Each with uplifted arm now stood ready to strike, even while his heart throbbed with a sense of danger, that had far more than the mere dread of personal suffering or death to stimulate to exertion in self-defence.  Footsteps were now distinctly heard stealing round that part of the hut which bordered on the road; and the young men turned from the orchard, to which their attention had previously been directed, towards the new quarter whence they were intruded upon.

It was fortunate this mode of approach had been selected.  That part of the hut which rested on the road was so exposed as to throw the outline of objects into strong relief, whereas in the direction of the thickly wooded orchard all was impenetrable gloom.  Had the intruder stolen unannounced upon the alarmed but determined officers by the latter route, the dagger of the first would in all probability have been plunged to its hilt in his bosom.  As it was, each had sufficient presence of mind to distinguish, as it now doubled the corner of the hut, and reposed upon the road, the stout square-set figure of the Canadian.  The daggers were instantly restored to their sheaths, and each, for the first time since the departure of their companion, respired freely.

“It is quite well,” whispered the latter as he approached.  “It was my poor Babette, who tought I was gone to be kill.  She scream so loud, as if she had seen my ghost.  But we must wait a few minute in de house, and you shall see how glad my girl is to see me once again.”

“Why this delay, Francois? why not start directly?” urged the taller officer; “we shall never clear the river in time; and if the dawn catches us in the waters of the Detroit, we are lost for ever.”

“But you see I am not quite prepare yet,” was the answer.  “I have many tings to get ready for de canoe, which I have not use for a long times.  But you shall not wait ten minute, if you do not like.  Dere is a good fire, and Babette shall give you some ting to eat while I get it all ready.”

The young men hesitated.  The delay of the Canadian, who had so repeatedly urged the necessity for expedition while in the fort, had, to say the least of it, an appearance of incongruity.  Still it was evident, if disposed to harm them, he had full opportunity to do so without much risk of effectual opposition from themselves.  Under all circumstances, therefore, it was advisable rather to appear to confide implicitly in his truth, than, by manifesting suspicion, to pique his self-love, and neutralize whatever favourable intentions he might cherish in their behalf.  In this mode of conduct they were confirmed, by a recollection of the sacredness attached by the religion of their conductor to the oath so solemnly pledged on the symbol of the cross, and by a conviction of the danger of observation to which they stood exposed, if, as they had apprehended, it was actually a human footstep they had heard in the orchard.  This last recollection suggested a remark.