the Rangers became less full of hardship, though not less full of
adventure. Snowshoes and skates were laid aside, and the men
started to construct boats and canoes in which they soon began to
skim the surface of the lake; scouting here, there, and all over,
and bringing back news of the enemy's movements and strength even
when no capture of prisoners rewarded their efforts.

Rogers had taken a great liking to John Stark and his followers. He
dubbed Stark his lieutenant, and Fritz and Stark were inseparable
companions by this time. Charles attached himself to no person in
particular, but was the friend of all; pitied and respected for his
misfortunes, allowed to come and go much as he would; regarded
rather as one set aside by Heaven for an instrument of vengeance;
standing alone, as it were, not quite like any of his comrades; a
dreamy, solitary creature, seldom talking much, often passing the
whole day in silent brooding; yet when there was fighting to be
done, waking up to a sort of Berserker fury, dealing blows with an
almost superhuman strength, and invariably filling the hearts of
his adversaries with a species of superstitious fear and dread.

For the tall, gaunt figure with the haggard face, flaming eyes, and
wildly-floating locks bore so weird an aspect that a man might be
pardoned for regarding it as an apparition. Not a particle of
colour remained in Charles's face. The flesh had shrunk away till
the bones stood out almost like skin stretched over a skull. The
hair, too, was white as snow, whilst the brows were coal black,
enhancing the effect of the luminous, fiery eyes beneath. It was
small wonder that Charles was regarded by Rangers and soldiers
alike as a thing apart. He came and went as he would, no man
interfering or asking him questions.

At the same time he seemed to regard Fritz and Stark as his chief
friends; and if they started forth with any of the Rangers, it was
generally observed that Charles would be of the company.

The life of the forest was pleasant enough in the warmer weather;
but the garrison at the fort were anxious to know what orders they
would receive for the summer campaign, and so far nothing was heard
but that they were to remain on the defensive. This might be
prudent, seeing that Ticonderoga was< strongly fortified and
garrisoned; but it pleased neither soldiers nor officers, and the
Rangers went scouting more and more eagerly, hoping to learn news
which might tempt those