down and destroyed--dwelling houses, although burnt or
dilapidated--told of the existence of those who were of
the same race with himself; and notwithstanding these
had perished even as he must perish, still there was
something in the aspect of the very ruins of their
habitations which, contrasted with the solemn gloom of
the forest, carried a momentary and indefinable consolation
to his spirit. Then there was the ripe and teeming
orchard, and the low whitewashed cabin of the Canadian
peasant, to whom the offices of charity, and the duties
of humanity, were no strangers; and who, although the
secret enemies of his country, had no motive for personal
hostility towards himself. Then, on the river itself,
even at that early hour, was to be seen, fastened to the
long stake driven into its bed, or secured by the rude
anchor of stone appended to a cable of twisted bark, the
light canoe or clumsy periagua of the peasant fisherman,
who, ever and anon, drew up from its deep bosom the
shoal-loving pickerel or pike, or white or black bass,
or whatever other tenant of these waters might chance to
affix itself to the traitorous hook. It is true that his
view of these objects was only occasional and indistinct;
but his intimate acquaintance with the localities beyond
brought every thing before Captain de Haldimar's eye;
and even while he sighed to think they were for ever cut
off from his reach, he already, in idea, followed the
course of flight he should pursue were the power but
afforded him.

From this train of painful and exciting thought the