ere you are; but,
unfortunately, you may not be safe even if we are not molested; for when
the Indians collect (even though the main body decide upon nothing),
there are always bands of five to ten Indians, who, having left their
homes, will not return if they can help it without some booty; these are
not regular warriors, or if warriors, not much esteemed by the tribe, in
fact, they are the worst classes of Indians, who are mere robbers and
banditti. You must, therefore be on the look-out for the visits of
these people. It is fortunate for you that old Bone has shifted his
abode so many miles to the westward, and that you are on such good terms
with him, as it is not very likely that any party of Indians can
approach you without his meeting with them or their track during his
excursions."

"That's true, Captain," observed Martin, "and I will go myself and put
him on his guard."

"But, will they not attack him before they attack us?" said Alfred.

"Why should they?" replied Sinclair. "He is as much an Indian almost as
they are, and is well known to most of them. Besides, what would they
gain by attacking him? These straggling parties, which you have to
fear, are in quest of booty, and will not expect to find anything in his
wigwam except a few furs. No, they will not venture near his rifle,
which they fear, when there is nothing to be obtained by so doing. I
mention this to you, Alfred, that you may be prepared, and keep a sharp
look-out. It is very possible that nothing of the kind may occur, and
that the winter may pass away without any danger, and I mention it to
you and Martin, as I consider that the probabilities are not sufficient
to warrant your alarming the other members of the family, especially the
female portion of it. How far you may consider it advisable to
communicate what has now passed to your father and Henry, it is for you
to decide. As I said before, I do not imagine you have much to fear
from a general attack; it is too late in the year, and we know that the
councils broke up without coming to any decision. You have only to fear
the attempts of small parties of marauders, and I think you are quite
strong enough, both in numbers and in the defences of your habitation,
to resist them successfully, if you are not suddenly surprised. That is
all that you have to fear; and now that you are warned, half the danger
is over."

"Well, Captain, I'll leave you now," said Martin, "I shall go over