rs think of nothing but fighting and conquest."

"We used to think much of that day down in my southern home. We
were taught to look for the day of the Lord and the coming of
Christ. But men were even there growing weary and impatient. The
strife of parties was spoiling our home. That is why so many of us
journeyed forth to see the world. But I do not forget what my
forefathers taught and believed."

There was a light of quick sympathy in the girl's eyes; but she had
no time to reply, for the Rangers were coming back, with the French
soldiers in their company. They had surprised the whole band, and
had practically made them prisoners when Charles came up with his
strange message, and they marched them along to see what it all
meant.

Great was their astonishment when they saw the golden-haired girl
with her fearless bearing, and the handsome lad standing beside
her, still breathless and bewildered.

"Release these men," said Stark briefly; "they have been told off
for the service of this lady. Let them resume their charge, and
return in safety to the fort, or continue their chase in the forest
at pleasure. We do not war with women.

"If you wish to see some pretty hunting, Mistress Corinne, Rogers'
Rangers are at your service, and the haunts of bird and beast are
well known to us."

The girl's eyes sparkled. She was as full of the love of adventure
as any boy could be. She looked at her brother, but he shook his
head in doubt.

"I think our father would not wish it," he said. "I thank these
gentlemen most gratefully for their courtesy and chivalry, but I
think we must be returning to the fort. It may be that the shots
will have been heard, and that soldiers may be coming in search of
us already.

"We shall not forget your kindness, sir. I trust the day will come
when we may be able to requite you in kind;" and he held out his
hand, first to Stark and then to Fritz.

Corinne had looked a little mutinous at first; but when her brother
spoke of a possible sortie across the water from the fort, her face
changed. Perhaps she was not quite so confident of the chivalry of
the French soldiers as she had been of that of the Rangers.

"Perhaps it is best so; yet I should have loved to scour the forest
with Rogers' Rangers.

"Are you the great Rogers himself?" she asked, turning to Stark,
and then letting her glance wander to Fritz's fine face.

"No, Mistress Corinne; Rogers himself is away farther afield,"
answe