roops crossed in the canoes, to go against them?"

"Two time--one time, so many; t'other time, half so many. Nick close
by; count _him_."

"That would make three thousand in all! By George, this does look like
work. Did they all go together, Nick?"

"No; one time go first; fight, run away. Den two time go, fight good
deal--run away, too. Den try harder--set fire to wigwam--go up hill;
Yankee run away."

"This is plain enough, and quite graphical. Wigwam on fire? Charlestown
is not burnt, Nick?"

"Dat he--Look like old Council Fire, gone out. Big canoe fire--booh--
booh--Nick nebber see such war before--wah! Dead man plenty as leaves
on tree; blood run like creek!"

"Were you in this battle, Nick? How came you to learn so much about
it?"

"Don't want to be in it--better out--no scalp taken. Red-man not'in' to
do, dere. How know about him?--_See_ him--dat all. Got eye; why no
see him, behind stone wall. Good see, behind stone wall."

"Were you across the water yourself, or did you remain in Boston, and
see from a distance?"

"Across in canoe--tell red-coat, general send letter by Nick--major
say, he _my_ friend--let Nick go."

"My son was in this bloody battle, then!" said Mrs. Willoughby. "He
writes, Hugh, that he is safe?"

"He does, dearest Wilhelmina; and Bob knows us too well, to attempt
deception, in such a matter."

"Did you see the major in the field, Nick--after you crossed the water,
I mean?"

"See him, all. Six--two--seven t'ousand. Close by; why not see major
stand up like pine--no dodge he head, _dere_. Kill all round him--
no hurt _him_! Fool to stay dere--tell him so; but he no come
away. Save he scalp, too."

"And how many slain do you suppose there might have been left on the
ground--or, did you riot remain to see?"

"Did see--stay to get gun--knapsack--oder good t'ing--plenty about;
pick him up, fast as want him." Here Nick coolly opened a small bundle,
and exhibited an epaulette, several rings, a watch, five or six pairs
of silver buckles, and divers other articles of plunder, of which he
had managed to strip the dead. "All good t'ing--plenty as stone--have
him widout askin'."

"So I see, Master Nick--and is this the plunder of Englishmen, or of
Americans?"

"Red-coat nearest--got most t'ing, too. Go farder, fare worse; as pale-
face say."

"Quite satisfactory. Were there more red-coats left on the ground, or
more Americans?"

"Red-coat so," said Nick, holding up _four_ finge