tish north of Lake Champlain made
raid after raid into American territory, destroying what they could not
carry off.

Rolf and Quonab were sent to scout in that country and if possible give
timely notice of raiders in force.

The Americans were averse to employing Indians in warfare; the British
entertained no such scruples and had many red-skinned allies. Quonab's
case, however, was unusual, since he was guaranteed by his white
partner, and now he did good service, for he knew a little French and
could prowl among the settlers without anyone suspecting him of being an
American scout.

Thus he went alone and travelled far. He knew the country nearly to
Montreal and late in July was lurking about Odletown, when he overheard
scattered words of a conversation that made him eager for more. "Colonel
Murray--twelve hundred men--four hundred men--"

Meanwhile Rolf was hiding in the woods about La Colle Mill. Company
after company of soldiers he saw enter, until at least five hundred were
there. When night came down, he decided to risk a scarer approach. He
left the woods and walked cautiously across the open lands about.

The hay had been cut and most of it drawn in, but there was in the
middle of the field a hay-cock. Rolf was near this when he heard sounds
of soldiers from the mill. Soon large numbers came out, carrying their
blankets. Evidently there was not room for them in the mill, and they
were to camp on the field.

The scout began to retreat when sounds behind showed that another
body of soldiers was approaching from that direction and he was caught
between the two. There was only one place to hide and that was beneath
the haycock. He lifted its edge and crawled under, but it was full of
thistles and brambles; indeed, that was why it was left, and he had the
benefit of all the spines about him.

His heart beat fast as he heard the clank of arms and the trampling;
they came nearer, then the voices became more distinct. He heard
unmistakable evidence too that both bodies were camping for the night,
and that he was nearly surrounded. Not knowing what move was best he
kept quiet. The men were talking aloud, then they began preparing their
beds and he heard some one say, "There's a hay-cock; bring some of
that."

A soldier approached to get an armful of the hay, but sputtered out a
chapter of malediction as his bare hands touched the masses of thistle
and briers. His companions laughed at his mishap. He went to t