re, however, old Isaac took his departure two horsemen were seen
approaching the fort from the westward. Their steeds, as they came to
the gate, showed that they had ridden hard. One was a white man and the
other an Indian. The first dismounted and entered the gate.

"My name is Harvey," he said, shaking hands with Captain Mackintosh, who
advanced to meet him. "I am in charge of the missionary station at
White Fish Lake, and have come to ask your assistance for my people,
whom the Blackfeet have threatened to destroy. I have felt it my duty
to obtain, if possible, the means of protecting them."

"I am well acquainted with your name," answered Captain Mackintosh, who
knew Mr Harvey to be a devoted Christian man, one of those brave
pioneers of Christianity who, in obedience to the commands of our
blessed Lord, have, with their lives in their hands, ventured into the
wilds among the savage races of the Far West to win precious souls for
Him.

"I would gladly help you," he answered, "but this fort has only lately
been attacked, and I should not be justified in weakening the garrison
by sending away any of my people. I will, however, thankfully receive
you and your family, and those of your flock whom you may wish to bring
with you, while the others move northward beyond the reach of their
enemies. Even were I to spare you half a dozen men, they would be of
little use in repelling an attack of the daring Blackfeet."

"I feel that you are right, and that I must remove my family, and leave
our house and garden to be destroyed," answered Mr Harvey. "Pray do
not misunderstand me, and suppose that I mistrust God's protecting care;
but I know that He would have us take all reasonable measures for our
safety, and fly from earthly, as he directs us to escape from spiritual,
foes."

"We will discuss the matter after you have rested, and I have had time
to think it over," answered Captain Mackintosh. "It is my private wish
as well as my public duty to afford every assistance in my power to
missionaries labouring among the Indians, and you may depend on my doing
all I justly can to afford you the aid you wish. However, I now advise
you to lie down and rest while some food is preparing."

Mr Harvey acknowledged that he was very tired, and gratefully accepted
the offer, before paying his respects to the ladies of the family.

Sybil looked somewhat confused when she heard that a clergyman had
arrived at the fort.

"You