upon us, as you have seen.  Now that we have three wounded and two somewhat bruised and shaken, I am thinking it would be better to send them back, with a few sound men as escort—­for the provisions will be welcome at the fort, which is not too well victualled—­whilst the rest of us push on, and see if we can accomplish our errand.  Now that we are thus reinforced, we shall be strong enough to do this.”

The eyes of Stark and Fritz sparkled at the prospect.

“We will go with you,” they cried.  “We long for such work as this; it is what we have come for from our homes and friends.”

And then Stark added modestly: 

“And if I am but little trained to arms, I can draw.  I have been used to that work in my old life, which was too tame for me.  I understand how to make plans and elevations.  If I could but get a good view of the fortifications, I will undertake to make a good drawing of them for your general.”

Rogers slapped him heartily upon the back.

“A draughtsman is the very fellow we want,” he cried; “and a draughtsman who can wield weapons as you can, John Stark, is the very man for us.  You and your band will be right welcome.  You can all use snowshoes, I see, and doubtless skates also?”

Stark nodded.  By that time all were proficient in these arts, even Fritz, to whom they had been new at the commencement of the winter.  Charles fingered the knife at his belt, and his cavern-like eyes glowed in their sockets.

“Let me fight the French-the French!” he muttered.  “I have avenged myself upon the Indian foe.  Now let me know the joy of meeting the white foe face to face!”

“Is that poor fellow mad?” asked Rogers of Fritz, when next morning, all preparations being speedily made, the party had divided, and the larger contingent was sweeping down the lake towards the distant junction, which was guarded by the guns of Ticonderoga.

“I think his brain is touched.  He has been like that ever since I have known him; but his brother and friends say that once he was the most gentle and peaceful of men, and never desired to raise hand against his fellow.  It is the horror of one awful memory that has made him what he is.  I thought perhaps that when he wreaked his vengeance upon the Indian chieftain who had slain his wife and children, he would have been satisfied; but the fire in his heart seems unquenched and unquenchable.  Sometimes I have a fancy that when his wrath is satisfied the spring of life will cease within him.  He grows more gaunt and thin each week; but he is borne along by the strong spirit within, and in battle his strength is as the strength of ten.”

“As is ofttimes the way with men whose minds are unhinged,” said Rogers.  “Truly we have small reason to love our white brothers the French, since at their door lies the sin of these ravages upon the hapless border settlers.  We will requite them even as they deserve!  We will smite them hip and thigh! though we must not, and will not, become like the savage Indians.  We will not suffer outrage; it shall be enough of shame and humiliation for them to see the flag of England flaunting proudly where their banners have been wont to fly.”