were rugged and rather handsome, and his nose was of very large
proportions.

Stark took a step forward and shook the outstretched hand. He knew
this man, from descriptions received of him during their months of
wandering.

"You are Captain Rogers?"

"Robert Rogers, of the Rangers, at your service," replied the
other, in a deep, sonorous voice, which seemed to match his size;
"and this is my brother Richard," as another fine-looking man
approached and held out his hand to their deliverers. "And right
glad are we to welcome such bold spirits amongst us, though who you
are and whence you come we know not. You have saved us from peril
of death tonight, and Rogers never forgets a service like that."

"We have come from far to seek you," answered Stark; "we ourselves
are Rangers of the forest. We fear neither heat nor cold, peril,
hardship, nor foe. We long to fight our country's battle against
the Indian savages and against the encroaching French. It has been
told us again and again that Rogers is the captain for us, and to
Rogers we have come."

"And right welcome are all such bold spirits in Rogers' camp!" was
the quick reply. "That is the spirit of the true Ranger. Nor shall
you be disappointed in your desire after peril and adventure. You
can see by tonight's experience the sort of adventure into which we
are constantly running. We scouts of the lake have to watch
ourselves against whole hordes of wily, savage Indian scouts and