marsh; at one time they were engaged in the erection of a
mill, at another the building of a schooner; at one time they were
making a wharf, at another laying out roads or clearing land; at one
time they were furnishing supplies and cordwood to the garrison, at
another in burning and shipping lime." In addition to this they owned
and employed a score of vessels, both schooners and sloops, which plied
not only on the river, but beyond the Bay to distant ports.

It was only natural that the commanding officer of Fort Howe should
call upon the senior partner of the company for advice and assistance
in time of need. And two serious problems had now been thrust upon
him. One was the care and disposal of the three thousand Loyalists;
the other, the arrival of Dane Norwood with news of threatening trouble
up river.

"How many vessels have you on hand?" the Major asked.

"Only a few," Simonds replied. "But I expect several more in a few
days. The _Peggy & Molly_ is already spoken for by the people on the
_Union_. They haven't disembarked, as they plan to go up river at
once."

"And you say the _Polly_ arrived last night?"

"Yes, and she is unloading now."

"Well, I want you to keep her for Colonel Sterling, and a number of
other people."

"So the Colonel is going to leave, is he? I was hoping that he would
stay here. Where does he expect to settle?"

"It is not decided yet. However, we shall know in a few days when the
lots are drawn."

"There will be a big load, I suppose. They'll want to take their
boards, shingles, and household effects, no doubt."

"Yes, if you can manage it; otherwise Leavitt will have to make two
trips. And there is something else I want to send."

The Major leaned forward, and touched the letter lying upon the table.

"I received this yesterday from Davidson," he explained, "and he
requests immediate help."

"He does? What's wrong?"

"The slashers are giving him no end of trouble. There is danger of a
serious outbreak, and he has not enough men to cope with the situation."

"So he wants you to send soldiers?"

"He does, and at once. But I cannot spare any men now, as I have
barely enough to guard this place. There are rebels in our midst, and
it is hard to tell what mischief they are planning."

"How do you know that?" the trader asked in surprise. "I thought they
were all up river."

"And so did I until last night. But the young man who brought this
letter from