rpose, for their hearts beat in sympathy for the anxious father and
mother.

'Lead on, Dour, gude dog,' said Andrew; 'ye dootless ken the way.
We'll keep close ahind ye.'

The intelligent animal, fully grasping his master's meaning, set off at
once straight for the fort, the men following at a rapid jog-trot, in
order not to be left behind. When they arrived at the fort they found
the gate closed, but, as Dour was insistent about entering, Mr. Macrae
did not hesitate to rap loud and long upon the stout timber with the
butt of his pistol.

For some time there was no response, for although those inside had not
yet gone to bed, they were all so engrossed in drinking, smoking,
talking, or gambling that they did not hear him. At last a rough voice
was heard demanding in a surly tone: 'What do you want? Who are you?'

'I want to see the Governor of the Fort,' replied Mr. Macrae, in a tone
that had no uncertain sound about it.

'He no see you now. He busy,' was the growling reply, as the speaker
turned to go away.

'But I maun see him, and that richt awa,' retorted Mr. Macrae, and at
his signal the whole party fell to smiting the gate with their heavy
pistol butts. This thundering tattoo evidently impressed the man
inside, for he came back to the gate, and, in a slow, sulky fashion,
proceeded to unfasten the stout bars that held it. Opening it a couple
of inches, he peered suspiciously at the importunate callers, but the
latter gave him no time to scrutinize them; for, led by Mr. Macrae,
they threw themselves upon the heavy gate, forced it wide open, and
charged through ere the bewildered Metis realized their purpose.

There was no difficulty in distinguishing the factor's residence, for
it fairly blazed with light, and thither the group of stern, stalwart
men directed their steps, Dour, satisfied that they knew what they were
about, keeping close at his master's heels.

The door of the house stood wide open, but Mr. Macrae did not attempt
to enter without first rapping in a proper manner. His summons brought
out a young lad, evidently from Scotland, who showed a very different
spirit from the surly half-breed at the gate. 'Ye wad hae a word wi'
the Governor, eh?' he asked, with a pleasant smile. 'Just bide ye
there, an' I'll gie him yer message.'

He disappeared into the room at the right, and Mr. Macrae prepared
himself to address the important official he had asked for. But he was
not to have that privi