led Sybil, possessed a face
of rare loveliness. Effie, the younger, was very attractive; but Hector
declared that there never was, or never could be, anybody like Sybil.
Hector had told him that the portrait, not being his own, he could not
give it to him, but that he was welcome to look at it as often as he
liked--a privilege of which, it must be confessed, Reginald frequently
took advantage; and he had resolved, if possible, to pay a visit to the
residence of the fair original. Even had this not been the case, his
chivalry would have made him eager to set off to the assistance of
Hector's relatives. He felt that the matter was of so much importance
that he should be justified in calling up Mr Burnett to discuss what
measures should be taken. He, of course, knew that Hector would be as
anxious to go as he was; he, therefore, let him sleep on. Burnett, who
did not appear very well satisfied at being aroused from his slumbers,
came and sat down to hear the old man's account. He questioned him
narrowly, apparently not altogether crediting his statements.

"You may think what you will, Mr Burnett; but people are not apt in
general to doubt the word of Isaac Sass," said the old man at length, in
an offended tone.

"Are you Isaac Sass?" exclaimed Burnett. "I have often heard of you.
Then, I say, I don't doubt your word. But why are you so sure that the
fort will be attacked?"

"For a strong reason, which, as I don't wish to keep you longer from
your rest, I will give in the morning."

"A word for yourself, friend Sass, I ken?" observed Burnett.

"No, no; I can do without sleep," answered Isaac Sass; "but before I lie
down, I wish to know--yes or no--whether you will direct your course
towards Fort Duncan, instead of going on to Edmonton."

"I wish that I could do as you suggest," answered Burnett. "If Captain
Mackintosh wants help, I should like to give it him; but I must carry
out my instructions, at all costs. It would not do to run the risk of
getting our train plundered, as both stores and ammunition are much
wanted at Edmonton."

"But will you allow one of your factors to be exposed to the danger our
friend here has spoken of?" exclaimed Loraine. "I should be unwilling
under any other circumstances to part company; but I feel bound, whether
or not I can get anybody to go with me, to set off with my friend, young
Mackintosh, to warn his family, and give them such assistance as we
can."

"You, of cour