plans, however, to conceal the danger of John did not succeed; for
Mrs Campbell, after the loss of poor little Percival, had become more
than ever solicitous about John, and, a minute or two after Alfred had
left the house, she rose from the table and went to the door, to see if
she could perceive Malachi and John coming in. As it happened, Alfred
had just set off in a gallop, and she saw him, as well as Malachi
standing by himself and watching Alfred's departure. The very
circumstance of Alfred's mysterious departure alarmed her. He had never
said that he was going to the fort, and that John was not with Malachi
was certain. She went into the cottage, and, sinking back into her
chair, exclaimed--"Some accident has happened to John!"

"Why should you say so, my dear?" said Mr Campbell.

"I'm sure of it," replied Mrs Campbell, bursting into tears. "Alfred
is riding away to the fort. Malachi is standing by himself outside.
What can it be?"

Mr Campbell and all the others ran out immediately, except Mary
Percival, who went to Mrs Campbell. Mr Campbell beckoned to Emma, and
from her obtained the real state of the case.

"It will be better to tell her at once," said Mr Campbell, who then
went to his wife, telling her that John was adrift, and that Alfred had
ridden to the fort to pick him up in one of the _bateaux_, but there was
no danger to be apprehended.

"Why should they conceal it, if there was no danger, Campbell?" replied
his wife. "Yes; there must be danger now the water is so rough. My
child, am I to lose you as well as my poor Percival!" continued Mrs
Campbell, again sobbing.

Every attempt was made to console her and assuage her fears, but with
indifferent success, and the afternoon of this day was passed in great
concern by all, and in an extreme state of nervous anxiety on the part
of Mrs Campbell. Towards the evening, Alfred was seen returning on
horseback at full speed. The whole of the family were out watching his
arrival, with beating hearts; poor Mrs Campbell in almost a fainting
state. Alfred perceived them long before he had crossed the prairie,
and waved his hat in token of good tidings.

"All's well, depend upon it, my dear," said Mr Campbell. "Alfred would
not wave his hat if there was any disaster."

"I must have it from his own mouth," said Mrs Campbell, almost
breathless.

"Safe?" cried out Martin to Alfred, as he approached.

"Safe, quite safe!" cried Alfred, in return.