ter their friends, who
had got a considerable distance in advance of them by that time, and
they did not overtake them till a part of the Settlement was reached
where a strong muster of the settlers was taking place, and where it was
resolved to make a stand and face the foe.

Here it was discovered, to the consternation of the McKay family, that
Old Peg was not with the Davidson party, and that therefore she must
have been left behind!

"She _must_ be found and rescued," exclaimed Elspie, on making the
discovery.

"She _must_!" echoed Dan Davidson: "who will go back with me?"

A dozen stout young fellows at once rode to the front, and old McKay
offered to take command of them, but was overruled and left behind.

CHAPTER NINE.

OLD PEG.

Meanwhile, accustomed to think and act for herself, Old Peg, on the
first alarm, had made up her mind to do her fair share of work quietly.

She did not require to be told that danger threatened the family and
that flight had been resolved on. A shout from some one that
Nor'-Westers were coming, coupled with the hasty preparations, might
have enlightened a mind much less intelligent than that of the old
woman. She knew that she could do nothing to help where smart bodily
exercise was needed, but, down by the creek close by, there was a small
stable in which a sedate, lumbering old cart-horse dwelt. The horse,
she felt sure, would be wanted. She could not harness it, but she could
put a bridle on it and lead it up to the house.

This animal, which was named Elephant on account of its size, had been
totally forgotten by the family in the hurry of departure.

Old Peg found the putting of a bridle on the huge creature more
difficult work than she had expected, and only succeeded at last by dint
of perseverance, standing on three or four bundles of hay, and much
coaxing--for the creature had evidently taken it into its head that the
old woman had come there to fondle it--perhaps to feed it with sugar
after the manner of Elspie.

She managed the thing at last, however, and led the horse up towards the
house.

Now, while she had been thus engaged the family had left, and the
half-breeds--having combined their forces--had arrived.

Ben Nevis was the first house the scoundrels came to. Dismounting, and
finding the place deserted, they helped themselves to whatever was
attractive and portable--especially to a large quantity of Canada twist
tobacco, which old Duncan had f