ieve such a story--"

"Is my father in their camp, sir?" Jacob cried, eagerly.

"Ay, lad, so I believe, otherwise I would not think it important you
should act as my messengers. One of our scouts brought in word that
Brant's immediate followers had a white prisoner with them, and it is
reasonable to suppose him to be Peter Sitz, for, since we saw those
scoundrels, they have kept out of mischief because of being in camp with
the British and Tory soldiers."

There was no need now of urging Jacob to undertake the mission; since he
had what seemed like positive information of his father's whereabouts, he
would have gone in the direction of the besieged fort whether General
Herkimer so desired, or opposed it.

As for my part, having really given up all hope of seeing Peter Sitz again
in this world, the probable fact of his being alive quickened the blood in
my veins until I forgot that our services were required for anything save
the rescue of the prisoner.

Sergeant Corney gave no token either of joy or indifference; he kept in
mind only the duties of a soldier, and prepared himself for the dangerous
mission by asking:

"Can you tell me, sir, what force the enemy have in front of Fort
Schuyler?"

"Near one thousand seven hundred men--regulars, Tories, and Indians. St.
Leger is in nominal command; but it is reasonable to believe that Sir John
Johnson and Brant have much the same authority as he. Certain it is that
they and none other can control their followers. Colonel Gansevoort has
nearly a thousand men, with a six weeks' supply of provisions and
ammunition for the small arms; but there is in the fort no more than four
hundred rounds for the cannon, which is his most important means of
defence. The situation is not yet critical, but may become so very soon,
and we have more chance now for communicating with the commandant than is
likely to be the case a week hence, when the besiegers have settled down
to their work."

"When shall we set out, sir?" I asked, as the general ceased speaking.

"As soon as you have recovered from the fatigue of the journey. There is
no time to be lost, unless you are eager to encounter more danger than is
absolutely necessary."

"There is no reason why we shouldn't set off at once," Jacob said,
quickly. "We are not women, to be tired out by a bit of marchin'."

I fancied from the expression on the general's face that it pleased him
because my comrade showed himself so eager, and th