman strength, and invariably filling the hearts of
his adversaries with a species of superstitious fear and dread.

For the tall, gaunt figure with the haggard face, flaming eyes, and
wildly-floating locks bore so weird an aspect that a man might be
pardoned for regarding it as an apparition. Not a particle of
colour remained in Charles's face. The flesh had shrunk away till
the bones stood out almost like skin stretched over a skull. The
hair, too, was white as snow, whilst the brows were coal black,
enhancing the effect of the luminous, fiery eyes beneath. It was
small wonder that Charles was regarded by Rangers and soldiers
alike as a thing apart. He came and went as he would, no man
interfering or asking him questions.

At the same time he seemed to regard Fritz and Stark as his chief
friends; and if they started forth with any of the Rangers, it was
generally observed that Charles would be of the company.

The life of the forest was pleasant enough in the warmer weather;
but the garrison at the fort were anxious to know what orders they
would receive for the summer campaign, and so far nothing was heard
but that they were to remain on the defensive. This might be
prudent, seeing that Ticonderoga was< strongly fortified and
garrisoned; but it pleased neither soldiers nor officers, and the
Rangers went scouting more and more eagerly, hoping to learn news
which might tempt those in authority to sanction some more overt
movement.

One day a strange adventure befell the Rangers. Rogers and his