"What the devil have you been about all this time,
Francois?" exclaimed the taller officer, as he bounded
to meet him. "Quick, quick, or we shall be too late. Hear
you not the blood-hounds on their scent?" Then seizing
the chain in his hand, with a powerful effort he sent
the canoe flying through the arch to the very entrance
of the river. The burdens that had been deposited on the
sands were hastily flung in, the officers stepping lightly
after. The Canadian took the helm, directing the frail
vessel almost noiselessly through the water, and with
such velocity, that when the cry of the disappointed
savages was heard resounding from the bridge, it had
already gained the centre of the Detroit.




CHAPTER III.

Two days had succeeded to the departure of the officers
from the fort, but unproductive of any event of importance.
About daybreak, however, on the morning of the third,
the harassed garrison were once more summoned to arms,
by an alarm from the sentinels planted in rear of the
works; a body of Indians they had traced and lost at
intervals, as they wound along the skirt of the forest,
in their progress from their encampment, were at length
developing themselves in force near the bomb proof. With
a readiness which long experience and watchfulness had