Basil, the blacksmith, has been troubled for days by Indians
begging for loans of files and saws, for what purpose they would not
state."

"But why do you not carry this matter to Major Gladwyn, who is in
command, instead of to me, who now possess no authority?"

"Because, monsieur, the commandant makes of us a jest and cares not to
listen. Aussi, because we care not for him; but to you, monsieur, who
have formerly turned many of our sorrows into joys, we wish not that
harm should come. For ourselves, we have no fear. The savages will
not harm the French. But for the English, whom they love not--well,
there it is different."

"You think, then, that the fort is in danger?"

"Of an attack, monsieur. Yes."

"How soon?"

"Who can tell? Perhaps in one week. Perhaps even to-morrow."

"Will you come again this evening, before the gates are closed, and
bring any further information you may gain during the day?"

"We dare not, monsieur. All the French are now too closely watched.
This morning we sell eggs. In the evening it would be known that we
had no business."

"If I leave the post an hour after sunset and walk just beyond the
church, will you meet me there and deliver to me your information?"

"If it is possible, we will; for the thing that monsieur demands must
be granted on account of his, ofttimes of the heart, kindness."

After the departure of these people, Major Hester thoughtfully made his
way to the quarters of the commanding officer, whom he found at
breakfast.

Gladwyn, though a brave man and a thorough soldier, was a high liver,
inclined to dissipation, impatient of advice, and held an undisguised
contempt for all Indians. To crown all, he was extremely jealous of
the ascendancy over the native tribes gained by his predecessor in
command, whom he cordially disliked and wished out of the way. On the
present occasion he greeted him in courteous terms, but coldly and
without rising.

"This is indeed an early call, major. I suppose I am indebted for the
pleasure to the fact that Ensign Hester took an early departure,
according to instructions, and your paternal instinct led you to speed
his journey. I must confess my surprise that you did not accompany
him. I suppose you are waiting for the opportunity of a more
comfortable passage by schooner. For my part, I prefer the excitement
of a canoe voyage; but I suppose as one grows old--"

"A soldier never grows so old as to forget his dut