"I wish to look out over the stockade, if there is no objection. I
came in with Captain Wells's party this afternoon," I said, not knowing
what their orders might be, or if I would be recognized.

"I remember you, sir," was the prompt response, "and you are at liberty
to go out there if you desire. That is the door leading to the
platform."

"The Indians appear to be very quiet to-night."

"The more reason to believe them plotting some fresh deviltry," he
answered, rising to his feet, and facing me. "We never have much to
disturb us upon this side, as it overhangs the river and is not easy of
approach; but the guard on the south wall is kept pretty busy these
last few nights, and has to patrol the stockade. The Indians have been
holding some sort of a powwow out at their camp ever since dark, and
that 's apt to mean trouble sooner or later."

"Then you keep no sentry posted on the platform?" I asked, a thought
suddenly occurring to me.

"Not regularly, sir; only when something suspicious happens along the
river. There 's nobody out there now excepting the French girl,--she
seems to be fond of being out there all alone."

The French girl? Could it be possible that he meant Toinette? I was
conscious of a strange fluttering of the heart, as I stepped forth upon
the narrow footway and peered along it, searching for her. I could
distinguish nothing, however; and as I slowly felt my way forward,