ood is boiling in my veins; I must needs cool it! If these
laggard rulers, with their clumsy methods, cannot put an army in
the field before the spring, surely there are men enough amongst us
to go forth--a hardy band of woodsmen and huntsmen--and hunt and
harry, and slay and destroy, even as they have done!"

"That is what the Rangers do!" cried Stark, with kindling eyes; "I
have heard of them before this. The Rangers of New England have
done good work before now. Good thought, good thought! Why not form
ourselves into a band of Rangers? Are we not strong and full of
courage, seasoned to hardship, expert in our way with gun or axe?
Why should we lie idle here all the long winter through? Why not
let us forth to the forest--find out where help is needed most, and
make here a dash and there a raid, striking terror into the hearts
of the foe, and bringing help and comfort to those desolate
inhabitants of the wilderness who go in terror of their lives? Why
not be a party of bold Rangers, scouring the forests, and doing
whatever work comes to hand? Men have banded themselves together
for this work before now; why may not we do the like?"

"Why not, indeed?" cried Fritz, leaping to his feet. "I pine in the
restraint of this town; I long for the forest and the plain once
more. My blood, too, is hot within me at the thought of what has
been done and will be done again. Let us band ourselves together as
brothers in arms. There must be work and to spare for those who
desire it."

Ashley thoughtfully stroked his chin, looking round the circle
before him. He was a shrewd and thoughtful man, and there was
nothing of cowardice in his nature, although he was cautious and
careful.

"It is not a bad thought, Nephew John," he said; "and yet I had
been thinking of something different for some of you intrepid and
adventurous youths to do. I had thought of sending news of the
state of parties here to our friends and kinsmen in England. When
all is said and done, it is to England that we must look for help.
She must send us generals to command us, and she must help us with
her money. There are many families across the water who would open
their purses on our behalf right generously were our sad case made
known to them. Letters are sent continually, but it is the spoken
tale that moves the heart. I had thought to send across myself to
such of our friends and families as still regard us as belonging to
them. If they made a response such