I have seen them before in Iroquois foray. I like not the sign,
Barbeau, yet there is naught for us to do now, but go on. We dare not
be found without the fort at daybreak. Keep within thirty paces of me,
and guard the lady well."

It was a dense woods we entered, and how Barbeau kept to the trail
will ever be to me a mystery. No doubt the instinct of a woodsman
guided him somewhat, and then, with his moccasined feet, he could feel
the slight depression in the earth, and thus cling to the narrow path.
I would have been lost in a moment, had I not clung to him, and we
moved forward like two snails, scarcely venturing to breathe, our
motions as silent as a wild panther stalking its prey.

Except for a faint rustling of leaves overhead no sound was
distinguishable, although once we were startled by some wild thing
scurrying across our path, the sudden noise it made causing me to give
utterance to a half-stifled cry. I could feel how tense was every
muscle in the soldier's body, as he advanced steadily step by step,
his gun flung forward, each nerve strained to the utmost.

We crossed the wood, and began to climb among loose stones, finally
finding solid rock beneath our feet, the path skirting the edge of
what seemed to be a deep gash in the earth, and winding about wherever
it could find passage. The way grew steeper and steeper, and more
difficult to traverse, although, as we thus rose above the tree limit,
the shadows became less dense, and we were able dimly to perceive
objects a yard or two in advance. I strained my eyes over Barbeau's
shoulder, but could gain no glimpse of De Artigny. Then we rounded a
sharp edge of rock, and met him blocking the narrow way.

"The red devils are there," he said, his voice barely audible. "Beyond
the curve in the bank. 'Twas God's mercy I had glimpse in time, or I
would have walked straight into their midst. A stone dropping into the
ravine warned me, and I crept on all fours to where I could see."

"You counted them?"

"Hardly that in this darkness; yet 'tis no small party. 'Twould be my
judgment there are twenty warriors there."

"And the fort?"

"Short rifle shot away. Once past this party, and the way is easy.
Here is my thought Barbeau. There is no firing, and this party of
wolves are evidently hidden in ambush. They have found the trail, and
expect some party from the fort to pass this way."

"Or else," said the other thoughtfully, "they lie in wait for an
assault at