Mabel; and that, finding she was in the block, I came here, in order to
live or die in her company."

The father turned a gratified look upon his child; and Mabel felt a
sinking of the heart that at such a moment she could not have thought
possible, when she wished to believe all her concern centred in the
situation of her parent. As the latter held out his hand, she took it
in her own and kissed it. Then, kneeling at his side, she wept as if her
heart would break.

"Mabel," said he steadily, "the will of God must be done. It is useless
to attempt deceiving either you or myself; my time has come, and it is a
consolation to me to die like a soldier. Lundie will do me justice; for
our good friend Pathfinder will tell him what has been done, and how all
came to pass. You do not forget our last conversation?"

"Nay, father, my time has probably come too," exclaimed Mabel, who felt
just then as if it would be a relief to die. "I cannot hope to escape;
and Pathfinder would do well to leave us, and return to the garrison
with the sad news while he can."

"Mabel Dunham," said Pathfinder reproachfully, though he took her hand
with kindness, "I have not desarved this. I know I am wild, and uncouth,
and ungainly--"

"Pathfinder!"

"Well, well, we'll forget it; you did not mean it, you could not think
it. It is useless now to talk of escaping, for the Sergeant cannot be
moved; and the blockhouse must be defended, cost what it will. Maybe
Lundie will get the tidings of our disaster, and send a party to raise
the siege."

"Pathfinder--Mabel!" said the Sergeant, who had been writhing with pain
until the cold sweat stood on his forehead; "come both to my side. You
understand each other, I hope?"

"Father, say nothing of that; it is all as you wish."

"Thank God! Give me your hand, Mabel--here, Pathfinder, take it. I can
do no more than give you the girl in this way. I know you will make her
a kind husband. Do not wait on account of my death; but there will be a
chaplain in the fort before the season closes, and let him marry you
at once. My brother, if living, will wish to go back to his vessel, and
then the child will have no protector. Mabel, your husband will have
been my friend, and that will be some consolation to you, I hope."

"Trust this matter to me, Sergeant," put in Pathfinder; "leave it all
in my hands as your dying request; and, depend on it, all will go as it
should."

"I do, I do put all confidence in you