impassive either to Iroquois threats or proffered friendship. They,
like certain lithe, proud forest animals to whom restriction means
death, were untamable. Their necks could endure no yoke, political or
purely ornamental. And so they perished far from the Onondaga
firelight, far from the open doors of the Long House, self-exiled,
self-sufficient, irreconcilable, and foredoomed. And of these the
Mohicans were the noblest.

In the four romances-- of which, though written last of all, this is
the third, chronologically speaking-- the author is very conscious of
error and shortcoming. But the theme was surely worth attempting; and
if the failure to convince be only partial then is the writer grateful
to the Fates, and well content to leave it to the next and better man.

BROADALBIN,

Early Spring, 1913.
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NOTE

During the serial publication of "The Hidden Children" the author
received the following interesting letters relating to the authorship
of the patriotic verses quoted in Chapter X., These letters are
published herewith for the general reader as well as for students of
American history.

R. W. C.