rlos a _petit verre_ from a bottle he carried
at his side, when suddenly a shout was raised--"The Redskins! the
Redskins are upon us!"

"Stand to your arms, men!" cried Lejoillie, leaping up.

Carlos and I, following his example, seized our rifles; Tim did the
same. But the words produced a terrifying effect on the rest of our
companions, who, without waiting to ascertain the number of our enemies
or how far off they were, took to their heels, and scampered away,
leaving their hats, coats, and shoes behind them, many even forgetting
their rifles. In vain Carlos, Lejoillie, and I shouted to them to stop.

"Halt, ye villains! halt!" cried Tim, "or I'll be afther sendin' a shot
among ye that'll make a hole in one of your backs."

Tim's threat produced no effect, and away went our brave party, tumbling
over each other; and certainly, had the Redskins been close at hand,
every one of us would have been scalped.

The scout who had given the alarm, and who was a brave fellow, now
joined us, and explained that he had seen a large party of Indians in
the distance, making, as he supposed, towards the hummock; and that he
had shouted out, not supposing that his warning would have produced so
terrifying an effect.

Lejoillie directed him to hurry on, and try to induce the men to come
back for their clothes and arms; and to point out to them that should
their flight be discovered by the Indians, they would certainly follow,
believing they would obtain an easy victory; whereas, if we were to halt
and show a bold front, they would probably not attempt to molest us.

Tim accompanied the scout, and fortunately overtaking the fugitives,
gave them Lejoillie's message. Having pointed out that we had remained
behind, and that the Indians were still at a distance, they induced them
at length to come back and collect their scattered garments. We then
retreated at a rapid rate, in somewhat better order than before, as we
were anxious to get out of the hummock, where the Indians, had they
discovered us, would have taken us at a great disadvantage. In the open
prairie, or even in the pinewood, we should have no fear of the Indians,
though more numerous than ourselves, as our rifles would tell with more
deadly effect than their inferior arms or bows and arrows. I cannot say
that I felt very confident that, should an enemy appear, the Roseville
volunteers would not again cut and run. I must say, however, that most
of the heroes looke