hew," answered Lieutenant Broadstreet. "With regard to my own men, I
propose taking only the most trustworthy, Sergeant Custis and Sperry;
the other two I will leave with you, for they will, at all events, fight
as well as better men within walls, and I can more readily spare them
than the others."

[Illustration: WINNEMAK.]

On hearing this arrangement, I was placed in a dilemma. I did not at all
like the idea of being compelled to quit the post of danger; while at
the same time I felt it was my duty to assist in protecting Clarice. I
told the lieutenant how I felt on the subject.

"I will speak to your uncle," he answered; "and if you wish to remain, I
will assure him that your coming is not absolutely necessary. We may
hope to reach the Indian camp early to-morrow, and your sister will then
be placed under the charge of the Indian chief and his daughter."

When I put the question to Clarice, she replied,--"I would infinitely
rather have you with me; but if you believe that it is your duty to
remain with Uncle Jeff, I could not bear the thought of your leaving
him. Besides, he seems to be confident that he will be able to beat off
the enemy, should the farm be attacked."

I confess that I was in two minds on the subject until the last moment.

The plans being arranged, no time was lost in making the necessary
preparations. The horses which had been selected for the journey having
been well fed and watered, were brought to the door. Clarice was soon
ready. She was a good horse-woman, and even Rachel had been accustomed
to the saddle in former years.

I wrung my friend's hand.

"You will take care of my sister, I know you will," I said as I parted
from him.

"Indeed, Ralph, I will," he answered solemnly; and I felt that she was
as safe as she would have been had I accompanied her.

The moon was now shining brightly, and enabled the lieutenant and his
companions to pursue their way at a rapid rate. They took no baggage
except such as could be strapped to the saddles of their horses; they
were, therefore, not impeded as we had been by slow-moving mules. It was
nearly midnight when they set off; and as little noise as possible was
made when they left the house, in case any of the enemy's scouts
watching in the neighbourhood might hear them.

The stranger Indian had, some time before the party set off, thrown
himself on a buffalo robe in a corner of the room, and was apparently
asleep; but I suspected that he k