om one another, that they might the more readily find sufficient game
to support them, and to meet at the Coos Intervale land at the mouth of
the Ammonusuc River. That was the place to which he had requested
Amherst to send the supplies.

[Sidenote: THE AMBUSCADE]

Our Mohegan Indians left us, and went south toward their home, for they
thought the hunting would be better in that direction and the risk no
greater. They reached home without losing a man.

Edmund, McKinstry, Amos, and I were with Rogers's party. The Indians
pursued us closely. We came to a narrow valley, and Rogers said:--

"We'll try an ambuscade on them, and see how they like it. After you
enter the valley, get up into the woods on either side. Don't fire till
they are well in the valley."

The rear portion of our party were exchanging shots with the Indians,
dodging from tree to tree. They came down the valley followed by the
redskins. When they were well in the trap, we opened fire on the Indians
and killed a number. They began to run back. We reloaded hastily, and,
after pouring a second volley into them, rushed on them. McKinstry
knocked an Indian down, but was shot by another, whom I killed with my
hatchet. I turned to McKinstry. He lay on the ground gasping for breath,
shot through the body.

"It's all up with me, Ben."

I tried to staunch the blood.

"It's no use; I feel I'm dying. I always liked you, Ben. May your life
be happy. Good-by."

He closed his eyes, and his breast heaved hard as he drew short, quick
breaths. Presently he opened his eyes again. He did not notice me, but
seemed to see something above him. A smile came over his face, and he
said:--

"Yes, Mary, I'm coming, dear."

Then his breathing ceased. We buried him in the valley, levelled the
grave, threw wood on it, and burnt the brush around that the ashes might
conceal the spot where he was laid. Then we hurried on again.

Three days later two of Ensign Avery's men joined us, and reported that
some of them had been captured by the Indians, and that several had been
tortured and burnt at the stake. These two had escaped in the night,
while the Indians were dancing round their companions. The next day the
few who were left of Avery's party met us.

[Sidenote: A CHOICE MORSEL]

We marched along, keeping a sharp lookout for squirrels, chipmunks, or
any kind of animal that might serve as food. Thus we travelled over
rocky mountains and through wet swamps, pursued by I