nnatural, this mode of warfare against a skulking enemy. If he could
only lead his men against the rebels out in the open it would have been
different. But this waiting for hours, and with no apparent method of
attack, was hard for him to endure.

The rangers, on the other hand, did not mind it in the least. This was
their life, and they took it as a matter of course. Dane, especially,
was at his ease. He was glad of the rest, as he had been on the move
all day. But he was anxious to get through with the job that he might
return to Jean. He had asked the Colonel about her, and they had
talked apart for some time.

"I hope she is not too much distressed over this affair," he said.

"She is naturally worried," was the reply. "But she has great
confidence in the rangers--and in you," he added after a slight pause.
"I agree with her, and feel greatly indebted to you and Pete for what
you have done. I hope we may be able to settle the rebels once and for
all."

"I don't think there is any doubt about it. So far, our plans have
worked without a hitch, and Davidson is an old reliable hand at such
work. Strategy with him is the main thing, and it has proven useful on
many occasions ere this. He always avoids bloodshed as far as
possible."

It was a great relief to the weary Loyalists when Davidson at last
bestirred himself, and told all to get ready for the march to the lake.
The band was at once divided into five groups, each containing several
rangers, who were well acquainted with their leader's plans. Dane
stayed close by the Colonel, carried his musket, and assisted him when
his steps lagged. It was a slow, toilsome journey through the forest
on that cold, frosty morning. There were hills to climb, and swamps to
cross. It would have been hard work even in the daytime, but night
added to the difficulty of the undertaking. The Loyalists, not
accustomed to such travelling, often stumbled and tripped over stones
and snags. But the rangers walked as if on a beaten highway, and
proved of great assistance to the less skilful. No one complained,
however, and when any one spoke, it was in a subdued voice. The
Colonel strove bravely to hold his own with the younger men. But he
was becoming very weary, and more than once he leaned on Dane's arm for
support.

"I am sorry to burden you" he said, "but this trip is almost too much
for me."

"I am afraid it is," was the reply. "You should have stayed at home