“Scrimmage last night; what do you mean, Corporal Nixon—­whom had you the scrimmage with?”

These remarks fell at the same moment from the lips of the commander and those of the surgeon, the latter rubbing his hands with delightful anticipation of the treat in store for him.

“With the Indians, captain,” replied Nixon; “the Indians that attacked Mr. Heywood’s farm.”

“Captain Headley,” interrupted the lieutenant, with unusual deference of manner, for he was anxious that no further reference should be made to the subject in presence of the invalids and women, who, attracted by the news of the arrival of the boat, had gathered around, partly from curiosity, partly for the purpose of getting their expected supply of fish, “do you not think it better to examine Corporal Nixon first, and then the others in turn?”

“Very true, Mr. Elmsley, I will examine them separately in the orderly-room to see how far their statements agree; yet one question you can answer here, corporal.  You say that it is the body of Le Noir, killed by the Indians.  Where is Mr. Heywood, then?”

The generous Elmsley felt faint, absolutely sick at heart on hearing this question; the very object be had in view in proposing this private examination was thereby threatened with discomfiture.

“Mr. Heywood has been carried off by the Indians,” calmly replied the corporal, yet perceptibly paling as he spoke.

“Indeed! this is unfortunate.  Let the men go to their barracks, and there remain until I send for them,” ordered the commandant.  “You, corporal, will come to me at the orderly-room, in half an hour from this.  That will be sufficient time for you to clean yourself, and take your breakfast.  None of your party, I presume, have had their breakfast yet?”

“No, your honor,” answered Green, who seemed to fancy that his wound gave him the privilege of a little license in the presence of his chief, “not unless an old turkey, the grandfather of fifty broods, and as tough as shoe-leather, can be called a breakfast.”

Captain Headley looked at the speaker sternly, but took no other notice of what he, evidently, deemed a very great liberty, than to demand how he presumed to disobey the order of the surgeon.  Then desiring him to proceed forthwith to the hospital and have his leg dressed, he himself withdrew after postponing the parade to one o’clock.

“And are you sure, Nixon, that Mr. Heywood has been carried off by the Indians,” asked Lieutenant Elmsley, the revulsion of whose feelings on hearing the corporal’s answer to the question put by Captain Headley had been in striking contrast with what he had experienced only a moment before; “are you quite sure of this?”

The interrogatory was put, immediately after the commanding officer had retired, doubtingly, in a low tone, and apart from the rest of the men.

“I saw them carry him off myself, sir,” again deliberately said the corporal.  “The whole of the party saw it too.”