for being at least a dozen foes, and fled over a
ridge before turning to see what had happened. The fall of the horse
had stunned the pastor, but the Indian leaped up and drew his knife.
Fortunately Jacob's rifle was a double-barrelled one. Uttering another
ferocious yell he fired, and by good fortune hit the right arm of the
Indian chief, who, dropping his knife, followed his companions like a
hunted stag. Jacob immediately dashed out of his ambush, lifted the
reverend gentleman on his own horse, which he had left in a hollow close
at hand, and brought him, as we have seen, safe back to the Fort.

Now, if the white men had been satisfied with this, all would have been
well, but The MacFearsome had been roused, as we have said, and set off
needlessly in pursuit of the savages. It chanced that the Blackfeet had
arranged to attack the Fort in two bands that night--advancing on it
from opposite directions. The consequence was that while MacFearsome
and his men were away after one band, the other--a much larger band--
ignorant of what had occurred to their comrades, advanced after dusk on
the Fort, and gave the signal for attack. They were surprised at
receiving no reply from their comrades, but did not delay the assault on
that account.

The men who had been left in charge of the Fort were quite worthy of the
trust. Stationing themselves a few yards apart all round the palisades
inside, they kept guard. Mr Tucker, armed with an axe-handle as a
bludgeon--for he objected to taking life if he could avoid it--mounted
guard at the gate. Pretty little Loo kept him company. The other women
were stationed so as to carry ammunition to the men, or convey orders
from the blacksmith who had been left in command.

"This is a sad interruption to your wedding," remarked the pastor, as he
leaned against the Fort gate, and examined his weapon.

"It is," assented Loo meekly, "but you will marry us to-morrow. My
father will return too late to have it done to-night, I fear."

"However late he comes we must get the ceremony over to-night, Loo, for
I positively cannot delay my journey another day. Indeed, even as it
is, I shall be late for the conference of my brethren. Hark! What
sound was that?"

"I heard nothing but the hoot of an owl," said Loo.

As she spoke an arrow, entering between the palisades, whizzed past her.
At the same moment a volley was fired from the other side of the Fort.

"Keep closer to the gate, Loo,