“We ascertained that the savages had deserted their fires, and had not entered any of the cabins.  Whether this were done to mislead us, or to make a retreat as sudden and unexpected as their inroad, we are altogether in the dark.  My father apprehends treachery, however; while, I confess, to me it seems probable that the arrival and the departure may be altogether matters of accident.  The Indians are in motion certainly, for it is known that our agents are busy among them; but, it is by no means so clear that our Indians would molest captain Willoughby—­Sir Hugh Willoughby, as my father is altogether called, at head-quarters.”

“Have not the Americans savages on their side, to do us this ill office?”

“I think not.  It is the interest of the rebels to keep the savages out of the struggle; they have so much at risk, that this species of warfare can scarcely be to their liking.”

“And ought it to be to the liking of the king’s generals, or ministers either, Bob!”

“Perhaps not, Maud.  I do not defend it; but I have seen enough of politics and war, to know that results are looked to, far more than principles.  Honour, and chivalry, and humanity, and virtue, and right, are freely used in terms; but seldom do they produce much influence on facts.  Victory is the end aimed at, and the means are made to vary with the object.”

“And where is all we have read together?—­Yes, together, Bob? for I owe you a great deal for having directed my studies—­where is all we have read about the glory and truth of the English name and cause?”

“Very much, I fear, Maud, where the glory and truth of the American name and cause will be, as soon as this new nation shall fairly burst the shell, and hatch its public morality.  There are men among us who believe in this public honesty, but I do not.”

“You are then engaged in a bad cause, major Willoughby, and the sooner you abandon it, the better.”

“I would in a minute, if I knew where to find a better.  Rely on it, dearest Maud, all causes are alike, in this particular; though one side may employ instruments, as in the case of the savages, that the other side finds it its interest to decry.  Men, as individuals, may be, and sometimes are, reasonably upright—­but, bodies of men, I much fear, never.  The latter escape responsibility by dividing it.”

“Still, a good cause may elevate even bodies of men,” said Maud, thoughtfully.

“For a time, perhaps; but not in emergencies.  You and I think it a good cause, my good and frowning Maud, to defend the rights of our sovereign lord the king.  Beulah I have given up to the enemy; but on you I have implicitly replied.”

“Beulah follows her heart, perhaps, as they say it is natural to women to do.  As for myself, I am left free to follow my own opinion of my duties.”

“And they lead you to espouse the cause of the king, Maud!”