n, in which Albany was becoming keenly
interested. The neighbouring provinces, particularly that of
Massachusetts, had awakened at last from lethargy, and the
inhabitants were bestirring themselves with zeal, if not always
with discretion. The Colonel, who had warmly embraced the English
cause, was doing what he could there to raise arms and men, and his
wife at home was playing her part in caring for the fugitives who
kept passing through on their way from the forest, both after the
massacre at Fort William Henry, and after the rout of the Rangers.

Rogers himself was too restless a being to remain in the haunts of
civilization. He and a few picked men were again off to the forest.
But Stark, who had been wounded, and Lord Howe, who was awaiting
orders from England as to his position in command during the
approaching campaign, remained as guests with Mrs. Schuyler; and
she at once begged that Fritz and his companions would do the same,
since her house was roomy, and she desired to do all in her power
for those who were about to risk their lives in the endeavour to
suppress the terrible Indian raids, and to crush the aggressions of
those who used these raids as a means of obtaining their own
aggrandizement.

It was a pleasant house to stay in, and Mrs. Schuyler was like a
mother to them all. For Lord Howe she entertained a warm affection,
which he requited with a kindred feeling.

All was excitement in Albany now. General Abercromby was on the way
to take the command of the forces; but Lord Howe was to have a
position of considerable importance, and it was whispered by those
who knew what went on behind the scenes that it was to his skill
and courage and military prowess that Pitt really looked. He
received private dispatches by special messengers, and his bright
young face was full of purpose and lofty courage.

The Massachusetts levies began to assemble, and Howe took the raw
lads in hand, and began to drill them with a wonderful success. But
it was no play work to be under such a commander. They had come for
once rather well provided with clothing and baggage; but Howe
laughed aloud at the thought of soldiers encumbering themselves
with more impedimenta than was actually needful.

The long, heavy-skirted coats which the soldiers wore, both
regulars and provincials, excited his ridicule, as did also the
long hair plaited into a queue behind and tied with ribbons.

His own hair he had long since cut short to hi