as he trusts them.  He is, besides, a great friend of Sau-ga-nash, the half-breed Wyandot; and that friendship is a great protection.  His house is across the river, a little to the east of the Fort; it can easily be seen from the summit of the stockade.  But we have had no direct communication for several days; the orders have been very strict since the gates were closed.  It is not safe for our soldiers to venture outside except in force, and neither Kinzie nor any of his family have lately visited us.  Doubtless they feel that to do so might arouse the suspicion of their Indian friends.”

“But are you sure they are there, and safe?  And do you believe the one I seek will be found with them?”

“Smoke rises from the chimney, as usual, and there was a light burning there last evening.  We do not know certainly that your friend is there, but think such is the case, as she was extremely friendly with a young French girl in their employ named Josette La Framboise.”

I sat in silence for some time, thinking, and neglectful of the conversation being carried on around me by the others, until we were called to supper by the soldier who officiated as steward for the officers’ mess.  I remember many details of the situation, as they were frankly discussed in my presence while we lingered at the table; yet my own reflections were elsewhere, as I was endeavoring to determine my duty regarding the safety of her whom I had come so far to aid.  Surely, my first object now must be to ascertain where she was, in order to be at her service when the hour for departure came.  Nor had I any time to spare, if we were to march out on the fifteenth.  I cannot describe, at this late day, how strangely my allegiance wavered, in that hour, between the unknown, unseen girl, and the fair, vivacious Toinette.  My heart drew me toward the one, my clear duty to the other; and I could see no way out of the dilemma except to find Elsa Matherson without delay, in order that the two should be close together where, as need arose, I could stand between them and whatever of evil impended.

I fear I was an indifferent guest, for I was never nimble of tongue, and that night I was more silent than usual.  However, De Croix most effectually hid my retirement by his rare good-humor and the sparkling badinage with which he concentrated all attention upon himself, and was consequently soon in the happiest of moods.  I know not how the fellow succeeded in working the miracle, but he sat at the board, upon Mrs. Helm’s left hand, powdered and curled as if he were gracing a banquet at the Tuileries.  His ruffled shirt, glittering buckles, and bright blue waistcoat, were startling amid such homely surroundings; while his neatly folded handkerchief of lace exhaled a delicate perfume.  Deeply as I was immersed in my own thoughts and plans, I could not help admiring his easy grace, and more than once forgot myself in listening to his marvellous tales and witty anecdotes.