portation of the party. Christie had exchanged his uniform for a
flannel shirt, gray breeches, leggings, and moccasins, and except for
Mr. Bullen's presence everything was in readiness for departure.

"Hello, Bullen! you surely do not intend to traverse the wilderness in
full fig.?" cried Sir William, who had come down to speed his guests.
"You seem to forget that much of your way may traverse the country of
an enemy, for whose rifles your gorgeousness would offer a bright and
shining mark."

"Nor to take your man with you. Of course, Bullen, you don't intend to
do that?" remonstrated Christie.

"If that is your luggage, Mr. Bullen," added Donald, indicating the tub
with a gesture, "I'm afraid it must be left behind, or we shall never
overtake Cuyler."

"Sir William," retorted the paymaster with all the dignity he could
assume, "I always travel in uniform. Being honored with the wearing of
His Majesty's livery, I cannot conceive why it should not be displayed
before his enemies as well as to his friends.--Mr. Christie: never
having journeyed without an attendant, I do not now propose to attempt
the experiment.--Mr. Hester: I have very grave duties to perform at
Detroit, and feel it to be of importance to produce an impression there
from the very first. Therefore I find it necessary to take with me on
this journey certain articles that a less conscientious person might
possibly leave behind."

"But, sir, this is a matter of life or death, and we dare not allow
anything to delay us," said Donald, earnestly.

"Very well, sir, proceed on your journey without regard to me, and I
will follow in such fashion as seems to me best. It may prove that I
shall not be so very far behind when your destination is reached. At
any rate, I assure you that I am thoroughly capable of conducting my
own movements."

"Oh come, Bullen! Act sensibly, and leave all useless lumber behind,"
urged Ensign Christie.

"Mr. Christie, I always act sensibly, according to my own definition of
the word, and I absolutely refuse to leave my tub behind," replied the
paymaster, in a frigid tone.

"Gentlemen, I cannot delay another moment," cried Donald, who was in a
fever of impatience. "With your permission, Sir William, Mr. Christie
and I will take the smaller of these canoes, leaving the other, with
all the Indians, for Mr. Bullen's service."

"Go ahead, my boy; you are right. Good-bye, and God bless you!"
answered the general, heartily