Part 47 (2/2)

I spoke to them; called my Indians to unload the wagon, and bade Thiohero sling our kettle and make soupaan for us all.

The Continentals were nothing loth to eat with us. Tahioni had killed some wood-duck and three partridges; and these, with some dozen wild pigeons from the Stacking Ridge, furnished our meat.

I heaped a wooden platter and G.o.dfrey squatted by Captain Moucher to feed him; but the prisoner refused food and sat with head hanging and the s.h.i.+vers shaking him with coward's ague.

When the meal was ended, I took the Continentals aside, gave the Corporal my report to Colonel Dayton, and charged them to deliver my prisoner at Johnstown jail. This they promised to do; and, as all was ready, horses fed, and a long, slow jog to Johnstown, the Corporal climbed to his seat and took the reins, and the other soldier aided my prisoner to mount.

”Will you speak for me at the court martial?” pleaded Moucher, in hoa.r.s.e and dreadful tones. ”Remember, sir, as G.o.d sees me, my confession was voluntary, and I swear by my mother's memory that I now see the error and the wickedness of my ways! Say that I said this--in Christ's name----”

The Corporal touched his c.o.c.ked hat, swung his powerful horses. I am sure they were of Sir William's stock and came from the Hall.

”Mr. Drogue!” wailed the doomed wretch, ”let G.o.d curse me if I meant any harm----”

I think the soldier beside him must have placed his hand over the poor wretch's mouth, for I heard nothing more except the rattle of wheels and the corporal-driver a-whistling ”The Little Red Foot.”

In my absence that day my men had erected an open-face hut for our stores.

Here we set lanterns, and here divided the clothing, including the stockings given me by Penelope--which I distributed with a heavy heart.

There was laid aside new buckskin clothing and fresh underwear for Luysnes, for Nick, and for Johnny Silver.

Then I paid the men, and gave a cash bonus to every Indian, and also a new rifle each,--not the trade-gun, but good weapons carrying an ounce ball.

To each, also, a new hatchet, new knife, blanket, leggins, tobacco, paints, razor, mirror, ammunition, and a flask of sweet-smelling oil.

I think I never have seen any Iroquois so overjoyed as were mine. And as for my Saguenay, he instantly squatted by the fire, fixed his mirror on a crotched stick, and fell to adorning himself by the red glow of the coals.

But I had scant leisure for watching them, where they moved about laughing and gossiping excitedly, comparing rifles, trying locks and pans, sorting out finery, or smearing themselves with gaudy symbols.

For, not a hundred rods east of us, across the ridge, stood that log hut of Howell's; and the owl-haunted tamaracks stretched away behind it in a misty wilderness. And in that swampy forest, at this very moment, were hidden desperate men who designed our deaths--men I knew--neighbors at Fonda's Bush, like the Cadys, Helmers, and Dries Bowman!--men who lately served in my militia company, like Balty Weed and Gene Grinnis.

Now, as I paced the fire circle, listening and waiting for Nick and Johnny Silver, I could scarce credit what the wretch, Moucher, had told me, so horrid b.l.o.o.d.y did their enterprise appear to me.

That they should strive to kill us when facing us in proper battle, that I could comprehend. But to plan in the darkness!--to come by stealth in their farmer's clothes to surprise us in our sleep!--faugh!

”My G.o.d,” says I to G.o.dfrey, who paced beside me, ”why have they not at least embodied to do us such a filthy business? And if they were only a company with some officer to make them respectable--militia, minute men, rangers, anything!”

”They be b.l.o.o.d.y-minded folk,” said he grimly. ”No coureur-du-bois is harder, craftier, or more heartless than John Howell; no forest runner more merciless than Charlie Cady. These be rough and b.l.o.o.d.y men, John.

And I think we are like to have a rude fight of it before sun-up.”

I thought so too, but did not admit as much. I had ten men. They mustered ten--if Moucher's accounts were true. And I did not doubt it, under the circ.u.mstances of his pusillanimous confession.

The River Reed came to me to show me her necklace of coloured gla.s.s. And I drew her aside, told her as much as I cared to, and bade her prepare her Oneidas for a midnight battle.

At that moment I heard the Canada sparrow. Thiohero answered, sweet and clear. A few seconds later Nick and Silver came in, carrying the canoe paddles.

<script>