hastily returned the officer. "One word more, Donellan;"
and he pressed the hand of his domestic kindly: "should
I not return, you must, without committing Halloway or
yourself, cause my father to be apprised that the Indians
meditate a deep and treacherous plan to get possession
of the fort. What that plan is, I know not yet myself,
neither does this woman know; but she says that I shall
hear it discussed unseen, even in the heart of their own
encampment. All you have to do is to acquaint my father
with the existence of danger. And now be cautious: above
all things, keep close under the shadow of the bomb-proof;
for there are scouts constantly prowling about the common,
and the glittering of the uniform in the starlight may
betray you."

"But why may I not follow your honour?" again urged the
faithful soldier; "and where is the use of my remaining
here to count the stars, and hear the 'All's well!' from
the fort, when I could be so much better employed in
guarding your honour from harm? What sort of protection
can that Ingian woman afford, who is of the race of our
bitterest enemies, them cursed Ottawas, and your honour
venturing, too, like a spy into the very heart of the
blood-hounds? Ah, Captain de Haldimar, for the love of
God, do not trust yourself alone with her, or I am sure
I shall never see your honour again!"

The last words (unhappily too prophetic) fell only on
the ear of him who uttered them. The female and the
officer had already disappeared round an abrupt angle of