instant reply, "it is the gentle hand of love
which leads me westward, and never yet did a true Frenchman hesitate in
such a quest because danger lurked between."

Wells smiled grimly.

"Then my conscience is left clear," he exclaimed heartily; "and if you
ride with me to death, 'tis of your own choosing. However, glad enough
we have cause to be thus to gain two more fighting men. I have a party
of Miamis travelling with me, and I doubt not there will be ample work
for all before we return. Here comes supper; let us eat, drink, and be
merry, even though to-morrow it be our fate to die. 'T is the best
border philosophy."

CHAPTER V

THROUGH THE HEART OF THE FOREST

We lingered long over the wine,--for that which De Croix had furnished
proved excellent, and greatly stimulated our discourse. Yet, I must
confess, it was drunk chiefly by the Frenchman and Jordan; for Wells
barely touched his glass, while I had never acquired a taste for such
liquor. De Croix waxed somewhat boastful, toward the last; but we paid
small heed to him, for I was deeply interested in Captain Wells's
earlier experiences among the savages, which he related gravely and
with much detail. Jordan proved himself a reckless, roistering young
fellow, full of high spirits when in liquor; yet I formed an impression
that he stood well in his commander's favor, for the latter warned him
kindly to be more abstemious.

However late it may have been when we finally sought rest, we were
early astir the next morning. I despatched Seth upon his return
journey to the farm, bearing under his girdle as cheerful a note of
farewell as I could frame; and then, though it was scarce later than
sun-up, the rest of us were fairly upon the westward trail. There were
in the party thirty Miami Indians, strong, lusty-looking warriors, most
of them. The larger portion of them travelled in our advance, under
command of one of their chiefs; a smaller detachment acting in similar
manner as a rear-guard. The white men, as well as the negro, who
controlled a pack animal heavily laden with his master's baggage, were
on horseback; and it pleased me greatly,--for I was young and easily
flattered,--to have Captain Wells rein in his horse at my side as soon
as we were safely across the ford, leaving the Frenchman either to
companion with Jordan or ride alone.

I looked at De Croix curiously, as he moved forward with slow
carelessness in our front, for he had kept t