re would say, and I do so long to see them that it
seems as though I couldn't wait until to-morrow evening. You said we
would be there by this time to-morrow, you remember, Mr. Cuyler, and a
promise is a promise, you know."

"I did say so, Miss Edith, and I think I may safely repeat my promise,
provided we make camp a little later than usual this evening, and get
started again by daylight to-morrow morning," answered the middle-aged
lieutenant, who sat just back of the ladies and steered the boat. "Yon
far-reaching land," he continued, "is Point Pelee, and from there the
fort is only about twenty-five miles away."

"Then to-night's camp is to be our last," reflected Edith, soberly.
"Well, I must confess that for some reasons I am sorry. I have so
enjoyed the glorious camp-fires, and the singing, and the stories, and
the stars, and the ripple of the water on the beach, and the
sweet-scented balsam beds, and everything; haven't you, aunty?"

"Yes, dear. I suppose I have," replied Madam Rothsay. "But I am not
sure that I shall not enjoy quite as much a substantial roof over my
head, sitting at a regularly appointed table, and sleeping between
sheets once more; for I take it such things are to be had, even in
Detroit, are they not, Mr. Cuyler?"

"Yes, indeed, madam," replied the lieutenant. "You will find there all
the necessities, as well as many of the luxuries of civilization; for
Detroit is quite a metropolis, I assure you."

"Just fancy!" exclaimed Edith, "a metropolis buried a month deep in the
wilderness. And I suppose the officers get up dances and receptions
and excursions and boating parties, or something of that kind, very
often?"

"All the time; and if they are not enjoying some of those things at
this very minute, it is only because they await your coming to crown
their festivities with completeness."

"Nonsense! They don't know we are coming."

"I beg your pardon, but Major Gladwyn was notified some months ago that
he might expect the arrival of this expedition some time about the
first of June."

"The expedition, yes; but us, no. We are to appear as a delightful
surprise, you know. Oh dear! what fun it will be! By the way, Mr.
Cuyler, are there many pretty girls in this forest metropolis?"

"I believe some of the native young ladies, both French and Indian, are
considered quite attractive," replied the lieutenant, evasively.

"Oh, squaws! But they don't count, you know. I mean Englis