oe alongside the sloop. Captain Godfrey attentively
watched his every movement while Mrs. Godfrey seemed quite indifferent
at the presence of the stranger. She threw him a small line and made
signs to him to make fast his canoe, which he appeared quickly to
understand. Mrs. Godfrey then motioned to the Indian to come on board,
and he at once bounded over the rail. As he stood on deck, his comely
Indian features were lit up by a good humoured smile. He looked a giant,
brave and active. He was teeming all over with youthful vigour. His eyes
were black like polished jet, sparkling and deep set. His mouth large,
square and firm; and his hair like threads of coarse, black silk,
brushed back from a low, narrow forehead, hung loosely down over his
broad, square shoulders.

His whole frame seemed stirred with a strong nervous action, and a quick
but expressive motion of his small brown hand appeared as a signal for
conversation. He at once spoke, "May be if go to Grimross be scalped,"
and every word brought with it increased action of both hand and body.
He continued, "Indians say war coming, must have pale face blood and
scalp."

Capt. Godfrey said not a word, but looked serious and pale; while deep
anxiety was pictured on every feature of his face. He felt that it was
no use to retreat, and situated as they were, where could they retreat
in safety. Fort Frederick at the mouth of the river had been surrounded
by blood-thirsty savages, who had threatened them with fire and murder
if they did not abandon the place. In this distracting situation Captain
Godfrey held a council of war within himself, and finally decided, come
what might, evil or good, he would push on to his destination.

He wondered how the Indian knew he was bound for Grimross. It occurred
to him that perhaps the savage was trying to find out where he intended
to land, and there be on hand to murder all on board and seize the sloop
and cargo. He thought, "if the Indian is sincere in warning us, what
interest has he in doing so? What could he expect in return for his kind
act?" These and many similar thoughts rushed quickly through the
agitated brain of the Captain. The Indian stood silent and motionless
for a moment, then returned to his canoe and paddled toward the shore.

The eyes of Captain Godfrey followed the Red man to the shore and
watched him until he disappeared among the trees on the river bank. The
sloop was kept on her course up the river. Just aft