being required."

"If Pontiac was alive, missus, they would all be required, but he's gone
now; still there are many out-lying Indians, as we call them, who are no
better than they should be; and I always like to see rifles ready
loaded. Why, ma'am, suppose now that all the men were out in the woods,
and a bear should pay you a visit during our absence, would it not be
just as well for to have a loaded rifle ready for him; and would not you
or the young misses willingly prefer to pull the trigger at him than to
be hugged in his fashion?"

"Martin Super, you have quite convinced me; I shall not only learn to
load a rifle but to fire one also."

"And I'll teach the boys the use of them, ma'am, and they will then add
to your defence."

"You shall do so, Martin," replied Mrs Campbell; "I am convinced that
you are quite right."

When Super had quitted the room, which he did soon afterwards, Mr
Campbell observed--"I hope, my dear, that you and the girls are not
terrified by the remarks of Martin. It is necessary to be well armed
when isolated as we shall be, and so far from any assistance; but it
does not follow, because we ought to be prepared against danger, that
such danger should occur."

"I can answer for myself, my dear Campbell," replied his wife; "I am
prepared, if necessary, to meet danger, and do what a weak woman can do;
and I feel what Martin says is but too true--that, with a rifle in the
hand, a woman or a child is on a par with the strongest man."

"And I, my dear uncle," said Mary Percival, "shall, I trust, with the
blessing of God, know how to do my duty, however peculiar the
circumstances may be to a female."

"And I, my dear uncle," followed up Emma, laughing, "infinitely prefer
firing off a rifle to being hugged by a bear or an Indian, because of
two evils one should always choose the least."

"Well, then, I see Martin has done no harm; but, on the contrary, he has
done good. It is always best to be prepared for the worst, and to trust
to Providence for aid in peril."

At last all the purchases were completed, and everything was packed up
and ready for embarkation. Another message from the Governor was
received, stating that in three days the troops would be embarked, and
also informing Mr Campbell that if he had not purchased any cows or
horses, the officer at Fort Frontignac had more cattle than were
requisite, and could supply him; which, perhaps, would be preferable to
carrying them u