fact that the real
object of our solicitude, wherever he may be, is released from the
terrible ban involved in the now cancelled warrant. Although many
months have elapsed without his making his appearance, I cannot but
hope that he is safe, as I may now mention to you in confidence that I
sent him, accompanied by the guide Boulanger, to Fort Duquesne in the
autumn, and under the peculiar circumstances many things might occur to
prolong his absence."

Well might Isidore's young wife fall once more upon her knees to pour
out her grateful heart in thanksgiving for tidings which changed her
sorrow and despair into joy and hope. Her guardian left her thus
engaged whilst he sought out Amoahmeh and communicated to her not only
the news of her freedom, but that which seemed to touch her far more
deeply, Marguerite's surrender of herself for the purpose of setting
her deliverer free.

The two friends were soon locked in each other's arms, and the baron
leaving them together went forth to make the needful arrangements for
relinquishing his post and proceeding with them to Quebec.

[Illustration: Tailpiece to Chapter V]

[Illustration: Headpiece to Chapter VI]

CHAPTER VI.

The month of July was drawing to an end, and the hot sun was glaring
down on the parched earth with an almost tropical heat. Even in the
dark recesses of the woods, where only here and there a ray could
penetrate the thick foliage, there was a sultry closeness that seemed
to overpower the wayfarer, instead of his being refreshed by a grateful
shade. Look at those two men yonder, one stretched at full length at
the foot of a pine-tree, the other kneeling by his side, and bending
over him, both apparently exhausted with fatigue. From their thin
hands and cheeks, bronzed as they are, one may well believe that want
of food has helped to reduce them to their sorry plight, whilst, as a
climax to their sufferings, one of them has been lamed by a snake bite,
to which the other is applying some large leaves just gathered near at
hand.

"'Tis hard upon us that it should come to this, just as we had got
within a few miles of our journey's end," said the man who was hurt.
"Listen! There is the firing again--a regular volley--and cannon too.
They are attacking Ticonderoga, that's certain, just as they did a
twelvemonth ago."

Here the speaker gave a groan, but not from pain.

"To think, monsieur," he added, "that you should be here, tending