fferent. He is a chief in the tribe who have proved
themselves most inveterate foes of the English, and, from what Flagg
tells me, I should judge a man of extraordinary ability. His death at
this time might prove the future salvation of hundreds of white men,
women, and children. To allow him to escape may involve us in war.
The decision either way will be fraught with far-reaching results, and
I am thankful that it does not rest with me. Whatever Johnson may
order in a case of this kind must be obeyed, without regard to our
private views, for he is the accredited representative, in this
section, of the king, God bless him, whom we are sworn to serve. At
any rate, we may rest easy this night, and for two yet to come; for,
even if the Senecas lay this grievance before the governor, it must
still be several days ere I can hear from him."

"Oh dear!" sighed Mrs. Hester, "I suppose you are right, Graham, of
course, but the contingency is too dreadful to contemplate. I believe
I would even go so far as to help these poor people to escape, and so
defy the governor, rather than allow them to be given up; for I know
the wife will insist on sharing her husband's fate, whatever it may be."

"I don't believe you would, my dear, if you first paused to consider
what effect your action might have upon the future of your own boy,"
replied her husband, gravely.

Before retiring for the night the major and Truman Flagg cautiously
approached the tool-house, and, listening at its single open window,
which was merely a slit cut through the logs at the back to serve as a
loop-hole for musketry, plainly heard the heavy breathing that assured
them of the safety of the prisoners. Then the major bade his companion
good-night, and turned toward his own quarters. He had gone but a few
steps when the hunter overtook him and handed him the key of the
tool-house, saying that he should feel more at ease with it in the
proprietor's possession. As they again separated, he remarked that
being so very weary, he feared he should sleep late the following
morning.

In spite of this, Truman Flagg was up and stirring while it yet wanted
an hour of dawn. Lighting a small dark-lantern and moving with the
utmost caution, he made, from various places, a collection of food,
clothing, and arms.

"It's what the major in his heart wishes done, I'm sartain," he
muttered to himself, "and what the madam would never forgive me ef I
left undone. I could s