d not weaken his
force in the fort; no, you would have to retreat to the fort, and leave
your farm to the mercy of the Indians."

"It certainly would be the wisest plan of the two," replied Alfred; "at
all events, we could send the women. But the Indians have not come yet,
and we must hope that they will not."

The conversation was then changed, and in half an hour more they arrived
at the fort.

Alfred was welcomed at the fort by Colonel Forster, with whom he was a
great favorite. The Colonel could not refrain from expressing his
opinion, that Mr. Campbell and his family were in a position of some
danger, and lamenting that the female portion of the family, who had
been brought up with such very different prospects, should be so
situated. He even ventured to hint that if Mrs. Campbell and the two
Misses Percival would pass the winter in the fort he would make
arrangements to accommodate them. But Alfred at once replied, that he
was convinced no inducement would persuade his mother or cousins to
leave his father; they had shared his prosperity, and they would cling
to him in adversity; that they all were aware of what they would have to
risk before they came out, and his father preferred a life of honorable
independence attended with danger, to seeking the assistance of others.

"But still I can not perceive any reason for the ladies remaining to
encounter the danger."

"The more we are, the stronger we are to repel danger," replied Alfred.

"But women surely will only be an incumbrance!"

"I think differently," replied Alfred. "Young and delicate as my cousins
are, they will not shrink any more than my mother when their services
are required. They now can all of them use a rifle, if required, and to
defend a house, a determined woman is almost as effective as a man.
Depend upon it, if it comes to the necessity, they will do so. You see,
therefore, Colonel, that by taking away our ladies, you will weaken our
force," continued Alfred, laughing.

"Well, my dear fellow, I will press it no more. Only recollect that I
shall always be ready to send you any assistance when required."

"I have been thinking, Colonel Forster, that, as we have no horses at
present, if you have any rockets, they might be useful in such a case.
At the distance we are from you a rocket would be seen immediately if
fired at night, and I promise you, that it shall not be fired without
great necessity."

"I am glad that you have mentioned i