mistake, and been caught by the enemy.
The rest of the men were more accustomed to the river, or to conduct the
sleighs or beasts of burden between the different posts. Robin having
taken a good supper, and examined his gun and ammunition, declared
himself ready to start. The night was dark, and unless any of the Sioux
should have crept up to the fort for the purpose of watching us, he was
not likely to be discovered on leaving it. Alick, Martin, and I
accompanied him to the gate, and each of us warmly wrung his hand.

"May Heaven protect you," said Alick. "Be cautious, my boy, and don't
run any unnecessary risk."

We concealed our lanterns, lest the enemy might perceive the light as
the gate was opened, and suspect that some one was leaving the fort. We
stood for some moments watching our young friend till he disappeared in
the darkness, when the gate was again carefully closed.

I believed that Alick half repented allowing him to go now he had set
out, for he had endeared himself to us all, and we felt how deeply we
should grieve should any harm happen to him.

CHAPTER SIX.

EXTREME VIGILANCE IN THE FORT--FIRE!--THE CHARGE OF THE BLACKFEET--THEIR
TERRIFIC WAR-WHOOP--THE BLACKFEET RETIRE--THE SECOND ATTACK--"DOWN WITH
THE SPALPEENS"--A FRIENDLY WAR-WHOOP HEARD JUST AS AFFAIRS HAVE BECOME
DESPERATE--THE BLACKFEET RETREAT--OUR INDIAN ALLIES ENJOY A
SCALP-DANCE--HAVING EATEN ALL OUR PROVISIONS, THEY INVITE US TO
ACCOMPANY THEM ON A HUNTING EXPEDITION--ROBIN'S BADGER--THE BUFFALO
HUNT--THE HERD OF MOOSE--WATCHFULNESS OF THE MOOSE--THE "SUNJEGWUN"--THE
CREE CHIEF'S WARNING--WE START FOR THE FORT.

There was to be no sleep for us that night. Alick and I were
continually going our rounds, to see that all the men were on the alert.

As soon as Robin had set out I went to the tower nearest to the gate,
and watched anxiously for any sign which would show that he had been
discovered by the Sioux. I stayed as long as I could venture to do, but
all remained perfectly quiet in the direction I supposed he had taken.
So far this was satisfactory; I knew how well acquainted he was with the
ways of the Indians, and that he was not likely to be surprised. His
ear would be quick to detect the sound of their approach; his keen eye
would be able to pierce far through the gloom of night. Should any
parties, therefore, be moving about, I trusted that he would manage to
avoid them.

Midnight came at last, and so tranquil