than my mother when their
services are required. They now can all of them use a rifle, if
required, and to defend a house, a determined woman is almost as
effective as a man. Depend upon it, if it comes to the necessity, they
will do so. You see, therefore, Colonel, that by taking away our
ladies, you will weaken our force," continued Alfred, laughing.

"Well, I will press it no more. Only recollect that I shall always be
ready to send you any assistance when required."

"I have been thinking, Colonel Forster, that, as we have no horses at
present, if you have any rockets, they might be useful in such a case.
At the distance we are from you a rocket would be seen immediately if
fired at night, and I promise you, that it shall not be fired without
great necessity."

"I am glad that you have mentioned it, Alfred; you shall have a dozen to
take with you. You go back with the boats that carry the hay to-morrow
morning, do you not?"

"Yes; I shall take that opportunity, to save wearing out my shoes, as we
have no cobbler near to us. I presume it will be the last trip made by
the boats this season."

"Yes," replied the Colonel, "the frost will soon set in now. In another
fortnight we shall probably be visited with a heavy fall of snow, and
the ground will then be covered till the spring. But I suppose we shall
see or hear from you occasionally?"

"Yes; as soon as I can push along in my snow-shoes, I will pay you a
visit," replied Alfred, "but I have that art to learn yet."

The following morning the sky was clear and the day brilliant. The sun
shone upon the dark scarlet-tinged foliage of the oaks, and through the
transparent yellow leaves of the maple. A slight frost had appeared for
two or three mornings about a month back, and now they were enjoying
what was termed the Indian summer, which is a return of fair and rather
warm weather for a short time previous to the winter setting in. The
soldiers were busy carrying the hay down to the _bateaux_, and, before
noon, Alfred bade farewell to Colonel Forster and the other officers of
the fort, and, accompanied by Captain Sinclair, went down to embark.
All was ready, and Alfred stepped into the boat; Captain Sinclair being
on duty and not able to accompany him back.

"I shall not fail to give directions to the sentries about the rockets,
Alfred," said Captain Sinclair, "and so tell your mother and cousins;
and mind to shew them how to fire them off from out of