pen until the arrival of the
approaching horsemen.

The instant the alarm was given several of the garrison, who had
remained concealed, appeared from various quarters, and furiously
attacking the treacherous Indians, shot several of them down, the
remainder being allowed to make their escape through the gate, which was
immediately closed and strongly barred behind them.

So rapidly had everything been done that up to this time scarcely a
minute had elapsed since Le Brun had entered the fort.

Before it was perceived what he was about to do, the hump-backed Indian
had struck his knife into the breasts of those who had fallen, several
of whom were still struggling on the ground.

We must now return to the riding party. They cantered gaily on,
enjoying the pure fresh air, the exhilarating exercise, and the scenery,
notwithstanding that its general features were well known to them. To
the south and west extended the level prairies, covered in many places
with rich grass, though in others sandy and barren, while to the east
rose a ridge of tree-covered hills, through which the river forced its
way, bordered by maples, willows, and elms. On the other side of the
river the hills swept round, rising almost abruptly from its margin,
with here and there small fertile valleys dividing the heights. To the
south-east was a lake of some size, also fringed by graceful trees,
beyond which appeared another blue distant range, adding much to the
picturesque beauty of the landscape. On approaching the northern end of
the lake, they saw a splendid flock of pelicans floating on its calm
surface, sailing round and round, but as they got nearer, the birds
spreading their wings, flew majestically off until they disappeared in
the distance. Magpies, grackles, cat birds, and many other of the
winged tribe, appeared in considerable numbers among the trees, or
disporting themselves on the lake or river.

"It is so long since we have had a gallop, that I vote we take a good
long one," exclaimed Norman; and Sybil and Effie, whose spirits had also
risen, expressed their readiness to do as he proposed.

"Then let us take the circuit of the lake," said Norman. "I have gone
round it several times; and there is plenty of hard ground, though there
are some swampy places which it won't do to ride into."

They had, however, not gone far, when Norman, whose horse was higher
than those of his sisters, observed in the distance to the south-west