CHAPTERXXIII。
WhathadtheEternallMakerneedofthee，Theworldinhiscontinuallcoursetokeepe，Thatdoestallthingsdeface？nelettestseeThebeautieofhisworke？Indeedeinsleepe，TheslouthfullbodythatdothlovetosteepeHislustlesselimbs，anddrownehisbasermind，Dothpraisetheeoft，andoftfromStygiandeepe，Callestheehisgoddesse，inhiserrourblind，AndgreatdameNature’shand-maide，chearingeverykinde。
_FaerieQueene。_
Thetranquillityofthepreviousnightwasnotcontra-
dictedbythemovementsoftheday。AlthoughMabelandJunewenttoeveryloophole，notasignofthepres-
enceofalivingbeingontheislandwasatfirsttobeseen，themselvesexcepted。TherewasasmotheredfireonthespotwhereM’Nabandhiscomradeshadcooked，asifthesmokewhichcurledupwardsfromitwasintendedasaluretotheabsent。andallaroundthehutshadbeenre-
storedtoformerorderandarrangement。Mabelstartedinvoluntarilywhenhereyeatlengthfellonagroupofthreemen，dressedinthescarletofthe55th，seatedonthegrassinloungingattitudes，asiftheychattedinlistlesssecurity。andherbloodcurdledas，onasecondlook，shetracedthebloodlessfacesandglassyeyesofthedead。
Theywereveryneartheblockhouse，sonearindeedastohavebeenoverlookedatthefirsteagerinquiry，andtherewasamockinglevityintheirposturesandgestures，fortheirlimbswerestiffeningindifferentattitudes，intendedtoresemblelife，atwhichthesoulrevolted。Still，horri-
bleastheseobjectsweretothosenearenoughtodiscoverthefrightfuldiscrepancybetweentheirassumedandtheirrealcharacters，thearrangementhadbeenmadewithsomuchartthatitwouldhavedeceivedanegligentobserveratthedistanceofahundredyards。Aftercarefullyex-
aminingtheshoresoftheisland，Junepointedouttohercompanionthefourthsoldier，seated，withhisfeethang-
ingoverthewater，hisbackfastenedtoasapling，andholdingafishing-rodinhishand。Thescalplessheadswerecoveredwiththecaps，andallappearanceofbloodhadbeencarefuflywashedfromeachcountenance。
Mabelsickenedatthissight，whichnotonlydidsomuchviolencetoallhernotionsofpropriety，butwhichwasinitselfsorevoltingandsoopposedtonaturalfeeling。
Shewithdrewtoaseat，andhidherfaceinherapronforseveralminutes，untilalowcallfromJuneagaindrewhertoaloophole。ThelatterthenpointedoutthebodyofJen-
nieseeminglystandinginthedoorofahut，leaningfor-
wardasiftolookatthegroupofmen，hercapflutteringinthewind，andherhandgraspingabroom。Thedis-
tancewastoogreattodistinguishthefeaturesveryaccu-
rately。butMabelfanciedthatthejawhadbeendepressed，asiftodistortthemouthintoasortofhorriblelaugh。
June！June！sheexclaimed。thisexceedsallIhaveeverheard，orimaginedaspossible，inthetreacheryandartificesofyourpeople。
Tuscaroraverycunning，saidJune，inawaytoshowthatsheratherapprovedofthancondemnedtheusestowhichthedeadbodieshadbeenapplied。Dosoldiernoharmnow。doIroquoisgood。gotthescalpfirst。nowmakebodieswork。Byandby，burn’em。
ThisspeechtoldMabelhowfarshewasseparatedfromherfriendincharacter。anditwasseveralminutesbeforeshecouldagainaddressher。ButthistemporaryaversionwaslostonJune，whosetaboutpreparingtheirsimplebreakfast，inawaytoshowhowinsensibleshewastofeel-
ingsinotherswhichherownhabitstaughthertodiscard。
Mabelatesparingly，andhercompanionasifnothinghadhappened。Thentheyhadleisureagainfortheirthoughts，andforfurthersurveysoftheisland。Ourheroine，thoughdevouredwithafeverishdesiretobealwaysattheloops，seldomwentthatshedidnotimmediatelyquitthemindisgust，thoughcompelledbyherapprehensionstore-
turnagaininafewminutes，calledbytherustlingofleaves，orthesighingofthewind。Itwas，indeed，asolemnthingtolookoutuponthatdesertedspot，peopledbythedeadinthepanoplyoftheliving，andthrownintotheattitudesandactsofcarelessmerrimentandrudeen-
joyment。Theeffectonourheroinewasmuchasifshehadfoundherselfanobserveroftherevelriesofdemons。
ThroughoutthelivelongdaynotanIndiannoraFrenchmanwastobeseen，andnightclosedoverthefrightfulbutsilentmasquerade，withthesteadyandunal-
terableprogresswithwhichtheearthobeysherlaws，in-
differenttothepettyactorsandpettyscenesthatareindailybustleanddailyoccurrenceonherbosom。Thenightwasfarmorequietthanthatwhichhadprecededit，andMabelsleptwithanincreasingconfidence。forshenowfeltsatisfiedthatherownfatewouldnotbedecideduntilthereturnofherfather。Thefollowingdayhewasexpected，however，andwhenourheroineawoke，sheraneagerlytotheloopsinordertoascertainthestateoftheweatherandtheaspectoftheskies，aswellasthecondi-
tionoftheisland。Thereloungedthefearfulgrouponthegrass。thefishermanstillhungoverthewater，seem-
inglyintentonhissport。andthedistortedcountenanceofJennieglaredfromoutthehutinhorriblecontortions。
Buttheweatherhadchanged。thewindblewfreshfromthesouthward，andthoughtheairwasbland，itwasfilledwiththeelementsofstorm。
Thisgrowsmoreandmoredifficulttobear，June，
Mabelsaid，whensheleftthewindow。Icouldevenprefertoseetheenemythantolookanylongeronthisfearfularrayofthedead。
Hush！heretheycome。Junethoughthearacrylikeawarrior’sshoutwhenhetakeascalp。
Whatmeanyou？Thereisnomorebutchery！——therecanbenomore。
Saltwater！exclaimedJune，laughing，asshestoodpeepingthroughaloophole。
Mydearuncle！ThankGod！hethenlives！Oh，June，June，_you_willnotletthemharm_him？_
June，poorsquaw。Whatwarriort’inkofwhatshesay？Arrowheadbringhimhere。
BythistimeMabelwasataloop。and，sureenough，therewereCapandtheQuartermasterinthehandsoftheIndians，eightortenofwhomwereconductingthemtothefootoftheblock，for，bythiscapture，theenemynowwellknewthattherecouldbenomaninthebuilding。
Mabelscarcelybreatheduntilthewholepartystoodrangeddirectlybeforethedoor，whenshewasrejoicedtoseethattheFrenchofficerwasamongthem。Alowconversationfollowed，inwhichboththewhiteleaderandArrowheadspokeearnestlytotheircaptives，whentheQuartermastercalledouttoherinavoiceloudenoughtobeheard。
PrettyMabel！prettyMabel！saidhe。lookoutofoneoftheloopholes，andpityourcondition。Wearethreatenedwithinstantdeathuniessyouopenthedoortotheconquerors。Relent，thenorwe’llno’bewearingourscalpshalfanhourfromthisblessedmoment。
Mabelthoughtthereweremockeryandlevityinthisappeal，anditsmannerratherfortifiedthanweakenedherresolutiontoholdtheplaceaslongaspossible。
Speaktome，uncle，saidshe，withhermouthataloop，andtellmewhatIoughttodo。
ThankGod！thankGod！ejaculatedCap。thesoundofyoursweetvoice，Magnet，lightensmyheartofaheavyload，forIfearedyouhadsharedthefateofpoorJennie。Mybreasthasfeltthelastfour-and-twentyhoursasifatonofkentledgehadbeenstowedinit。Youaskmewhatyououghttodo，child，andIdonotknowhowtoadviseyou，thoughyouaremyownsister’sdaughter！
ThemostIcansayjustnow，mypoorgirl，ismostheartilytocursethedayyouorIeversawthisbitoffreshwater。
But，uncle，isyourlifeindanger——do_you_thinkI
oughtto。openthedoor？
Aroundturnandtwohalf-hitchesmakeafastbelay。
andIwouldcounselnoonewhoisoutofthehandsofthesedevilstounbarorunfastenanythinginordertofallintothem。AstotheQuartermhasterandmyself，wearebothelderlymen，andnotofmuchaccounttomankindingeneral，ashonestPathfinderwouldsay。anditcanmakenogreatoddstohimwhetherhebalancesthepurser’sbooksthisyearorthenext。andasformyself，why，ifI
wereontheseaboard，Ishouldknowwhattodo，butuphere，inthiswaterywilderness，Icanonlysay，thatifI
werebehindthatbitofabulwark，itwouldtakeagooddealofIndianlogictorousemeoutofit。
You’llno’bemindingallyourunclesays，prettyMabel，putinMuir，fordistressisobviouslyfastunset-
tlinghisfaculties，andheisfarfromcalculatingallthenecessitiesoftheemergency。Weareinthehandshereofveryconsiderateandgentlemanlypairsons，itmustbeacknowledged，andonehaslittleoccasiontoapprehenddisagreeableviolence。Thecasualtiesthathaveoccurredarethecommonincidentsofwar，andcanno’changeoursentimentsoftheenemy，fortheyarefarfromindicatingthatanyinjusticewillbedonetheprisoners。I’msurethatneitherMasterCapnormyselfhasanycauseofcom-
plaintsincewehavegivenourselvesuptoMasterArrow-
head，whoremindsmeofaRomanoraSpartanbyhisvirtuesandmoderation。butye’llberememberingthatusagesdiffer，andthatourscalpsmaybelawfulsacrificestoappeasethemanesoffallenfoes，unlessyousavethembycapitulation。
Ishalldowisertokeepwithintheblockhouseuntilthefateoftheislandissettled，returnedMabel。Ourenemiescanfeelnoconcernonaccountofonelikeme，knowingthatIcandothemnoharm，andIgreatlyprefertoremainhereasmorebefittingmysexandyears。
Ifnothingbutyourconveniencewereconcerned，Mabel，weshouldallcheerfullyacquiesceinyourwishes，butthesegentlemenfancythattheworkwillaidtheiroperations，andtheyhaveastrongdesiretopossessit。
Tobefrankwithyou，findingmyselfandyouruncleinaverypeculiarsituation，Iacknowledgethat，toavertcon-
sequences，IhaveassumedthepowerthatbelongstohisMajesty’scommission，andenteredintoaverbalcapitula-
tion，bywhichIhaveengagedtogiveuptheblockhouseandthewholeisland。Itisthefortuneofwar，andmustbesubmittedto。soopenthedoor，prettyMabel，forth-
with，andconfideyourselftothecareofthosewhoknowhowtotreatbeautyandvirtueindistress。There’snocourtierinScotlandmorecomplaisantthanthischief，orwhoismorefamiliarwiththelawsofdecorum。
Noleaveblockhouse，mutteredJune，whostoodatMabel’sside，attentivetoallthatpassed。Blockhousegood——gotnoscalp。
Ourheroinemighthaveyieldedbutforthisappeal。foritbegantoappeartoherthatthewisestcoursewouldbetoconciliatetheenemybyconcessionsinsteadofexasper-
atingthembyresistance。TheymustknowthatMuirandherunclewereintheirpower。thattherewasnomaninthebuilding，andshefanciedtheymightproceedtobatterdownthedoor，orcuttheirwaythroughthelogswithaxes，ifsheobstinatelyrefusedtogivethempeaceablead-
mission，sincetherewasnolongeranyreasontodreadtherifle。ButthewordsofJuneinducedhertohesitate，andtheearnestpressureofthehandandentreatinglooksofhercompanionstrengthenedaresolutionthatwasfalter-
ing。
Noprisoneryet，whisperedJune。let’emmakeprisonerbefore’eytakeprisoner——talkbig。Junemanage’em。
MabelnowbegantoparleymoreresolutelywithMuir，forheruncleseemeddisposedtoquiethisconsciencebyholdinghistongue，andsheplainlyintimatedthatitwasnotherintentiontoyieldthebuilding。
Youforgetthecapitulation，MistressMabel，saidMuir。thehonorofoneofhisMajesty’sservantsiscon-
cerned，andthehonorofhisMajestythroughhisservant。
Youwillremeinberthefinesseanddelicacythatbelongtomilitaryhonor？
Iknowenough，Mr。Muir，tounderstandthatyouhavenocommandinthisexpedition，andthereforecanhavenorighttoyieldtheblockhouse。andIremember，moreover，tohaveheardmydearfathersaythataprisonerlosesallhisauthorityforthetimebeing。
Ranksophistry，prettyMabel，andtreasontotheking，aswellasdishonoringhiscommissionanddiscreditinghisname。You’llno’beperseveringinyourintentions，whenyourbetterjudgmenthashadleisuretoreflectandtomakeconclusionsonmattersandcircumstances。
Ay，putinCap，thisisacircumstance，andbed——dtoit！
Nomindwhat’eunclesay，ejaculatedJune，whowasoccupiedinafarcorneroftheroom。Blockhousegood-gotnoscalp。
IshallremainasIam，Mr。Muir，untilIgetsometid-
ingsofmyfather。Hewillreturninthecourseofthenexttendays。
Ah，Mabel，thisartificewillno’deceivetheenemy，who，bymeansthatwouldbeunintelligible，didnotoursuspicionsrestonanunhappyyoungmanwithtoomuchplausibility，arefamiliarwithallourdoingsandplans，andwellknowthatthesunwillnotsetbeforetheworthySer-
geantandhiscompanionswillbeintheirpower。Aweel！
SubmissiontoProvidenceistrulyaChristianvirtue！
Mr。Muir，youappeartobedeceivedinthestrengthofthiswork，andtofancyitweakerthanitis。DoyoudesiretoseewhatIcandointhewayofdefence，ifsodisposed？
IdinnamindifIdo，answeredtheQuartermaster，whoalwaysgrewScotchashegrewinterested。
Whatdoyouthinkofthat，then？Lookattheloopoftheupperstory？
AssoonasMabelhadspoken，alleyeswereturnedup-
ward，andbeheldthemuzzleofariflecautiouslythrustthroughahole，Junehavingresortedagaintoa_ruse_whichhadalreadyprovedsosuccessful。Theresultdidnotdis-
appointexpectation。NosoonerdidtheIndianscatchasightofthefatalweaponthantheyleapedaside，andinlessthanaminuteeverymanamongthemhadsoughtacover。TheFrenchofficerkepthiseyeonthebarrelofthepieceinordertoascertainthatitwasnotpointedinhisparticulardirection，andhecoollytookapinchofsnuff。AsneitherMuirnorCaphadanythingtoappre-
hendfromthequarterinwhichtheothersweremenaced，theykepttheirground。
Bewise，myprettyMabel，bewise！exclaimedtheformer。andno’beprovokinguselesscontention。InthenameofallthekingsofAlbin，whohaveyeclosetedwithyouinthatwoodentowerthatseemethsobloody-minded？
Thereisnecromancyaboutthismatter，andallourchar-
actersmaybeinvolvedintheexplanation。
WhatdoyouthinkofthePathfinder，MasterMuir，foragarrisontosostrongapost？criedMabel，resortingtoanequivocationwhichthecircumstancesrenderedveryexcusable。WhatwillyourFrenchandIndiancompan-
ionsthinkoftheaimofthePathfinder’srifle？
Beargentlyontheunfortunate，prettyMabel，anddonotconfoundtheking’sservants——mayHeavenblesshimandallhisroyallineage！——withtheking’senemies。IfPathfinderbeindeedintheblockhouse，lethimspeak，andwewillholdournegotiationsdirectlywithhim。Heknowsusasfriends，andwefearnoevilathishands，andleastofalltomyself。foragenerousmindisapttorenderrivalryinacertaininterestasuregroundofrespectandamity，sinceadmirationofthesamewomanprovesacom-
munityoffeelingandtastes。
TherelianceonPathfinder’sfriendshipdidnotextendbeyondtheQuartermasterandCap，however，foreventheFrenchofficer，whohadhithertostoodhisgroundsowell，shrankbackatthesoundoftheterriblename。Sounwil-
ling，indeed，didthisindividual，amanofironnerves，andonelongaccustomedtothedangersofthepeculiarwar-
fareinwhichhewasengaged，appeartoremainexposedtotheassaultsofKilldeer，whosereputationthroughoutallthatfrontierwasaswellestablishedasthatofMarl-
boroughinEurope，thathedidnotdisdaintoseekacover，insistingthathistwoprisonersshouldfollowhim。Mabelwastoogladtoberidofherenemiestolamentthedepar-
tureofherfriends，thoughshekissedherhandtoCapthroughtheloop，andcalledouttohimintermsofaffec-
tionashemovedslowlyandunwillinglyaway。
Theenemynowseemeddisposedtoabandonallattemptsontheblockhouseforthepresent。andJune，whohadascendedtoatrapintheroof，whencethebestviewwastobeobtained，reportedthatthewholepartyhadassem-
bledtoeat，onadistantandshelteredpartoftheisland，whereMuirandCapwerequietlysharinginthegoodthingswhichweregoing，asiftheyhadnoconcernontheirminds。ThisinformationgreatlyrelievedMabel，andshebegantoturnherthoughtsagaintothemeansofeffectingherownescape，oratleastoflettingherfatherknowofthedangerthatawaitedhim。TheSergeantwasexpectedtoreturnthatafternoon，andsheknewthatamomentgainedorlostmightdecidehisfate。
Threeorfourhoursflewby。Theislandwasagainburiedinaprofoundquiet，thedaywaswearingaway，andyetMabelhaddecidedonnothing。Junewasinthebase-
ment，preparingtheirfrugalmeal，andMabelherselfhadascendedtotheroof，whichwasprovidedwithatrapthatallowedhertogooutonthetopofthebuilding，whenceshecommandedthebestviewofsurroundingobjectsthattheislandpossessed。stillitwaslimited，andmuchob-
structedbythetopsoftrees。Theanxiousgirldidnotdaretotrustherpersoninsight，knowingwellthattheunrestrainedpassionsofsomesavagemightinducehimtosendabulletthroughherbrain。Shemerelykeptherheadoutofthetrap，therefore，whence，inthecourseoftheafternoon，shemadeasmanysurveysofthedifferentchannelsabouttheislandasAnne，sisterAnne，tookoftheenvironsofthecastleofBlueBeard。
Thesunhadactuallyset。nointelligencehadbeenre-
ceivedfromtheboats，andMabelascendedtotherooftotakealastlook，hopingthatthepartywouldarriveinthedarkness。whichwouldatleastpreventtheIndiansfromrenderingtheirambuscadesofatalasitmightotherwiseprove，andwhichpossiblymightenablehertogivesomemoreintelligiblesignal，bymeansoffire，thanitwouldotherwisebeinherpowertodo。Hereyehadturnedcarefullyroundthewholehorizon，andshewasjustonthepointofdrawinginherperson，whenanobjectthatstruckherasnewcaughtherattention。Theislandslaygroupedsoclosely，thatsixoreightdifferentchannelsorpassagesbetweenthemwereinview。andinoneofthemostcov-
ered，concealedinagreatmeasurebythebushesoftheshore，laywhatasecondlookassuredherwasabarkcanoe。Itcontainedahumanbeingbeyondaquestion。
Confidentthatifanenemyhersignalcoulddonoharm，and。ifafriend，thatitmightdogood，theeagergirlwavedalittleflagtowardsthestranger，whichshehadpreparedforherfather，takingcarethatitshouldnotbeseenfromtheisland。
Mabelhadrepeatedhersignaleightortentimesinvain，andshebegantodespairofitsbeingnoticed，whenasignwasgiveninreturnbythewaveofapaddle，andthemansofardiscoveredhimselfastoletherseeitwasChingachgook。Here，then，atlast，wasafriend。one，too，whowasable，andshedoubtednotwouldbewillingtoaidher。Fromthatinstanthercourageandherspiritsre-
vived。TheMohicanhadseenher。musthaverecognizedher，asheknewthatshewasoftheparty。andnodoubt，assoonasitwassufficientlydark，hewouldtakethestepsnecessarytoreleaseher。Thathewasawareofthepres-
enceoftheenemywasapparentbythegreatcautionheobserved，andshehadeveryrelianceonhisprudenceandaddress。TheprincipaldifficultynowexistedwithJune。
forMabelhadseentoomuchofherfidelitytoherownpeople，relievedasitwasbysympathyforherself，tobelieveshewouldconsenttoahostileIndian’senteringtheblockhouse，orindeedtoherleavingit，withaviewtodefeatArrowhead’splans。Thehalf-hourwhichsucceededthediscoveryofthepresenceoftheGreatSerpentwasthemostpainfulofMabelDunham’slife。Shesawthemeansofeffectingallshewished，asitmightbewithinreachofherhand，andyetiteludedhergrasp。SheknewJune’sdecisionandcoolness，notwithstandingallhergentlenessandwomanlyfeeling。andatlastshecamereluctantlytotheconclusionthattherewasnootherwayofattainingherendthanbydeceivinghertriedcompanionandpro-
tector。Itwasrevoltingtoonesosincereandnatural，sopureofheart，andsomuchdisposedtoingenuousnessasMabelDunham，topractisedeceptiononafriendlikeJune。butherownfather’slifewasatstake，hercompan-
ionwouldreceivenopositiveinjury，andshehadfeelingsandinterestsdirectlytouchingherselfwhichwouldhaveremovedgreaterscruples。
Assoonasitwasdark，Mabel’sheartbegantobeatwithincreasedviolence。andsheadoptedandchangedherplanofproceedingatleastadozentimesinasinglehour。
Junewasalwaysthesourceofhergreatestembarrassment。
forshedidnotwellsee，first，howshewastoascertainwhenChingachgookwasatthedoor，whereshedoubtednothewouldsoonappear。and，secondly，howshewastoadmithim，withoutgivingthealarmtoherwatchfulcom-
panion。Timepressed，however。fortheMohicanmightcomeandgoawayagain，unlessshewasreadytoreceivehim。ItwouldbetoohazardoustotheDelawaretore-
mainlongontheisland。anditbecameabsolutelyneces-
sarytodetermineonsomecourse，evenattheriskofchoosingonethatwasindiscreet。Afterrunningovervariousprojectsinhermind，therefore，Mabelcametohercompanion，andsaid，withasmuchcalmnessasshecouldassume，——
Areyounotafraid，June，nowyourpeoplebelievePathfinderisintheblockhouse，thattheywillcomeandtrytosetitonfire？
Not’inksucht’ing。Noburnblockhouse。Block-
housegood。gotnoscalp。
June，wecannotknow。Theyhidbecausetheybe-
lievedwhatItoldthemofPathfinder’sbeingwithus。
Believefear。Fearcomequick，goquick。Fearmakerunaway。witmakecomeback。Fearmakewarriorfool，aswellasyounggirl。
HereJunelaughed，ashersexisapttolaughwhenany-
thingparticularlyludicrouscrossestheiryouthfulfancies。
Ifeeluneasy，June。andwishyouyourselfwouldgoupagaintotheroofandlookoutupontheisland，tomakecertainthatnothingisplottingagainstus。youknowthesignsofwhatyourpeopleintendtodobetterthanI。
Junego，Lilywish。butverywellknowthatIndiansleep。waitfor’efader。Warrioreat，drink，sleep，alltime，whendon’tfightandgoonwar-trail。Denneversleep，eat，drink——neverfeel。Warriorsleepnow。
Godsenditmaybeso！butgoup，dearJune，andlookwellaboutyou。Dangermaycomewhenweleastexpectit。
Junearose，andpreparedtoascendtotheroof。butshepaused，withherfootonthefirstroundoftheladder。
Mabel’sheartbeatsoviolentlythatshewasfearfulitsthrobswouldbeheard。andshefanciedthatsomegleam-
ingsofherrealintentionshadcrossedthemindofherfriend。Shewasrightinpart，theIndianwomanhavingactuallystoppedtoconsiderwhethertherewasanyindis-
cretioninwhatshewasabouttodo。Atfirstthesuspic-
ionthatMabelintendedtoescapeflashedacrosshermind。
thensherejectedit，onthegroundthatthepale-facehadnomeansofgettingofftheisland，andthattheblock-
housewasmuchthemostsecureplaceshecouldfind。
Thenextthoughtwas，thatMabelhaddetectedsomesignofthenearapproachofherfather。Thisidea，too，lastedbutaninstant。forJuneentertainedsomesuchopinionofhercompanion’sabilitytounderstandsymptomsofthissort——symptomsthathadescapedherownsagacity——asawomanofhighfashionentertainsoftheaccomplishmentsofhermaid。Nothingelseinthesamewayoffering，shebeganslowlytomounttheladder。
Justasshereachedtheupperfloor，aluckythoughtsuggesteditselftoourheroine。and，byexpressingitinahurriedbutnaturalmanner，shegainedagreatadvantageinexecutingherprojectedscheme。
Iwillgodown，shesaid，andlistenbythedoor，June，whileyouareontheroof。andwewillthusbeonourguard，atthesametime，aboveandbelow。
ThoughJunethoughtthissavoredofunnecessarycau-
tion，wellknowingthatnoonecouldenterthebuildingunlessaidedfromwithin，noranyseriousdangermenacethemfromtheexteriorwithoutgivingsufficientwarning，sheattributedthepropositiontoMabel’signoranceandalarm。and，asitwasmadeapparentlywithfrankness，itwasreceivedwithoutdistrust。Bythesemeansourhero-
inewasenabledtodescendtothedoor，asherfriendas-
cendedtotheroof。Thedistancebetweenthetwowasnowtoogreattoadmitofconversation。andforthreeorfourminutesonewasoccupiedinlookingaboutheraswellasthedarknesswouldallow，andtheotherinlisten-
ingatthedoorwithasmuchintentnessasifallhersenseswereabsorbedinthesinglefacultyofhearing。
Junediscoverednothingfromherelevatedstand。theobscurityindeedalmostforbadethehopeofsucharesult。
butitwouldnotbeeasytodescribethesensationwithwhichMabelthoughtsheperceivedaslightandguardedpushagainstthedoor。Fearfulthatallmightnotbeasshewished，andanxioustoletChingachgookknowthatshewasnear，shebegan，thoughintremulousandlownotes，tosing。SoprofoundwasthestillnessofthemomentthatthesoundoftheunsteadywarblingascendedtotheroofandinaminuteJunebegantodescend。A
slighttapatthedoorwasheardimmediatelyafter。Mabelwasbewildered，fortherewasnotimetolose。Hopeprovedstrongerthanfear。andwithunsteadyhandsshecommencedunbarringthedoor。ThemoccassinofJunewasheardontheflooraboveherwhenonlyasinglebarwasturned。Thesecondwasreleasedasherformreachedhalf-waydownthelowerladder。
Whatyoudo？exclaimedJuneangrily。Runaway-mad——leaveblockhouse。blockhousegood。Thehandsofbothwereonthelastbar，anditwouldhavebeenclearedfromthefasteningsbutforavigorousshovefromwithout，whichjammedthewood。Ashortstruggleensued，thoughbothweredisinclinedtoviolence。Junewouldprobablyhaveprevailed，hadnotanotherandamorevigorouspushfromwithoutforcedthebarpastthetriflingimpedimentthatheldit，whenthedooropened。
Theformofamanwasseentoenter。andboththefemalesrusheduptheladder，asifequallyafraidoftheconsequences。Thestrangersecuredthedoor。and，firstexaminingthelowerroomwithgreatcare，hecautiouslyascendedtheladder。June，assoonasitbecamedark，hadclosedtheloopsoftheprincipalfloor，andlightedacandle。Bymeansofthisdimtaper，then，thetwofemalesstoodinexpectation，waitingtoascertaintheper-
sonoftheirvisitor，whosewaryascentoftheladderwasdistinctlyaudible，thoughsufficientlydeliberate。Itwouldnotbeeasytosaywhichwasthemoreastonishedonfind-
ing，whenthestrangerhadgotthroughthetrap，thatPathfinderstoodbeforethem。
Godbepraised！Mabelexclaimed，fortheideathattheblockhousewouldbeimpregnablewithsuchagarrisonatoncecrossedhermind。OPathfinder！whathasbe-
comeofmyfather？
TheSergeantissafeasyet，andvictorious。thoughitisnotinthegiftofmantosaywhatwillbetheindofit。
IsnotthatthewifeofArrowheadskulkinginthecornerthere？
Speaknotofherreproachfully，Pathfinder。Iowehermylife，mypresentsecurity。Tellmewhathashappenedtomyfather’sparty——whyyouarehere。andIwillrelateallthehorribleeventsthathavepasseduponthisisland。
Fewwordswilldothelast，Mabel。foroneusedtoIndiandevilriesneedsbutlittleexplanationsonsuchasubject。Everythingturnedoutaswehadhopedwiththeexpedition。fortheSarpentwasonthelook-out，andhemetuswithalltheinformationheartcoulddesire。
Weambushedthreeboats，druv’theFrenchersoutofthem，gotpossessionandsunkthem，accordingtoorders，inthedeepestpartofthechannel。andthesavagesofUpperCanadawillfarebadlyforIndiangoodsthiswin-
ter。Bothpowderandball，too，willbescarceramongthemthankeenhuntersandactivewarriorsmayrelish。
Wedidnotloseamanorhaveevenaskinbarked。nordoIthinktheinimysufferedtospeakof。Inshort，Mabel，ithasbeenjustsuchanexpeditionasLundielikes。muchharmtothefoe，andlittleharmtoourselves。
Ah，Pathfinder，Ifear，whenMajorDuncancomestohearthewholeofthesadtale，hewillfindreasontoregretheeverundertooktheaffair。
Iknowwhatyoumean，Iknowwhatyoumean。butbytellingmystorystraightyouwillunderstanditbetter。
AssoonastheSergeantfoundhimselfsuccessful，hesentmeandtheSarpentoffincanoestotellyouhowmattershadturnedout，andheisfollowingwiththetwoboats，which，beingsomuchheavier，cannotarrivebeforemorn-
ing。IpartedfromChingachgookthisforenoon，itbeingagreedthatheshouldcomeuponesetofchannels，andI
another，toseethatthepathwasclear。I’venotseenthechiefsince。
Mabelnowexplainedthemannerinwhichshehaddis-
coveredtheMohican，andherexpectationthathewouldyetcometotheblockhouse。
Nothe，nothe！Aregularscoutwillnevergetbehindwallsorlogssolongashecankeeptheopenairandfindusefulemployment。Ishouldnothavecomemyself，Mabel，butIpromisedtheSergeanttocomfortyouandtolookafteryoursafety。Ah’sme！Ireconnoitredtheislandwithaheavyheartthisforenoon。andtherewasabitterhourwhenIfanciedyoumightbeamongtheslain。
Bywhatluckyaccidentwereyoupreventedfrompad-
dlingupboldlytotheislandandfromfallingintothehandsoftheenemy？
Bysuchanaccident，Mabel，asProvidenceemploystotellthehoundwheretofindthedeerandthedeerhowtothrowoffthehound。No，no！theseartificesanddevil-
rieswithdeadbodiesmaydeceivethesoldiersofthe55thandtheking’sofficers。buttheyarealllostuponmenwhohavepassedtheirdaysintheforest。Icamedownthechannelinfaceofthepretendedfisherman。and，thoughtheriptyleshavesetupthepoorwretchwithart，itwasnotingeniousenoughtotakeinapractysedeye。
Therodwasheldtoohigh，forthe55thhavelearnedtofishatOswego，iftheyneverknewhowbefore。andthenthemanwastooquietforonewhogotneitherpreynorbite。Butwenevercomeinuponapostblindly。andI
havelainoutsideagarrisonawholenight，becausetheyhadchangedtheirsentriesandtheirmodeofstandingguard。NeithertheSarpentnormyselfwouldbelikelytobetakeninbytheseclumsycontrivances，whichweremostprobablyintendedfortheScotch，whoarecunningenoughinsomeparticulars，thoughanythingbutwitcheswhenIndiansarcumventionsareinthewind。
Doyouthinkmyfatherandhismenmayyetbede-
ceived？saidMabelquickly。
NotifIcanpreventit，Mabel。YousaytheSarpentisonthelook-outtoo。sothereisadoublechanceofoursucceedinginlettinghimknowhisdanger。thoughitisbynomeanssartainbywhichchannelthepartymaycome。
Pathfinder，saidourheroinesolemnly，forthefright-
fulscenesshehadwitnessedhadclotheddeathwithun-
usualhorrors，——Pathfinder，youhaveprofessedloveforme，awishtomakemeyourwife？
Ididventur’tospeakonthatsubject，Mabel，andtheSergeanthasevenlatelysaidthatyouarekindlydisposed。
butIamnotamantopersecutethethingIlove。
Hearme，Pathfinder，Irespectyou，honoryou，revereyou。savemyfatherfromthisdreadfuldeath，andIcanworshipyou。Hereismyhand，asasolemnpledgeformyfaith，whenyoucometoclaimit。
Blessyou，blessyou，Mabel。thisismorethanIdesarve-more，Ifear，thanIshallknowhowtoprofitbyasI
ought。Itwasnotwanting，however，tomakemesarvetheSergeant。Weareoldcomrades，andoweeachotheralife。thoughIfearme，Mabel，beingafather’scomradeisnotalwaysthebestrecommendationwithadaughter。
Youwantnootherrecommendationthanyourownacts——yourcourage，yourfidelity。Allthatyoudoandsay，Pathfinder，myreasonapproves，andtheheartwill，nay，it_shall_follow。
ThisisahappinessIlittleexpectedthisnight。butweareinGod’shands，andHewillprotectusinHisownway。Thesearesweetwords，Mabel。buttheywerenotwantingtomakemedoallthatmancandointhepresentcircumstances。theywillnotlessenmyendeavors，neither。
Nowweunderstandeachother，Pathfinder，Mabeladdedhoarsely，letusnotloseoneofthepreciousmo-
ments，whichmaybeofincalculablevalue。Canwenotgetintoyourcanoeandgoandmeetmyfather？
ThatisnotthecourseIadvise。Idon’tknowbywhichchanneltheSergeantwillcome，andtherearetwenty。relyonit，theSarpentwillbewindinghiswaythroughthemall。No，no！myadviceistoremainhere。
Thelogsofthisblockhousearestillgreen，anditwillnotbeeasytosetthemonfire。andIcanmakegoodtheplace，batingaburning，ag’inatribe。TheIroquoisnationcannotdislodgemefromthisfortress，solongaswecankeeptheflamesoffit。TheSergeantisnow’campedonsomeisland，andwillnotcomeinuntilmorning。Ifweholdtheblock，wecangivehimtimelywarning，byfiringrifles，forinstance。andshouldhedeterminetoattackthesavages，asamanofhistemperwillbeverylikelytodo，thepossessionofthisbuildingwillbeofgreataccountintheaffair。No，no！myjudgmentsaysremain，iftheob-
jectbetosarvetheSergeant，thoughescapeforourtwoselveswillbenoverydifficultmatter。
Stay，murmuredMabel，stay，forGod’ssake，Path-
finder！Anything，everythingtosavemyfather！
Yes，thatisnatur’。Iamgladtohearyousaythis，Mabel，forIownawishtoseetheSergeantfairlysup-
ported。Asthematternowstands，hehasgainedhimselfcredit。and，couldheoncedriveoffthesemiscreants，andmakeanhonorableretreat，layingthehutsandblockinashes，nodoubt，Lundiewouldrememberitandsarvehimaccordingly。Yes，yes，Mabel，wemustnotonlysavetheSergeant’slife，butwemustsavehisreputation。
Noblamecanrestonmyfatheronaccountofthesur-
priseofthisisland。
There’snotelling，there’snotelling。militarygloryisamostunsartainthing。I’veseentheDelawaresrouted，whentheydesarvedmorecreditthanatothertimeswhenthey’vecarriedtheday。Amaniswrongtosethisheadonsuccessofanysort，andworstofallonsuccessinwar。
Iknowlittleofthesettlements，orofthenotionsthatmenholdinthem。butuphereawayeventheIndiansrateawarrior’scharacteraccordingtohisluck。Theprincipalthingwithasoldierisnevertobewhipt。nordoIthinkmankindstopslongtoconsiderhowthedaywaswonorlost。Formypart，Mabel，ImakeitarulewhenfacingtheinimytogivehimasgoodasIcansend，andtotrytobemoderateafteradefeat，littleneedbesaidonthatscore，asafloggingisoneofthemosthumblingthingsinnatur’。Theparsonspreachabouthumilityinthegarri-
son。butifhumilitywouldmakeChristians，theking’stroopsoughttobesaints，forthey’vedonelittleasyetthiswarbuttakelessonsfromtheFrench，beginningatFortduQuesneandendingatTy。
Myfathercouldnothavesuspectedthatthepositionoftheislandwasknowntotheenemy，resumedMabel，whosethoughtswererunningontheprobableeffectoftherecenteventsontheSergeant。
Thatistrue。nordoIwellseehowtheFrenchersfounditout。Thespotiswellchosen，anditisnotaneasymatter，evenforonewhohastravelledtheroadtoandfromit，tofinditagain。Therehasbeentreachery，I
fear。yes，yes，theremusthavebeentreachery。
Oh，Pathfinder！canthisbe？
Nothingiseasier，Mabel，fortreacherycomesasnat’raltosomemenaseating。NowwhenIfindamanallfairwordsIlookclosetohisdeeds。forwhentheheartisright，andreallyintendstodogood，itisgenerallysatisfiedtolettheconductspeakinsteadofthetongue。
JasperWesternisnotoneofthese，saidMabelimpet-
uously。Noyouthcanbemoresincereinhismanner，orlessapttomakethetongueactforthehead。
JasperWestern！tongueandheartarebothrightwiththatlad，dependonit，Mabel。andthenotiontakenupbyLundie，andtheQuartermaster，andtheSergeant，andyouruncletoo，isaswrongasitwouldbetothinkthatthesunshonebynightandthestarsshonebyday。No，no。I’llanswerforEau-douce’shonestywithmyownscalp，or，atneed，withmyownrifle。
Blessyou，blessyou，Pathfinder！exclaimedMabel，extendingherownhandandpressingtheironfingersofhercompanion，underastateoffeelingthatfarsur-
passedherownconsciousnessofitsstrength。Youareallthatisgenerous，allthatisnoble！Godwillrewardyouforit。
Ah，Mabel，Ifearme，ifthisbetrue，Ishouldnotcovetsuchawifeasyourself。butwouldleaveyoutobesuedforbysomegentlemanofthegarrison，asyourdesartsrequire。
Wewillnottalkofthisanymoreto-night，Mabelansweredinavoicesosmotheredastoseemnearlychoked。
Wemustthinklessofourselvesjustnow，Pathfinder，andmoreofourfriends。ButIrejoicefrommysoulthatyoubelieveJasperinnocent。Nowletustalkofotherthings——oughtwenottoreleaseJune？
I’vebeenthinkingaboutthewoman。foritwillnotbesafetoshutoureyesandleavehersopen，onthissideoftheblockhousedoor。Ifweputherintheupperroom，andtakeawaytheladder，she’llbeaprisoneratleast。
Icannottreatonethuswhohassavedmylife。Itwouldbebettertoletherdepart，forIthinksheistoomuchmyfriendtodoanythingtoharmme。
Youdonotknowtherace，Mabel，youdonotknowtherace。It’strueshe’snotafull-bloodedMingo，butsheconsortswiththevagabonds，andmusthavelarnedsomeoftheirtricks。Whatisthat？
Itsoundslikeoars。someboatispassingthroughthechannel。
Pathfinderclosedthetrapthatledtothelowerroom，topreventJunefromescaping，extinguishedthecandle，andwenthastilytoaloop，Mabellookingoverhisshoulderinbreathlesscuriosity。Theseseveralmovementscon-
sumedaminuteortwo。andbythetimetheeyeofthescouthadgotadimviewofthingswithout，twoboatshadsweptpastandshotuptotheshore，ataspotsomefiftyyardsbeyondtheblock，wheretherewasaregularlanding。
Theobscuritypreventedmorefrombeingseen。andPath-
finderwhisperedtoMabelthatthenew-comerswereaslikelytobefoesasfriends，forhedidnotthinkherfathercouldpossiblyhavearrivedsosoon。Anumberofmenwerenowseentoquittheboats，andthenfollowedthreeheartyEnglishcheers，leavingnofurtherdoubtsofthecharacteroftheparty。Pathfindersprangtothetrap，raisedit，glideddowntheladder，andbegantounbarthedoor，withanearnestnessthatprovedhowcriticalhedeemedthemoment。Mabelhadfollowed，butsheratherimpededthanaidedhisexertions，andbutasinglebarwasturnedwhenaheavydischargeofrifleswasheard。
Theywerestillstandinginbreathlesssuspense，asthewar-whoopranginallthesurroundingthickets。Thedoornowopened，andbothPathfinderandMabelrushedintotheopenair。Allhumansoundshadceased。Afterlisteninghalfaminute，however，Pathfinderthoughtheheardafewstifledgroansneartheboats。butthewindblewsofresh，andtherustlingoftheleavesmingledsomuchwiththemurmursofthepassingair，thathewasfarfromcertain。ButMabelwasborneawaybyherfeel-
ings，andsherushedbyhim，takingthewaytowardstheboats。
Thiswillnotdo，Mabel，saidthescoutinanearnestbutlowvoice，seizingherbyanarm。thiswillneverdo。
Sartaindeathwouldfollow，andthatwithoutsarvinganyone。Wemustreturntotheblock。
Father！mypoor，dear，murderedfather！saidthegirlwildly，thoughhabitualcaution，evenatthattryingmoment，inducedhertospeaklow。Pathfinder，ifyouloveme，letmegotomydearfather。
Thiswillnotdo，Mabel。Itissingularthatnoonespeaks。noonereturnsthefirefromtheboats。andIhaveleftKilldeerintheblock！Butofwhatusewouldariflebewhennooneistobeseen？
AtthatmomentthequickeyeofPathfinder，which，whielheheldMabelfirmlyinhisgrasp，hadneverceasedtoroamoverthedimscene，caughtanindistinctviewoffiveorsixdarkcrouchingforms，endeavoringtostealpasthim，doubtlesswiththeintentionofinterceptingthere-
treattotheblockhouse。CatchingupMabel，andputtingherunderanarm，asifshewereaninfant，thesinewyframeofthewoodsmanwasexertedtotheutmost，andhesucceededinenteringthebuilding。Thetrampofhispursuersseemedimmediatelyathisheels。Droppinghisburden，heturned，closedthedoor，andhadfastenedonebar，asarushagainstthesolidmassthreatenedtoforceitfromthehinges。Tosecuretheotherbarswastheworkofaninstant。
Mabelnowascendedtothefirstfloor，whilePathfinderremainedasasentinelbelow。Ourheroinewasinthatstateinwhichthebodyexertsitself，apparentlywithoutthecontrolofthemind。Sherelightedthecandleme-
chanically，ashercompanionhaddesired，andreturnedwithitbelow，wherehewaswaitingherreappearance。NosoonerwasPathfinderinpossessionofthelightthanheexaminedtheplacecarefully，tomakecertainnoonewasconcealedinthefortress，ascendingtoeachfloorinsuc-
cession，afterassuringhimselfthatheleftnoenemyinhisrear。TheresultwastheconvictionthattheblockhousenowcontainednoonebutMabelandhimself，Junehavingescaped。Whenperfectlyconvincedonthismaterialpoint，Pathfinderrejoinedourheroineintheprincipalapart-
ment，settingdownthelightandexaminingtheprimingofKilldeerbeforeheseatedhimself。
Ourworstfearsarerealized！saidMabel，towhomthehurryandexcitementofthelastfiveminutesappearedtocontaintheemotionsofalife。Mybelovedfatherandallhispartyareslainorcaptured！
Wedon’tknowthat——morningwilltellusall。Idonotthinktheaffairsosettledasthat，orweshouldhearthevagabondMingosyellingouttheirtriumpharoundtheblockhouse。Ofonethingwemaybesartain。iftheinimyhasreallygotthebetter，hewillnotbelongincall-
inguponustosurrender。Thesquawwilllethimintothesecretofoursituation。and，astheywellknowtheplacecannotbefiredbydaylight，solongasKilldeercon-
tinuestodesarvehisreputation，youmaydependonitthattheywillnotbebackwardinmakingtheirattemptwhiledarknesshelpsthem。
SurelyIhearagroan！
’Tisfancy，Mabel。whenthemindgetstobeskeary，especiallyawoman’smind，sheoftenconcaitsthingsthathavenoreality。I’veknownthemthatimaginedtherewastruthindreams。
Nay，Iam_not_deceived。thereissurelyonebelow，andinpain。
PathfinderwascompelledtoownthatthequicksensesofMabelhadnotdeceivedher。Hecautionedher，how-
ever，torepressherfeelings。andremindedherthatthesavageswereinthepracticeofresortingtoeveryartificetoattaintheirends，andthatnothingwasmorelikelythanthatthegroanswerefeignedwithaviewtolurethemfromtheblockhouse，or，atleast，toinducethemtoopenthedoor。
No，no，no！saidMabelhurriedly。thereisnoarti-
ficeinthosesounds，andtheycomefromanguishofbody，ifnotofspirit。Theyarefearfullynatural。
Well，weshallsoonknowwhetherafriendisthereornot。Hidethelightagain，Mabel，andIwillspeakthepersonfromaloop。
Notalittleprecautionwasnecessary，accordingtoPath-
finder’sjudgmentandexperience，inperformingeventhissimpleact。forhehadknownthecarelessslainbytheirwantofproperattentiontowhatmighthaveseemedtotheignorantsupererogatorymeansof，safety。Hedidnotplacehismouthtotheloopitself，butsonearitthathecouldbeheardwithoutraisinghisvoice，andthesameprecautionwasobservedasregardshisear。
Whoisbelow？Pathfinderdemanded，whenhisar-
rangementsweremadetohismind。Isanyoneinsuf-
fering？Ifafriend，speakboldly，anddependonouraid。
Pathfinder！answeredavoicethatbothMabelandthepersonaddressedatonceknewtobetheSergeant’s，——
Pathfinder，inthenameofGod，tellmewhathasbecomeofmydaughter。
Father，Iamhere，unhurt，safe！andohthatIcouldthinkthesameofyou！
Theejaculationofthanksgivingthatfollowedwasdis-
tinctlyaudibletothetwo，butitwasclearlymingledwith，agroanofpain。
Myworstforebodingsarerealized！saidMabelwithasortofdesperatecalmness。Pathfinder，myfathermustbebroughtwithintheblock，thoughwehazardeverythingtodoit。
Thisisnatur’，anditisthelawofGod。But，Mabel，becalm，andendivortobecool。AllthatcanbeeffectedfortheSergeantbyhumaninventionshallbedone。I
onlyaskyoutobecool。
Iam，Iam，Pathfinder。NeverinmylifewasImorecalm，morecollected，thanatthismoment。Butremem-
berhowperilousmaybeeveryinstant。forHeaven’ssake，whatwedo，letusdowithoutdelay。
PathfinderwasstruckwiththefirmnesssofMabel’stones，andperhapshewasalittledeceivedbytheforcedtranquillityandself-possessionshehadassumed。Atallevents，hedidnotdeemanyfurtherexplanationsneces-
sary，butdescendedforthwith，andbegantounbarthedoor。Thisdelicateprocesswasconductedwiththeusualcaution，but，ashewarilypermittedthemassoftimbertoswingbackonthehinges，hefeltapressureagainstit，thathadnearlyinducedhimtocloseitagain。But，catchingaglimpseofthecausethroughthecrack，thedoorwasper-
mittedtoswingback，whenthebodyofSergeantDunham，whichwasproppedagainstit，fellpartlywithintheblock。
TodrawinthelegsandsecurethefasteningsoccupiedthePathfinderbutamoment。Thenthereexistednoobstacletotheirgivingtheirundividedcaretothewoundedman。
Mabel，inthistryingscene，conductedherselfwiththesortofunnaturalenergythathersex，whenaroused，isapttomanifest。Shegotthelight，administeredwatertotheparchedlipsofherfather，andassistedPathfinderinform-
ingabedofstrawforhisbodyandapillowofclothesforhishead。Allthiswasdoneearnestly，andalmostwithoutspeaking。nordidMabelshedatear，untilsheheardtheblessingsofherfathermurmuredonherheadforthistendernessandcare。AllthistimeMabelhadmerelycon-
jecturedtheconditionofherparent。Pathfinder，how-
ever，hadshowngreaterattentiontothephysicaldangeroftheSergeant。Hehadascertainedthatarifle-ballhadpassedthroughthebodyofthewoundedman。andhewassufficientlyfamiliarwithinjuriesofthisnaturetobecer-
tainthatthechancesofhissurvivingthehurtwereverytrifling，ifany。
CHAPTERXXIV。
Thendrinkmytears，whileyettheyfall——
Wouldthatmybosom’sbloodwerebalm。
And——wellthouknowest——I’dsheditall，Togivethybrowoneminute’scalm。
MOORE。
TheeyesofSergeantDunhamhadnotceasedtofollowtheformofhisbeautifuldaughterfromthemomentthatthelightappeared。Henextexaminedthedooroftheblock，toascertainitssecurity。forhewasleftonthegroundbelow，therebeingnoavailablemeansofraisinghimtotheupperfloor。ThenhesoughtthefaceofMabel。
foraslifewanesfasttheaffectionsresumetheirforce，andwebegintovaluethatmostwhichwefeelweareabouttoloseforever。
Godbepraised，mychild！you，atleast，haveescapedtheirmurderousrifles，hesaid。forhespokewithstrength，andseeminglywithnoadditionalpain。Givemethehistoryofthissadbusiness，Pathfinder。
Ah’sme，Sergeant！it_has_beensad，asyousay。Thattherehasbeentreachery，andthepositionoftheislandhasbeenbetrayed，isnowassartain，inmyjudgment，asthatwestillholdtheblock。But——
MajorDuncanwasright，interruptedDunham，layingahandontheother’sarm。
Notinthesenseyoumean，Sergeant——no，notinthatp’intofview。never！Atleast，notinmyopinion。I
knowthatnatur’isweak——humannatur’，Imean——andthatweshouldnoneofusvauntofourgifts，whetherredorwhite。butIdonotthinkatruer-heartedladlivesonthelinesthanJasperWestern。
Blessyou！blessyouforthat，Pathfinder！burstforthfromMabel’sverysoul，whileafloodoftearsgaveventtoemotionsthatweresovariedwhiletheyweresoviolent。
Oh，blessyou，Pathfinder，blessyou！Thebraveshouldneverdesertthebrave——thehonestshouldsustainthehonest。
Thefather’seyeswerefastenedanxiouslyonthefaceofhisdaughter，untilthelatterhidhercountenanceinheraprontoconcealhertears。andthentheyturnedwithinquirytothehardfeaturesoftheguide。Thelattermerelyworetheirusualexpressionoffrankness，sincerity，anduprightness。andtheSergeantmotionedtohimtoproceed。
YouknowthespotwheretheSarpentandIleftyou，Sergeant，Pathfinderresumed。andIneedsaynothingofallthathappenedafore。Itisnowtoolatetoregretwhatisgoneandpassed。butIdothinkifIhadstayedwiththeboatsthiswouldnothavecometopass。Othermenmaybeasgoodguides——Imakenodoubttheyare。
butthennatur’bestowsitsgifts，andsomemustbebetterthanothersome。IdaresaypoorGilbert，whotookmyplace，hassufferedforhismistake。
Hefellatmyelbow，theSergeantansweredinalowmelancholytone。Wehave，indeed，allsufferedforourmistakes。
No，no，Sergeant，Imeantnocondemnationonyou。
formenwereneverbettercommandedthanyourn，inthisveryexpedition。Ineverbeheldaprettierflanking。andthewayinwhichyoucarriedyourownboatupag’intheirhowitzermighthaveteachedLundiehimselfalesson。
TheeyesoftheSergeantbrightened，andhisfaceevenworeanexpressionofmilitarytriumph，thoughitwasofadegreethatsuitedthehumblesphereinwhichhehadbeenanactor。
’Twasnotbadlydone，myfriend，saidhe。andwecarriedtheirlogbreastworkbystorm。
’Twasnoblydone，Sergeant。though，Ifear，whenallthetruthcomestobeknown，itwillbefoundthatthesevagabondshavegottheirhowitzerbackag’in。Well，well，putastoutheartuponit，andtrytoforgetallthatisdis-
agreeable，andtorememberonlythepleasantpartofthematter。Thatisyourtruestphilosophy。ay，andtruestreligiontoo。Iftheinimyhasgotthehowitzerag’in，they’veonlygotwhatbelongedtothemafore，andwhatwecouldn’thelp。Theyhaven’tgottheblockhouseyet，noraretheylikelytogetit，unlesstheyfireitinthedark。
Well，Sergeant，theSarpentandIseparatedabouttenmilesdowntheriver。forwethoughtitwisestnottocomeuponevenafriendlycampwithouttheusualcaution。
WhathasbecomeofChingachgookIcannotsay。thoughMabeltellsmeheisnotfaroff，andImakenoquestionthenoble-heartedDelawareisdoinghisduty，althoughheisnotnowvisibletooureyes。Markmyword，Sergeant，beforethismatterisoverweshallhearofhimatsomecriticaltimeandthatinadiscreetandcreditablemanner。
Ah，theSarpentisindeedawiseandvirtuouschief！andanywhitemanmightcovethisgifts，thoughhisrifleisnotquiteassureasKilldeer，itmustbeowned。Well，asIcameneartheislandImissedthesmoke，andthatputmeonmyguard。forIknewthatthemenofthe55thwerenotcunningenoughtoconcealthatsign，notwith-
standingallthathasbeentoldthemofitsdanger。Thismadememorecareful，untilIcameinsightofthismock-
fisherman，asI’vejusttoldMabel。andthenthewholeoftheirinfernalartswasasplainbeforemeasifIsawitonamap。Ineednottellyou，Sergeant，thatmyfirstthoughtswereofMabel。andthat，findingshewasintheblock，Icamehere，inordertoliveordieinhercompany。
Thefatherturnedagratifiedlookuponhischild。andMabelfeltasinkingoftheheartthatatsuchamomentshecouldnothavethoughtpossible，whenshewishedtobelieveallherconcerncentredinthesituationofherparent。Asthelatterheldouthishand，shetookitinherownandkissedit。Then，kneelingathisside，sheweptasifherheartwouldbreak。
Mabel，saidhesteadily，thewillofGodmustbedone。Itisuselesstoattemptdeceivingeitheryouormy-
self。mytimehascome，anditisaconsolationtometodielikeasoldier。Lundiewilldomejustice。forourgoodfriendPathfinderwilltellhimwhathasbeendone，andhowallcametopass。Youdonotforgetourlastcon-
versation？
Nay，father，mytimehasprobablycometoo，exclaimedMabel，whofeltjustthenasifitwouldbearelieftodie。
Icannothopetoescape。andPathfinderwoulddowelltoleaveus，andreturntothegarrisonwiththesadnewswhilehecan。
MabelDunham，saidPathfinderreproachfully，thoughhetookherhandwithkindness，Ihavenotdesarvedthis。
IknowIamwild，anduncouth，andungainly——
Pathfinder！
Well，well，we’llforgetit。youdidnotmeanit，youcouldnotthinkit。Itisuselessnowtotalkofescaping，fortheSergeantcannotbemoved。andtheblockhousemustbedefended，costwhatitwill。MaybeLundiewillgetthetidingsofourdisaster，andsendapartytoraisethesiege。
Pathfinder——Mabel！saidtheSergeant，whohadbeenwrithingwithpainuntilthecoldsweatstoodonhisfore-
head。comebothtomyside。Youunderstandeachother，Ihope？
Father，saynothingofthat。itisallasyouwish。
ThankGod！Givemeyourhand，Mabel——here，Path-
finder，takeit。Icandonomorethangiveyouthegirlinthisway。Iknowyouwillmakeherakindhusband。
Donotwaitonaccountofmydeath。buttherewillbeachaplaininthefortbeforetheseasoncloses，andlethimmarryyouatonce。Mybrother，ifliving，willwish。togobacktohisvessel，andthenthechildwillhavenopro-
tector。Mabel，yourhusbandwillhavebeenmyfriend，andthatwillbesomeconsolationtoyou，Ihope。
Trustthismattertome，Sergeant，putinPathfinder。
leaveitallinmyhandsasyourdyingrequest。and，de-
pendonit，allwillgoasitshould。
Ido，Idoputallconfidenceinyou，mytrustyfriend，andempoweryoutoactasIcouldactmyselfineveryparticular。Mabel，child，——handmethewater，——youwillneverrepentthisnight。Blessyou，mydaughter！Godbless，andhaveyouinHisholykeeping！
ThistendernesswasinexpressiblytouchingtooneofMabel’sfeelings。andshefeltatthatmomentasifherfeutureunionwithPathfinderhadreceivedasolemnizationthatnoceremonyoftheChurchcouldrendermoreholy。
Still，aweight，asthatofamountain，layuponherheart，andshethoughtitwouldbehappinesstodie。Thenfol-
lowedashortpause，whentheSergeant，inbrokensen-
tences，brieflyrelatedwhathadpassedsincehepartedwithPathfinderandtheDelaware。Thewindhadcomemorefavorable。and，insteadofencampingonanislandagreeablytotheoriginalintention，hehaddeterminedtocontinue，andreachthestationthatnight。Theirapproachwouldhavebeenunseen，andaportionofthecalamityavoided，hethought，hadtheynotgroundedonthepointofaneighboringisland，where，nodoubt，thenoisemadebythemeningettingofftheboatgavenoticeoftheirap-
proach，andenabledtheenemytobeinreadinesstoreceivethem。Theyhadlandedwithouttheslightestsuspicionofdanger，thoughsurprisedatnotfindingasentinel，andhadactuallylefttheirarmsintheboat，withtheintentionoffirstsecuringtheirknapsacksandprovisions。Thefirehadbeensoclose，that，notwithstandingtheobscurity，itwasverydeadly。Everymanhadfallen，thoughtwoorthreesubsequentlyaroseanddisappeared。Fourorfiveofthesoldiershadbeenkilled，orsonearlysoastosurvivebutafewminutes。though，forsomeunknownreason，theenemydidnotmaketheusualrushforthescalps。Ser-
geantDunhamfellwiththeothers。andhehadheardthevoiceofMabel，assherushedfromtheblockhouse。Thisfranticappealarousedallhisparentalfeelings，andhadenabledhimtocrawlasfarasthedoorofthebuilding，wherehehadraisedhimselfagainstthelogsinthemanneralreadymentioned。
Afterthissimpleexplanationwasmade，theSergeantwassoweakastoneedrepose，andhiscompanions，whiletheyministeredtohiswants，sufferedsometimetopassinsilence。Pathfindertooktheoccasiontoreconnoitrefromtheloopsandtheroof，andheexaminedtheconditionoftherifles，ofwhichtherewereadozenkeptinthebuild-
ing，thesoldiershavingusedtheirregimentalmusketsintheexpedition。ButMabelneverleftherfather’ssideforaninstant。andwhen，byhisbreathing，shefanciedheslept，shebentherkneesandprayed。
Thehalf-hourthatsucceededwasawfullysolemnandstill。ThemoccasinofPathfinderwasbarelyheardover-
head，andoccasionallythesoundofthebreechofariflefelluponthefloor，forhewasbusiedinexaminingthepieces，withaviewtoascertainthestateoftheirchargesandtheirprimings。Beyondthis，nothingwassoloudasthebreathingofthewoundedman。Mabel’sheartyearnedtobeincommunicationwiththefathershewassosoontolose，andyetshewouldnotdisturbhisapparentrepose。
ButDunhamsleptnot。hewasinthatstatewhentheworldsuddenlylosesitsattractious，itsillusions，anditspower。andtheunknownfuturefillsthemindwithitsconjectures，itsrevelations，anditsimmensity。Hehadbeenamoralmanforoneofhismodeoflife，buthehadthoughtlittleofthisall-importantmoment。Hadthedinofbattlebeenringinginhisears，hismartialardormighthaveenduredtotheend。butthere，inthesilenceofthatnearlyuntenantedblockhouse，withnosoundtoenlivenhim，noappealtokeepalivefactitioussentiment，nohopeofvictorytoimpel，thingsbegantoappearintheirtruecolors，andthisstateofbeingtobeestimatedatitsjustvalue。Hewouldhavegiventreasuresforreligiouscon-
solation，andyetheknewnotwheretoturntoseekit。