outline of it silhouetted against the
lighter arch of sky. In massive gloom and silence it seemed to
dominate the night, the grim forest sweeping up to its very walls. Not
a gleam of light appeared; not a sound reached us. I felt De Artigny's
arm about me.

"I would that I really knew what was going on yonder 'neath the screen
of trees," he said gravely. "Some Indian trick, perchance, which it
might be in my power to circumvent--at least bear to the lads fair
warning."

"You would risk life for that?"

"Ay, my own readily. That is a lesson of the wilderness; the duty of a
comrade. But for your presence I should be climbing the hill seeking
to learn the purpose of those savages--else I was no true soldier of
France."

"What think you their purpose is, Monsieur?"

"An attack in force at dawn. Those who passed us were heavily armed,
and crept forward stealthily, stripped and painted for war. There were
other parties, no doubt, creeping up through the woods from all sides.
'Tis my thought the hour has struck for them to make their great
effort. They have scattered the friendly Indians, killed them, or
driven them in terror down the river. Their villages have been
destroyed. Now all the warriors who have been at that business have
returned, filled with blood lust, and eager to strike at the French."

"But they cannot win? Surely they cannot capture the fort, Monsieur?
Why it is all rock?"

"On three sides--yes; but to the south there is ample space for attack
in force. Those woods yonder would conceal a thousand savages within a
few hundred yards of the fort gates. And what of the defense? Opposing
them is one hundred and fifty feet of stockade, protected at best by
fifty rifles. There are no more in the fort, officers, Indians, and
all; and Boisrondet says scarcely a dozen rounds of powder and ball to
a man. If the Iroquois know this--and why should they not?--'twill be
no great feat of arms to batter their way in. I would do that which is
right, Adele, if I saw clearly."

I clung to his hands, staring back still at the grim outline of the
silent fort. I understood his thoughts, his desire to aid his
comrades; but, for a moment, my mind was a blank. I could not let him
go, alone, to almost certain death. No, nor would he abandon me on
such a mission! Was there no other way by which we could serve?
Suddenly a thought crept into my mind.

"Monsieur," I asked breathlessly, "where do you suppose those Illini
India