ted down sufficient to
fill a barrel for the winter's use.

One day they were agreeably surprised by Captain Sinclair making his
appearance. He had walked from the fort, to communicate to them that
the hay had been gathered in, and would be sent round in a day or two,
and also to inform Mr Campbell that the commandant could spare them a
young bullock, if he would wish to have it for winter provision. This
offer was gladly accepted, and, having partaken of their dinner, Captain
Sinclair was obliged to return to the fort, he being that night on duty.
Previous, however, to his return, he had some conversation with Martin
Super, unobserved by the rest of the party. Afterwards he invited
Alfred to walk back to the fort with him and return on the following
morning.

Alfred agreed to do so; and two hours before it was dark they set off,
and as soon as they were on the opposite side of the brook they were
joined by Martin Super.

"My reasons for asking you to come back with me were twofold," said
Captain Sinclair to Alfred. "In the first place, I wish you to know the
road to the fort, in case it should be necessary to make any
communication during the winter; secondly, I wished to have some
conversation with you and Martin relative to information we have
received about the Indians. I can tell you privately what I was
unwilling to say before your mother and cousins, as it would put them in
a state of restlessness and anxiety, which could avail nothing, and only
annoy them. The fact is, we have for some time had information that the
Indians have held several councils. It does not appear, however, that
they have as yet decided upon any thing, although it is certain that
they have gathered together in large numbers not very far from the fort.
No doubt but they have French emissaries inciting them to attack us.
From what we can learn, however, they have not agreed among themselves,
and, therefore, in all probability, nothing will be attempted until next
year, for the autumn is their season for sending out their war-parties.
At the same time, there is no security, for there is a great difference
between a junction of all the tribes against us and a common Indian war
party. We must, therefore, be on the alert, for we have a treacherous
foe to deal with. And now, for your portion of interest in this affair.
If they attack the fort, which they may do, notwithstanding our
treaties with them, you of course would not be safe wh