w curiously. "He has quickly
forgotten the baleful portent of last night. I thought the daylight
would yield him new heart."

"And why not? 'Twas but a cloud, as all of us know now,--though I
confess it terrified me greatly at the time. You yourself seem not
even yet to have wholly shaken off its terror."

"'T is not the supernatural that so troubles me," I rejoined. "As you
may perceive yonder, Captain Wells rides forth with blackened face to
what he deems to be certain death. I acknowledge, Mademoiselle, that I
look forward to a serious clash of arms before we are rid of the
redskins, in spite of their pledges; and shall therefore keep close
beside you, hopeful that my arm may show you better service than my
tongue before nightfall."

Her eyes had grown grave as she listened; for I spoke with soberness,
and there crept into them a look that thrilled me. Before either could
speak again, Ensign Ronan rode up beside me.

"Wayland," he questioned anxiously, "what is this I hear about a
strange portent in the eastern sky last night? Saw you anything
terrifying there?"

"'T was no more serious than a cloud which chanced to assume the form
of a monster, and its aspect was most terrifying until we understood
the nature of its formation. Then it became merely an odd memory to
weave a tale about. Mademoiselle here saw it, and remains in most
excellent spirits nevertheless."

He lifted his hat to her, and stared hard at De Croix, who barely
nodded to his greeting.

"By Heavens!" he exclaimed, as if much relieved, "it seemed to me as if
Nature had conspired with those red demons yonder to sap our courage,
when first I heard the rumor. I am so convinced that there is trouble
afoot, that my nerves are all a-tingle at such mystery."

"Are the savages gathering without?"

"Ay! they are in mass of hundreds, awaiting us at the foot of the
mound, and have been since daybreak. See! the sentries are being
called down, and the men are at the gate levers. I must be back at my
post."

He held out his hand, and I clasped it warmly, feeling my heart go out
instantly to the brave, impetuous lad.

"You ride this day with the rear-guard," he said, lingering as if loath
to go, "and my duty lies with the van. We may not chance to meet
again, but the God we spoke about together last night will strengthen
our hearts to meet their duty. It matters not where men die, but how.
Good-bye, Mademoiselle! Captain de Croix, I wi