The word master would, of itself, be very likely to create a revolt to-day, in such a corps as it was the fortune of our captain to command, though to that of “boss” there would not he raised the slightest objection.  But the English language had not undergone half of its present mutations in the year 1776; and no one winced in admitting that he served a “master,” though the gorges of several rose at the idea of being engaged in the service of any one, considered in a military point of view.  It is likely the suggestion of the mason would have led to a hot discussion, had not a stir among the savages, just at that instant, called off the attention of all present, to matters of more importance than even an angry argument.

The movement seemed to be general, and Joyce ordered his men to stand to their arms; still he hesitated about giving the alarm.  Instead of advancing towards the Hut, however, the Indians raised a general yell, and went over the cliffs, disappearing in the direction of the mill, like a flock of birds taking wing together.  After waiting half an hour, in vain, to ascertain if any signs of the return of the Indians were to be seen, the serjeant went himself to report the state of things to his commander.

Captain Willoughby had withdrawn to make his toilet for the day, when he saw the last of his son and the overseer.  While thus employed he had communicated to his wife all that had occurred; and Mrs. Willoughby, in her turn, had told the same to her daughters.  Maud was much the most distressed, her suspicions of Joel being by far the most active and the most serious.  From the instant she learned what had passed, she began to anticipate grave consequences to Robert Willoughby, though she had sufficient fortitude, and sufficient consideration for others, to keep most of her apprehensions to herself.

When Joyce demanded his audience, the family was at breakfast, though little was eaten, and less was said.  The serjeant was admitted, and he told his story with military precision.

“This has a suspicious air, Joyce,” observed the captain, after musing a little; “to me it seems like an attempt to induce us to follow, and to draw us into an ambuscade.”

“It may be that, your honour; or, it may be a good honest retreat. Two prisoners is a considerable exploit for savages to achieve.  I have known them count one a victory.”

“Be not uneasy, Wilhelmina; Bob’s rank will secure him good treatment, his exchange being far more important to his captors, if captors they be, than his death.  It is too soon to decide on such a point, serjeant.  After all, the Indians may be at the mills, in council.  On a war-path, all the young men are usually consulted, before any important step is taken.  Then, it may be the wish of the chiefs to impress our flag-bearers with an idea of their force.”

“All that is military, your honour, and quite possible.  Still, to me the movement seems as if a retreat was intended, in fact, or that the appearance of one was in view.”