the letter into a ball, and poured
some whisky with a steady hand. I sprang to my feet, heated by
excitement and indignation. The three officers had been listening; they
dropped their cards, and hastened across the room to us.

"Can this be true?" I cried.

"I believe it," said Macdonald. "It's bad news, and I only hope it won't
be the spark to fire the blaze. But my duty is clear all the same, and I
intend to act promptly. Not through Walker and the colonists, though; we
must strike direct from the fort. Let me see; Lagarde's store is eight
miles from here--six north of the settlement. There is no time to lose,
for it is past midnight. The messenger has not gone, Stirling?"

"No, sir; he is waiting," replied the clerk.

"Start him back at once," directed the factor. "Bid him tell Walker to
do nothing in the matter--that I have taken it into my hands. And he is
to be careful that not a word of the affair gets out. I don't want
anything known until it is all over. I can't trust the colonists; they
are too hot headed and reckless."

"Very good, sir."

"You may go. Be quick."

The clerk hurried off, and Macdonald turned to the officers.

"Lieutenant Boyd, I am going to put this mission into your hand," he
said, "and I hope you understand its delicate nature. Take twenty men
armed and mounted. Follow the road that swings off to the left of the
settlement, and then ride straight on to Lagarde's; the night is dark,
and the crust is in fine condition for horses. These are your orders:
First make sure that the ruffians have a prisoner; then compel them to
deliver him up. But let there be no fighting or bloodshed, if possible.
Don't fire a shot unless you are fired on yourselves."

"I understand, sir," replied the officer. "I will do my best. With
your permission I will take McKay and Nicoll"--pointing to his
fellow-officers. "And perhaps Mr. Carew would like to come?"

"With all my heart!" I exclaimed eagerly; for the adventure promised to
be to my taste.

A moment later, Macdonald, having added a few words of instruction, we
were out of the house and hastening toward the men's quarters.

CHAPTER XL.

A STARTLING CHANGE.

We found a few men up, but most of them had turned in, and thus some
little time was lost in selecting and rousing them. As quietly as
possible--for we did not want to alarm the whole fort--the horses were
led out and saddled. The