ll that ammunition, nevertheless."

"At all events, we had better not say a word in the house about his
making his appearance," said Mr Campbell. "It will only alarm the
women, and do no good."

"That's true, sir. I'll only tell the Strawberry," said Martin. "She's
an Indian, and it will put her on the look-out."

"That will be as well, but caution her not to mention it to Mrs
Campbell or the girls, Martin."

"Never fear, sir," replied Malachi; "I'll watch his motions,
nevertheless; to-morrow I'll be in the woods and on his trail. I'm glad
that he saw me here, for he fears me; I know that."

It so happened that the Indian was not seen by Mrs Campbell or any of
them in the house, either upon his arrival or departure; and when Mr
Campbell and the others returned to the house, they found that no one
there had any idea of such a visit having been paid. The secret was
kept, but it occasioned a great deal of anxiety for some days. At last
the alarm of Mr Campbell gradually subsided. Malachi had gone out with
John, and had discovered that all the Indians had come down near to
them, to meet in council, and that there were many other parties of them
in the woods. But although the visit of the Angry Snake might have been
partly accidental, still Malachi was convinced that there was every
prospect of his paying them another visit, if he could obtain a
sufficient number to join him, so that he might obtain by force the
articles he had seen and so much coveted.

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT.

FIRE IN THE WOODS.

Mr Campbell acceded to the offer made by the Commandant of the fort,
and purchased of him, at a moderate price, eighteen oxen, which were all
that remained of the stock at the fort, except the cows. He also took
six weaning calves to bring up. The cattle were now turned into the
bush to feed, that they might obtain some after-grass from that portion
of the prairie on which they had been feeding. The summer passed
quickly away, for they all had plenty of employment. They fished every
day in the lake, and salted down what they did not eat, for winter
provision.

Martin now was a great part of his time in the woods, looking after the
cattle, and Malachi occasionally accompanied him, but was oftener out
hunting with John, and always returned with game. They brought in a
good many bearskins, and sometimes the flesh, which, although approved
of by Malachi and Martin, was not much admired by the rest.

As soon