ng again. As yet there was
no wind, the light and almost imperceptible air from the lake, that had
existed previously to the setting of the sun, having entirely failed.

All this time an unusual quiet prevailed in the cutter. It appeared as
if those on board of her felt that they were entering upon an uncertain
enterprise, in the obscurity of night; and that their duty, the hour,
and the manner of their departure lent a solemnity to their movements.
Discipline also came in aid of these feelings. Most were silent; and
those who did speak spoke seldom and in low voices. In this manner the
cutter set slowly out into the lake, until she had got as far as the
river current would carry her, when she became stationary, waiting for
the usual land-breeze. An interval of half an hour followed, during the
whole of which time the _Scud_ lay as motionless as a log, floating on
the water. While the little changes just mentioned were occurring in
the situation of the vessel, notwithstanding the general quiet that
prevailed, all conversation had not been repressed; for Sergeant Dunham,
having first ascertained that both his daughter and her female companion
were on the quarter-deck, led the Pathfinder to the after-cabin, where,
closing the door with great caution, and otherwise making certain that
he was beyond the reach of eavesdroppers, he commenced as follows:--

"It is now many years, my friend, since you began to experience the
hardships and dangers of the woods in my company."

"It is, Sergeant; yes it is. I sometimes fear I am too old for Mabel,
who was not born until you and I had fought the Frenchers as comrades."

"No fear on that account, Pathfinder. I was near your age before I
prevailed on the mind of her mother; and Mabel is a steady, thoughtful
girl, one that will regard character more than anything else. A lad like
Jasper Eau-douce, for instance, will have no chance with her, though he
is both young and comely."

"Does Jasper think of marrying?" inquired the guide, simply but
earnestly.

"I should hope not--at least, not until he has satisfied every one of
his fitness to possess a wife."

"Jasper is a gallant boy, and one of great gifts in his way; he may
claim a wife as well as another."

"To be frank with you, Pathfinder, I brought you here to talk about this
very youngster. Major Duncan has received some information which has led
him to suspect that Eau-douce is false, and in the pay of the enemy; I
wish to