tiac, a man who I
honestly believe would be unexcelled among the commanders of the world
had he the advantages of education and environment, it is certain to
prove a very formidable affair."

"Do I understand you, sir, that this outbreak has already taken place?"
demanded Ensign Christie, who had just been assigned to his first
independent command,--that of Presque Isle.

"My private despatches from Major Hester give me every reason for that
belief," was the answer; "though Gladwyn does not mention it. Ensign
Hester, who brings these despatches, confirms his father's warning.
He, moreover, informs me that the Senecas have joined the conspiracy,
he and his companion having had a narrow escape from a west-bound party
of that tribe. As it was, the Indians stole their canoe, leaving them
to make their way on foot for over two hundred miles through the forest
to this place. Thus, too, they missed meeting with Cuyler's command,
which they were charged to warn of the threatened danger."

"May I ask if this is Ensign Hester?" inquired Christie, turning with
an engaging smile toward the leather-clad young stranger.

"Bless my soul! Yes. Haven't you met him? Ensign Christie and
Paymaster Bullen, permit me to present Ensign Donald Hester of the
60th, son of my dear friend the major, and brother of the very
prettiest girl I know. By the way, lad, I believe I haven't told you
the worst bit of news yet. It is that your giddy sister has persuaded
Madam Rothsay to take her to Detroit as a delightful surprise for your
father. They accompany Cuyler's expedition by especial permission of
the general, who of course never doubted that in a time of profound
peace the journey might be made in safety. And Cuyler, who did not
expect to leave before this time, has already been gone a week, his
movements having been greatly hastened, I fancy, by impetuous Miss
Edith."

"I had already heard something of this," answered Donald, with a
meaning glance at the two officers, "and had made up my mind to start
at once on Cuyler's trail, with a view to overtaking and--please
God--warning him in time."

"So be it, lad. Much as I hate to have you go without first taking a
spell of rest, it is so clearly the thing to do that I cannot but bid
you God-speed," exclaimed Sir William.

"Mr. Hester," said Christie, "I beg you will forgive and forget the
rudeness of which I was guilty a few minutes since. I ought to have
recognized a gentleman a