d news of the enemy toward Fort Hunter, and marched the
next day. We hoped he might head them, but last night there was an
alarm, and we all went out into the street. People were hastening
to the Hall, and I went, too, being anxious, now that you are out
there alone somewhere in the darkness.

"Oh, Carus, the sky was all red and fiery behind Tribes Hill; and
women were crying and children sobbing all around me. I asked the
Ranger, Mount, if he had news of you, and he was gentle and kind,
and strove to comfort me, but he went away with his company on a
run, and I saw the militia assembling where the drummers stood
beating their drums in the torchlight.

"Somebody--a woman--said: 'It's hatchet and scalping again, and we
women will catch it now.'

"And then a child screamed, and its mother was too weak to carry
it, so I took it back for her to the jail.

"I sat in the jailer's room, thinking and thinking. Outside the
barred window I heard a woman telling how Butler's men had already
slain a whole family at Caughnawaga--an express having arrived with
news of horrors unspeakable.

"Dearest, it came to me like a flash of light what I must do--what
God meant me to do. Can you not understand, my darling? We are
utterly helpless here. I must go back to this man--to this man who
is riding hither with death on his right hand, and on his left
hand, death!

"Oh, Carus! Carus! my sin has found me out! It is written that man
should not put asunder those joined together. I have defied Him!
Yet He repays, mercifully, offering me my last chance.

"Sweetheart, I must take it. Can you not understand? This man is my
lawful husband; and as his wife, I dare resist him; I have the
right to demand that his Indians and soldiers spare the aged and
helpless. I must go to him, meet him, and confront him, and insist
that mercy be shown to these poor, terrified people. _And I must
pay the price!_

"Oh, Carus! Carus! I love you so! Pray for me. God keep you! I must
go ere it is too late. My horse is at Burke's. I leave this for
you. Dear, I am striving to mend a shattered life with sacrifice of
self--the sacrifice you taught me. I can not help loving you as I
do; but I can strive to be worthy of the man I love. This is the
only way!

"ELSIN GREY."

The woman had begun to speak again. I