he reflected, moreover, that even now it was probable he was lurking within the precincts of the fort with a view to the destruction of all that it contained,—­when, in short, he thought of the imminent danger that must attend them should he be suffered to escape,—­he felt the necessity of precaution, and determined on his measures, even at the risk of manifesting a prudence which might be construed unfavourably.  On re-entering his apartments, he found his orderly, who, roused by the midnight tumult, stood waiting to receive the commands of his chief.

“Desire Major Blackwater to come to me immediately.”

The mandate was quickly obeyed.  In a few seconds a short, thick-set, and elderly officer made his appearance in a grey military undress frock.

“Blackwater, we have traitors within the fort.  Let diligent search be made in every part of the barracks for a stranger, an enemy, who has managed to procure admittance among us:  let every nook and cranny, every empty cask, be examined forthwith; and cause a number of additional sentinels to be stationed along the ramparts, in order to intercept his escape.”

“Good Heaven, is it possible?” said the Major, wiping the perspiration from his brows, though the night was unusually chilly for the season of the year:—­” how could he contrive to enter a place so vigilantly guarded?”

“Ask me not how, Blackwater,” returned the Governor seriously; “let it suffice that he has been in this very room, and that ten minutes since he stood where you now stand.”

The Major looked aghast.—­“God bless me, how singular!  How could the savage contrive to obtain admission? or was he in reality an Indian?”

“No more questions, major Blackwater.  Hasten to distribute the men, and let diligent search be made every where; and recollect, neither officer nor man courts his pillow until dawn.”

The “Major” emphatically prefixed to his name was a sufficient hint to the stout officer that the doubts thus familiarly expressed were here to cease, and that he was now addressed in the language of authority by his superior, who expected a direct and prompt compliance with his orders.  He therefore slightly touched his hat in salutation, and withdrew to make the dispositions that had been enjoined by his Colonel.

On regaining the parade, he caused the men, already forming into companies and answering to the roll-call of their respective non-commissioned officers, to be wheeled into square, and then in a low but distinct voice stated the cause of alarm; and, having communicated the orders of the Governor, finished by recommending to each the exercise of the most scrutinising vigilance; as on the discovery of the individual in question, and the means by which he had contrived to procure admission, the safety of the whole garrison, it was evident, must depend.

The soldiers now dispersed in small parties throughout the interior of the fort, while a select body were conducted to the ramparts by the officers themselves, and distributed between the sentinels already posted there, in such numbers, and at such distances, that it appeared impossible any thing wearing the human form could pass them unperceived, even in the obscurity that reigned around.