ost upon us before I
perceived his shadow, but it was evident enough from his first words
that he had overheard none of our conversation.

"There are no Indians in the village," he said gruffly, leaning on his
gun, and staring at us. "I got across to a small island, along the
trunk of a dead tree, and had good view of the whole bank yonder. The
tepees stand, but not a squaw, nor a dog is left."

"Were there any canoes in sight along the shore?"

"Only one, broken beyond repair."

"Then, as I read the story, the tribe fled down the stream, either to
join the others on the Illinois, or the whites at the fort. They were
evidently not attacked, but had news of the coming of the Iroquois,
and escaped without waiting to give battle. 'Tis not likely the wolves
will overlook this village long. Are we ready to go forward?"

"Ay, the venture must be made, and it is dark enough now."

De Artigny's hand pressed my shoulder.

"I would that I could remain with you, Madame," he said quietly, "but
as I know the way my place is in advance. Barbeau must be your
protector."

"Nor could I ask for a braver. Do not permit any thought of me to make
you less vigilant, Monsieur. You expect to gain the fort unseen?"

"'Tis merely a chance we take--the only one," he explained briefly. "I
cannot even be certain the fort is in state of siege, yet, without
doubt those warriors who went down the river would be in position to
prevent our approaching the rock by canoe. There is a secret path
here, known only to La Salle's officers, which, however, should give
us entrance, unless some wandering Iroquois has discovered it by
accident. We must approach with the utmost caution, yet I do not
anticipate great peril. Barbeau, do not become separated from Madame,
but let me precede you by a hundred paces--you will have no trouble
following the trail."

He disappeared in the darkness, vanishing silently, and we stood
motionless waiting our turn to advance. Neither spoke, Barbeau leaning
forward, his gun extended, alert and ready. The intense darkness, the
quiet night, the mystery lurking amid those shadows beyond, all
combined to arouse within me a sense of danger. I could feel the swift
pounding of my heart, and I clasped the sleeve of the soldier's jacket
merely to assure myself of his actual presence. The pressure of my
fingers caused him to glance about.

"Do not be frightened, Madame," he whispered encouragingly. "There
would be firing yonder