e other wounded men, we were
anxious to do.

We kept, as may be supposed, a look-out for the Indians. The lesson
they had received, however, had taught them that we were not to be
attacked with impunity, but we saw them from time to time hovering in
the distance.

Night set in while we were still far from the fort, but the sergeant
advising us to keep on, we did so, but it was nearly midnight when we
arrived. The commandant received us most kindly, giving up his own room
to my mother and her young charges, while my father and Uncle Denis were
skilfully treated by the surgeon of the garrison, as were the other
wounded men. His opinion was, however, that they would be utterly unfit
to continue their journey for some time to come. This was a severe
trial to them, as they were anxious to proceed in spite of the dangers
we were likely to encounter. The commandant, however, kindly invited us
to remain until they were in a fit state to travel.

So effectually had the surgeon treated my horse, that the animal
recovered rapidly, and in a couple of weeks, though somewhat thin, was
fit for work.

Scouts were daily sent out to watch the movements of the Indians, but
the lesson they had received when attacking our train appeared to have
produced a good effect, as none were discovered in the neighbourhood.
It was hoped, therefore, that they had taken their departure to the
southward, and that we might not be molested. The fort was, however,
provisioned only for its proper garrison, and as the stores we had
brought were nearly exhausted, a difficulty arose about feeding so many
additional mouths. Anxious as was the commanding officer to be
hospitable, he could not use the provisions required for his own men.
He therefore inquired whether any of our party were hunters, as he could
not venture to allow any of his own officers or men to go out in search
of game.

"We will start off at once, then, Mike!" said Mr Tidey to me when he
heard this, "and soon prove, I hope, that we do not wish to eat the
bread of idleness."

Dio begged that he might accompany us, and Dan wished that he might come
also; but our mother, fearing the dangers to which we might be exposed,
was unwilling to let him go, and he without a word of complaint gave up
the idea. The commandant supplied Dio and me with two good horses, and
the Dominie had his own, which after a few days' rest was perfectly fit
for work.

Taking with us four horses to bring ho