left on the banks of the Maumee; as my eyes filled at the memory I
drove it from me, for the present necessity was all too stern to permit
indulgence in such weakness.

'T was of the women and children I thought most, and their probable
fate if we failed to win a passage. The half-framed thought of such a
possibility made my heart throb with dread apprehension, as I set my
lips together in firm resolve. What had become of Roger Matherson's
orphan child? 'T was indeed strange that I could gain no trace of the
little girl. At the Fort they said she was with the Kinzies, at
Kinzies' they told me she was at the Fort. It was, as Seth had
prophesied, like seeking after a will-o'-the-wisp; yet surely she must
be in the flesh somewhere. My plain duty was to find her at once; and
I resolved to take up the task anew that day, and question every one I
met till some trace yielded to my persistency. However, I needed first
to sleep; but as I resolutely closed my eyes, there came gliding into
my memory another face,--an arch, happy face, with softly rounded
cheeks and dark laughing eyes, a face that mirrored a hundred moods,
and back of them all a sweet womanly tenderness to make every mood a
new and rare delight. Toinette!--never before was woman's name so
pleasant to my lips. Ignorant as I was in mysteries of the heart, I
knew not clearly whether I loved her, though this I knew beyond
cavil,--no savage hand should ever touch her while I lived; and if I
had to fight each step of the path from that accursed spot to Wayne, I
swore within my heart she should come safe through. Her gentle memory
was with me when all the rest yielded to the drowsy god, and in sheer
exhaustion I slept--to dream.

CHAPTER XIX

A CONFERENCE AND A RESOLVE

"To my mind, the risk would be extreme; and I greatly doubt the wisdom
of the step."

"But, William, what other alternative offers us any hope?"

"I confess I know not, for your last mistake has greatly aggravated the
situation."

I sat up hastily, for seemingly these words were spoken at the very
side of the bunk on which I lay. As I glanced about me I saw the room
was vacant; so I knew the conference thus accidentally overheard must
be taking place in an adjoining apartment. I was thoroughly awake when
Captain Heald's voice spoke again.

"You say a mistake,--what mistake?" he questioned, as though aggrieved.
"I have done no more than simply obey the orders of my superior
offi