“So some of those expelled people came here, and are now trying to make trouble for us; is that it?” the Colonel asked.

“Some of them are.  Others are living very quietly, and behaving themselves in a proper manner.  But there are several very bitter and unscrupulous agitators, chief of whom are the half breeds, Flazeet and Rauchad, who will stop at almost nothing.  They are full of hatred and long for revenge.  They have not only drawn with them a number of lawless Acadians, and English-speaking traitors, but they are now inducing too many Indians to unite with them.  I have suspected them for some time, and watch has been kept upon their movements.  They have been plotting all summer, and now they are about to act.  But thanks to our couriers, Dane Norwood, and Pete, the Indian, I know of their plans.  We are, therefore, here to ask you to assist us.  Others, we believe, will come to our aid, so we should be able to put the rebels to rout without much difficulty.”

The conversation now became general.  The Loyalists were thoroughly aroused, and all the men agreed to help the rangers against the enemy.  Davidson did not explain what he intended to do, but asked all to trust him for the present.  With this the Loyalists were satisfied, and they went back to their houses to make preparations for their march against the rebels.

Davidson and his men slept upon the ground that night, wrapped in their blankets.  This had been their life for years, so they thought nothing of it.  These rangers who knew every trail and stream in the country, were at home wherever night overtook them.  Possessions they had none.  A life of indolence and ease they despised.  The spirit of adventure animated their souls, and their only creed was loyalty to King George.  With such men Davidson wielded a strong influence in a region where the King’s regular forces could not penetrate.  It was largely due to such bands of men that England’s prestige was maintained in the heart of the wilderness.

CHAPTER XIV

WHERE THE RANGERS LED

The next day there was considerable stir at the settlement.  The women were busy cooking, while the men spent some time cleaning their muskets and “running” bullets.  All felt anxious, and serious faces were seen among the Loyalists.  Old Mammy was greatly disturbed, and Jean found it difficult to calm her fears.

“Why, Mammy, you never made such a fuss all during the war when daddy was in danger every day,” the girl chided.

“Ah, chile, dat was different.  Yer daddy was fightin’ white men den.  But dese are Injuns, an’ dey’ll scalp de wounded, an’ den tie ’em to a tree an’ burn ’em alive.  Den dey’ll come an’ carry off de women fo’ wives.  I’ll die befo’ I’ll be de wife of any ol’ Injun, I sure will.”

“Don’t you worry, Mammy,” Jean assured.  “The Indians are not going to come here.  The rangers and our men will be able to handle them.  I am not one bit afraid.”