n, and to take the oath of allegiance to King George.
Refusing to take the oath, the Acadians were expelled. You now know
both sides of the pathetic affair. The story of the expelled people is
generally believed, partly, no doubt, for sentimental reasons. The
English may have acted hastily and unwisely, but they contend that
there was nothing else to do under the circumstances."

"So some of those expelled people came here, and are now trying to make
trouble for us; is that it?" the Colonel asked.

"Some of them are. Others are living very quietly, and behaving
themselves in a proper manner. But there are several very bitter and
unscrupulous agitators, chief of whom are the half breeds, Flazeet and
Rauchad, who will stop at almost nothing. They are full of hatred and
long for revenge. They have not only drawn with them a number of
lawless Acadians, and English-speaking traitors, but they are now
inducing too many Indians to unite with them. I have suspected them
for some time, and watch has been kept upon their movements. They have
been plotting all summer, and now they are about to act. But thanks to
our couriers, Dane Norwood, and Pete, the Indian, I know of their
plans. We are, therefore, here to ask you to assist us. Others, we
believe, will come to our aid, so we should be able to put the rebels
to rout without much difficulty."

The conversation now became general. The Loyalists were thoroughly
aroused, and all the men agreed to help the rangers against the enemy.
Davidson did not explain what he intended to do, but asked all to trust
him for the present. With this the Loyalists were satisfied, and they
went back to their houses to make preparations for their march against
the rebels.

Davidson and his men slept upon the ground that night, wrapped in their
blankets. This had been their life for years, so they thought nothing
of it. These rangers who knew every trail and stream in the country,
were at home wherever night overtook them. Possessions they had none.
A life of indolence and ease they despised. The spirit of adventure
animated their souls, and their only creed was loyalty to King George.
With such men Davidson wielded a strong influence in a region where the
King's regular forces could not penetrate. It was largely due to such
bands of men that England's prestige was maintained in the heart of the
wilderness.

CHAPTER XIV

WHERE THE RANGERS LED

The next day there was co