Part 70 (1/2)
”Mrs. Sabin, the lady of Captain Sabin, Staff Commissary of Issues.”
”Where is she, then?”
”We left her with the army at the Ouleout.”
”Where do you propose to quarter these ladies?”
”We understand that you have four block-forts mounting cannon. That would argue barracks. Therefore, I don't think the danger is very considerable. Do you?”
”There is danger, of course,” I said. ”The entire Seneca nation is here with Indian Butler and Brant.”
”Well, then, we'll turn your Butler into a turn-spit, and make of your wild Brant a domestic gander!”
He spoke coolly, a slight smile on his eager, handsome features. And I wondered how he could make a jest of this business, and how he could have permitted so mad a prank if he truly entertained any very deep regard for Lana Helmer.
”Danger,” I repeated coldly. ”Yes, there is a-plenty of that hereabouts, what with the Seneca scalping parties combing the woods around us, and the cattle-guard fired upon in plain sight of headquarters.”
”Well, there were and still are some few scalping parties hanging around Otsego. I myself see no real reason why the ladies should not pay us a visit here, have their frolic, and later return with the heavier artillery down the river to Easton. Or, if they choose, they shall await our return from Catharines-town.”
”And if we do not return? Have you thought of that, Boyd?”
”You shall not conjure me with any such forebodings!” he laughed. ”This raid of ours will be no very great or fearsome affair. They'll run--your Brants and Butlers--I warrant you. And we'll follow and burn their towns. Then, like the French king of old, down hill we'll all go strutting, you and I and the army, Loskiel; and no great harm done to anybody or anything, save to the Senecas' squash harvest, and the sensitive feelings of Walter Butler!”
While he was speaking, I kept my eye on the slow batteau which led.
Three boatmen poled it; Lois and Lana sat in the middle; behind them crouched two riflemen, long weapons ready, the ringed c.o.o.n-tail floating in the breeze.
Neither of the ladies had yet recognized me; Lana leaned lightly against Lois, her cheek resting on her companion's shoulder.
A black rage against Boyd rose suddenly in my breast; and so savage and abrupt was the emotion that I could scarce stifle and subdue it.
”It is wrong for them to come,” I said with an effort to speak calmly, ”----utterly and wickedly wrong. Our block-forts are not finished. And when they are they will be more or less vulnerable. I can not understand why you did not make every effort to prevent their coming here.”
”I made every proper effort,” he said carelessly. ”What man is vain enough to believe he can influence a determined woman?”
I did not like what he said, and so made him no answer.
”Is your camp still asleep?” he asked, yawning.
”Yes. The morning gun is usually fired at six.”
”Can you lodge us and bait us until I make my report?”
”I can lodge the ladies and give breakfast to you all. How near is our main army?”
”Between twenty and thirty miles above--one can scarce tell the way this accursed river winds about. Our men are exhausted. They'll not arrive tonight. General Poor's men from this camp met us last night.
Clinton desired me to take a few riflemen and push forward; and the ladies--except the fat one--begged so prettily to go with us that he consented. So we took two empty batteaux and a canoe and came on in advance, with no effort whatever.”
”That was a rash business!” I said, controlling my anger. ”The river woods along the Ouleout swarm with Seneca scouts. Didn't you understand that?”
”So I told 'em,” he said, laughing, ”but do you know, Loskiel, between you and me I believe that your pretty inamorata really loves the thrill of danger. And I know d.a.m.ned well that Lana Helmer loves it. For when we came through without so much as sighting a muskrat, 'What!' says she, 'Not a savage to be seen and not a shot fired! Lord,' says she, 'I had as lief take the air on Bowling Green--there being some real peril of beaux and macaronis!'”