red Stark. "This is Fritz Neville, and I am John Stark, whom
he honours with the title of his lieutenant."

"Fritz Neville--John Stark," she repeated, looking from one to the
other, a smile in her frank, sweet eyes. "I shall not forget those
names. I shall say them over every day to myself, and pray that in
times of warfare the saints will watch over and protect the brave
English Rangers, who had us as prisoners in their power, and let us
go away safe and sound."

She held out her hand as she spoke, first to one and then to the
other of the men, both of whom took it reverently, pressed it, and
bowed low with a sort of rude homage. The other Rangers sent up a
little cheer for the brave young lady who spoke their tongue so
well; and the French soldiers, who looked a little ashamed of the
predicament in which they had placed themselves, smiled, and became
friendly and at ease, realizing that all was well.

"We will escort you to your boat, lady," said Stark; "you will
suffer us that privilege."

"Ah yes, if it will be safe. But they will not dare fire from the
fort when they see that our company is returning. I would I could
take you back with me, and introduce you to my father and uncle;
but perchance it would not be safe."

"Perhaps we shall make their acquaintance some other way!" said
Stark, with a touch of grim humour; and Corinne, understanding him,
exclaimed:

"Ah, do not let us think of that! let us only remember that we have
met as friends in the wild forest."

"A pleasant memory truly," answered Stark gallantly, "and one so
new to a Ranger that he will never be like to forget it;" and as
they pursued their way towards the lake, he held the youth and the
girl spellbound and breathless by tales of the strange life of
adventure which they led, and by detailing some of their
hairbreadth escapes from the hands of Indians and Frenchmen as they
scoured the forest, lay in ambush, and skulked beneath the very
ramparts of the enemy's fortifications, hearing the talk of the
sentries overhead.

"Nay, but you are brave men in sooth; you deserve success. The
fortunes of war must surely be yours at last," cried Corinne, with
covert enthusiasm.

"Ah! here is the lake, and here is our boat. Nay, come not further.
I fear lest hurt should come to you. I thank you again with all my
heart. Perhaps the day will come when we shall see each other
again. I would fain believe that I shall meet again with Rogers'
bold, chival