“So he wants you to send soldiers?”

“He does, and at once.  But I cannot spare any men now, as I have barely enough to guard this place.  There are rebels in our midst, and it is hard to tell what mischief they are planning.”

“How do you know that?” the trader asked in surprise.  “I thought they were all up river.”

“And so did I until last night.  But the young man who brought this letter from Davidson was attacked by three slashers as he was searching for me.  They met him as he was coming from your store along the waterfront.  Fortunately he was able to put the three to route.”

“How did he know they were slashers?”

“Because they demanded the letter he was carrying.  It proves that they were spies, and knew from whence the courier had come.”

“It does seem reasonable,” the trader agreed.  “But I did not know they were hanging around our store.  There has been such a crowd there, though, the last two days that I could not tell the slashers from the Loyalists.  However, I shall keep a sharp watch after this, and if I catch them I shall let you know at once.  But what about Davidson?  He must be hard pressed, or he would not have sent you that urgent appeal.”

“I can’t send him any men, Mr. Simonds, that’s certain,” and the Major thrummed upon the table as he spoke.  “Why, it would take a regiment to do any good, and I have barely fifty men in all.  But I am going to send him a supply of guns and ammunition.  They must go on the Polly, and you are to give Leavitt strict instructions to see that they are delivered to Davidson as speedily as possible.  That is the best I can do.”

A sharp rap sounded upon the door, and at once a soldier entered.  He advanced to the centre of the room, stopped, clicked his heels together, saluted, and stood at attention.

“Well, Parker, what is it?” the Major asked..

“A man to see you, sir.”

“A courier?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Send him in at once.”

“Yes, sir.”

Again the soldier saluted, wheeled, and left the room.  In another minute Dane entered, and at once walked over to where the two men were sitting.  His free and easy manner was in striking contrast to the soldier’s, and this the Major noted.  He admired the courier’s frank open countenance, and clear, fearless eyes.  He was a man after his own heart.

“I am glad to see you on time,” he accosted.

“I generally try to be,” Dane replied.  “Have you the message for Davidson?”

“It’s not ready yet, but I shall write it at once.”

The Major turned to the table, drew a sheet of paper toward him, and picked up a quill pen, which he examined critically before dipping it into the ink.  Again he turned to the courier.

“The situation is serious up river, is it not?” he asked.

“It certainly is.  Davidson must have help.”