until, by the
cessation of the movement of the hand, he believed the strain was ended,
when, by touching his shoulder, he drew the attention of the other to
himself, and in a few words explained his wishes.

"Even so," replied the single-minded disciple of the King of Israel,
when the young man had ended; "I have found much that is comely and
melodious in the maidens, and it is fitting that we who have consorted
in so much peril, should abide together in peace. I will attend them,
when I have completed my morning praise, to which nothing is now wanting
but the doxology. Wilt thou bear a part, friend? The metre is common,
and the tune, 'Southwell.'"

Then, extending the little volume, and giving the pitch of the air anew
with considerate attention, David recommenced and finished his strains,
with a fixedness of manner that it was not easy to interrupt. Heyward
was fain to wait until the verse was ended; when, seeing David relieving
himself from the spectacles, and replacing the book, he continued,--

"It will be your duty to see that none dare to approach the ladies with
any rude intention, or to offer insult or taunt at the misfortune of
their brave father. In this task you will be seconded by the domestics
of their household."

"Even so."

"It is possible that the Indians and stragglers of the enemy may
intrude, in which case you will remind them of the terms of the
capitulation, and threaten to report their conduct to Montcalm. A word
will suffice."

"If not, I have that here which shall," returned David, exhibiting his
book, with an air in which meekness and confidence were singularly
blended. "Here are words which, uttered, or rather thundered, with
proper emphasis, and in measured time, shall quiet the most unruly
temper:--

"'Why rage the heathen furiously!'"--

"Enough," said Heyward, interrupting the burst of his musical
invocation: "we understand each other; it is time that we should now
assume our respective duties."

Gamut cheerfully assented, and together they sought the females. Cora
received her new, and somewhat extraordinary protector, courteously at
least; and even the pallid features of Alice lighted again with some of
their native archness as she thanked Heyward for his care. Duncan took
occasion to assure them he had done the best that circumstances
permitted, and, as he believed, quite enough for the security of their
feelings; of danger there was none. He then spoke gladly of his
in