happiness, although the cloud of coming parting lay heavy upon her
soul.

A few days later, Humphrey and Julian, fully equipped with
instructions, introductions, money and other necessaries, left the
city, ready for their homeward voyage; and in another week the
small but hardy band of Rangers, with their plain and meagre
outfit, but with stout hearts and brave resolves, said adieu to
those they left behind, and started westward for that debatable
ground upon which a bloody warfare had to be fought to the bitter
end.



Book 2: Roger's Rangers.

Chapter 1: A Day Of Vengeance.


To the west! to the west! to the west!

Such was the watchword of the band of sturdy Rangers who set forth
from Pennsylvania to the defence of the hapless settlers.

They were but a handful of bold spirits. It was little they could
hope to accomplish in attempting to stem the tide of war; but their
presence brought comfort to many an aching heart, and nerved many a
lonely settler to intrench and defend his house and family, instead
of giving way to utter despair.