f the Frenchman?"

"No such good fortune," was the grave response. "Captain Heald desires
his company upon an immediate mission to the Pottawattomie camp."

"Oh, is that all? Well, Captain de Croix will hardly be found
sufficiently recovered from his late adventure to enter upon another
one so early. 'T is in my thought he either sleeps or is prinking
himself for more pleasant conquests. But why worry him? In my
judgment, no poorer choice could be made for so serious a task as you
propose. He is a mere French courtier,--brave enough, and rash, I
grant, yet without knowledge of Indian ways and treachery. Might not I
answer better as his substitute?"

"You?"

"Ay! and why not? I am frontier-bred, long trained in woodcraft and
savage ways, and surely far better fitted for such a task than is this
petted darling of the courts. Were it a flirtation, now, the post
might be truly his."

"'T is true, you would be my choice; but do you realize the peril
involved?"

"Fully, my friend, yet scarce think it so desperate as you imagine. It
is my judgment the savages yonder are seeking bigger game than so small
a party would afford, and will therefore allow us to go free. However,
if it should prove otherwise," and I spoke the words with a sore heart
as I recalled what had just occurred, "I am a lone man in the world,
and to such an one death is not so terrible, even at Indian hands.
Come, I will go with you to confer with Captain Heald, and offer him my
services. He can do no more than refuse."

Helm offered no further objection, doubtless feeling it useless in my
venturesome mood; and we crossed the parade together without speaking.

Captain Wells was the first to see me as we entered, and some instinct
told him instantly of my purpose.

"Ah, Wayland, my boy! I have been troubled lest you might chance to
hear of our plight, and jump in. Come now, lad! 't was not you we sent
after, nor can we use you in so grave a matter."

"And pray, why not?" I questioned, a little touched by this evidence of
kindness, yet firmly determined to keep my pledge to Mademoiselle. "I
am a better man for such deeds than the Frenchman, and am eager to go."

"So this is not your Captain de Croix?" said Captain Heald, eying me
curiously. "Saint George! but he is a big fellow,--the same who made
the race last night, or I mistake greatly. And what is this man's
name?"

"It is John Wayland," I answered, anxious to impress him fav