urned their faces northward, and are very likely to carry out
their hostile intentions."

"This is important information you give, Maysotta," I observed, "and we
thank you for it. Are you certain if is correct?"

"My father is never deceived," she answered. "He believes that the farm
will certainly be attacked, and that if those living there are not
prepared, they will run a great risk of being cut off."

The lieutenant and I had dismounted, and were holding our horses by the
bridle, while we talked to the Indian girl.

"If I could get hold of these deserters, I should feel warranted in
returning to assist your friends," observed the lieutenant to me. "But
do you think that we can depend upon the information this girl gives
us?"

"I feel sure that we may," I answered. "And as I should not like to be
absent while Clarice and Uncle Jeff are exposed to danger, I would
certainly urge you to return. Perhaps our friend here may be able to
assist us in discovering the runaways!"

I turned to Maysotta and asked her whether she or any of her people had
seen the two truants, or had observed the light of a camp-fire anywhere
in the forest.

"Are you seeking for any one?" she asked.

I told her that two of the lieutenant's men, forgetful of their duty,
had gone off by themselves, and that they might now be of use, could
they be discovered, in defending the farm.

"Will they be punished for what they have done?" she inquired.

I told the lieutenant what she said.

"Not if they return to their duty," he answered.

"Then I think I can lead you to where they are," said Maysotta. "I
observed the light of a small fire reflected in the sky some little way
from this, and I feel sure that it must have been kindled by the men you
speak of."

"At all events, we will approach cautiously," said the lieutenant. "If
my men are there, we shall have no difficulty in recovering them; or
should the fire prove to be at the camp of hostile Indians, we shall be
able to retreat unobserved."

Maysotta had no fear on the latter point, and advising us to picket our
horses where we then were, she led the way towards the point she had
described. In many places the thick foliage prevented the moonbeams
from penetrating through the forest, and we could with difficulty
distinguish the figure of our conductress, at so rapid a rate did she
glide on through the forest.

"I hope that the girl is not deceiving us," observed the lieutenant.