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^ APPLIED INVIBE Ir

165 J East Mam Street

Rochester. Ne« York 14609 USA

(716) 482 -0300 -Phone

(716) 288 - 5989 - Fax

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■■' V'-;"' 7751 ■ 7

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Love Thrives in War

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Love Thrives in War

A Romance of the Frontier
in l8l2

Mary Catherine Crowley

Author of •' A Uaughter of New France - and 'The Heroine

of the Strait"

Illustrated by
Clyde O. Ue Land

Toronto
George N. Morang & Company, Limited

1903

^11 right, rturvtj

Publiihed May, 1903

UNIVMIITV MiM . JOHN WIllON
ANU (ON • CAMMIDGI, U. |. A.

^wn,i

•"•• >c -,vi.

.*^^*

i»f

ALL GALLANT .OVER, WHO HAVk CON, TO WAR
FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY,
AND A,.L ..OVAL SWEETHEART, W„o. WITH A, TRUE
A COURAOE. HAVE BUCKLED ON THE SWORD,
OF SOLDIER HEROES WiTH A FERVID
OR UNSPOKEN
"GOD SAVE THE BRAVE"

^\'1 \

IaL-'

!t.lii

I.WS!

iKr*i;?-.^^:^iVl^i;^IL

Prefa

'TMIE historical personages more or less famous
X who are portrayed in this romance are limned
from old portraits and the descriptions of their con-
temporaries. The hero and heroine are composite
sketches and represent distinguishing traits of promi-
nent families of the Canada frontier at the beginning
of the nineteenth century. The young Scotch High-
lander is not to be confounded with another Captain
Muir. named among General Proctor's subalterns.

If the incidents of Indian adventure recorded in
these pages seem wild or improbable to the reader
whose environment is remote from such scenes, they
were only too real on the shores of the Detroit River
and in the Maumce Valley, less than a hundred years
ago. The instances of feminine courage are drawn
from the experience of one heroic woman. The
author has been brought into close touch with the
customs and local characters of the time, and sym-
pathy with its spirit through the free access she has
had to the manuscript letters, diaries, public and
genealogical documents in the rare and extensive
library of Mr. Clarence M. Burton: also, through

viii

PREFACE

rcicrcncc to many memoirs, the army and naval re-
ports, and standard biographies that relate to the
War of 1 812. to Farmer's History. Ross and Catlin's
" Landmarks." and Mrs. Hamlin's •• Legends of
Detroit."

"TMI SrAKROWs PiacH undbr tiir Favm,»

April the Mcund, nintttcn hundred and thrM.

m^w i r

'^""i

Contents

Cmaptm Fibit. The Baer'i Pipe

CMAfTrii SicoND. A B«l P«r<

CMAfTM Thi«d. The Arm of Tecumwh
Chapti. Fou.tm. No Uvc without a Rival
Cmaptm FirrH. The Reveille

• • • •

CHAfTM Sixth. One Uve drivei out Another
Cmaptir Sevinth. Jamci Blue Jacket
Chamm Eighth. A Bride and a Bomb .
Chapt« Ninth. The Fort of the Strait
CHAFTm Tenth. The Coming of the Redcoats
Chaptbr Eleventh. The Fortunes of War .
Chapter Twelfth. A Lover's Message .
Chaptw Thirteenth. Squaw and White Woman
Chapter Fourteenth. By the River of the Vineyards
Chapter Fifteenth. The Great Shawanoe .
Chapter Sixteenth. With Tippecanoe at Fort Meig,
Chapter Seventeenth. War's Red Touchstone
Chapter Eighteenth. Souls made of Fire .
Chapter Nineteenth. The Band played ..Yankee
Doodle"

Chapter Twentieth. Love and Glory

Chapter Twentv-First. The Passing of the Shawanoe

Psg,

41
60

76
89

106

"3
«4'
160

»79
198

*'4
2a8

246

26s

*77
288

304
318

333

- ^ • ft

ix:".^.?. :-^</^

Mst of Illustrations

'•• Mon.l.ur Hcw-omptM Laba^lle. yog arr heartily

wdcomc- .he .aid with formal grace". . Fr..tUpi..

" • Mon,icur. I btg of you - do not fire f ' pleaded the
girl " . . . ,

^V 7a

•• Shortly |>cfore «unri,e. Laurent* put oH in a c«..oe " « ,3,

" Ala*, thia was not i'ierre ' "

" ao4

" ' t>og J get up,- commanded the Shawanoe - . . . .. ^,,

"Hi. arm «tole around her. and he Inrnt hi. head,
awaiting her answer "

" jaj

:^fr' V mwmm

Love Thrives in War

CHAPTER FIRST
THE BAKER'S PIPE

ON the eleventh of June, 1805. the morning sun,
the fabled Red Swan of the Ottawas, having
preened his gleaming pinions behind the white mists
of the Lake of Ste. Claire, soared above them and, on
wings of gold, began his course through the cloudless
skies that looked down upon the waters of the Strait
and on the bark-roofed town of Detroit, already more
than a century old.

A long ray of light fell across one of the houses
of the narrow street along the bluff, and a sturdy
urchin at play on the gallery, feigning to catch up
the sunbeam, called into the hearth-room at the left
of the doorway, —

" Look, mother ! Look, Laurente ! The Red Swan
has left a feather for us ! "

He was an engaging little lad, who had seen the ice
break up in the river and the prairie grow green
fc ir times since his baby gaze first beheld Nature
in her loveliness.

LOVE I'HRIVES IN WAR

■

A handsome young woman who moved about in
the room paid no heed to his gleeful shout, but
above the green barrier of the half-door, as in the
frame of a picture, appeared a piquant face partly
shaded by a mass of light-brown curls, and a pair
of pleasant gray eyes glanced out at the boy.

" Yes, my merry ' bon ami,' " cried the gay voice of
the girl, who was perhaps seven years his senior;
'* and the Red Swan's feather means good luck for
your mother's holiday."

" Lau rente, Laurentc, give me a kiss," begged
the youthful lover, making a dash toward the door.
Before he reached it, however, the smiling, dimpled
face vanished, and a mocking laugh, musical as
the rippling stream of the Savoyard, greeted his
discomfiture.

In the interior of the house all was commotion.
A Pani slave, Ursule, bustled to and from the outer
kitchen, busied in packing into two saddle-bags pro-
visions for a day's journey, together with such deli-
cacies as a pair of plump, dressed pullets, a great
block of maple sugar, a loaf of fresh-baked wheaten
bread wrapped in fine napcry, — tokens of neighborly
remembrance to be offered to the hostess who would
make the traveller welcome at Frenchtown before the
sun sank to the west.

*' All is now prepared, madam," announced Ursule.

"Oh, wait — wait a moment," pleaded Laurente,
as she ran through the kitchen and out into the
garden beyond. Returning presently with a branch
of fragrant cherry blossoms, she laid it on top of the
goodly store.

THE BAKER'S PIPE

r " ^^' A ! , ^^'' ''"" ""^^^ ^ ^°"q"et for you.
Cousm Adela.dc, when you set out your solitary
dinner upon some tree-stump in the woods,' she
declared. •• It is meant, I think, that we should have
not only da.ly bread but something pretty as well
upon which the eyes may feast ••

Th"?"\'^"M; ^^^^ ^''''' ^'^^ b^f^^ -ith trash?
The bough will wither long before I halt to dine "

rephed Dame Adelaide Brush, as she slipped ov^r

vtist ^ "'"^'"^ "^''' '""^ ^"'^"""^ ^' ^' th<^

The girl's smile faded, and with a scarcely audible

chtdistgir ^^^ '-''' ' '-' '^ ^-^'^ '-' ^er

" Let the branch stay," she protested with a sudden
change of mood. "You are a good little friend
Lauren e; and, wilted though the blooms may be
they will remind me of your kind helpfulness. My
bonnet, child; now my cloak."

Laurente brought both, and stood by admirin<.ly

be' t the ' f "^^' '^^ headgear'and mantle
before the round mirror that ornamented the wall-
parlor. ''''" '^' '"'"^°''' °^ '^' seldom-used

"Now I believe I am ready and have forgotten
nothing," said Madam Brush, stepping out on the
gallery. "Oh, yes, the baby!"

But Ursule had been mindful of this imoortanf

h^rrurTed b"r'"^ ^" ''- ^-^^^^^ ^^'-^

had turned back into the house, whence she now

4 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

came forth carrylnfj a blinking infant, capped and
swathed, and marvellously good-natured over having
been taken up unceremoniously from the birch-bark
cradle.

At the same moment, Wealthy, a grizzled negro,
led two horses around from the yard.

*' Mornin*. missus; de sun do shine like as if de
Lord was fillin' de earth full up with jewels, dis day,"
he said, as he doffed his widc-brimmcd straw hat and
gave a twitch to the bridle of La Folic, the sorrel
mare. " We had ought to make good speed on de
road."

"Yes, Wealthy, if all goes well, we shall reach
Colonel Navarre's farm before dark," assented the
mistress ; " but make haste, it is time we were off."

The old man bestirred himself, and swung the
saddle-bags into place.

Madam Brush, bending down, kissed her little son,
who stood wonderingly by.

" Are you going to be away a great while, mother,"
he queried, surprised at this rare demonstration.

" No, no, I shall be back to-morrow," she an-
swered, half ashamed of a display of affection unusual
at the period. " Laurente, are you sure you are not
afraid to stay with Ursule and the boy? I would not
go at all if you were not here ; and yet, faithful as
the Pani is, I am laying upon you almost too great
a charge for a girl still far from her teens. "

" Do not worry. Cousin Adelaide, I will play the
sportive little mother to Edmond, and you will be
home again so soon," laughed Laurente, tossing back
her curls.

THK HAKER'S IMPE 5

Wealthy held the stirrup for his mistress and. hav-
ing assisted her to mount La Folie, comfortably dis-
posed the baby before her in a basket attached to
the pommel of the saddle. This being done, he
Hung himself upon the white plough-horse, Pale-face
glanced once more at the brace of pistols in the'
holster, and patted his squirrel-skin bullet-pourh

Then Dame Adelaide, wife of Elijah lirush. Esquire
waving a hand to the group on the gallery, rode down
the street, followed by her attendant.

When she had gone some rods, however, she looked
back. Laurente and the little lad still watched her-
the house, strongly built of hewn logs, clapboarded
on the n(. .h. and with a steep sloping roof, presented
a scene ol rude comfort with the sunlight streaming
in at the open door. A scene that would remain for-
ever impressed upon the memory of this pioneer
woman who now turned from it to pursue her way
How little did Madam Brush think she would never
see this comfortable home again !

The journey she had undertaken was one of duty as
well as of pleasure. Her cousin. John Askin, who had
married Monique, the daughter of Francois Navarre
was rejoicing in the advent of a son and heir The
projected visit of congratulation had been given up
when, a week since. Elijah Brush departed upon a sur-
veying expedition into the wilderness. Then helpful
young Laurente Macintosh came from over the river
to spend the day. and volunteered to remain with
Ursule during the absence of her hostess, who in-
tended to be away but one night. And the neighbors
on either side, were only a stone's throw distant

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

Life here on the river bank had been strenuous
but safe for several years. Surrounded by a stout
palisade, the settlement was considered secure against
attack cither from the Indians or the ICnglish ; and,
with savages and redcoats, the inhabitants were now
at peace. What could happen within the next twenty-
four hours, other than the usual round of dull mo-
notony? True, the arrival of the governor appointed
for the newly formed territory of Michigan was daily
expected. But, were his ship near, would it not be
already reported from Lake Erie by Indian runners
or coureurs-de-bois?

Madam Brush had no premonition of all that was
to transpire within a short interval, as the sorrel mare
ambled on through the town. Now the traveller
passed the former headquarters of the British com-
mandant, called the King's Palace, noticeable as being
the only two-story house in the province ; now, the
mansion of Joseph Campeau, the richest man of the
place; now the church of Stc. Anne with its two
towers, each surmounted by a gilded cross which
glittered in the sunshine.

Anon, she came to the officers' quarters, the hos-
pital and guardhouse, the citadel of Fort Lernoult,
built by the British during the Revolution, on the
site of old Fort Pontchartrain. Upon yonder flag-
staff the Stars and Stripes had first been raised in
the Northwest. There to-day the glorious banner
floated grandly in the soft summer breeze, but the
eyes of Madam Brush kindled with no enthusiasm as
she beheld it.

Instead, she averted her glance, and sighed as she

THE BAKER'S PIPE 7

gazed across to the green banks beyond the river,
where white manors and farmhouses stoijd out against
a background of woods, and blooming orchards, and
tilled fields. A mile above, on that beautiful Cana-
dian shore, lay Strebane, the home of her girlhood,
the home she had 1< ft, to marry, in defiance o." the
will of her father, Elijah Inrush, the young American
who had won her heart. The lands on the northern
boundary of the Strait now belonged to the United
States, and the new nation and Great Hritain were on
terms of friendship. Hut old John Askin and his son-
in-law were ever at variance, and in the heart of
Adelaide waged a war between family traditions and
love of kindred, and loyalty to the husband of her
choice.

Some such reflections distracted the mind of the
proud matron as she rode on into the shadow of the
blockhous" above the entrance to the town.
*' Tenez ! Halt I " cried a rasping voice.
Coming to herself with a start, she involuntarily
drew rein, to find a soldier in buckskins with musket
levelled to obstruct her progress.

"Jean Cccirc, what is the meaning of this?"
haughtily demanded Madam Brush.

" It mean I am ' Ic garde ici,' and no one goes
out, — no, not even a stray poulet, or a pecg, wizout
my pairmis ion," rejoined Jean, pointing his weapon
ominously at La Folic.

By this, the white plough-horse had galloped up,
bringing Wealthy to the assistance of the lady.

•' For de Lord, may do Red Dwarf take you, Jean
Cecire," he called angrily; "you ain't got no manner

LOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

o* right to procrastinate 'qucstrians from goin' in and
out dcsc times."

" Tonncrrc ! Silence, you coquin ncgrc ! " com-
manded Cccirc, shifting the gun to cover the ser-
vant. "Zc garde have one right to demand where
zc dame faire voyage, and why?"

The black concluded there was but ot>e answer to
this imperative inquiry, reinforced as it was by the
shining gun-barrel. He leaned forward, and the next
moment revealed one of the big pistols firmly grasped
in his right hand.
Madam Hrush screamed.

" Tut up your weapon, Wealthy," she ordered, and
then, turning to the sentry, continued in a conciliatory
tone.

" Monsieur C«;cire, although the chief authority of
the town may be vested in the commandant at the
fort until the arrival of the new governor, I take it
you exceed your instructions by delaying me. Neve»-
theless, any one may know the object of my journey.
I am going down to Frcnchtown to visit the family
of Colonel Navarre."

Satisfied with his show of importance, and vain-
glorious as a fighting cock, yet uneasily conscious
that he had blundered, Jean strutted to the side of
the road, shouldered his musket, and with a gesture
of command, shouted, —
" Avance done, avancc ! "

La Folie needed no second bidding. At a woru
from her rider, she sprang through the gateway r.nd
kept a good pace across the garrison fields, while
Pale-face willingly followed close behind.

THE HAKKRS PIPE

Crossing the willow and sycamore bordered stream
of the Savoyard, formerly known as the Ri^^olct des
Hurons, the road, fairly good at this season, con-
tinued on by the margin of the Strait, past the old
scigneurial manor of the Chevalier dc Cadillac where
now lived young Lewis Cass and his bride ; the
Spring Wells ; the relics of the Pottawottomie vil-
lage ; the Godefroy and Labadic farms with their
Normandy pear-trees and fields of sprouting grain ;
the house of Debendon the Indian agent. There-
after, leading through the ford of a broad creek,
keeping the bright flood of river and lake ever in
view, it skirted the edge of the forest of birch, and
pine, and maple for thirty miles.

It was a joy to be abroad on this fair June day.
The leafy arches of the great trees, the breeze from
the water, tempered the heat of the sun ; the woods
were fragrant with the breath of wild-flowers, and the
way was bordered with a tangle of vines.

The baby, from his point of vantage in the basket,
cooed in friendly fashion at the nodding foliage,
and, now and again, cried out with delight at a bird
as it sang liltingly from a twig, or a squirrel that
crossed their path. But the motl cr would only rest
during the time of the mid-day v oal. Accordingly,
it still lacked two hours of twilight when the party
entered the lovely valley of the River Raisin, in the
hea! t of which lay the hospitable Navarre homestead.

Vvith the visit of Madam Brush, agreeable as it
was, this narrative has nothing to do, nor yet with
the details of the journey homeward on the following
day. There was again the ride over the Indian trail.

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

now varied, it is true, by a meeting with a band of
red men; but they were friendly, and passed with
nods of greeting. Not until the traveller reached
the point on the river road opposite to the Huron
Mission did she begin to experience a vague sense
of some unusual happening.

"Wealthy," she asked as she drew in La Folic
sharply, and awaited the coming up of the old re-
tainer, " is it not strange that all the houses down
here at the Spring Wells are deserted?"

The negro took od' his great hat and scratched his
gray poll. The action seemed to stimulate his wits,
for presently, putting on his headgear once more, he
said with a wide grin, —

" 'Spects I knows what it is, missus, — 'spects de
new governor am come, sure 'nough, an' all creation
am gone up to call on him. 'Spects, missus, we 's
missed de grand doin's."

His mistress urged h-^r horse to greater speed.
Perhaps her husband, getting word of the governor's
expected arrival, had returned from the northern
woods. He would not be uneasy at her absence,
yet she would fain be at home.

Within half an hour the riders reached the point
whence could be obtained the first view of the block-
house above the town gate. But

" Wealthy, w/tere is the blockhouse ? " cried Dame
Adelaide.

Cantering up, Wealthy rubbed his eyes, dumb-
founded. " 'Clare to goodness, missus ! Am dis ole
nigger sleepin', or am de fort clean gone?" he ex-
claimed at last.

THE BAKER'S PIPE ,|

Of the palisade, the barracks, the storchounei, the
priion, not a vcntiuc wa^ stanilinR. hut the air wai
heavy with smoke and the odor of charred timber.

"A woful fire it must have been." ejaculated the
lady.

Now La Fohe was fairly running alcnj: the cinder-
buried road, and the baby be^'an to shriek. The
mother bent to quiet him. and then once more
looked up.

" My God. my God ! " she faltered with a despair-
ing sob.

Almost simultaneously the voice of the slave rose
in a sorrowing wail, —

"In de desolation ob abomination dc Lord hab
visited His people! "

Before them lay indeed an awful spectacle of dev-
astation. Where was now the strong little town of
Detroit from which they had ridden out but yester-
day morning? Its quaint dwellings, built of squared
logs ; its long roofs, pierced by dormer windows and
crossed with ladders for use in case of emergency;
its narrow streets sixteen feet wide; its Norman and
Indian relics; the old furniture, valuable only for as-
sociation with the past ; decrees, deeds, letters, and
documents. — all had been swept out of existence by
a great conflagration. Only one blackened house re-
mained. But where were the people? Had they
too perished?

" My child ! Laurente ! " cried Madam Brush in
an agony of suspense.

Beside herself with anxiety, she sprang from her
horse, snatched the baby from its basket-ncst, and

I.OVK TMRIVKS IN WAR

hastened on afoot. Kvcry lamlmark w»% gone, even
the solitary house being changed beyond recognition.
Her home had been at the eastern end of the village,
on the plot next to the " chcmin dc rondc."

Hul what i^ this approaching through the smoke,
a spectre risen from the cemetery to stalk among
the ruins of the church where prayer will never more
be said for the repose of the faithful departed?

The terror of Madam Brush was augmented by no
such dread. She knew the tall sepulchral figure
to be Lc r^rc Gabriel Richard, the priest of Stc.
Anne's,

" Monsieur Richard," she called, pressing forward
and almost sinking at his feet.

He stretched forth a hand to save her from falling,
and peered into her face, for his eyes were so in-
flamed by smoke that he could scarce sec.
•• Monsieur Richard, —what of my boy ? "
" Ah, It is Dame Adelaide. Take courage,
daughter, no lives are lost, thank God. Your child
is safe and unharmed."

" Where is he? " she strove to frame the question,
but the words refused to come.

Father Gabriel understood, however.
" A few of the townspeople have gathered on the
Kmg's Domain, and arc already building rude cabins
there," he said. •• Vou will find the boy among them,
together with Ursulc and the little Macintosh girl.
The greater number of the inhabitants sought refuge
cither with their friends on the cAtc du nord-cst or
across the river."

Dame Adelaide did not wait to hear more, but

I. . i.

T <"

W I ^ ^,.„_fci' ISi.iH iT "■' A'" 'TT'

THE BAKKRS PIPK

•3

ipcil on, while Wealthy came after, IratJiriK the
honc^. For he had aUo iliHmountciI. *inrc it became
not a slave Xa ride when hin mistress walked.

Arrived at the common, which had been jii«t out-
*i«lc of the eastern palisa«lc, a curious scene met the
eyes of thr returned traveller. Men who had owned
the belt residences in the t.)wn were busicti in erect-
ing arbor-like lodges, usin^ the boughs of forest
trees, after the manner of their Indian nci^'hbors of
the wilds. Women, never seen abroad save in well-
ordered attire, ran hither and thither, dishevelled of
appearance, cndeavorinK to cook a meal for their
families amid the ashes of their homes, or strivinjj to
<iuiet their crying children. The majority of the
PanI servants h.ul fled to the woo-ls.

Ensconced upon a pile ..f quilts and pillows. Madam
Brush found her little Kdmond in the care of Lau-
rcnte. As a precaution against the coolness of the
l.-'tr afternoon, the girl had wrapped a coverlet about
hmi, and together they coiitentcilly a^\ aired the re
turn of Ursulc, who, from a glowing heap of cinders
near by, was raking out several roasted potatoes.

" Mother! mother I " shouted the boy, starting up,
and running to the dazed newcomer.

"Cousin Adelaide," exclaimed Laurcnte, also
springing to her feet, and snatching the baby.

The other women crowded around, all eager to tell
how, on the day before, the town baker, while hitch-
ing a pony in his barn, knc " ed the ashes from Iiis
pipe, and the embers, falling upon a wisp of hay. set
fire to it, and started the great conflagration. Kach
having given her version of the talc, they went back

14 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

to their occupations. There was much to be done to
secure a shelter; during the previous night they had
none.

When they were gone. Madam Brush turned to
Laurente with the query she had with difficulty re-
pressed up to this point.

" But, Laurente." she said. " when our neighbors
sought refuge across the river, why did you not go
with them? Why did you not take Edmond to
my father': house, and then return to your own
home?"

It was a simple question, yet the effect upon the
child was singular.

Laurente drew herself up to her full height, a wave
of emotion swept over h-r, a red glow burned in her
cheeks, and her eyes shone.

"Why did I not?" she repeated passionately.
VV hy ? Because the boy is an American, and I have
heard his father. Mr. Brush, say he would accept no
favors from the British."

Had the earth yawned under Dame Adelaide's
feet, she could not have been more amazed. The
audacity of the answer aroused in her breast a fierce
anger which gathered fuel from her recent anxiety.

;• What is that you say. malapert. — you who are
British yourself? " she broke out, seizing the little
maid by the arm, "you would have it that my
own father's house is not the proper asylum for
my son?"

Thereat the firm hand of Madam Brush beat
about Laurente's tangled curls, and Laurente's pretty
ears began to tingle.

'' J -.*' ■jP'i

THE BAKER'S PIPE ,5

Indignant and defiant, the girl confronted the irate
dame.

" Cousin Adelaide, how dare yot: ! " she cried. '* I
will stay with you no longer."

With this vehement outburst slu- tiiriiod ,.nd fled
toward the King's wharf, or raic du- pi. :,. where
the wharf, called to the last by tlic King s name, had
been.

Here no doubt she would find a boatr^ian to take
her across the river. Yesterday, her father, Angus
Macintosh, had sent a messenger to bring her home;
but she had declined to return, alleging as excuse
that she must remain to assist those who had lost
their all in the fire.

" Ah, now indeed I will go ! " she ejaculated breath-
lessly. " One would think Cousin Adelaide was the
Mother Country herself; and she boxed my ears just
as Great Britain tried to cuff her colonies into order.
A fine wife she for an American ! I know somebody
who would make a better one. Heigh-ho, I wish
I had been born on the north shore of the Strait."

It was six o'clock in the evening. Down toward
Lake Erie the Red Swan was sinking to his rest
upon the waters. The bluff along the river, yester-
day so green, was covered with ashes and debris.
The orchards, yesterday so fragrant, had disappeared
with the houses, save for a seared tree here and
there. Only the opposite shore was the same as it
had been. The aspect of the river was changed.
Usually at this hour it was the great pleasure high-
way whereon the townfolk sallied in their pirogu**es,
the elders bound upon social \ ',its to the cdtes*^ the

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

young men and maids upon canoe rides which were
often the bcginninrr of life voyages. Now, what a
contrast! There were no promenaders on the ter-
raced bank, and the Strait seemed a vast solitude.
But was it so ? Laurente could scarce believe her
eyes, yet surely there, unheralded, but steadily beat-
ing up against the current, was a ship with sails.

Almost at the same moment that she beheld it,
several men who had come to draw water from the
river observed it too.

" It is the ship from Niagara," they shouted.
The news spread ; a small group of people, ani-
mated by curiosity, in a dispirited fashion, gathered
at the waterside, and a squad of soldiers marched
down from the common where they were encamped.
Half an hour later the ship came up to the site
of the landing and the passengers were brought
ashore from canoes.

Pressing to the fore of the spectators, Laurente
saw that the chief among the strangers was a man of
medium height, somewhat corpulent, with a ruddy
complexion and a handsome head crowned with
abundant hair just turning to silver, -a man past the
prime of life, but still showing much of soldierly
vigor. Of commanding presence, he had the air
of a martinet, and even in this brief moment the
girl noted the precision of his dress. One might
almost think he had been moulded into his gold-
laced uniform and the fine cavalry boots of English
leather that he had thought proper to don.

Down to meet him strode arrogantly a tall, loose-
jointed, sallow-skinned man whose claw-hammer

:a ft

THE BAKER'S PIPE ,7

coat was set off by brass buttons ami a buff waist-
coat. The latter, gaping open, showed a shirt-front
adorned w.th a mass of cambric frills that, together
w.th the broad ruffles at his wrist, were by no means
fresh a red neckt.e added a touch of brightness to
ftis attire, and his trousers hung In folds to his feet
meeting a pair of stout shoes.

He was Augustus Woodward, the new chief-justice
who had arrived over-land the day before, having
been chosen by President Jefferson to act with the
governor and two subordinates as the representatives
of the civil authority of the United States In the
territory.

In response to the half-hearted cheers of the little
throng on the beach, the newly landed commandant
doffed his three-cornered military hat. while he ac-
cepted with amiable condescension the greetings of
the judge, and of Mr. Cass and Le PIre Richard,
in behalf of the townspeople.

Then with the short, brisk step of the officer on
parade, he advanced up the ash-strewn bank, followed
by the other gentlemen of his party, all of whom
wore the dress of civilians.

Thus did General William Hull, sent from Washing-
ton to be the first governor of Michigan, enter upon
his office Instead of acclamations for the brave

Mad Anthony Wayne over the ramparts of Stony
Point, he met with scarce a welcome. Instead of a
prosperous, rapidly growing town as the seat of his
government, he found but a heap of ashes In the
wilderness.

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

The men who accompanied him cxchanfred dubi-
ous glances as they contemplated the panorama
before them, hut their leader, whatever the bitter-
ness of his feelings, opposed a bold front to his
disappointment.

Haughtily raising his head, he proceeded with
martial rigidness, his escort making as cheery a
clamor with fife and drum as might be, until they
had conducted him to the one house left standing
after the fire.

When the paltry pageant had passed, Laurente,
the little Canadian girl, coming to herself, looked
about in dismay. The dusk was beginning to fall,
and still she had found no boatman to ferry her
across the r'.xr. Pride counselled her not to return
to any of the women who had witnessed the indig-
nity put upon her by Madam Brush. Nevertheless,
what else was to be done?

Well, she would not yet relinquish the hope of
achieving her object. An abandoned canoe might
be lying on the beach, and if perchance there should
be a paddle left in it, she would take possession of
both and send them back the next day.

She hurried along the strand. Alas, there was no
boat, but in the twilight she almost ran into the arms
of a stalwart youth who was striding rapidly in the
opposite direction.

" Laurente ! " he exclaimed in surprise. " Why,
what are you doing here?"

The child dashed away her tears and smiled up at
him.

" I was seeking a canoe," she explained.

THE BAKER'S PIPE ,g

"You were going to set out alone upon the Strait ! "
he cried. " Ma foi, you have more boldness than wis-
dom, little sweetheart."

The clasp of his strong hands was reassuring.

"O Pierre. - Pierre Labadie." she stammered,
clingmg to him with confidence, "take mc home."

"To be sure I will," answered the young fellow,
readily. " My pirogue is yonder in the cove. Come'
among these still smoking ruins it will be easy
enough to light a brand to guide us. But do not
be frightened, the evening will not be darker, for,
see, the moon is rising."

CHAPTER SECOND
A BAL PARE

SIX years had passed sitjce the Great Fire that
swept away the Seignrur do Cadillac's village of
the Strait, since the arrival of General Hull as
governor of Michigan, since the afternoon when
Madam Adelaide Brush soundly rated the spirited
child Laurente Macintosh, and punished her little
shell-like ears for the heed they had given to the
gossip of her elders.

It was the last day of November. The long winter
had already set in ; the prairies were wide snow-
fields ; the ri'/er was a broad road of ice.

On its northern margin another settlement had
arisen upon the ruins of the old; and the new Detroit
was a pioneer American town. Amid the collision
of nations, the tide of revolution, the French-Cana-
dian habitant had lost a country to love and by
which to be loved in return. British soldiers and
traders, and Yankee settlers from east of the Alle-
ghanies, had alike married among the charming
Creole demoiselles, however ; and occasionally a
well-to-do young Frenchman, wooing with Gallic
ardor, had won for his bride a fair daughter of the
strangers. Thus several families of the old Norman
stock, with their numerous branches, still retained an
influence in the community.

'm^im*sL.

A BAL PAR£ 2,

On this evening of the festival of St. Andrew, the
ancient national holiday of Scotland, all the best
society, both of the Canadian and northern shores,
were bidden to a fete at the hospitable home of
Angus Macintosh, — a " bal pare " in honor of the
birthday of Laurentc. the youngest daughter of the
house.

Every season as it came, like an Indian luck spirit,
had brought some gift to Laurente. Each spring
had given to her eyes a deeper gray, like the color
the river shows as one gazes into its limpid depths
when the ice has broken up and the waters leap with
gladness. Each summer had attuned her voice to
the songs of the birds, her laughter to the music of
the breeze in the forest or the rippling of the stream
of the Savoyard. The autumns added a softer sheen
to her nut-brown Vair ; while old Winter, with a
grandsire's privilege, had unfailingly left ruddy kisses
on her dimpled cheeks. Under the fostering care
of all, she had grown straight and tall, shapely of
form and supple of limb, a comely and happy-hearted
demoiselle. So thought Wealthy, the old negro who
had come across the river to act as fiddler-in-chief
for the dancing that was to succeed the gala feast.
So would soon think many a guest and admiring
gallant.

" Now. Wealthy," enjoined the girl, " make your
music caper its merriest, and you shall have, not only
the Spanish dollar and the supper my father has
promised you, but a negus fit for the King h'Tiself.
And. moreover, a cake as thickly strewn with plums
and spices as the beach is with pebbles. For such

«.*-j-V.v*

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

f:
1/

a one I have taken from the pantry shelf and hidden
away for you."

" Hless you, Sugar Honey, you 're as sweet as de
mos* d'lcctious morsel dat ebcr was, so you is, — all
white an' purty to look at as de snow on dc prairie,
an' with a heart jest filled with nice tings dat leave'
a good taste behind dem You re for all dc world
like a gran' St. Andrew's Cake /our own self, Lady
Sweetness."

Laurente laughed e^yly.

" For that fine saying you deserve two cakes ! I '11
tell Martine, the cook, to remember you at the next
baking," she cried, pirouetting before him, and then
romping the length of the room as she hummed the
air of a gavotte.

The old darkey rolled his eyes, and displayed two
rows of glittering teeth which showed gaps here and
there, like the ranks of Jean Cccire's soldiers, but
were still capable of valiant trencher-duty. The talk
of the supper and the confections not only made his
mouth water, but aroused his fancy, and he saw the
sprightly demoiselle as the spirit that presides over
gala cheer.

Springing upon the table, with a flourish of his
bow, he gave the word to the violin, and the music
was off down the room after Laurente. Now it
slackened a bar to give her time to take breath, now
It chased her back again, and anon led her over the
shining oaken path once more. Now it set the still
merrier pace of a " gigue."

The girl danced with a charming grace and abandon.
The floating lights in the hanging lamps of bear'g

A BAI. PARK

oil flared up as if to sec. and shed a radiance on the
polished noor. The candles in the silver sconces on
the walls cast bright rays about her They touched
her .ligh!/ coifed and powdered hair, her slender
throat and round arms, and lost themselves in a hun-
dred lustrous rcrtections amid the sheen of her gown
of white sarsenet, made from n bolt of silk that had
been ordered from Londo . by ;icr father to please
his women folk.

"Faster," urged the music, "faster!" and the
dancing sprite obeyed.

Wealthy watched her, enthralled, while with many
nods of his hoary head, jerks of the shoulders, and
tapping foot, he marked the rhythm of the melody.
To him. she was as one of the Napjca. the joyous
nymphs of the wilds, companions of the fawns and
birds of the forest and prairie. Of a sudden, how-
ever, his bow faltered, and a half-startled expression
crept over his ebony countenance.

The halting of the tune caused Laurcntc, whose
laughing eyes had been fixed upon his grotesque
figure, to turn her head and '" How his gaze. There
upon the threshold stood a tall imposing man about
sixty years of age. and of fine physique and bearing.
His reddish brown hair and beard were plentifully
sprinkled with gray. But the fresh color of perfect
health and an outdoor life glowed in his handsome
face, which, lacking the high cheek-bones and promi-
nent jaw of the mixed race of the Scottish border,
was unmistakably Celtic.

"By de Red Dwarf, de young mam'selle is de
purfcct picture ob de ole massa when he puckers up

U LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

his lips like dat to keep from ^nu\i»'

Of a truth, any one mi^ht have .,urml,cd at a elance
the relationsh I) between th^ . "a^aRiancc

"iRhlander ani thf^r J ' ubcT'^"'""^ '''''''''
light-hearted. ^ <^xuberantly merry and

danc^^.dt•;C X7'1\ '''-''''' ^^ ^-- ^^r

have had steh / ^. '"^ '^'"'"« "P »« i^'*". "I
nave had such a grand -gigue >i deux.'"

•• Invisible, but not unheard, for the music and r
have b„„ j,„,i„g .„g^,,^.^„ ,,„„ij;7 -^ I

whechng about and catehing at both his hands
_^Con.e, be my gallant, and practise the X wUh

sineJl'''' TT'- *""" ''"°" " " not three week,

are these French a rs. thev hi\ .„ . '^

leaping. Were it a rn J^^ « .1 "' ""^ """»
the'mLure Tf ^ sta^X ~ " '""' "°"""" '^

traltedto'F;e:ch^'"":r'''H"r ""' ' """"P»^
ing perverseness ' "^'""' ''^"''"'=' »'"• '"-

T- J .. " "'"'■'' ^ C^o'dUn demoiselle i-ev
claimed Macintosh, in mock distress. "^

You should not regret that I am half French,

li. a. JL

A nM PARE aj

but rather that you have been negligent of my
education." protested the artful minx, audaciously.
"Teach me the steps as they were danced at Holy-
rood House in the old days?"

" Humph ! At Holyrood they had many French
gavottes; but, ah, in the Highlands were brave merry-
makings. The strathspey is danced to the tunc of
• Tibby Fovvier o* the Glen,' we will say — "

Pursing his lips, the genial gentleman whistled a
stave of the old air, and executed the steps with
spirit.

" Hravol " applauded Laurentc. " Now I '11 ven-
ture."

"There you have it. No. mark the time more
smartly," cautioned the Macintosh, exemplifying his
teaching with a lightness of foot that defied his
ancient enemy.

For some moments father and daughter danced
together, old Wealthy striking in with a fragment
of the melody, which he had quickly caught. At
last Laurente paused, laughing; vhereat the laird
whirled agilely about, snapped his fingers above his
head, and came to a stop also.

"Now, sir, how goes the reel?" she presently
inquired.

" The reel has a more cantv measure," he replied,
falling into the snare. " V\ calthy, you know • The'
Scolding Wives of Abcrtarf ' ? "

"Dis yere fiddle's dc onliest sweetheart ole
Wealthy eber had, an' he ain't 'quaintcd wid no
scolding wife," deprecated the black.

Maclntoih imiled.

K-

.'jMm.'w'

i, f

ift I.OVK ThRIVKS IS WAR

•• Woman i, a violin the twcctncis of whoic tone
dfp*^ncU upon the player," he said. •• I H »jvc you
a^junc merry enough to put the veriest .hrew to

Seizing the fiddle, he drew the bow acron, the
itrmgs Wealthy soon found hi. feet shufllini: he
swayed from side to side, and took fantastic steps in
a corner. '

I-aurente danced to the rollicking strains until
Macintosh, returning to the slave his cherished in-
strument joined her again. Their merriment was at
»t» height when both suddenly became aware that
a young man whose alert manner, dark hair and eyes
and mobile face proclaimed him of French-Canadian
ongm. had entered the room and was wailing to pay
his respects to the girl-hostess.

^ '' "^•»'«-ha." cried Macintosh, cominfr to a pause,

you have caught me in the act. Pierre. Hut this

ass ,s to blame for making pretence of not knowing

the Scotch dances." **

Laurentc flashed him a roguish glance, and. with

a han. at each side of her narrow skirts, dropped

ajr.- .us courtesy to the guest, who in turn bowed

" Monsieur Descomptcs-Labadic. you arc heartily
welcome." she said with formal grace
^ •• Mademoiselle." he asked as his host turned aside,
niay I claim from you the first dance of the ball? "

Laureate shrugged her shoulders.

"You are slow, monsieur." she replied non-
chalantly; "Captain Hull, the governor's son. en-
gaged It a week ago."

i i

• 'S *L^

A BAL PARf:

"Then I shall have the pavannc?"

•• The pavannc is promidcd to Captain Mulr. and
the allemdndc to Aleck Macomb."

•• Laurentc. you know I have been absent at
Frenchtown, Since you hive given away all your
dances. I will take my leave," he said stiffly.

"Chut, Sir Tinder-box, arc there not still the
passepied and the waltz ? "

"You saved the best for me?" he inquired,
appeased.

" And -ICC how ill I am requited," she remarked to
the fan of white ortolans feathers that she waved
idly to and fro.

" When I can more clearly recognize my little
friend of other days m the vision before me. I may
gain courage to better express my gratitude." he
apologized gayly.

" Would you truly take me for a great lady, if you
did not know me for just Laurcnte Macintosh." .she
queried with child-like simplicity.

" No lady of the court was ever half so beautiful !
Yet why a demoiselle with hair the color of a hazel-
nut should hide its glint beneath a shower of pow-
der, I cannot comprehend." Labadic averred.

Thinking he made a jest of her. she flu.shed with
vexation, and a retort rose to her lips. But at the
moment a diversion occurred.

The sound of sledges crunching the snow on the
road, and the jingle of ponies' bells, caused Sandy the
Scot, the laird's own man, to throw open the house-
door. The glare of the lamps in the hall mingled
with that of the torches waved by the slave boys

]Mr_

LOVE THRIVKs IN WAR

V.LIU ui me strait and by the r daiifTh»„,

1:" .""'!. T '"""" of '"- Scottish t;;:tu;

who .nhcnted from her mother the graces a;d a
.hare of the coquetry of the Canadian dLo.VUe
The spacous parlor being thronged, Angus led

around the Board :^hrMactZ,:;rhrd"''"

a large mole or wart near the chin. Opposite ^o

him sat the rotund Judge Mav an,l „. 1!

" Debendon." wC-pripoftion^ran^ of ^sh' c^

Krh";or^= ^°°''""''' -" ^"- ^-n

ere«"bl'ur°' JT ^"'''■" ^""PP'^' <'ie"ifi=d and
e ell T r"*' ^'"" ^'■'^''•°"' '^'"dly Judge With,
^rcl!, La I-erte, and Joseph Campeau, the richest m,„
.n the territory. Also Henry Hunt. Llack-hai c'd Tnd

m: ;.f;o ;ts " tT' T"'"'" '^'^°"^-' '^"-■-^

che^t-^ ,: pleasant-voiced and rosv-

ch«ked man w.th smiling mouth, fine te«h, and

m HilMikX^ML^i^ \ Ji

£'»«•» #1 1

A HAL PARf:

bnght eyes whose lids drooped slightly, was Pierre
yesmycr, a Parisian aristocrat wlio. having escaped
La anternc" in the days of the French Revolution.
had learned the trade of the silversmith, and cmi-
grated to America.

The wives of all these gentlemen were present as
well besides stately Madam Brush and her dare-devil
Yankee husband, at whom old John A skin glared
across the mahogany. From the Canadian side were
the Mess.eurs and Dames Marcntette and Maison-
v.Ile. Drouillard. Herthelct. Baby, and many more

Such was the company. A gathering of men still
young or in the prime of life, well bred, and of gentle
manners, notwithstanding the isolation of this frontier
settlement. Several among them were keen of intel-
lect; all were hardy, brave, and inured to dangers
The women were, with a few exceptions. French
Creole matrons and their daughters, notable house-
keepers who possessed the light-hcartedness of the
old society of IMontrcal and Quebec.

The table was decked as befitted the state of a
host but one removed from the title of Earl of Moy
though the earldom had been abolished by George
of Hanover The silver drinking-cups and flagons,
bcarmg the family crest, were wreathed with garlands
of holly whose scarlet berries contrasted well with
the whiteness of the napcry from Flanders.

As for the fare, there were generous roasts of beef
the famed wild turkey of the region, and the tradi-'
t.onal Scotch haggis ; with tarts and comp^ts for the
sweet of tooth, and plenty of English rum and French
"eau de vie."

smm

:^w

30 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

Because of the presence of the women, and the
dancing to follow, few drank deeply as yet. though
the close of the evening was destined to find several
of the guests under the table.

When the substantial part of the entertainment
was over. John Askin, the wealthy trader prominent
in local politics, got upon his feet and. lifting high
his goblet, cried, as his glance roved over the com-
pany, —

" Friends, I toast the King."

All rose, and the Macintosh, passing his cup over
a carafe of water that stood before him, repeated —
"The King." ^ '

There was a gleam of amusement in the eyes of
the Americans, but in truth they preferred to honor
a mythical Stuart king rather than the intolerant
George III. upon his throne.

The toast was drunk in brimming beakers by all
the men present; by each matron from a wine-glass
into which a small quantity of the ambrosial punch
was poured with a tiny ladle from the goblet of the
gentleman at whose right hand she sat ; by each
demoiselle, who just touched with her red lips the
cup of the gallant beside her.

Laurente was placed at the foot of the table be-
tween Pierre Labadie and Captain Muir. with Aleck
Macomb and well-favored Charles Lamed beyond
Labadie, who had been one of those who noticed
the ruse by which Macintosh drank to " the King
over the water," glanced sharply at the girl to see if
she would follow her father's example.
When Muir offered her the pledge, however, she

A BAL PARf:

did not sip of the fragrant negus, but. instead, kissed
the crest of the Macintosh graven on the side of
the cup.

"The President of the United States." proposed
the host, m compliment to his guests from the c6te
du nord.

This second toast was received with every appear-
ance of good-will. but. as Laurente turned to Labadie
Muir leaned forxvard. his gaze full of stern inquiry

The girl shot back at him a look that was a merry
challenge, met the eager smile of Pierre with in-
genuous candor, hesitated a moment, and then de-
murely kissed again the gleaming helmet of the
Macintosh coat-of-arms.

The captain breathed a sigh of relief, and leaned
back m his chair; Pierre turned away his head in
d.sappomtment ; but Laurente, still smiling, set down
the goblet and began to wavt her fan of ortolan's
plumes.

At this point. Martine. the Pani slave-woman, en-
tered from the kitchen, bearing aloft a magnificent
confection which glittered with the snow-white sugar
of the West Indies.

" The St. Andrew's Cake." cried the young hostess,
clappmg her hands.

Amid general acclaim, the "pi^>ce de re'sistance "
was displayed, and, having been cut by Madam Mac-
intosh, was passed around the company. Straight-
way, young and old were seeking the ring that had
been baked in the cake, the ring that was to be the
signet of royal authority for the finder.

" Quick, change with me, for there is a gleam of

rs...

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

gold in my portion," whispered Laurente, to pretty
Abigail Hunt.

" No, no," objected Abigail, and raising her voice
she joyously announced, —

" Laurente is Queen of the Hour, and I hasten
to enroll myself her royal maid of honor."

In vain Miss Macintosh protested. The ring was
plainly in evidence; and the men. stai.Jing once
more, half drew their swords in salute, while Governor
Hull said in his pompous way, —

" It is fitting that the fair daughter of our host
should be the Sovereign Lady of the Revels."

And now it became the task of her Majesty to
choose a king to share her state. All eyes were
upon Laurente; many a betrothal and marriage of
Le Detroit dated from a festivity of this kind. What
cavalier would she select?

Captain Muir's blond complexion flushed well-
nigh as red as his coat; Pierre Labadie's sensitive
dark face paled slightly.

Laurente glanced at neither one nor the other, and
still hesitated.

" Make haste, lassie, you need not be at a loss,
with a brave gallant on either side of you," called the
laird. " Or, if you would look further, here is Lieu-
tenant Snelling from over the river, and who can
withstand the American soldier? Ha. ha ! "

"I will choose the cavalier who -'s destined to
become the most distinguished, sir," returned the
girl, and, rising, she took from the chimney-shelf
a small mirror whose surface was of jade, highly
polished, the frame being a dull gold.

A BAL PARf: 33

"Here is a looking-jjlass that my father has from
India, she continued. " It is said to reflect what is
to come. Since Abigail I lunt is assumed to have the
second sight by inheritance, I propose that she shall
read for us the foreshadowings of this glass of fate "

" Mistress Hunt." reiterated the guests, entering
into the spirit of the moment.

" It will be but a pretence of clairvoyance on my

part, even though my great-grandmother narrowly

escaped being hanged as a witch in New England

more than a hundred years ago," declared Abigail'
blushing. *•

Nevertheless, she might well have been painted as
a beautiful sorceress, as. accepting the mirror from
the hand of her companion, she smilingly bent over

Her exquisite face was of the Circassian ty^e. the
dark eyes being shielded by deep lids and long
lashes; her abundant and -lossy black hair fell in
waves upon a broad, low brow, but the softness of
this oriental beauty received character and strength
from a firm Saxon mouth.

So thought Lieutenant Snelling. fascinated by a
charm he had not expected to find upon the border
of the wilderness. For Abigail Hunt had but lately
come from Boston, where she had been educated •
and she possessed tho social culture that belonged
to the select circles of the city of the Puritans, which
shared with New York and Philadelphia the repute
of being a centre of refinement.

"Fair Pythia, what do you see in the future for
Pierre Labadie and me?" asked Captain Muir.

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

" Interpret for us, both the lights and the shadows,"
urged Labadic.

In reply. Abigail raised her laughing eyes to his.
As she lowered them upon the mirror once more]
however, she shuddered, and seemed to lose con-
sciousness of the presence of those around her.
She began to speak, but absently, as though talking
in her sleep. —

" Listen all of you ; here in the glass are shown
strange things. I sec two soldiers ; to-night they are
comrades, but there will soon be strife between them.
I see enmity of neighbor against neighbor; I see a
fierce contest. O God. I sec a tomahawk and
a malignant Indian face ! "

Pale as death, she swayed blindly and would have
fallen but for the outstretched arm of Lieutenant
Snelling.

" And what of me, sweet soothsayer? " he hazarded
in an eager aside.

At his voice she half came to her self, and then
lapsed again into her singular trance.

"I see a sword that has lost its sheath ; a forest
of waving trees; a lonely fort beside a cataract, and
Indian sachems coming to treat with a white chief,"
she murmured.

II Is that all? " he exclaimed, discomfited.

" I see a woman who loves the white chief."

" Picture her for me? " he urged with ill-suppressed
earnestness.

" I do not know whether she is dark or fair," she
said wearily, and awaking, glanced around the com-
pany as though surprised to find herself among them.

#*. i»'

A BAL PAR 6 J J

They did not hear the whispered question of the
cutenant nor her dazed answer, but i„ their ea
rang the warning she had spoken

ih! '? ,"t 'l"^"' Mcintosh, anxious to disne!

he cloud hat threatened to dim the brightness o

the fes.,v,ties -"the uprising of the Amerieare,^-

on.es aga,nst the mother country and their separ .t on

loZT .^'■^J' '""•='"'"''• ■' "•"« ^ •>„ a

.cratch upon the jade, for has not the hatchet been

buned beneath the ashes of the council fire?"

My father is right," said Laurente, painfullv

x;roVttrrro:''""^,rs'"-"''-"^^^^^^^^
;.- a strong prZior, ':i':^:: zz:":!^

who can both defend my cause with his sword and
Pl«d for ,t .n courts of law. I choose Mr. LZ

Mr Cass had paid small heed to what was going

anecdote of General Washington. At the mentio"
o h,s own name, he started to his feet and bowed to
the demoiselle in abstracted fashion

"vour'' m'"^';"'' ""' ""^ """^'"y 'PP'^-Oed.
,hil,; r '"^''- "^ ™°''<^' =""^ "hatever forensic

abiho. I possess, are ever at your service." he hastened

the ma"J' "!"' ^,f'"°'''' ''"- ^'"' "ever asked of
tne mag, mirror the secrets of the future ? " demanded
Governor Hull, with the amiable purpose of ra^^nt

" Oh, your Excellency." she replied, picking up

LOVE THRIVKS IN WAR

the ball thus thrown to her. " once, indeed, I ventured
to consult the Klas^ and then, like Abigail, I saw in it
the face of an Indian."

This admission called forth a cry of dismay from
the ladies.

" A sombre vision, truly! Did you recognize the
portrait? " inquired Mr. Cass.

Laurcntc glanced down the long row of guests.

" Oh, yes, the features of the .savage who looked
out at me from the mirror were familiar enough,"
she answered lightly: " It was oniy the face of James
Blue Jacket."

The gentlemen broke into a loud laugh ; the women
tittered.

"You arc never at a loss for a sally, my girl,"
averred Macintosh, joining in the mirth. " He who
fears no fiercer Indian foe than James Blue Jacket
may rest with an easy head upon his pillow. The
music is tuning up. Madam Hull ; may I have the
honor of your hand for the contra-dance? Come,
gentlemen, sue for your -irtners, and step merrily to
the tune of ' The Flowers o' Edinburgh.' "

The ball was soon at its height, the matrons join-
ing in the frolic. Old beaux of threescore vied with
the youths for the smiies of lively belles ; and quaint
dance;? of the time of Louis the Fourteenth, long
forgotten in France, shared the popular favor with
the Minuet, the Sir Roger de Coverlcy, and the
Highland Fling.

The lights shone down upon the scarlet uniforms
of the British officers, the gold epaulettes of Governor
Hull and his staff, the green and ruby-colored coats,

A HAL PARK

vests of buff or peach-color, and silver-buckled shoes
of the civilian,, the shimmering attire of dames and
demoiselles. And. as the strains of the violin waved
louder, the gossip was whispered about that Isidore
Chesne had sold the whole of Grossc lie for the two
satin gowns displayed by his wife and daughter, in
order that madamc and mademoiselle might be the
best dressed women of Lc U(^troit.

As the mirth went on, now and again upon the
pane of one and another of the uncurtained windows
was cast the shadow of two hands, as some painted
savage blinked at the lamps that revealed the splen-
dor of the white mans festivities. But if the revellers
chanced to note the grotesque picture, they only
laughed at it, or, turning away with indifTercncc, con-
tinued their dancing.

Several of the guests also crowded the doorways
of the ball-room as onlookers, and behind these
ere long rose the head of a young man of a some-
what noticeable appearance. The restless roving of
h>s gaze bespoke him a Frenchman, but his square
visage, and a skin of a warmer hue than the olive
complexion of the Canadian, as plainly told that he
owed his lithe form to some ancestral chief of the
woods. His dress was a trifle fantastic, yet seemed
an affectation ; since, although his black hair hunt:
long upon his shoulders, and in it was thrust a hawk's
father, he wore the blue coat of an American soldier.
How It had come into his possession, or why he
prized It, was a question often discussed along the
c6te. for his family were British in their sympathies
Before many minutes, he entered the room with

LOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

the manner of one who belonged there, and made his
way to where Laurente stood for a moment near
a window.

" Blue Jacket ! " she exclaimed, with an eflfort to
conceal her surprise.

" I am come, mademoiselle, even though you did
not invite me to your fdte," he replied.

The girl tossed her head.

" I did not suppose so fierce a brave would care to
sit at table with white squaws," she said with evasive
irony.

The intruder drew himself up proudly.

" You are right," he acknowledged. " It would ill
become a leader of my people."

Laurente could not refrain from a gesture of
impatience.

"James La Salle, when will you, the son of a
Frenchman, you who have been taught in the school
of Le P6-e Richard, give over the pretence of being
a lord of the forest? ' she asked. •• Ma foi, if such
claims as yours were to hold good, we might expect
to see half the coureurs-de-bois and voyageurs here-
about setting out on the war-path."

Blue Jacket uttered an emphatic " Ugh," and then
added, with Creole intensity, " Mademoiselle, it is
true ! I long to bo free from this life which you call
civilized ; to be known as of the race of my mother,
of my grandfather, the great chief Blue Jacket, who
in the last war defied the whirlwind General Wayne,
— to be like Pontiac, yes, like Tecumsch, the greatest
warrior of them all ! This is my wish always except
when I am with you."

A BAf. PARK

Startled by his earnestness, Laurentc recoilcil from
him.

" Listen," he continue.!. corncrinK l»cr in the recess
of the window ; •• my father is rich ; he has given me
his farm opposite Frcnchtown. one of the finest in the
territory. I will build upon it a house as grand as
this home of yours; I.e I»^re Kichard sh.ill marry us
I will Kive up my dream of being a chief, and culli-
vate my lands. When Kcnu spreads his uings over
the Strait, my red brothers will protect my lodge
They will not let the white snowbird be crushed by
the talons of the war-eagle."

Laurcntc could have shrieked aloud in terror She
?aw the dancers as through a mist ; the music sounded
far off. There was her father on the opposite side of
the room, yet a gulf seemed to yawn between herself
and him. Lieutenant Snelling and Abigail Hunt
passed so near that she could have stopped them by
stretching out her hand, yet some power restrained her
La Salle bent his swarthy face close to hers; she
felt his hot breath on her cheek ; a faintness crept
over her. but she struggled against it.

" Tell me, when shall we marry?" he urged.
Laurente thrust him back.
" Never ! Oh, never ! " she cried.
••Never!" he repeated with suppressed passion.
Never! Ha-ha. Pahwcctah, my snowbird, there
will come a day when you will fly to my arms, when
you will be glad to have me hide you in the forest
I shall be a king of the wilderness, and you shall be
my squaw. You shall do my will in all things-
you — " ** '

.1%ai^

■

LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

But Uurcntc heard no more. Brcakini; away from
him, she sprang forward and touched the sleeve of a
young man who was .ccking his partner for the new
dance just beginning.

•• I'icrrc. this is the passepicd. I bchevc." she said.

It was not, but divining from her voice that some-
thing was wrong. Labadie said quietly. "To be
sure." and drawing her hand within his arm led her
to the end of the room.

"Ugh. Pierre I^badief muttered James Blue
Jacket, as with a scowl he threaded his way among
the dancers, and, having saluted Angus Macintosh
with grave ceremony, passed out of the house

" Pierre Labadie."

[I^ Aft

CHAfTKR TKIRI)

THE ARM OF TECUMShH

AFF.VV days after the "bal pare." in the loft
under thr sloping roof of the jjood frame house
of AnRUH Maclntii'^h. Laurcnte sat before her dressing-
table thinking over all that had passed on the event-
ful evening. Well might she be happy over her
auspicious faring-forth into the social world.

Hitherto she had flitted about Its edge, like a
child who stands upon the shore and watches the
gay carioles filled with merry young people speed
past upon the frozen highway of the Strait. Hence-
forth, no sledging-party to the Grand Marais on
Saturday afternoons would be complete without her.
She was the acknowledged belle of Le Detroit, her
only possible rival being the beautiful Abigail Hunt,
who lived in the town on the " c6te du nord."

" How gay the ball was ; ah, I could dance forever I *
she exclaimed, opening the drawer that contained her
simple fmery and contemplating it with dreamy satis-
faction. " All the women said my frock became me
well, and the gallants paid me compliments galore ;
even if Pierre Labadie had the poor taste to mislike
my patches and powder. By your leave. Monsieur
Pierre, I will wear my locks white when I please. I
wonder if the glint of my hair is pretty though ! "

41 LOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

Laurcntc caught at one of the soft curls that hunc
about her neck in the old way. brought it over
her shoulder, and held it up to the light. The sun
sh.n.ng m ,.pon it. showed a warm tint of gold in its
brown waves.

'•Humph it just escapes being red." she said with
a laugh. '• I would have it glossy black like Abigail's
Uh. I wish life were one long • bal pare'! How
Krac.ous the matrons were; how sprightly the demoi-
selles; how pleasant the bantering homage of the
cavahers ! Hut what a sombre tale Abigail told •
erhaps ,t was not so much of a jest after all _ that
fancied I saw in the mirror the face of James Blue
Jacket. How he frightened me with his wild talk!
To be his wife ? I would rather die ! Is love then a
ragmg fire? I thought it like the flame of the litile
sanctuary lamp of PDre Richard's new church at the
Spnng Wells. Oh. I do not want to have a lover for
a Jong time ! I do not want to love for a longer

Laurente leaned her chin upon her hand and gazed
out of her small dormer window beyond the blue
waters of the Strait to the straggling line of houses
that formed the American town npon the northern
shore.

" Who can explain the prediction of the mirror? "
she ejaculated, as she had done many times since the
evening of the ball.

Now an answer to the question rose to her lips —
" lama, the Wise Woman of the Prairie ! It is
said she can read the future!
" I will go to her."

THE ARM OF TECUMSEH 43

With reckless impetuosity the girl started up.
Soon after, enveloped in a capuchin of beaver skin,
her little feet encased also in fur, she stole noiselessly
down the steci) stair and out of the house, strapped
on a pair of snow-shoes in the shadow of the gallery,
and set off across the plain.

Good Father Richard would have chided her
superstition; but it was a heritage from her French-
Canadian and Scottish ancestors.

Every one along the " c6te," Indian, habitant,
and English, knew Laurente, and none would have
molested her any more than they would have harmed
a chirrupy little snow-bunting, which even the bird-
trapper does not seek to snare.

It happened, however, that she met no one in the
course of her half-hour's \ k. The white settlers of
the -egion loved the fireside in the short winter after-
noons, except when there was some scheme of merri-
ment abroad ; and at this season the redskin warriors
were away at the hunting.

Turning aside from the corduroy road that led
past the Huron village and down the shore for miles
to Fort Maiden, Laurente kept on over the plain,
making for a thicket upon whose border lived the
Squaw Witch of Le Detroit.

The love of solitude, strange wanderings, and a
reputed gift of prophecy had cast a veil of mystery
about the life of the Indian sibyl. No one could tell
to what tribe she belonged ; she had been brought a
captive to the Strait after a general war among the
aboriginal nations. She lived apart, never entering
the native villages except when there was an epidemic

% ^•«^'

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

of Illness. Then the head sachems frequently sent
and besought her to go to their people, promising to
supply her with game and deer's meat for many
moons, and offering her rich presents, - for her
knowledge of the healing herbs surpassed that of the
medicine men.

As Laurente approached the solitary lodge she
saw before the entrance, near the pine-trees, a dark
figure so bent as to seem hardly human, engaged
m buildmg upon the snow a fire of brushwood that
presently shot up into a flame.

Dragging off the blanket ^vhich hung from her
shoulders, the hag extended it over the blaze for a
moment, withdrew it to allow the smoke to ascend in
nngs. and straightway outspread it as before.

Then, passing to another fire, kindled not far from
the first, by the same method she sent the gray cir-
chng column mounting high into the air.

" An Indian smoke signal," murmured the girl
haltmg in astonishment. " For whom is it intended i^
Squaw messages are not sent from a camp-fire."

A girl bred in a centre of our new-world civiliza-
tion, like Abigail Hunt, might have thought it well
to turn back. But Laurente had not only the daring
of a pioneer woman, but the zest for adventure that be-
longed to her ardent temperament. Recovering from
her momentary hesitation, she pressed on rapidly.

The Indian witch, being deaf and with sight dimmed
by years, could neither have seen nor heard her
approach. Yet when the Canadienne was but a few
rods distant, the Wise Woman turned, as though in
some manner other than the evidence of her dulled

M^ iM^m- ■■

L l:k

THE ARM OF TECUMSEH 45

senses she had been apprised of the presence of an
intruder, and squinting from beneath her heavy brows,
recognized the gay young creature who often sent
her food from the Macintosh larder.

"Why is Liliman, the little fairy, alone on the
prairie?" she cackled in the patois, half Algonquin,
half French, with which Laurente was familiar. F"or
it was still used by Creole housewives in their com-
munications with the Indian women who came to
their kitchens to sell maple sugar and berries in the
season, and the little pelts of the squirrels and rabbits
in winter,

" The white snowbird would do well to shun the
fire. Singed wings cannot fly far, ' Pahweetah.' "

Laurente's color faded at the repetition of the
name given her by James La Salle on the evening
of the ball. Why should lama the witch so call
her? Perhaps the circumstance was, however, only
a coincidence; such symbolism was common in the
Indian speech.

At this thought, her self-confidence returned, and
she answered cheerily, —

" Merci, good mother, for your friendly warning.
I will keep away from the blaze, not so much to
save my wings, as because otherwise ' the old man
who sends the winds ' would by and by harass me
with sharper arrows. As for being abroad alone, I
am come to learn of your wisdom."

" Ugh ! " grunted the crone, pleased with this
ready adoption of her wood-lore imagery.

" Wise mother, tell me of the future ! " abruptly
adjured the visitor.

W'TiK ^^^MLi*^)6>\i3If|W. i^^^BHigHHB t^^^^^m^UtiuJ^K./m'ir hAn

^^^.'W V

^r§i,^^.n

LOVE THRIVF.S IN WAR

The Noko had turned away and resumed her
occupation of alternately beating down the fire with
her blanket and guiding tho smoke-wreaths in their
upward course.

At Laurente's rash demand she left her task Her
form straightened until she appeared tall and com-
manding; her wrinkled countenance took on the
calmness of a bronze statue, and her dim eyes glowed
with a new light.

" The future," she repeated, raising her voice to a
presaging monotone -" the future is written on the
broad sky, on the frozen prairie."

Stretching forth her right hand, she traced with
bony fingers strange characters, as though against
the background of the horizon, and lowering her
arm pointed to the untrodden snow-fields.

"In this Moon of Snow-Shoes the ground has
been dyed red." she shrilled. " Hefore ' the Moon of
the Young Deer,' the War Eagle will fly over the
Strait and the breeze will moan through the forest
When you look upon these signs, my pretty white
bird, remember the words of the Prophetess of the
Tribes."

The sibyl lapsed into her accustomed querulous-
ness, grew bent again, and, hobbling to the fire, cast
upon it another bough of brushwood.

Laurentc. dazed by what she had heard, would
gladly have taken refuge in flight, but her limbs re-
fused to obey the impulse of her will.

While she remained motionless, as though chained
to the spot by an invisible force, the smoke-rings
mounting to the clouds from the double fire, began

r mm

THE ARM OF TKCUMSEH 47

to assume form and substance. CouI.I she be in her
right mind, or had she succumbed to the power of
the ^^reat mesmcrizers —cold and snow?

Now, about a hundred yards from where she stood
there stepped forth, as out of the column of smoke'
or from the depths of the earth, an Indian sachem.'
tall, gaimt, and emaciated as by frequent fnstin^js —
a warrior clad in buffalo skins, his face painted black
one of his eyes sightless, his long hair streamintr in
the wind.

An exclamation of alarm from the girl recalled the
Wise Woman to a remembrance of her proximity.

A strange perturbation seized upon the squaw
She was no longer the seeress, the voice of the
future; her old frame began to shake as with the
palsy.

"Foolish papoose, arc you a cousin to VVauboos,
the tim.d hare?" she cried, seizing Uurente by the
shoulder. •• This is but a wandering Medicine Man
who has come to his Tribe Mother for food and
counsel. lama is no witch, but only a poor Noko.
Be l.ke the little hare, pretty one. if you will, and
keep the secret of the woods. If Wauboos were to
tell all she knows, where would she hide from the
dogs ? "

Without replying, the girl shook u.f the rude grasp
and fled precipitately.

When, having gained the shelter of a clump of
trees that shut her out of view from the lod-e she
stopped to take breath, one thought shaped itself
in her mind. Whatever the occult powers of lama
the latter had been disturbed because she. Laurente'

LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

was a witness of the arrival of the stranger chief.
The squaw-witch had charfjed her to be as one who
has eyes and sees not. Should she obey the injunc
tion ? Perhaps, for if she were to mention this
adventure of the afternoon, might not her walks
m the bracing air be restricted?

Continuing on at a quieter pace. Laurente soon
reached home. Unstrapping her snow-shoes at the
door of the kitchen, and throwing back her capouch.
she entered the room. The notable housewife. Madam
Macintosh, was standing at the deal table busied in
beating up in an earthen-ware bowl a mixture of
pounded corn and maple sugar destined to appear at
supper as the light and sweet bread known as praline
" A bientdt." cried " la bonne mere. " •• you were
gone nearly two hours. • ma fille ! ' I began to dread
lest you had met the Manchon Roulant » and had
fallen into the clutches of the goblin by forgetting
the date of Christmas Day. Tush, the cold has
stolen the roses from your cheeks instead of adding
to them Run away and change your frock for one
less dull in hue. A guest is come but a few minutes
since. • Je crois bien.' he would have been off over
the prairie to meet you were it not that he had an
errand with the laird."

» "The superstition of the Manchon Roulant (Rolling Muff) i, still
current among the French Canadians of the vicinity of Detroit The
habuant ,s warned by the tradition that upon meeting the goblin he
must at once put to it the query. < What day of the month is Christ-
ma, I ay .-The Manchon Roulant. .ho is never well posted in tie
calendar w.ll not fail to reply by asking the same question. Then
woe bet.de the luckless traveller if the answer does not come readily'
to h.s tongue."- Mrs. Hamlin's legends of I^ Detroit

THE ARM OF TECUMSKH 49

•• Bien what cavalier xvas thus saved from defeat in
a snow-shoeing contest with me?" demanded the
daughter, lightly.

wel chcne. was the urgent reply. " When a gallant
gentleman asks a special interview with the father

wea'ther-"^' ^''"°'''"'^' '' '^ ""' *° »-'»^ •''bout the

•• Laissez-donc. ma m^re." interrupted the eirl
the roses in her face blooming again of a sudden'
Have not my father and his friends many matters
to discuss?

.hi' ^r^^' T'" ''^"'"'^ '^"^ °^''^'' ^°'"^"' regretting
she had spoken so plainly.

"To a young maid who has never yet been wooed
Z' ll\f\"'""'' '"y«t<^'-y which, save in her dreams!
she half fears to confront; like the sensitive brier

forth ! """^f "i '^"'"^ ^•■°'" '^"^ h^"^ ^tr^tched
forth to gather it." she sad to herself

inZ^'^'A^ ''°""' "'^'''" "^"^^^' ^^"'•^"^^' ringing

L^ 1 f" °'^ ^'°^^^ ^°"S. escaped to her

room in the angle of the roof.

Clearly she had not spoken of the bold love-making
01 James La Salle. *

Her voice sank to silence on the stair, but the

i' M V J °^/^' ^'"''^ ^P°^*^^ ^^^°"KJ» the brain
of Madam Macintosh with odd persistence.

" Oh, I 'm blithe th.-it my heart is my ain!
And I'll keep it for mony a day,
Gin I meet not a lad wha to gain
My luv' will fash ilka braw way." »
' Will strive nobly.

|0 I,OVK THRIVKS IN WAR

" What whim ha, come over the ehild." ,oliloqui«<)

romThel " ' K '■",' "' '"''" *" '"" *"' P-" «

ycaT, when iT' " ■!"! ^"""^^ "•"" '""= "^ '"o

AndwIereM r""" u%'"'''''^ "' '^"«'" Macintosh,
And where to-day can be found on the Strait a likelier
suitor than cc Monsieur Muir ? "

roor™,heT""" "'!'"' '"•" "" P"'- "' '-'"<!•
room the two Rentlemen ensconced before the

hearth^fire of forest .„«, were deep in eirnt:

Captain Muir sprang to hi, feet with alacrity
Ad a, , e gave him her hand in greeting, he rai ed

« .tv of '^'' TT''"' =""<"""ly. but with the sin-
centy of one to whom the action meant a respect
beyond the passing compliment. "^

The girl blushed in unwonted confusion. But she
recovered from the momentary embarrassmen a,
w..h a sense of thankfulness, she became arare thi

a imie ,n the twilight over the thought of how
rotaX""''" '■^''''"""•'^''''''^'''"-.erna';

" ^°" are convinced, captain," resumed Macintosh
addre„mg h.s visitor, _ •■ y„„ „e convinced that" he
trapper who gave you this news of a battle between
he Amencans and the Shawanoes on the banks .f

report ? "'""'"• " ""' "'"""« '° ^'■"' "^ ■'y =" f-!«

one of the kmg, subjects, who, naving abandoned
h.s lands on the Wabash during the war beUveen

w^^im^:m,^E^,^^m-'W

THK ARM OK TKCUMSKH j,

England ,nd her colonics, rctnrnc.l there recen.lv ,„

.>.a...hr« wlel^'o'ritrr^'e'v 'Tr' """•
H-r,-,„n r„„.ed .he Z^^ '' l:^^-;-;-
absence of their chief." *-cumseh in the

I-aurcnte had taken t rh-,:- •

o».en.M,e„,r„,,ei:u,:iXi;,:,:"-r.-:;'.-'

" Humph I •• ejaculated Anmi, •< ,« i

victory has of course reached ihef T '^ ^'""^
river?" reacned the fort across the

"By this, without doubt althn..„k ♦u
»wc«, he kep. ahead of .hcFr th , ""' !,"''''"
whon, General Harrison sen, f^r^he .T""^"'"''
at the same dite Ti,. '"''"" 'oun.ry

Abigail in.n. r^en^;:^.",''";'^ '""'''''
n-omcnts for your gues's st a° '"'"' "''

Were I credulous, I shou Id'hal/be I!"*. ""'"'''•

•he second sigh,; or else she ha tard ' 'r^'"'
men, upon the vexed question, If .h, ""■"■

Parison with which the Am °ca„ diffie' t'''' '" t"""
redmcn arc of lesser ™""''"' J'flicult.es with the

she ha, used e :rmaT:i;to'';'" '"""• '""'
M«In.o.,hrokeint„a"Ll'''"'''^"''«^-"
"ad the girl understood the trrav.-f,, c ^u
•"s, she would never have becnTh ,H " ""*•

•he part she did," he declared d, ceding,' "n ""^
her rcadinrr of thr^ '^ccrningiy. Nq ^q

"'"& oi the mirror wa«j on!v i --• .?

a_ c.n(> a tuincidcnce.

'• '»r.'*"i6>s?'«r7r'»^»r-r

iOVK TflRIVKS IN WAR

In, i'r • ''*'"'' ^°'"*^"-''"'»' ''-vc .trance intuJ-
.onj,. If aay unusual happening hanK» «vcr u«.
they ,omct.mc, fed it in the air. Their affection
and sympathies endow them with a seventh sense.'
He that as .t ,„ay." ,aid M..ir. •• we have indeed
far more jjrourid than women's forebodings, to ,ur-

VnlTV""' '"■''"" '^•^^^^^" ^^'"^^ Britain and the
United States over o..r claim to impress our seamen
wherever found will not be peaceably settled "
Angus nodded.

"When the wood-ranRcr arrived last night at the

fol . M '''"'^"' »-'^»--»^ed with' cold, he
could only blurt out the gis, of the tale/' proceeded
the captam. •• Afte- the fellow had been thawed
out by much rubbing with snow an<l a dose of old
Jar..a.ca. however, we learned from him thai Tecum-
seh has despatched his twin brother. Klnkwatawa

AM J'°? u*' ''°''" ^^"^ ''"'*" *° ^'«'""-'' J'roctor.
All day I have been on the watch for this emissary •
his embassy is of the utmost importance to us "

A knitting-needle dropped upon the painted floor,
and at the sound the laird turned to his daughter

"By my soul, lassie. I forgot you were there." he
exclaimed.

Laurente made no reply, but bendin- forward
asked abruptly of the guest, —
"What kind of an Indian is the Prophet? "
Muir started.

"A tall, hollow-checked fanatic who with equal
zest prays to his manitou and hurls the tomahawk,
•t IS said, he responded. •• Is it possible that you
know anything of this traveller, mademoiselle ? "

h^^^^Mi^

.»rr L

THK ARM OK TKCUMSKII ,3

f-r »u,.p.r. Come. I'll ukc no den a[; i, ' f^

l:;;^?"" ""■• «"•-'■'= "•» -'-.ly ,;i jV'cot

An cxc„,c to linRcr was not unwelcome t„ .1.
captam. A» they ,at in th- d„,k »."'„' '° ""=

colored shadow with no hi^i/iti.L'rr •.i^'x:;

lilt evening meal was served
An hour later, when Angus and his guest returned

to assist in entertaining the caotain ,ii . "

she herself must need! coL ^ tr ' the l:' tl f'
damask used at the ■• bal mr ■• .. , , *'"'

carefully •■ made uo ■ .^? ' ' I^"'"' ''"^"''e ''«»
linen press '^' ""^ """' '" ""^ '"">'cd to the

"Vour father is always a bit drow.v ,ft„ •.•
jupper," added the „,„,|,er. "Hut et L „- u'

::rdr^°•tIv^;''::---'"-"
-.the hot iron :;ri::r:ny;::::r"\r

Macln't'^lf"""'''.?"''" '"" ''■•"""'■' in his armchair
in.h t f"-'™ "''"" "• ""••■'■"l»' ™J finally ,iX
.n« h.. head upon h,s breast. be,an u„disg„,/edr.o

I.OVK THRIVKS IN WAR

WithtlrawrinK to the bench in the rcce« of a win-
«loH'. the younji people onvcruil in U,w toncn Al-
though " U bonne m^re ' had been apparently mi.uken
in her surmise a* to the object of the captainn vi,it
perhaps she was not so far wron^' after all. Certainly
•t wan fo. the chance of a tc^lc-Ii-t^te with I.aurcntc
that he hat] waited.

The room wan lit only by the blaze of the firc. and
the htf.d liyht played about the ^iirl. brin^jinj; out
her pi.juant face and Rraceful heati into sinmn relief
ajjamst the indistinct backjjround.

I^urente. for her part, beheld. leaning beside the
dark frame of the window, with elbow on the narrow
»«ll. a liKht-haircd. fair-complexioned officer, angular
«n physique, yet fillinK well his scarlet coat. -a
manly. good-lookinK fellow whose color came and
went almost too readily in his smooth-shaven counte-
nance. She would have unhesitatingly pronounced
him braver than any of his brave soldiers at Fort
Maiden, a pleasant companion, and a good friend

Until the evening of the •• bal part " Muir had not
been conscious that he wished to be more to her
Since then he had told himself more than once that
his youthful liking for various pretty girls across the
seas had stirred his emotions but lightly compared
to his present fascination. For Uurente, according
to her mood, was sometimes a sparkling French
demoiselle, and anon a blithe Highland lassie, bonny
and stout-hearted, like a bit of pink heather from his
native moors, ami all the lovelier for being found in
the Canadian wilds.

It seemed to him now that he should never tire of

THK ARM OF TKl UMsKH 55

watching her, an they chaltcd 1.1 the Jircliijht with
the iidtiirjlncfs of oM dccjuuiiitdncc.

Itut the prcciouH moments were JiUpprnK' by and
event* lo«,minK' up in the future threat, tunl to leave
him nmall chance for luvcmakinu He would profit
by the present opportunity.

"MisH Macintosh.' he H.,i.l. breaking a .hort pau,c
•I may see you to-morrow, or perhaps r .. ' ,r w.tks'
A soldier cannot cmc and ^n as h' v. ',, and \vh
upmmR of our Indian allies may h •!.. i,. . , mu,.^.

■ a

. t

l|('',V

of a greater strunKle. Therefore. T
I love you, I.aurcntc. Will you :■. . u .
He took her hand and bent c' r. • .^
the response for which he lon^;! > ;,» \
that a moment since had met his v it.'.ui -
of self-consciousness.

»ut. alack, he had burned his bridge . .. ,,.u.u
never ^o back to the neutral ground of frank friendli-
ncss which had not contented him.
Laurcnte shyly averted her face.
Laurcnte," entrcatetl the captain, " say I may
hope one day to n.ake you my wife? Do I please
you so ill that you have no words to answer me?"
"Oh, no. no. you are .niistaken ; I like you well
Captain Muir," stammered li..- jjjrl.

The fervor of his words, the .^nccrity of his cazc
had their influence. The fawn of the forest is darinJ
cnouK'h in its native haunts ; only when it finds itself
in a new atmosphere, or when it is threatened with
capture, docs it become timid.

Laurentc'.s eyes had been persistently fixed upon
the long.forgotten kiutting that she had let fall upon

5^>

U)VK THRIVKS IN WAR

the bench. Now she stole a glance at the captain.
Iruly. he was a gallant gentleman. His wooing did
not frighten her as the brusque outburst of James
La Salle had done. Any f.llctte of Lc Detroit minht
be proud to have so worthy a suitor as Allan Muir
Moreover, added to his sterling qualities, he ^vas a
Scotchman, and this was another reason that her
lather would favor his suit.

With so intrepid and devoted a lover, what need
would she have to fear the threats of li\uc Jacket?
lo be sure, it was not Allan Muir who had walked
bcs.de her in the misty day-dreams that belonged to
the time before she had taken her place in the great
world, the far-off time, as it seemed, before the
bal par«*. But those were childish fancies ! Now
she was a " jcune demoiselle." and here was no dream-
cavahcr but a handsome young lover suing for her
favor, like a hero of old romance.

;• Perhaps you will f.nd it in your heart to love mc
a little, he urged.

A wave of emotion swept over the girl
"How can I tell? I do nut know what it is to
love, she said evasively.

•• Then you will not deny mc leave to try to teach
you?" he persisted.

" No," she answered hesitatingly. — ' no "
Muir ardently kissed the little hand which, without
reproof, he had continued to hold. Doubtless he
would have followed up his advantage, but. unluckily
for h.m. at this moment Angus Macintosh awoke
irom his nap.

" By St. Andrew/' exclaimed the laird, sitting erect,

THK ARM OK TKC'lJ\rSKM 57

"I have fortM.tten myself for a moment! Ki.m for
the candles and the hot water. lassie. Captain I 'H
brew you a tumbler of punch to beat any you ever
had here at the Strait."

" I thank you. sir." returned Muir. rising;; " but it is
Krowm^,^ late, and since I have before me the ride of
cijihteen miles to l-ort Maiden. I had best be setting

"Tut.tut havcIdo/edsolouK? I repent of hav-
his hosr^ "^"" ^"" "* "^"'^ evening.- apologized
"Not at all. sir." protested the young man. with
a vehemence that covered Lat.rente's confusion. -
never has the time sped so swiftly"
;• Aweel. I aurente's no' backward with canty chat.
St.! she .s but a lassie, with a lassies limitations as
to topics of conversation." averred Macintosh. " I
had ,n mmd to entertain you with my ideas on the
Scottish wars of the f.fteenth century, and with the
story of that ancestor of mine who was made com-
mander of Inverness after the battle of Harlaw "
Mujr bowed and remained standing.
He would have listened with patience to any dis-
sertation from Laurente's father, however extended
or profound it might be. JU.t he knew there was
only one subject which he cared to discuss with
Laurente that of his love f<.r her and the answer
he hoped to awaken in her heart.

"Aweel. gin ye maun go. yc maun." continued
Macintosh, m the colloquial manner into which he
dropped at times.

Striking the silver gong that stood on the tabic.

LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

he summoned a slave boy, and Muir asked for his
horse.

The boy vanished forthwith, and before many
rnmutes the sturdy Canadian pony was heard pawing
the ground outside.

vVhilc the captain got into his fur riding coat.
Macintosh, casting a plaid about his own shoulders
folded an end of it around hi.s daughter, and together
they accompanied their guest to the door-stone

Springing to the saddle. Muir slipped a small coin
into the pal.n of the boy. who promptly disappeared
1 hen. for a second, the lover lingered, hoping for
a parlmg glance from Laurente.

" I almost envy you the ride down the c6te on this
beautiful evening." exclaimed the laird. "Though
the moon does not rise until late, the great comet
w.ll light you on your way. How each night adds
to Its awful brilliancy! Faith, if its fiery centre is
not a visible sign of God's wrath, the flaming train,
like a host of gleaming swords, may well be one "

As he spoke, he pointed to the heavens above the
Mi ait. Ihere among the stars, like the avenging
hand of an offended deity, glowed the phenomenon
of the century and sun of the midnight sky. the
comet of 1811, now almost in the fulness of its
glory.

Across the Atlantic, the nations were watching it
with apprehension, seeing a dire and mysterious con-
nection between this burning sphere and the destiny
of the Emperor Napuicon Bonaparte, the Scourge
of Kurope. now at the zenith of his fame. Hut ,n the
American wiidcrness. the white settlers viewed it only

THK ARM OK TKCUMSKH 5^

with a vajjue dread. Readers of cards and teacups
shrank from n.entiunins the Terrible Star. Never
unt.1 to-day had Laurente heard an atten.pt to predict
he s.Kn.hcance of this vagrant sun. But now. as she
looked up at it in wondering awe. she seemed to hear
aga.n the shrill voice of lama, saying. -
" The future is written on the sky ! "
A.U1 presently a strange tremor that was not from
the keen a.r took possession of her. as she caught the
casual reply of Muir to her father.

••Yes." said the captain, carelessly, as he gathered
up h,. rem; •• the trapper tells n,e the Indians see n
the great comet a sign from the Master of Life The
bhawanoes have named it • The Arm of Tecumseh ' "

...f»^.

CHAPTKK FOURTH
NO LOVE WITHOUT A RIVAL

A^^^'f'l rr""''""""' '""^'"^^ '^^ ^"•^'' from
-L a. For. Maiden impassable for a fortn.^M.t. and
gave Laurente time for meditatiou or revery^ a\ she
might prefer. At first, her heart fluttered and thrilled
w,th exc.temcnt as she realized that her slightest
word, her wandc-ring fancie.. were of the utmost im-
portance to so«*e one. ti,at her handsome lover wor-
shipped her as tfae ideal woman. She who in her
home was stdl regarded as a child, whose opinions
had ttle we.,ht d,cre. i.ad become an influe'nc: "n
the hfe of a man strong of will and clever of brain.
He loved her. and through that love she could sway
and lead h.m. These reflections were o,ost flattering

Hav.„l Tl""- L!"""^ "^^ P^^«y demoiselle
Havmg but just been vouchsafed a glimpse of

woman skmgdom of love and admiration she found
coumry " "^ ' '"""' ^"''" '" ^''^- ^'"^^-^-^
As the week lengthened into two. however, her
g.rl.sh elation died away. With d.smay she dis-
covered that the consciousness of the captain's devo-

filled her w.th unrest. She began to wish he had
not avowed h,. atUchmcnt that evening in the fire-

'^Vj*:ip^"

NO LOVK WITHOUT A RIVAL 6,
light. VVhy had he not left her to her day-dreams?
B,en thouRh he had asked her to let him try t..
teach her to love him. she had not promised to
learn I St.ll her father would be an/ry, and "la
bonne mere would call her - ch.Ve petite sottc." if
she should offend Monsieur Muir. ' Misc^ricorde "
It was a pretty pass; h„t. '« nimporte." time would
s ra.j,hten .t out. Meanwhile, on a fme afternoon,
the la.rd was sending his man Sandy to the general
store of Henry Hunt at Detroit, and. after the bad
weather, here was a chance for a visit to her friend

For the nonce, youthful vivacity and the creole
disposition to shuffle off unpleasant subjects were in
the ascendant.

The sunlit, frosty air. the trip across the frozen
surface of the r.ver in the fur-lined sledge, the merry
fnkle of the bells that hung from the necks of the
shaggy-coated Lambreur and Caribou. - all had their
exh.larat.ng effect upon the spirits of Sandy's fair
passenger. And when he called " ho-Kl." to the
horses and drew up before the spacious log-house
whose unpaintcd timbers gleamed in the sunshine, it
was a hvely demoiselle, with sparkling eyes and a
nie.r> laugh, who alighted from the cariole and
crossed the threshold.

The entire front of the house was given over to the
store, on one side being piled the beaver, otter, and
deersk.ns obtained by barter with the redmen. while
on the other were displayed a variety of goods for
he French and Indian trade. Here were Mackinac
blankets, guns, pistols, gay calicoes, woollen stuffs

U)VK THRIVKS IN WAR

in showy dcsipins; silver ornaments and beads for
French fillettcs, matrons, and Krandmothcrs, as well
as for Indian chiefs and squaws. There were rosaries,
moccasins, coarse shirts, boots, su^'ar. hardware. " eau
dcvie." apple and pear cider, and "old Jamaica;"
thread and needles, yarns and other necessaries. At
another time, Laurcnte might have linRered to inspect
that portion of the stock which comprised articles for
feminine adornment. H.it now. hastily bidding the
clerk to put aside for her (.ne or two gewgaws that
caught her eye, she passed on to the living-rooms,
which overlooked the river.

" A la b.)nne heurc," exclaimed Abigail, ready with
her greeting. Yet she did not appear so overjoyed
at the appearance of a guest as might have been
expected.

" Abigail, I have ome, because. I am sure, nothing
could give me s- much pleasure as to spend the
afternoon with yo " declared Laurente.

The girls had I.e. n but quarter of an hour together
when who shoud happen in but Pierre Labadie.

" Ah, Mademoiscl Macintosh." he cried. " the luck
spirits were kind when they led me here to meet
you ! Is not this the lay of days for carioling? My
sledge is at the door. Come with me for a trip
down the river. The ice is firm and smooth as the
floors of matched boards in Governor Hull's new
house ! "

Abigail, with rare unselfishness, urged her friend
to accept the invitation, and at last blushin^'ly ad-
mitted that she herself had engaged to go carioling
with Lieutenant Snelling. What was left to Laurente

NO LOVK WITHOUT A RIVAL 6,

but to make the be,t of the predicament, especially
since Pierre aj,Teecl to drive her down to call „n his
sister Catishe. ani bring her back before Sandy
could finish his errands.

Soon the two iii^ht-hearted young people kcic
speeding along the broad corduroy road that foj.
lowed the line of the old Ste. Anne Street: past the
imposing residence of the governor, noted far and
wide as the only brick house in the territory; past
the log pile whereon Judge Woodward had recently
held a session of the law court. Then Pi.rre turned
his fleet ponies down the bank at the p<,int where
there was a ferry in summer; and. directly, they
were flying along the frozen Strait, now the animated
scene of a winter carnival.

Besides being a clear December day. it was the
opening of the holiday season, liven the i.nprovi-
dent coureur-de-bMis who had but the clothes he
wore had gayly spent his last coin for the loan of a
cariole and a swift little mare, that he might join in
the races at the Grand Marais. or take his demoiselle
canohng. At some of the habitants' homes of I'etite
C^te or Spring Wells, they would be sure to find
dancing and abundance of good cheer.

The drive of the young cariolers who so unex-
pectedly found themselves i„ each other's company
was only a whirl down beyond the mouth of the cr. c k
and the cabin of the Savoyard, by whose name the
K.golet des Hurons was beginning to be called, and
who was growin- rich on its banks by hiring out
during the winter cast-iron stoves which he brou-ht
from Montreal. Then a short rest at the Labadie

t4 LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

homestead at the bcn.l of the river, and back, without
urging the thorounhbretJ., on the return trip.

No doubt, during that <lrivo Laurentc forgave her
childhood's friend, I'ierre Labadie. for hiit temerity
in misliking her powdered h.cks at the " bal pard."
For she told him of the incident which she had men-
tioned to no one else. the story of oUI lama's smoke
signals, of the mysterious chief who arose before the
door of the Wise Woman's lo«lge. and the rumor that
an Indian Prophet was on his way to visit General
Proctor.

"What does it all mean, Pierre?" asked the girl
anxiously, as she concluded. "What have you'
Americans done to arouse the enmity of Tecumseh
and his people?"

•• Done," echoed Labadie, with bitterness, giving
the ponies a touch with the whip that made them
spring forward with a jerk. " Done I It is rather
what we have failed, or been unable to do to buy
their friendship I The secret agents of the British
have stirred up the Shawanoes against our settlers
on the Wabash. They have commented around the
council fires upon the difficulties between the United
States and Great Britain because of the unwarranted
boarding of our ships, and have attached the Indian
nations to their government by lavish presents such
as we have not the funds to give."

"What, my countrymen strike hands with the
painted savage against their friends and neighbors!
Impossible!" cried Laurente. with assurance.

" I wish it were impossible." declared Pierre, grimly.
"Tecumseh is the master-spirit of the Indian con-

NO r.OVK WIIHOiri A RIVAL fi,
fcdcacy. .heir k.,d..r in |,a„|c, ,hc o,„or of ,hcir
oZlv^ '"":'"<»»'"- '"<" .hen, „n,o„ „\.

real S,„nt h,., .us.cn.k,, ,„,! |,i, f„,„, „,, ,j
l» v.„. ,„ I oloncl IVoctor f, |„.,„f „,„ ,„ j. ^J^'
fident of l,c-,„K well ,cccivc,l. I,.,urcntc •

«ubj«t an.l have „o wUh to be di.loyal." ,hc ex-
clajnud in diitrcM.

At this point Labadic again dro,v up hi, ho„M
before Hunts ivarchoinc.

A» he a«i,ted the dcmoi,elle from the cariole he
whi-percd to her. with sniiliuK eye, -

" V"U have told me nothinR that' you need reoret
dear I^urente. The United State, are no, a' .,;

affirm, that on ,h„ ,ide of the border wc are uniu,
•o your general in eonunand. See, a, I pre.lic ed
Sandy „ en.ploymg hi, ,i„,e ,„ advant^e whi e

Jean «c,re upon some abstruse matter, I 11 wacer

breur Lrr-K "^ ' '">"''" ''= P^-^^e,' while Lam-'
breur and Canbou are no doubt „ill stabled in the

An hour Liter. Laurente was at home once more
Dunng .he afternoon, for ,1, her chatter, she ha7„o.
Mui or". ""'^'" '',';"« concerning either Cap,.,in

."a whirr ^""^■; '"■'"'■' "" ™""e" "> l^now
that when a man ,s devoting himself to a pretty

woman, he does not wan, her to talk of other' men*^
Hut had she so much a, hinted at the presumptuous

I.OVE THRIVKS IN WAR

lovc-makin;; of Blue Jacket, am! his vindictive threat,
how well it would have been both for herself and for
the daring youny American to whom from childhood
jihe had so often involuntarily turned for protection
against real or fancied peril.

• . . . .

The argument by which Labadie sought to allay
the fear of Miw Macintosh that she had said too
much concerning her encounter on the prairie, was
often heard in the town after the dawn of the New
Year. Far from the scat of government at Washing-
ton, and depending for despatches upon a post
brought over the mountains and through morasses, in
the saddlc-bag«i of an adventurous rider, the people had
to wait long for news. The governor and others in
authority supposed the war rumors to be but as the
rumbling of distant thunder that would presently
cease. The alleged alliance between the British and
Indians was believed to be a report spread by the
subtle KIskwatawa to gain followers among the war-
riors of other tribes.

A few of the young men of the community did not
take this view, however, but began to drill with the
soldiers of the fort, which still bore the name of the
Knglish officer Lernoult, who built it in the days of
the British rccupation.

As for the women, though many among them con-
tinued to while away the evenings bidding guests to
dancing parties and fiftes as ^irlorc, others ;ead por-
tents of strife in every unusual circumstance.

On the Canadian shore, meanwhile, the winter that
began with so much social gayc*^y, dragged toward a

« A

NO I.OVK WITHOUT A R

IVAI.

close. Nci|;liborH

<>7

KhboM of <.pp,„itc ,u|cH of the rivrr ha.l

Kro..v„ ch,tr..tful of on. another; and the ^tL^

cxcursionn to the (Iran.i u .. ^^^'^-ty

.bandowd. *'■"■"' ""^ "" >""

Upon no one did Ihi, dulnc, ,„|| „„„ ,h„

upon r.a,„cn,c Macl„,.„|,. p,,,,..,,, i, w.., Zc!Z

o k,„. My. Captain M„i, ,,„ ,„, ,„_. ,, ^ «'

>t I,., h„n,c. and „oo.l hi^.hcr ,l,..n .vc, in ,hc {[T,

of he laird. H„,. al,ho„Kh 1. cn.c wa" BraZ

to nm, ,hc. naively .-vad.d all hi, crtor., ,' ,Z"l
another cha. wi.h her in ,hc ,„, |i,„., and h/ wa'
foreed ,o ackno.led,,. that he „,.,de , , ,. 1,, „* ;
h» wocnB No douh. n,at,er, would have IZ „

that ,mn,ed,atel). affr the festivitie, of ■• le j„„
de, Ko,,, .he wa, „r,lered ,« For, George, ,o ud
'"^ '"•:;' "^ ,'; "> •"- to take leave of ,_" '.

At la,t the .snowfall, became U;, frequent. The

•'■n.d the blustenng uinds of .M.„cl, softer bree e,'
-.Ptnver the plains, l.ke a fli,h. of .arly b.rdrf™™

A thaw of ,l,i, kind h.nd brok.n up ,h,. ice in the
|ver and made the roads along i,,' marg,„Vdee„

^"ugh, of ,n„d. „„, .,„, „ )^ ;^«p

K.ng had rc»un,ed his sway to the extent of rc„d«.

' The ,i,th of r.in.ury.

.X.f|d

MiarOCOfY tESOluTION TiST CHA«T

(ANSI ond ISO TEST CHART No 2l

I^|2j8 |2.5

116

140

2.2
ZO

1.8

l^ III U r ,.6

A >IPPLIED IIVMGE

i653 East Main Street

Rochester. Ne» York U609 USA

k/ ifa; »0< "'no - Phone

(716) 288 - 5989 - Fax

»m

LOVK THRIVF.S IN WAR

inqr the river path passable. Laurcntc. havinc^ been
housed for (lays, -ayly availed herself of the "chance
to <.U) abroad.

With a lighter heart than she had known for weeks,
she made her way over the rough ground, pausing
now and then to look with delight far up and down
the Strait.

Ikncath the sunshine, the flood of waters from
Lakes Superior, Huron, and Michigan shone golden,
silver, and azure. Swift and invincible, like the fabled
Indian giant Unktahee. they rushed on to Eric and
Ontario, each moment gathering new strength for
their final mighty plunge over the precipice and
down the gorge of the Niagara.

The gleaming tide suggested no such stern imagery
to the girl, however.

" How bright the water is ! " she said aloud ; " the
sunlit ripples make me think of a sportive troop of
Neebanawbaigs,! or a bevy of French fillettes in white
Normandy bonnets dancing down the stream as though
it were the floor of a ball-room. And, ' ma foi,' there
is a canoe among them now, — like a Colin Maillard
giving chase. Who is venturing so boldly to cross
the river when the current is not yet clear of ice >
Heigh-ho, I wish it were a visitor for us ! But that
is impossible, since the colonel at Fort Maiden has
patrolled our frontier."

Continuing her walk, she still watched the little
craft as it bufifeted with the stream. Before long she
saw it had but a solitary occupant, a man who pad-
dled with ease and skill.

' Indian water-spirits.

:if *:? M. ..

NO Lf)VK WIIHOr r A RIVAL fn,

As he approached the strand, he waved his red
scarf to attract her attention, antl a cheery voice
called to her across the stretch of blue. —

" Laurcnte ! Laurente ! "

" Pierre Labadie ! " she exclaimed, stopping short
in astonishment.

" Yes, mademoiselle, like a worthlr.xs coin, I am
always turning up," he laughed.

The swollen waters floated the canoe well on to the
beach. Leaping ashore, he dragged it up the bank,
and hastened to the path where she stood awaiting
him.

" O Pierre, why did you cross the river when the
canoeing is so hazardous?" she remonstrated by way
of greeting. " And surely you know the shore is
guarded. Go back, it is not safe for you to be here.
Oh, why did you come?"

" The reason is easily given ; I came to see you,
^ ma belle,' " he replied. " As for your countrymen,
if they are over-warm in their reception of me, I must
respond in kind," and he tapped the pistol in his
belt.

" Let us hurry to the house," urged Laurente ; " my
f ther is not so hot against the Americans that he will
refuse you a welcome, and ' la bonne mere ' will be
glad to hear of our friends in the town."

" I thank you, mademoiselle," rejoined Labadie ;
" but since fortune has granted me this meeting, I will
not relinquish the opportunity for a word with you
alone. These are strenuous times, and we do not
know what may be before us. I am going away."

The girl gave a sharp cry.

i I w

r I '

: si'}

I.OVK TflRIVKS IN WAR

^ es, I an. goinR to VVashin-;ton to offer my sword
.n he serv.cc of our cause." he went on fervidly.
II ere ,s much that I wish to say to ycu. I.aurcnte.
On that day. lon^- a^^o, when the old town of Detroit
was swept away in flame, when I stood in your path
and stayed your childish flight upon the beach, when
you bade me take you home, son.cthinj,. told me that
you would one day be all the world to me. - that I
would long to make a home for you in my hea^t.
And so ,t .s. Yet now. my life is not mv own to
offer you ; ,t belongs to my country. I have loved
you always, yet I must not plead for your love, nor
ask you to plight your troth to a lover who may
never return. But if I come back, sweetheart, if I
w.n honors to lay at your feet, will you listen to
mc?

He paused for her reply. But she remained silent
lookmg fixedly at him.

It may be that he read his answer in her eyes
At least, again the luck spirits were kind, for just
then the wind, which had been peeping under her
blue hood and plucking at her shawl, gave a sudden
jerk to the latter and made off with it.

Pierre promptly sprang to the rescue ; and so it
happened that in folding the plaid again about
Laurente. he folded her in his arms as well

•'O Pierre, come back! Whether you succeed
or fail come back." she whispered, leaning her head
upon his breast.

As quickly she drew away from him. exclaim-
ing, " Listen, do you not hear the sound of a horse's
hoofs ? Make haste ; put off in the canoe ! The rider

NO LOVK WriHOUT A KIVAL ;,

is coming at a gallop. None but the sclciics ride so
fast; It must be the mounted patrol ! Go, go ! "

" Dear one, say you love me. even as I love you "
urged Pierre, still lingering.

"Ah, yes, God knows I love you." she ackn.ml-
edged mvoluntarily. dazed at the sudden revelation
of her own heart that the last few minutes had
brought.

;• Laurente, I swear I will be true to >ou to my
dymg hour; no other woman shall ever be my wife "
he protested. "No. I will not go in this moment of
our betrothal, which I had not dared to hope would
come to make this our last interview a foretaste of
perfect happiness. I will not avoid this trooper; my
aim is as good as that of any man at Fort Maiden."

Laurente smothered a cry.

"Will you shoot the man, or be shot down before
my eyes? " she exclaimed.

Labadie saw his dilemma. Whether he should
overcome his antagonist or be captured, the g-rl
would be placed in a most distressing position.
Moreover, how could he invite an encounter in her
presence?

" You are right, • ma belle ; ' for your dear sake we
must part now," he said. •' God keep you. dear love.
dear love ! " Once more clasping her to his heart,
he kissed the sweet lips that still tremulously bade
him leave her.

Then, springing to the canoe, he shoved it into the
water, and was too far from the shore to be dis-
tinguished, by the time there galloped into sight
a spirited black horse bestrode by a young officer

' i

■■ :- .:: "■•^"»"'-j "iu. ..„ ..,,,, , ^

"^ apta/n Afnir! "

•'''"•»^<-^^'; inu tur„i„. ;,.i;, ;l/''^ ^"'•^•"■". -..aiiy

"•;S.M, di.lrausht."' ^"^ -■ ^" •"" '■'■•c .' " ,,,,.,j,j
J 'e officer ua.e.cl.

""-'cn-foIk can „„ J^^^ l^'^' '"■'-• S,„cc wc
"•"" depend for our ,I,on,i,r, ""' '" ">' '""n, ue

^';->-you have ,^. qua .wZ? '" "'^'' '">%■-■
""' I'e has brought , '"' ""^^ "■'"'lerer,? ••

I-anrcnle drew herself i,„ , i ,
'• He came to-dav 1 ' " '"" ''^■Sl"-

■''■e -■■« proudly - ''•'•"" "''^' ' "ould ,,a,e,..

Muir cursed his lurk- i„ i, •
•■ Mademoiselle if'" "" •"■'■'^"*'' '■"•
-'■o "ould do you e e„ "° ""'' '° '''""■ ^-y "ne
f^f'r 1.0 eon^i: e "". ;";"';•;" ,- --ce al ^
•°. fr.gi.te„ the follow and ;^:"'p"^' ,''' '^ - "ell
brmg nothing but woment IT \ "'" '"^ "'"-^
your leave - ■■ * e*^^"^ '" 'us pack h,,

•I, . "

.y';^'-e"pon, he discharged his oif , •
the skiff. "* "'^ P'^tol aiming wide

-« 1-f M

i*r ♦ .

"M '*if'

S'yu^fi

i !

I I

I ,C rT.-rt.'

«^^

. t

'.i "rx

A*;

k ■,,« ,

■ iyf?"',

NO i.ovi; uriHoi , a uivai, .,

ho iZc, V ..::""h'""- T """''' ""-'• -

.,-.11 .1 r ^^•-•'P'>n. ''he s.iu the canof still mal ii r
^al u. ly for a sn.al! scttlcucnt of th. VrJl^
atcd at some distance above the stocknl.- I \
town. '"^ ^I'^ckaded American

,irT,r "n" ^ "' '"■■ """""•• '" """ ^'»»,-, a„,l I„.r

r^TT r-" ^" "^" '^^ ''' - '" •■-'<■•

he Z I •^',"''"»"""" "- '-i"^' frightened IKT

per .r,„a„ee of his d„,y. ,,, .lismoun.ed a^ | ., '

- h...se. walked by her side. rccou„tl„g i„c den o

h.s retur,l journey (ram .\i;,.,.ara. ""^""•"1=. "f

"cini; a lover, h.,vvevcr. ""he soon bcKan to „o„r

O". h..s heart t„ the «irl. .„ .,,,.,,k of hi ai s"^," J

pans; and had she loved him also, tin r " ,, o^

on,. .„„er self would have been innniteCde;^'::

At times, indeed, she had fancied that she loved

«lHle. and have a Brand wedding, festival ■ to be
congratulated by all the Maelntosh "friends and ™,ed
by all the demo,selle, of the ertte! And then ,/
away to live at For. A.alden or Niag. ra A,", i!
would be very fine, and -la bonne n^,c" often "

bond U- n"; ""'" ""'"' '^'°"''^ break the
bond! u ij ,„^ ^„^ ,,,^ ^^,|^^_^^ Scotehman weary

again" ° "' '''""" ^"^^ ^^^^ -^^ '» "= ^cc

Laurcme had asked the advice of the saintly Pere

Rrchard m confession when she crossed the river ,o

t I

(

ill

■WiP3»W^7ii«c=Ji-*S^^T^"^''^^*:W.wii*"'' -Tt*'

lij-fCTllI ■■If'Pv

7* I.OVK IIIKIVKS IN WAR

altcn.l the church .11 the Stirin,- vv, ir t ■. , .

l-vc.l the f..ith of hc-r Krcn'c <l„\ ','" '"'■

tovou th-r ,1 I ! >^ '"■" ''°'' "'V nuke known
w >ou inc rcji desire ^if vnnr Iicti-* •• - ■ 1 ..

father. ■ ""^ ""^ O'xl

Arul now everything wm made plain I auren..
.n„led .0 herself an.l he, eye, ,ho„e,'^>vl e t e wor,

I.auremc I have always |„vc<l >•„„,■ her .i„„b ,
had vanished l,ke „,i,ts before the s.,„ l,™ •
love or hc-r and her love for him would shed ,.v

prames. the r.vers, and even the depths of the forest

VVhen Pierre folded her in his arms, she fel, ,ha,

he took her ,nto his life for so lontf as it Luld

cndur, and her heart thrilled with a swee e« ,7n,

She k.,ew she would be ..appy as Pierre's will, t l^h

their home were in the wilds. Or at lenst J

the future miuht hold couW h„ ' ''°"°"

cricf of 1 lift " '•'"'" "' >™"l'' 'he

enet of a life-long separation from him. Yes her

prayer was answered; how could she have im gi m.^
for a moment that she loved Captain Muir?^sie

love her '"""" "' '"^ '"'' ■""' '''"- «■■" "»'

Now the captain, talking on, approached the dan-
serous ground of his a pirations with regard ,0 her-
self. It would have been better indeed to bU hin
hope no longer. But, with a gentle unwillingn s
to .nflict pain the girl, in a sudden change of mood

her companion upon indilicrent matters until their

^^^It

* aO:.

NO I.OVK UITIIOII A KIVAI, .,
Mroll c..„,c ,., an end m ,hc d„„r of Ik-, f..,|KV,

Muir had only rcnrncl t„ ^r.d,lcn «itl,d, ,|M,chc,
Accord,„«V lu. departed ..-..in f„r N,.,gara I, hh, ,
fcw days and ,uic. once „„ c ,c«lcd dL ^.^^^
Macintosh home. *

111

!li'

-2p ■;*-(•

* .1. ' Jit. „„ . ^,c

ciiAiTi.R irnif

niK kKVKILl.K

T'JH "fcux cic jolc" for the (he of St. Jean
Hapt.st.. the Midsummer live of |. „,,,•',"
-« an,, .tory. had died ..t more than I , ; ^^ ^

CM- ^;r";!;'^'^^-'"^""'«''-nthee,e.enIh

»' „ • 1 . ^ ^*'' '*^f^'^'<lini,' ' ood toward

..c ,„a„d occ..,, of ,.ako .CHc. The '..bi.an,, a„
«ct.kr, „„ boll, .„.Jc. of ,|,c Strait were sIcn.inL
unconcernedly. b„, ,.„.,cr the fain, li,.„t „f . t ,""
that gleamed thronRl, rift, i„ „„ cUmuI,. . tn of
A,ncr.can .oldier, embarked fron, the n„r,hc,„^trf
for a (cw moments the boats drifted „„„„ ,he
.w,ft waters, then, a, an order spoken in' a |^„

ctr ,r"' '"= P^"-"- "r-k out. cutting^
current like a wand.

In the prow of the fo.emost cr.nft stood Lewis Ciss
colonel of a newly enrolled regimen, of vol ntte '
In command of one ■,/ the other pirogues mil,
b rccognued the ..thl=,ie (igure of his subaU rn
I errc Descomptes Labadie. who had returned ,h
h,m from Washington, mustering recruits in the
Maumee valley on the way. °

As the men of .his second boat paddled in rhythmic
..me they spoke in undertones among themselve
unchecked by their officer. "msclves,

THK KKVKIM.K

I i

" The H.gn. arc .(.irk rnou-li • W.h the cirth.n.ak.-
of H.x wcckH .,-„ frii at the h.vv. r oul of the cAtc
a« with us at Ilamtranck?" hLjuirrtl one «f hi^
comrade.

•• My cabin at the Spring \\\\U tremhir.l like an
aspen, ami the branchcn of tl»c trees in the yar.l were
toMed an if by a hurricane, although there was no
wukI," was the rca<ly answer.

•• The walh of my farmhouse rocked hke a cradle '*
interjected a third solcher. "and la petite Modesu-
my sisters chiUI (who in the autumn voyaged w.th
her from Michihmackin.iO.fcelin'; the (loor unsteady
asked if she was on the bateau anam. Surei/ this*
shuddering of the ground is a warning of comiuLr
disaster!" **

I.aba(h'e*s patience at length gave way.

" Men, have done with this conjparison of omens "
he cried with asperity. - The earth.ptake was indeed
serious in its effect. I heard a habitant of Grosse
Tomtc say that by the shock his bowl of mush and
milk was spilled. Moreover, the Indi.ms who have
come in from the Saginaw trail tell a strange story
They say that in the winter the waters of Orchard
Lake began to boil as though in a great kettle over
a fire, and up from the depths of this manitou-caldron
came a vast number of turtles, of which these pious
pagans made a sacre.' fe.ist. Assuredly this portends
that there will be fewer turtles thereabout for some
time to come."

His sarcasm, if not convincing, silenced the two
fellows who had begun the conversation, but the
third grumbled under his breath.—

I> i

LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

"Wabic! Monsieur Ic licutemnf „,. •

Great ShawTnoe , fl T"'' " "■' "''"' "' ""

i» our enemy I h1 " r""'' "'^" ""■"• ■-'"'' he

An angry reprimand rose to the lin, JZ
lc-icler. and, drawing hh „v„r^ . "^ , ^ ^°""e

you must a'eTm s fe?""'^'"'"""''"'.- 'f
'hnn any yon haTe'^ir ^e ^d^ VT 7
sprang, as Mr. Cass and I wilL-ed ,„ . "'''>'

^^ Well, Jean, what is it?' we called,
'^n, messieurs, messieurs — '

" Without delayincr to cue<;f,v ., « ,.

but fearing „e kne; not Lt ""I ™''^"' j"^-"'.
bluff, and one glance at thl , '''' '" ""=

There, about L"r„n"rr;:rds 7r ^ tt T'-
floating refrajiv tow;, r^ f. i , *"^ ^'^^''e.

s '^bdwy toward the lake uoon a h],^nU ^r •

was a gigantic ea^le, the emblem nf '"''

f, . uic emoiem of our country.

THE REVEILLE ,«

What does this presage but victory for our flag?
The eagle fears no foe; undismayed, he stares the
sun Itself m the face. Our forces shall win by land
and sea." '

The enthusiasm of the French officer proved con-
tagious, and a murmur of approval arose from the
men.

"The American eagle drifting onward to Lake
it.rie? Yes. ,t is a good omen." cried one soldier.

•'VVe will notdesrrt you. Pierre Labadic. we will
uphold the new flag," reiterated others.

At this moment the dugout, running In close to the
colonel s boat, grated on the pebbles of the beach

"Then, follow me, • mes amis, ' " cried the lieuten-
ant, agam unsheathing his sword.

As he was about to leap ashore, however, a sharp
command restrained him.

" Monsieur Labadic." called Colonel Cass. " I can
permit no man to go before me in this expedition "

Labadie fell back, disappointed, yet recognizing
that the honor belonged to his chief As soon as
the latter had stepped on the strand, he sprang after
^im. a close second.

Thus it happened that on the twelfth of July, about
noon. Angus Macintosh returned to his home from
the village of Windsor in a towering rage. Casting
down his hat of home-braided straw upon the table
of the hvlng-room. he began to walk up and down
the floor, giving vent to his wrath, while " la bonne
mere and his daughter listened In consternation.

" Gudewlfe," he exclaimed, " reach me down my
old claymore from the wall yonder, and go bring me

! ■ \

LOVK THRIVES LV WAR

my barkers.' IW Sf An,?
carle but that I can yet s^^ b " T T '^ ''''
of the land against a mrtvf ' ^"' '^'' '^'^'"^^

"'Cicli n !^'''^>'"'^ '""'^''■troopers." a
yui gu avc/-vous, nion imf ? ' n
met the Red Duarf? Or '^'''''^ ^o"

•'■•queur de pec not to 'T "^^'^"'"^^ ^''^ ^^
Mada. Mac/;nc;:h. T h" nfr^ ^'^'"^ ^ " '"n-'-ci

°f his iik. Asl' ^L :: ''^^"'■"■ •=" "•"..s.-.nci

Godd dc Marc.„tc. „ set h"f ' T- ' "''°'^" •-•"'-
but tl,e best > c'l v„ , "'■" '"' f"™'' ^"ytl'ins

what ha, CO.. 'b,:r l:.^-:^:,:. v'' v "" >-'"

" When I rode into ,Z , """""<^d Macintosh.
filled with .cLZhJTr^''- '^^ "'^'^-'-Placc was
soldiers whoZ'Z7j.""'^''"''"'^ bluecoated
should mo nt a rjrtro' ,;';'''°"''- ^''^" »"°
Hull himself, geynTmor "™ "" '""" ''"'
dressed ou- /uTe foT'^ \" "''■'■■"='^''^' ""^ ^d"
A-nerican staSdar^: d 'Zr!.::^:^ ^7 ""
dence. It was a brave sorerl! ^ '"^^^P^n-

Mr. Cass. And it took well V """'"' ^ '" ^^"^^'•' ^^
nd,t took well, for some enrolled on the

1 '-"itOlS. ^

- Horder robbers.

Kn'l- ii<.%'"?-r/a'

THE RKVKILLK «,

spot, and others agrcol to take nc. part against their
old acquaintances of the ' c^te du nord • •'

"Dieu merci!" ejaculated the dame"; "it is not
good to see neighbors become enemies. Should no
wc of both sides of the Strait be one people? •

Madam, what you say is treason." interrupted

and ,f any bluecoat appears hereabout, he is like to
be shot down with little warning. Laurente. do not
forget my words."

By this, the two women were in tears, and the
Macintosh having spoken his mind, went out to cool
his wrath by a walk along the strand.

•'What can have made my father, a Jacobite, of a

sudden so loyal to the King?" sobbed Laurente

when mother and daughter were thus left toc^ether '

Dame Macintosh promptly recovered h^'er equa-
nimity. ^^^uu

" * Chc-rie.' the laird has had letters from Scotland "
she explained. "The King has most graciouslv
restored the Moy estates, forfeited during the rebellion
agains the House of Hanover. And the earl, who is
in his last days, has written to my husband that, as
the next leader of the clan, he must make his sub-
mission. Macintosh may care little for King Georcie
but the command of his chief is sacred. For myself
I would not care to cross the seas; but^'.;.. Laurente'
one day you may be a great lady."

"And go to England, to the court?" queried
Laurente, with joyful enthusiasm.

The mother nodded in satisfaction, as her fond eyes
rested upon the glowing face turned toward her, and

t.lj
1 ."I

■I iwii ji mill ■■■I iiiji I

LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

si.c thought ho^v rfch dress and jewels would set off
l>cr daughter's piquant beauty.

"'Allons. ma fille.' you sec now why vour f.fh.r
wou d ^d.y have you marry - ce Mon^u'r Mu >
a i>cottis.h gentleman whose rmL- -r. i. .

I.abad,e a^ong tl.c troop, ,„ ,h, n,arkct-p ace "

faded away ■ ""^""' "^ ^^ "" ™aEinatio„.
•,„d7*',f"'" ""^ """^ ''^■y ''""= 'h<= power of life

.'.e ri,.., .oVstow""!:,; da e "' ^r r^n
marry „.hon, I will, or „o. at all •■ ' '"""

the m'"'' """ ' T'"' ^"'"'"' =^'»= ^^'■ed away to
the l,tt,e room on the grom.d noor that she occuLh
'" ^""""er, the loft being warm Here '„ . P
nook overlooking the or' hard .he sat , arfuNv""'"

oi the bluebird and the woodoecWer fh« r.
o .he air blowing through the ap^^^efandto":

comforted by t'he ' :z::t^-L 7::':z^:'' -

co.Xrb:t„o^irmt\v.r"™^"'' --
.om^.o„KortMaiderre::rg--i^^^

Cass, at at a rude wr,„„g-table in his tent, engaged

.hHI 1 '

s'i^^

^J'^agSfM^aii^^FS^^iL

THK REVEILLE

!n mappinK out a plan of attack, an orderly appeared
at the entrance and. salutinj;. sai.l. _ ^^

" Sir. the general asks your presence."

The colonel rose to his feet.

•'Say that I will wait upon him at once." he replied
U'ltli equal terseness.

In an exultant mood Mr. Cass strode through the
camp. ** ^

"At last wc are to measure swords with the
enemy," he soliloquized.

Arrived at headquarters, however, he found the
surroundmgs little indicative of preparations for a

rlnio.?T""\ "f ''' ^"'^ "P^''^''^^ •■" his chair,
resplendent „. the full uniform of a general; and

truly. w.th h,s fine physique and snow-white hair, he
presented an imposing martial figure. In his hand
he held a closely written despatch, and at his feet
lay the envelope of birch-bark in which it had
been safely carried, secreted in the clothing of the
messenger. **

Before him stood a keen-eyed French-Canadian
whose complexion, sunburned to a coppery hue, and
h.s blue blouse and deerskins, proclaimed him a
boatman just from a long voyage.

" Mr. Cass," began the general, " I have sent for
you as one of my council, that you may hear of the
happenmgs m the north from an eye-witness. Our
fort at Michilimackinac has surrendered, with the
honors of war, to one thousand British and Indians "
Although startled by this disastrous intelligence,
the colonel betrayed no surprise during the voya^eur's

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

■lit!

'It

You may go," said Ha- chief to the- l.,ttcr when
the rcca wa, conchidcd. •• Colonel, we mus, ;ewa'd
even ,he bearer of ill news ; pay .he „,an " '

Mr Cass smiled satirically, took from his pocket a
Spanish p,s,o e. and tossed it to the felli „. ,„
thereupon withdrew.

When the occasion for impressing the scout with
^e .njportance of the American genera, w^pL '
ivir. J lull seemed to collapse.
"Colonel, pray excuse me," he said, castini; down

Boots. And reach me that fan, I bee of vou
tgad the night is uncommonly sultry ev'en for't", e

rZzJL'z -l;"'. "'''''"■ ' '''" -"- ^

" Sir, I trust you will reconsider this hasty deci-
s.on," protested Mr. Cass. "The news fron, ,K
north Will only strengthen the resolve of "'
G.ve me leave to lead my regiment to Fort MaWen'
and before the er of the month, the post stl, be

attkudr'f"."" ^T"' ""^ '■'="' "P°" '■- P-'" ■•" an
attitude of deep dejection

us;?erurrr "'"" ""■" ""'''" -^'y - -'"-^

Mr. Cass laughed breezily.

"If we meet the redmen, we will fight them," said
he. Fortune gives her hand to a bold man "

His arguments finally prevailed, and the next
mornmg the elated colonel, with two hundred and
fifty men, among whom was Lieutenant Labadie. set
out to reconnoitre the enemy.

•.•;:3^.^3»r^ri^

THE RKVEIM.K

«5

The following day. Labadic, footsore and weary
but liRht of heart, appeared ajjain at headquarters

Ceneral. I bring a report from Colonel Cass," he
said, delivering it.

The governor nodded with urbane courtesy, and
breaking the seal of the letter, read.—

SA.vnwif M, riTiK Canada, July 17, ,8,2
Sir. — In conformity with your instructions. I iwecedcd
with t>vo hundred and f.fty men to rcconno.tre the enemy's
advanced posts. We found them at the brdfie over the
Kiver Canards, at the distance of four miles from Maiden
After examining their position. I left one company of riHe-
men to conceal themselves near the br.clge, and upon our
appearance on the opposite side of the river, to con.mence
firmg, m order to divert their attention and to throw them
into confusion. I then proceeded, with the remainder of
the force, five miles to a ford over the Canards, and down
on the southern bank of that river. About sunset we
arrived within sight of the enemy. Being entirely destitute
of guides, we marched too near the bank of the river
and found our progress checked by a creek which wa'
impassable. We were compelled to march up a mile, in
order to effect a passage over it. This gave the enemy
time to prepare for their defence. On coming down, we
found them formed, and they began a fire of musketry
Our men moved with great energy and alacrity. After the
first charge, the British retreated, while we continued to
advance. Three times they formed, and as often retired.
We drove them full half a mile, when it became so dark
that we were forced to relinriuish the pursuit. We learned
from deserters that nine or ten were wounded or killed.
The number that opposed us consisted of a detachment
of the Fortyfirst Regiment, some mihlia. and a body of

ill

I OVK TFfRIVKS IN WAR

r-on to be satisfied wi.h the .hole detac Lcn " "'"^
Very respectfully. S.r. I have the- honor to be "
Your obedient servant,

Lkwis Cass,

To B.,.,„,.. G..K,.,'-"t!'. "''""""' '""°^''"''"-"-

Enthusiastic, and fresh from the struKRle that hid
ended ,„ ,„„ f„, „,^. ^^^^.^^^ ^ .. .hat had

Sc:r ro:'r ^.3- --^ -.''--^" "^

praise for th. . ^'"'■'^'' ^^f"^' ejaculation of

Lr:.:;;:^Trtr.'"'' ^""«'" ^-^ ^- '" •■■'••

What was then his chagrin when ITul! h. •
bcga: to wn^: ' "'"' ^°^"^' '^'"^ ^ ^^-^ °^ paper.

rior office"'' iT-;"'" '?^ *''^ "^^^^^^ *" >'°"^ ^"P-
at onr. r ^? °'''^"'' *° ^°^«"e' Cass to return

at once to camp with his command."

receivelhis'r' "' '''" '^"^ ^"^^^'^ ^ -J^'- to
receive this communication in silence

ho ^ A r'l^' ^'""■"''" ^^ stammered, doubtine if
he had heard aright, " our victory has creatd f
sternation at Maiden a created con-

tinn fK . ^^^a'den. Are we to abandon the posi-
t.on that our men have so intrepidly gained? Bv
doing so, would we not be lackinr^ Jn L I ^

cause? " 'acking m devotion to our

lit-

'iP^:\'^m

THK RKVKILLK

Hc paused in his appeal, for Hulls face Rrcvv
purple with anger.

•• Enough, sir," broke out the commander, in a
raKc; "am I to take counsel of a stripling? He oil
on your errand. If you nay more. I will have y<,u
court-martialed."

Had the brave Cass been permitted to pursue his
advantage, it is probable that, with .Maiden forced to
surrender, the whole history of the contest on the
border would have been changed. Soon after the
recall of the skirmishing party, intelligence reached
the camp at Sandwich that an armistice had been
agreed upon at Washington, but it did not include
the armies of the frontier.

About the same time an express came in with the
news that Captain Henry Brush, namesake of the
Yankee husband of Dame Adelaide, was comiu" from
Ohio by way of the River Raisin with provisio'ns for
the troops.

It being also learned that a company of British had
left Fort Maiden to intercept these supplies. Colonel
Cass led forth his men to hold the party in check
They were, however, attacked and routed by Tecum-
seh, and this defeat was the death-blow to the spirit
of General Hull.

With the prospect that the Strait was to become
the theatre of the war, he had grown still more fearful
lest hordes of Indians would come down from the
northern forests, and in relentless fury over-run the
"c6te du nord. " A fast aging man with his family
gathered about him in his new home here in the
west, the bold soldier who had followed Anthony

SsE

%■

-•i-w-'mi'.

** " J J" '''- **^^.-^ '"

ij" mm

»» lOVK THRIVK.S |\ vv,\R

Wayne I,, victory, f^lur^l „h^„ „,„ .

h".. a Kh„t\y vi,i„„ .,f ,,:,'■'■ "'7-' "'o,,. before

of Mvace barbarity. ' ° '^''"'"" " ^i"m,

a u,„ati,rae.i„„'':,:;:;:~«'x^ •-•■•"

a was i..anac]a evacuated bv thr. a
«f.cr . military „ec„pa,i„„ „, ^^^ Jf^ f-ca,,,,

:«r 1 ■ .12; . »:■■■'■ ■•* s. ■

sw- •. -* '«:' '1 "*' ;

im'

%' " . f

.< .,

niAITKR SfXTff

ONK LOVK DklVKS OUT ANOTHKR

LIKK the fabled White Doc of the Inchan IcRcnd
the Moon of the Young Deer ' came up ..ut of
the forest, looked at her Y i^ht reflection in the
pearly tide of the Strait, um took her course across
the prairie of the sky. /ainly until dawn would
Gheczis. the Sun-warrior, pursue her with his gleam-
ing arrows. Hut the arrows falling upon the meadows
of Le Detroit strewed the ground with gold and
silver.

Early in the evening. Uurente Macintosh sat at
her window, dreaming as young girls dream when the
moonlight sheds a glamour over all things, and life
seems as filled with beauty as the summer night.

Like a swift canoe upon the river, her reveries soon
drifted to thoughts of her lover.

"Where is Pierre?" she asked of her heart, as if
It must find an answer to the question.

A fleecy cloud obscured the moonbeams, and cast
a gray shadow upon the girl as she sat with hands
clasped upon her knee, looking across the orchard
to the broad expanse of waters beyond, and the lights
in thr houses of the town on the opposite shore.

' August.

-X". ■»•

fTM,.

mte-

" in, ^."fi^" tiP^i' . • . fi I

».OVF THRIVES IN WAR

momrnury eclipse o( the moon »i. ^*

.t"%rrrr; -' '" ""— "^

chief. *' «h'cat.n.nB «m of .„ ,„jj,„

our fri, „,|, acro« the river bl? r ' "'"'
bcwecn England ,„d T k. e." h«° „" „?""'
concern, uj? Oh, whv i. T,/ u " **>'

would „ ,„o„ -•• ,17, „' T"";""'; "•" -"v i

.o her,e,f «i.h ...elr^^l^tl^f/; ; "l'-™
•oong,ve my fa.e in.o ,he keeping of jf"', L s ,
.ntrust the cause of my country ^0,;,^^ ' ■"

hin brother, the Prophet I 2 , ^*'-"^.'"°' »"''

with the ,Tval. 01.^, "" """' °f ""» »'l»nce
when the AmerL,, "" '"°'' "'"''' ««" ">«"

•n that camp, and he would find a wav Z
th.s house and those I love. But now, "^ Who ^^^.^
protect us against the Indians if deJv^ t .'

thoyjjrow drunk on fire-water Wh J """"'''
from Blue Jacket if T.! u ,^° '^'" '^^*^ *"«

is said h.u . ^''^"'"^^^ fakes command? It

IS said he has small respect for thi, r«i« i n

who ha, lately come .0 Fo , MaUen O P , '"
your wife. I would gladly follow yo" in .h^ma 'h
and ,nto the battle. , would becoL a s Jfd er V„d

ONF. I.OVK DRIVKS OUT ANOTHKR 9,

no one should know mc for .» ivom.in. I w.iuM
tramp by your tide Ihrounh the nior.1^1 an.l the
forcit, share your privation* without compUtnt, be
brave »% you arc brave."

At the fancy, Laurentc left her place by the win-
dow. and. striking a lit;ht by means of a tmdcr b«>x
that lay at hand, lit a candle.

Holding it high above her head, she peered into
the mirit)r of her drcMinR-tabte, which, chint/.
curtained an.l skirted, seemed a fantastic semblance
of some fontanged and farthin^jaled •• grande dame "
of the days of the Sieur de Cadillac.

The wistful face refle. .1 l,y the Rlass was not
reassuring. It said, indcco. that the demoiselle had
courage to fellow her heart's hero through trials and
clangers ; but it would never pass ft.r the f.ice of a
boy; the eyes were too deep and tender, the curves
of the cheek too soft, the njouth too -ct and
rosy.

The futility of her notion be^an to !m, .s |,cr.
She fro .vned. and. thinking the fault lay. perhaps, with
her lonn wavy hair, caught it up and massed it above
her straight brows. The resuii only t;ave to her
pretty head and throat a more piquant grace. She
mi-ht sacrifice every one of those bright curls to the
shears for love's sake, but such folly would help her
little. ^

Laurentc uttered an exclamation of impatience at
the mirror's verdict, and blew out the candle. But
a new thought caused her to blush and sigh in the
half-light. Was her romancing unmaidcnly? "At
least, Father Richard would never consent to marry

■i,Wi!^?^

'tmma«m%fE.^>'rw^'mi§^Pi-r. 'm

*ni

'-■■ ii

92 LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

She s.ghcd. Oh. this pit.lcss war, which separates
those who love each other, an.1 puts off the weddin"
of a jeunedemo.seile- until, with waiting, she is 1 ke
to be an old maid."

As she returned to the window, the sound of a
pony s feet clattering up the road from u'nd or

Ic7s^:t ''''' '''' ''''''''' '-''-'' '^'-^ ^^^^

shHnkit ""^' ^"^ '''''''''' '' ^ — -^

thl,\' '\^^°"'^'^"'' ^^"'•••" ■'^'^e said to herself. .'Now
that he has come back. I must let him know I have
g.ven my love to I'ierre. But how? My mo her

nsk my fathers anger by telling the captain I am
promised to another. Well I mnsf foil 1
«;f>If Tf : u . ' ' "^' *'^'' ^'ni my-

self. It . but just to him. and he will not ask for
an unwil ng bride Ho ,« f««
proud Ah h^T generous, and too

proud. Ah. he deserves to be loved by some true

— .but I am not the o^^^ I love PiLe.-o:;^

Instead of riding up to the house door, the horse-
man dismounted at the orchard gate and finH .
unlocked, entered by that way. ^ ' ' "^"^'"^ ''

" He hopes to find me walking under the trees or
loitering on the gallery." conjectured the girl catch
ing her breath. ^ ' ^*^"

Yes it was the captain. Leaving his horse tied to
a picket, he took his path across the grass. A few
steps showed him the orchard was a soLde, and he
could not know that a pair of troubled eyes watched
h,m from a shadowed room beyond the gallery

ONK LOVK DRIVKS OUT ANOTHER

"ii

Did then the subtle

nil

k'liich

scvci
had ascribed to women only yet dwell in him as a
heritage from a gentle mother? Did the mysterious
electric current by which one nature acts upon ant)ther
render him vaguely conscious of the nearness of the
woman he loved ? Or was it only that his soul, being
filled with thoughts of her and of the uncertainties
of war, found expression in the quaint ballad which
he sang to himself, as he came on —

" Wilt thou be my dear one ? —
When sorrow \vrinj,'s tliy gentle heart,
Oh, wilt thou let me cheer thee ! —
By tlie treasure of my soul,
That 's the love I bear thee,
I swear and vow that only thou
Shalt ever be my dear one. —
Only thou, I swear and vow,
Shalt ever be my dear one."

The moon was now shining as tranquilly as before,
but to the listening girl there suddenly seemed some-
thing weird and uncanny in its lambent light.

" Lassie, say thou lo'es me,

Or if thou wilt not be my ain,

Oh, say no thou 'It refuse me:

If it winna, canna be,

Thou for thine may choose me,

Let me, lassie, die

Trusting that thou Iocs me !

Lassie, let me die,

Trusting that thou lo'es me."

As the singer concluded, Laurente again looked
from the window.

94 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

Muir had paused in an open space between two

rees The moonbeams fell full „p„n ,„s eree.fi™ e
transformmg his well-worn uniform to a s^it f -i '
mai, and ,e din« to his face an Z^^^^^:'""

h stm I .. '," ''■"= '"'"8 "'"""'"' °f one who

down to Maiden again this r.el <;::„?::

o return! In .he battle that must eome between ou

troops and the Americans, - who are des ined ,o

conquer. .^,o ,o fa,|, , „„„„, ,^^,„ .^is "Illnm

iTrrfi:::!'^" -'"'-■'■"• "■•-.■."-to::;:

" * Lassie. let me die

Trusting that thou lo'es me.' "

As she repea.ed .hese closing words of the sonc
Laurente gave way .o her emotion ; while the cap.a"n
unconscous of the effect of his unpremeditated^ e

*d Sandy °""' ''"'''' '"""''^ """""<=" ^y

H J*" ,''f^P°"f ncy of the young officer disappeared
before .he k.ndness of Laurentes greeting. espec-a,ly
stnee. notw.thstanding her assumed gayf y he „„
upon her sweet face the .races of tfars whkh 1,J
mentally compared to the dew upon .h; ^1 oC
he eglantme. He must cheer her, he thoutht
hrBUishV"" ''°r' '^""^ '=•= =kirn:'h s°of

as usual, gave himL"ch 'r' 'aXfr "^t

ONE LOVE DRIVES OUT ANOTHER 95

lingcrinK for two hours or more, he took leave of
Macintosh and " la bonne mere - in the pleasant
parlor and, turning to Laurentc, said boldly —

"Mademoiselle, before I go. will you walk with me
lor hvc mmutes in the moonlight? "

How could she decline? "The remembrance of
the apparition that had presented itself to her fancy
in the orchard checked the excuse upon her lips, and
she went out with him into the peaceful loveliness of
the evening.

" M.Jemoiselle." he began, as they paced the road
together. " months ago I avowed my love for you.
Now I ask you once more to be my wife. Give me
your decision to-night. Whether we have war or
peace, I shall not come for it again."

Laurente became singularly agitated.

" Oh. monsieur, monsieur.- forgive me. I cannot."
she faltered, only half articulately. " Let us speak
of something else ! Oh. you must come again, and
then I will answer you. Do not press me now '

The captain looked down at her with tenderness
strangely moved by her appeal.

.u'^uV'^'^l ^^'""'^^•"'-•' '^^ ^^ocs love me. after
all. he thought, and his heart beat high with happi-
ness. ''Those downcast eyes, this pretty tremulous-
ness and confusion. - surely these bear witness that
I have stormed the sacred citadel of her heart. Yet
my faith. what an ado a girl makes about the terms'
of surrender ! Egad, this game of love is like a bit
of mihtary strategy; the least false move mightprove
one s overthrow. I must let her have her way ; but -
Laurente, Laurente." he whispered passionately,

l^OVK rURlVKS IN WAR

as he bent down and kissed the little hand that
trembled on his arn).

Laurente drew away from him

tn'l^?''f"'''^^'' "'""^'■^'"•••" ^J»^' •^^■•d. '"oving quickly
to the door-stone. i"i«-Riy

" Laurente, one word," he pleaded

"Au revoir. God keep you. monsieur; I will pray
for you ■• she repeated. And, allowing hin. no oppor
tun.ty to say more, she fled indoors. ^

rZ^l ^ r"J' u"'^ '''■'•'"'^ ^^ ^"Sus Macintosh 'had
recently hke thase of his neighbors, been surrounded
by a pahsade of stout pickets, after the manner of
the homesteads of the early settlers. The mab
entrance was by a broad gate, like that of a To t

o"c rior ' ^°^^7>' J-^ --^^-^ enough for a charette'

or canole,- a roadway that led up to the door, and

thence around the buildings.

During the day. this gate and the postern at the

end of the orchard stood open, but late at night both

were barred, making the enclosure a defence alike

agamst the Americans and the redmcn

In the summer, the space before the house on
either side of the narrow road was always bright with

he season's blooms. Here one morni'g, a few days
after the v,s.t of Captain Mt.ir, Laurente worked
among her flowers, training the hollyhocks, a bevy
of flauntmg beauties from the Levant, to the trim
decorum suited to a French demoiselle; loosening
the earth about the marigolds and balsams, the sweet-
wilhams and zinnias, the herbs and simples ; and
occasionally plucking out a vagabond weed hiding

I. J

ONK LOVK I,RIVKS OUT ANOTHKR ,7

I.incc of the industrious gardoncr.
Very pretty she looked, as she ben. over the mas,

bonnet ,«dLLbatra:ra:t„JX^'- --
sound, she turned her faee, flushed with e.erc J '

these summer blossoms, the sweetest flower of all
l.vidently some such comparison occurred to the

■it u Ah a ..rift:::et,i Jt° i„'';:;t.rbtrtr

and the des,re of possession burned in L heart wfh

.''o b~^ h 't "■"' "■'''^" "-"""^ "- ''" chief
to bar er all he has, even to his gun, in exchange for

cVt'e,^ br,de whoso shy eyes have made him a
.0 tr^'S °' "= '"""""■ '•°"^-'' L--"'« ^P"ng

th:iroM:ghr'"''-^"^'^'-''""'--wift

" Yes, mademoiselle," he rejoined, going throutrh

*t "'T: °' '"'""S ""' "P -i'h^creol grace
although he wore upon his head only the hawk s'
feather thrust through his black hair

" Yes James La Salle. Do you run away when
your other lovers come .0 see you ? Well, you need
do so no longer, for soon I alone shall come^ and for
my commg you shall sigh. I do not wish to frighten
you my pretty white snowbird," he continued in a
gentle, tone, that had in it something of the ,usic

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

of the woods. " Of those who pay you court I am
the best able to save you from the fate of many
helpless women and children in time of war. Your
father is growing old ; hr has lost the strength of
his arm. Your British lover is sent out against the
Americans — "

Laurente uttend a cry of apprehension. Her
tormentor's eyes gleamed as he perceived that his
words had struck home.

" What will you do when Tecumseh's warriors tire
of the cowardly Colonel Proctor at the fort, and
sweep over the prairie, plundering the Canadians?"
he went on. " A torch will soon make a breach in
this strong palisade. What will you do when the
Americans fight the redmcn here, perhaps before
your door? Only two days ago the Yankees were
victorious in a fierce battle at Mongaugon ; they will
take Canada before breakfast some morning. What
will you do then?"

Laurente smiled, and her courage returned.
" If that day comes, you shall see what I will do,
James La Salle," she cried, raising her head proudly.
" How dare you speak to me of love? If you truly
loved me, you would be ready to defend me, without
asking reward for the service every true man owes to
a woman in danger, whether she is dear to him or
not. You have neither the noble spirit of the great
Tecumseh, nor the white man's skill with his sword."
The intruder's dark frown grew darker.
"Ugh! I know to whom you look for aid," he
declared with a scornful laugh. " But when the
redcoats fled from Mongaugon, they took with them

ONE LOVE DRIVES OUT ANOTHER „

a^«orc of captive. Among ,h„« w« I-icrrc

I-aurcntc grew white to the lips
— It is not true." she asserted, confronting her un-
welcome v.s.tor as a frightened fawn when brought
to bay turns upon the hunter a look of pleading. ^

•• Colonel P "'; '"''T'' '^' ^^^'°>^' vindictively.
Colonel Proctor ,s bringing the prisoners to the
camp near the Sandwich church. To-...orrow they
are to be delivered over to IClskwatawa the I'rophet

intervene. The great Shawanoe has gone to the
Maumee valley,"

An expression of wild despair stamped itself upon

keen-bladed hunting-knife which she had used to cut

flowers, she cried in desperation, _
''James La Salle, go, or I may kill you."
La Salle laughed derisively and caught her wrist
Laurente felt her grasp upon the weapon relax.
"Father! father I " she screamed

frnlTr^'" 'f i ^'"" ■^"'^^'' wrenching the knife
from her and throwing it away. '< You are mad

only w,sh .s to serve you? I came to tell you of
your lover's plight, so that you may not count upon
h.s ^emg able to help you. Among my peopl^^
.s the strongest warrior who wins the love of the
daughter of the forest. I am the strongest of your
lovers. Hush ! See. I am going." ^

So saying, he rushed down the path and through
the gate, just as a shot rang out across the garden.

P ilH "^

m 1

lOO

LOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

The next moment, the laird appeared on the gallery,
holding in his hand a smoking pistol.

" I swore to shoot any American caught prowling
around ; but I must thank you, my lass, for crying
out," he exclaimed. " How came the fellow here? "
The girl burst into tears.

" Oh, father," she faltered, " it was not Pierre, as
you think, — it was only James La Salle."

"By St. Andrew," interrupted Macintosh,"! ex-
pected La Salle with a message from Colonel Proctor.
Now, because of your silly fright, you have caused
me to shoot at him, and have made him our enemy.
Women always poke the fire from the top. When
misfortunes befall, injuries follow."

His daughter did not answer, but with unsteady
step passed into the house.

"Mother, my head aches; I will not come to
dinner," she said, pausing at the door of the kitchen,
where Madam Macintosh was stirring a bowl of
sagamite — a porridge made of corn and fruit — over
the fire.

" Ah, • pauvre petite,' said " la bonne m^re," with
maternal solicitude. "Yes, go and rest, and you
shall have a dainty luncheon, later."

Grateful for the assurance that she would beat liberty
for some hours, Laurente went to her room, bathed
her flushed cheeks, and tied on her sun-bonnet anew.
Then climbing out of the window, she drew the
leather curtain together, ostensibly to shut out the
heat and light, but really to conceal from any chance
visitor to the orchard the fact that she was not inside.
Thankful that the kitchen did not give on the

ONK LOVE DRIVKS OUT ANOTHKR ,oi
gallery, she forthwith made her way across the era,,
and passing throu^^-h the gate, stepped out on the
corduroy road that led down the e^te. ami walked
quickly toward Sandwich.

A tramp of five or six miles lay before her. and
.t was already noon. -the hot. burning noon of an
August day. To keep up the rapid pace at which
she had set out was impossible. Several times, from
sheer exhaustion, she was forced to rest; and once
she stopped at a farmhouse for a drink of water

At last, between two and three o'clock, she reached
the level stretch of road whereon bordered several
houses and the English church which constituted the
village below Windsor.

From its dulness. the girl perceived there had been
no such st.rring event at the encampment as the
arrival of the British colonel and his pHsoners. She
continued down the road, therefor, vithout reflecting
upon the distance she would have to retrace to reach
home once more.

Before long, however, she stopped short, and.
kneehng, bent an ear close to the ground. Yes
the famt sound she h ul heard marked the footsteps
Of marchmg men.

N yer d.d she appreciate her wood-bird freedom as
at this moment, when upon her liberty depended
perhaps, the life of her lover. If the commander en
countered her. a young girl wandering thus alone,
might she noi be apprehended also?

Looking about for some hiding-place, she remem-
bered havmg recently passed a bit of woodland, and

■|

w-l

102

KOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

running back to it, had scarce time to conceal herself
in the underbrush before the troops came into view.

A band of redcoat infantry of the rank and file,
they were neither better nor wornc than many of
their comrades of that day, — men who consoled
themiclves for the irksumencss of their service in the
wilderness by drinking heavily when opportunity
offered, and brawling on occasion; a loose and
desperate set, cruel in war. and with as little regard
for the property of the British-Canadians as for their
American foes.

Among them, but mounted on a fine Knglish
horse, was a very stout man with a full red face and
a long bristly beard. He appeared more like a
butcher than an officer. Nevertheless, at another
time Laurcnte would have scrutinized him curiously
enough, for this was Colonel Proctor, leader of
His Majesty's forces.

Now, her anxious eyes passed him by, and fixed
themselves upon a little group of captives, who,
afoot, and with a special guard, brought up the rear.
Travel-worn, dejected men they were, their arms
being bound behind, so that they could not even
wipe the dust and perspiration from their faces.

There was a struggle between compassion and in-
dignation in the mind of Laurcnte when she heard
one of them ask in vain of a soldier a draught of
water from the canteen which he offered to one of
his comrades. But presently her heart seemed to
stop beating. Yes. James La Salle had told her the
truth; there, among the unfortunate men, was the
alert, well-knit form of Pierre Labadic.

ONE LOVK DRIVES OUT ANOTHF.R ,03

Absorbed in watching him. she Icanc.l forward
from her vantage-point behind a tree. Was it the
love and pity in her ga/e that drew his glance into
the depths of the thicket ?

At all events Labadie. an he plodded along, footsore
and weary, after this enforced march of nearly twenty
miles, was suddenly favored with a stangc vision

Had his fevf -cd thirst called up this hallucination?
Weakened by the physical sufferings ho had under-
gone, and haunted by the horrors that menaced him.
was his mind giving way?

What he saw was the graceful form of a young girl
in a sad-colored frock, scarcely distinguishable from
the shadows of the tree-trunks, a young girl fair as
a prairie rose, looking out from a background of
greenery.

Such might have been one of the meadow nymphs
of Creole folk-lore. Yet. no. it was not a delusion.
Pierre threw back his head with an air of renewed
courage, and his soul thrilled with gladness. It was
really the face of Laurcntc. She whom he loved
best in the world was looking out at him with lovelit
eyes from the heart of the wood. For one happy
instant all the ardor of his nature answercl their
brave glance.

He was recalled to himself by a harsh voice swear-
ing at him roundly, and bidding him keep to the
trail. At the same moment, the private beside him
threatened to strike him with his musket.

Labadie's unflinching look held off the brute for a
second, and an officer, stepping between them, knocked
up the firelock with a sharp reprimand to the man.

104 LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

Had the blow fallen. I.aurente frit th.it nhn would
have cried out. and runhcd to the side of her luver
rcgardlcM of the con»eq.,encc. An ,hc drew clonr
to the tree, nhc mw. with surprise, that the ofricerwho
had iruerpoied in his defence was Captain Muir

A i thoMjih forced by fate, the Raxc u( the captain
fell upon the Kirl shrinking in the underbrush.

Laurente trembled. Would her ambush b.- unhap-
pily discovered by others of the party? Would the
soldiers drag her forth, bind her as Pierre was bound
and take her also a prisoner to Sandwich? True'
Ijhc might plead th.it she was British, and Monsieur
Mu.r would intercede for her; but how much would
his influence avail with Colonel IVoclor? Was she
thus, in the bcgi- ning. to be cut off from all power
to help Ticrrc?

She pressed her clasped hands to her lips to keep
from uttering a moan of despair. Mer eyes met
those of the cnptain. Their mute appeal must have
revelled to him all she had been unable to bring her-
self to tell him during many weeks. — the story of
her love for I'ierrc and the hopelessness of his own
suit.

He started, and his hand went to his heart as
though he had received a mortal wound. Gallantly
rallying, however, he sent back to the woman cower-
ing in th. thicket a look of encouragement, of noble
sympathy and undying love. Then, wheeling about
he gave a sharp order to his men, —

•• Attention — forward ! "

And the rear guard with their prisoners passed on
at a more rapid pace.

ONK LOVK DRIVKS OUT ANOTHKR ,05

When they were gone. Uurentc made hor way
through the httlc wooc, to the .pen prairie, and .et
out hcm.e. avouhng the village. One thought
"TRed her onward, bhc n.u.t rfTect Tierre', relea.c
before morning. '«-tc4»c

?ii

*^J

» •■> f >/'

CHAPTER SEVENTH

JAMES 13LUE JACKET

'•"T^HREE hours later, when dusk was falling, as
J. Laurcntc, faint and exhausted, reached the
orchard gate, a tall figure strode into the road from
the shelter of a pear-tree, and stretched out a hand
to detain her.

" James La Salle, let me pass." she demanded
haughtily. "Have you altogether forgotten the
gentle French courtesy to which you were reared
that you dog the footsteps of a demoiselle until
she must in future refrain from goin- about
unattended?"

"The white snowbird has flown too far; she is
foolish to tire her wings," returned La Salle, softly
the Creole part of his nature in the ascendant'
"Mademoiselle, I will make a bargain with you.
To-morrow Pierre Labadie will be delivered over to
Elskwatawa, and Tecumseh is not here to spare him.
Yet, if you wish to save your lover, I will help you."

Laurente scanned the inscrutable countenance be-
fore her.

"James La Salle, do you mean what you say?"
she asked, with a fluttering of hope.

" I can and will, upon one condition, set Pierre
Labadie free; his life is at your disposal," he added.

''^^¥%f^\.

•^- fiiMi m it

JAMES BLUE JACKET

ta Zfr'" ":''''-''" ^■"^" "'--I' hat

as any of the yo nr men o: tlic cflto IV •
f—y -nc, .„ „„., ,,,„„ :^- „^-.e

Laurcnte drew back clcspairinRly
heii,°''„V""'' ''° ^°" "'"'■'=' ""= "'"' ""^ pretence of

•• Mademoiselle, listen to n>e," ..rged the Creole

he wishes to make his wifo , ^voman

return ' But In ' ~ """^ ''^^°'" ^'^^ '"^'^^ •"

return, liut, once you are mine I sh-,ii f

?::''chL-ctt ir;r -r-^- ---
windi.yor;et:i°:,r:-„---hr

and then 3'ou will forget." '

In the twilight Laurente stared helplessly at th.

pTh:^rrdirLr::--frr^^^^^^

How she feared him • ^ " bondage.

which to-day would be c a He d hyp not" '' ""f "^"^^
trothed to Pierre Labadie." ^P"°'"- ^ ^"^ ^e-

La Salle laughed derisively.

"You will soon o miif ^r
ho dies to-morro:/hetL '°'" """"'"^ ='"«

io8 LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

Laurcnte caught her breath in an effort to repress
a sob.

" Promise me that if I save Pierre Labadie you will
be my wife," relentlessly persisted La Salle.

The girl's heart seemed benumbed. Whatever
alternative she chose would put an end to her own
happiness. But Pierre's life was the boon to be won
Why did she hesitate? No, she must not ! Striving
therefore to banish for the nonce her antipathy for
this man, she answered, with hopeless apathy, " Very
well, James La Salle ; if you save Pierre Labadie, I
will be your wife. No, do not touch me ; stand back
and let me pass."

" Mademoiselle, you may trust me," replied La Salle,
stepping aside and bowing to her with the air of a
grand seigneur. " To me, every hair of your head is
sacred. I will begin to build my house to-morrow."
Breathless, the girl at last gained the Macintosh
home. The laird was taking his forty winks in the
cosy parlor, and had not missed her, it being sup-
posed that she was still in her room. "La bonne
mere," anxious as she had been, seeing that the
child was utterly fagged out, forbore to question
her, content to wait for the confidence sure to
come, sooner or later.

The Pani servants were gone to their quarters in
the yard for the night. But the mother led the way
to the kitchen, and, bidding her sit down on the settle
in the chimney-corner, brought her strawberry wine
in a silver cup and a piece of the fine white bread
which the good housewife herself always kneaded
and baked with great care.

p'l ;

-Tk* .:

JAMKS BLUK JACKET ,09

This consideration had its reward. Revived by
the s.rnplc cordial and the food, with nerve tension
relaxed by the sense of security, Laurente began to
weep silently. Before many minutes, casting herself
into her mothers arms, she sobbed out the whole
story of Pierre's capture, his peril, and the promise
tliat had been extorted from her.

"James La Salle! Your father will be angry be-
cause it is not Captain Muir, and, for my part. I
should prefer another for a son-in-law. Still, the
La Salles stand well ; and when the young man has
g>ve„ up his vagaries, cast aside his hawk's feather
and ceased to dress like a coureur-de-bois. he will
appear a handsome gallant." concluded Madam
Macintosh, with a practical disposition to make the
best of circumstances.

Laurente shuddered and hid her face in her hands
' I would rather die than marry him." she avowed

" La bonne mi-re " sighed. The situation was
beyond her simple efforts at consolation.

" 'Eh bien, chcric,' grieve no more to-night." she
sa.d presently. '• In the morning you may look
more calmly upon what you have done. At least you
need not fear to sleep ; since, with you for the prize
James La Salle will do his best to fulfil his promise "'
Mechanically the girl rose. Before she reached
the narrow hallway that led to the sleeping-rooms of
the first story, however, a faint, yet peremptory tap
at the house-door caused her to pause nervously
"La bonne tnhe " moved quickly to the door.
Who is there?" she asked in a low tone, for in
those days caution was next neighbor to security

!> I-

J03.

5'^J.

I '^

'<t

:ti

110 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

The voice that answered was familiar, though
muffled. *

She drew the bolt, and into the room dashed a
man. bare-headed, and in the undress uniform of an
American soldier.

Laurcntc suppressed a scream hke the startled note
of a bird, and darted across the floor

" O Pierre, Pierre ! " she exclaimed, casting herself
into his outstretched arms.

"Laurentc dearest," murmured Labadie as he
clasped her to his breast, and kissed the sweet lips
whose mvoluntary cry told him how deeply her heart
was stirreti.

"But Pierre." she said after a moment, slipping
Shyly from his caress. " How did you escape?
Grace ^ D.eu ! On my knees I will thank Heaven
lor your deliverance every day of my life » "

As with heightened color and glad smiles, she
ooked up at him, Pierre thought no young maid in
the world could be more beautiful.

"Tell me about it." she urged, as he led her back
to the settle and seated himself beside her
^ H^e was spared from replying at once by " la bonne

" Cannot you see the lad is spent with fatigue.
Laurente ? she interposed, pouring for him a draugh
of *' eau de vie."

Laurente sprang up and brought food, which he
wllmgly accepted, saying, with an attempt to make
l.ght of his privations, that the Britishers had not
entertained him any too lavishly during his stay
among them. ^

JAMES BLUE JACKET |,,

Eagerly the ..rl waited upon him. supremely happy
in the joy of the moment. ^^^

When he had done justice to the fxm «»,« .
aside the htt.e table up!.n whieh ittd 'L^; trteT
and resumed her place at his side. '

" Now you shall describe to us the mmnor nf

"^y- *«. oj a sudden, her spirits sank is n
dark face arose before her mcntil ml
♦I. xi . ini-niai consciousness Tnri

the thought obtruded itself upon her that ,h!" t^

h:;t.:^::er ""^"' --"•" - "- "
^^t:::r^.^rJ:tr:o-::-:£

of happ,„ess that lent an added ch.rn, to her beau tvl^
h-'pirir-^'""^ '°°^' Oidshea.ead,s:rL'
" Dearest," he said, taking her hands in his " I
have «ol cseaped. Colonel Proctor, with a clem;„ev

My brave love, do not gneve. In this half hour with
you .s eompassed more joy than comes t.ZZ,
man who lives to be old." ^

truth"'"" "''" ""''•' ''" ^"^-"P' '» ^»fen the
How unworthy seemed her thought of herself a
moment before ! Believing Pierre free, sheTad ye
shrunk from the sacrifice she had chosen.

•■ III

I 12

I.OVK THRIVKS IN WAR

" O Pierre, you shall not go back ! " she cried,
clinging to him with frantic pleading. " You must
get across the river ; the canoes lie outside near the
wall of the house, and — "

Breaking away from him she ran to a corner,
caught up a paddle, and, returning, put it into his
hand, adding, —

" Come, be off without delay."
Labadie's hold upon the rude oar tightened, and,
as he glanced down at it, a gleam of hope shone in
his eyes, as if he felt liberty within his grasp.

The next minute he cast the paddle away, and
shook his head.

* Do not urge me; it is impossible," he declared.
" No," protested the girl, misunderstanding. " Old
Sandy docs not lock the gates until ten o'clock ; th**
way is clear."

Pierre smiled with the fortitude of a hero.
*' Sandy has agreed to keep one gate open for me,
although to do so may spoil his record for punctual-
ity," he responded, with an effort to speak lightly.

" But to return will mean, for you, death, — perhaps
death by fire," she faltered.

" It will mean death, without doubt. The manner
of my death rests with Elskwatawa," was the steady
answer. " But I would be unworthy of your love,
dear Laurente, were I to break the pledge upon
which I have staked my honor. I must go, and now,
sweetheart. God bless you for the love you have
given me. I saw you in the wood, anc knew you
came to cheer me."

In vain Laurente, with all a woman's arts, sought to

.M^. *wi*.V 4lir:Jfi.'

JMiJl^Sk*

JAMKS lUAJK JACKKT

move h.m from his decision Hrr f .

""'Sht well have unnerved thi " ' '"*''"'^'^'

honor triumphed. "'^'^ '"^'■'■'P'J. t>nt

I'romise me onp fhinrr •• „i i_
••> chance is .ff^Z t. vo !" "f'"' '■" *^"K'"' " if

of " la bonne nij-re " »,» " ""•' ''"^"ction

with which Per one, ied"? ■.'",;"" '^ '"= "^"•
sentence. ^onchided h,s otherwise .infinishej

" ""^ of good coiir.me, niv sr>n " .r.» i i
do not say ■ adieu ' h,,t • . '"^^ ""'■ " ■•'"'1

has sworn you ;„':"■ """""■ '"' ■'»'« '-••' -Salle

•• Jan- ..s US le ■ :, 17|''r';'"''>'. '," -"P-"
sternness, _ •■ B|„e ,Xf f'"' "'"' ""»'""'>•■''

brand fro„, the burmt ,""' "" """ '" "'-!<»

ofHjsown. w;arJ:-Hr!;l::^::::;:--'•-
«p.l^;;:;'::xVrtrdT■■I:^r^^■'>■''-^

the gate." '~" '''''' ^° ^'^'^ y^"' ^t least to

But Pierre was not satisfied
" Madam, jw, will tell me more? Ofh. • t ,

Maci„,i:fa,,i ; ^:„ ;r,„t:-" /■•^'.^='' ^^-e

t^o signals of Laulnte, ^^ ^J'^!^''^"^
has promised to n.arry hinf if he se, ,'-^'"'™"=

"a.urany,sueHvo.sare„.ade^:„;tn:^L''"

i t<tl

if'

1 5:

i e

114

LOVK PHRIVKS IN WAR

"Mother!" ejaculated Laurcnte, as, overwhelmed
with distress, she sank down upon the scat in the
chimney corner.

For a second Pierre Labadic stood looking fixedly
at her.

Then, knecliup bc«idc her, he took her in his arms
and kissed her tenderly,

" Lnure.itc, I understand ; you would even sacrifice
yourself for mc." he said ; " but you shall not do it.
Remember this, and, madam, I call upon you to
witness my words. Do not forget them, no matter
what lying sturies may be brought to you. I swear
that 1 will never accept my life or freedom at the
hands of James La Salle. My love, do not despair ;
after all, it may be ' au revoir,' if God so wills."

Clasping her to his heart, he kissed her once more,
and then, wringing the hand of Madam Macintosh,
tore himself away.

When he was gone, Laurente fell back almost
fainting.

" Mother, you have destroyed his last chance of
deliverance," she sobbed hysterically.

She did not notice that her father had entered the
room, and stood staring at her in the dazed fashion
of one who has been awakened by an unusual commo-
tion from a tranquil doze, prolonged by his having
been left in solitude.

How Laurente got through the next day she could
not have told. But "la bonne mere" knew she spent
much of the time kneeling at her window, alternately
watching the road beyond the orchard, and the blue
waters of the Strait in quest of a messenger, and

JAMES BM;k jacket

'1:1

'hrick that ,wcp. „vcr tl.n!^, '"■"'"" ''^ ' »"''
of a dcvastat^l- s; ,r„ an '^' ""' «"'-•• voice
n.iKl.t have be „ he crT f'T '° ''"'"''"""K '•
their rebclhon *^ "' '"' ^°"'» ""Itant in

-<;.ai.t.,ejhere;r:::;Htur^^'"----
-.i.;%h:'':::;':,tr':r3rcr'"r'

"•"cy „„„„ „„ J, „ ^'^ TI.C I-ord have

morning ! " ^"^" "«-'vcr see the

Laurcnte stood beside hor ^ *i.

but her eyes, like those of her a.7' "'"'" """ "«'''•
pistols. ' ""^ f'"''<;r, rested on the

»Hfh°a7«ivet::',:iv,\= sT^"' -' '-^ ''™'-«

her mind, she had W thai ,h. ', ""f '^ P'"^« 'o
ness for her. Jt„, he fd ' A '"" '"^''' "° ""PPi-
to her heart wll sh °^ ''°''° ''="' "»hed back

'one day. sI ta tCfa'd"' r'':" """"« '"'
'•inct of self-preserva ion';, h"et:; in"^ "^"■?' '"•
creature, she resolved that if dTe ^hl ""^ ''""6

"; ite ^he ""f T '' "-■-" Sr ■ "" "°""'

dre^tlrrtr'thf b, "hI-" "^ '"^ ''--
«vages could te hc'rd ^h k "'^ "''°°P' °f 'he
scarce more civHi Ld 'fd '?' °^"'' "' "■'"

■nand rang out n ,t; P ', 7 ""'' '^''"'' ^ com-
S .n the Engl,.,h tongue. The party

ii6

I.OVK THRIVKS IN WAR

battered on the Ki»tc of the paliiade with such force
it seemed as ii the !(tout cedar saplin|;s which formed
the palint;H must give way, like reeds before the wind.

While the httle i;roiip in the Iiving<ruum waited
aghast, the door burst open and hale old Sandy
rushed in. armed with a bhtndcrbuss.

•• Your honor," he cried, addressing the hiird, " this
scaff-raflf of sava^jes ami redcoats have come, so says
their leader, upon an unc«)' peaceable errand."

Macintosh laughed grimly, and took up one of the
pistoh.

" Aweel, we are prepared to receive them with a
like cordiality," he said with dry humor.

" They arc ltd by a Kritish officer who makes bauld
to say he has a wan nt to search through these
premises, by your hc;:or's leave," continued the old
servant, in a tone of apology for repeating the
message.

" What, search my ho.iscl " cried Angus, in a rage.

*• Vcs, your honor. It falls out that Mr. Pierre
Labadie, of the American army, who was made
prisoner at Mongaugon, is escaped ; and some cam-
stcary and obstinate carl will have it he is in hiding
here," proceeded the Scot, doggedly examining the
lock of his musket.

At the mention of Pierre Labadic, Macintosh saw
his daughter quail with alarm. The sight angered
him still more, and he turned away abruptly. Perhaps,
nevertheless, some wish to spare her prompted his
answer.

" Bid this churlish officer and his rampauging fiends
carry back to Colonel Proctor the compliments of

I w

JA.VIKS BI.UK JACKKT

Maclntoiih of InchrM. ,« i

nri.i,h subject ;,;•,: ,7 '" ""' "■" • '•" •

•hall .„,cr i, a,.„„« 1 "„" [,"""'• ^^ ■"'"
rik'h.., to (he la,,'' ^ "'"' •"'' ' "'" •''^fcnJ my

Rarri.,0.1 of domestic, thr .u.n ''"'*' * '""^"

was aroused in Sandy as well n in '" ^*=°*

" Of what avail will it hr ♦« ^ • .

Colonel Proctor '• she or! . ^"" '^' •"•^^•" "^

band. .. Let a nos of h n' *"'"''"^ ^" ""'' »'"-
•r .L .. PO''*'*- oi the so diers scarrh »»,„ u

•f they will ; then bid them be jione 1 k "'^

them." ^°"*-' ^"^ J"y be after

Again Macintosh glanced at his daughter
Laurente s eyes shon,' • n u ""tnicr.

Her lip,; her la J::; laZir ""'\P'^^='' "'""«
a gesture of thankfulnes, atl T r"°" "" ''""' '">
grateful prayer. ' ''" ''P^ ""'«'' « 'f in

Angus heaved a sigh of relief rp„, i .,. .
gcnce of Labadie' , esca J J, "''' ""= '"'«"'-

young „,an had no. so'^;, rl"?";'" "" «'"• '""'
had feared. SoMom "vlf M "f ^■L'^• "' >•= « «"»
■n judgment to his wifj; „t ni'.Te old""" '" """
nessed the unexpected. "^ '""''"' »"''-

" Stay, Sandy," called the laird ■• „
of the women, and settle this nu«er I \"'"V^""'
may be Adm.> fU^ «: matter a. amicably as

his followed:'::. Z'Z:' -" '°-' -='^ "-- of

I Sfl

It!

LOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

Muttering to himself, and with a ilis..ppoiiitcd air,
Sandy departed, to return in a few minutei conduct-
ing six men. the chief among them being no other
than the ruthlesi Dicknon.the renegade white. They
wore the blue blouse* and clkskin trousers of the
courcurs-dc-boi», but the faces of all but the leader
and one other were smeared with Indian war-paint
In this last individual, I.aurcntc. with a shudder, recog-
nized James La Salle.

Dickson hail the grace to salute the master of the
house before beginning his task.

"Sir," said the Macintosh, haughtily. "I protest
against this visit. Hcing a loyal Briton, however,
I will not resist authority asserted in the name of the
King. You may search my house; it shelters no
traitor."

" Ha, ha, ha f That we shall soon decide for our-
selves, my good sir," laughed the soldier-scout,
roughly ; " I regret the intrusion, but my orders
admit of no delay. Men, to your work f "

The latter needed no second bidding, but promptly
ransacked the rooms, one after another. They beat
upon the walls in the hope of detecting some sliding
panel, such as was common in the houses of the
period, as affording entrance to a loft or cellar used
in troubled times as a refuge from the Indians. They
thrust the bayonets of their firelocks among the
pillows of the settle, and through the deerskin window-
curtains. They rammed their muskets up the chim-
ney, to cut off the possible escape of the hunted man
by means of the flue,
James La Salle took no part in the search, but,

.'PMJfc

JAMKS ULVK JACkhl

p."-.ng b«i,l, r.au,cnt.-, while .he «|tcnli„„ „f hi.

Uo „„. be «frai.l. ™.„le„,„i,elle. have t „„, Ic.,,,
m, worl ... yo,,, Th.nk. to my eir,„t,. vj,e

o Ihc h„u,c he „ concealed, .h.,t I ,„,y ho«|, i„k
the vigilanc,. of the ,„e„ a„d Ji,e„ , ,,;, ,^, "*

::LS.''"" "^- """••■'■'- " ' » '"

Uurente shrank back in Ji,;;„„ (,.„„ |,i, ,

...umption and a ,„,,.ici„„ „f „,, ,, „, „r ,,., ''
fi.l>- flashed upon her, Wa, i, „„e ,i,.,. through ' , ,
I crre wa, now a. liberty? An.l if ,o. had he efiec.ed

with th.. pack of human bloodhoun,l> > ||.,.i j.e

.old her to her promise, while making sure tha"
I.abad,e would be recaptured and delivered over to
niskwatawa?

At least and her courage returned with the assur-
ance which she gained from his very cagerne.s.. Pierre
was .ndeed free, and the longer the searchers delayed
hereabout, the greater his chance of chuling them
Drawmg herself up. she said loftily, --
•• You will not believe me. James I.a Salle, but I
tell you, Pierre Labadie is not here "

" Ves, my pretty pigeon. I believe you arc lying"
answered La Salic, cunningly; •• I know he /... ^L
here, tic kept his parole, and returned to the camp,
to he surprise even of Colonel Proctor, who roundly
called h.m a fool for his scruples of honor. But I

I* ' J

III

I 11

m.*.^''m:^f»i!9

>»i*'l4b.-li

120 r.ovK ruRivKs in war

have no doubt you planned with him where he should
be ccnccaled in case of his escape. He could not
have Kot away in a boat, for all day Indians in canoes
have been on the watch."

Laurcntc uttered an exclamation of despair.
La Salle smiled triumphantly, taking it for an
admission that he had surmised ari-ht.

While refrainin-. himself, from any'ict of force and
pretending to distract the attention of Oickson' and
his men, now from one point and again from an-
other, he permitted them to invade the rooms of ' c
women. At length, when they had ripped up the
beds with their weapons, explored the garret and
cellar, and made a thorough investigation of the farm
buildings by the liirht of pine torches, the truth forced
itself upon them that they had come on a vain errand.
The fugitive was indeed not there.

" Curse you, Blue Jacket, you have led us on a
wild-goose chase," exclaimed Dickson, in unavailing
wrath.

La Salle swore in turn, under his breath, and shot
at the scout a look which augured that the man who
spoke to him as though he were a dog was like to
pay dear for his arrogance.

" If the American is not here now, he may come
later," he muttered, controlling his anger.

" True," replied Dickson ; " we will leave a guard
to capture the Yankee if he makes his appearance
after we are gone."

Raising his voice, he bade his men remain on duty
at the house until they should be relieved. La Salle
smiled to himself with vindictive satisfaction.

vt-gi

ftJ'J

121

JAMKS ISI.UK JACKKT
This would make him qui,, «i,h Laurcntc. She
had no, by so much as a look expressed obHga,io„

Labad,c ve„,urc r,ear her homo, he would er,ai^ly

t: :tp"icr """= ^^^^"'^ '•^■^'°- ---«' -^
pr";:.eL;:m7:\:ik?:ee:er T'^°^ '--■^r^

,.,.11 I . . •''i"h'i- i»ccretiy. Moreover, in his

w.ld I ear, burned the fierce resolve that Uuren^
sh.ndd be h,s w,fe, whether IVrre Labadie was taken

Accordingly, summoning whatever of debonair
Creole grace he possessed, he made his way back to
the l,v,ng.r„om, where the girl had sunk into a ch^r
bes.de the dark chimney.

•• Mademoiselle, I have fulfilled ,ny promise to
you, he sa,d self-co„fide„.ly, as he paused befor:
her You have no, thanked me; but I do not
des,re gratitude. No; I wish you to feel and ac
knowledge my power. At my word, the redmen
and so d.ers outside the palisade will g„ away and
eave th,s household in peace. You have no cause
to fear my white snowbird. I am leaving a guard
to protect you." t"«a

" Monsieur, in my father's house I require no guard
It":, 'f '"^•" '^' ^"'""'"^ disdainfully,
shrug. *' "'" '"""'"•" '■" "'** "'"' ' G»"'C

" James La Salle," cried the distracted girl " if
you w,sh to spare me, as you pretend, you will g„

T, J°"L"°°'"2 '"" ^'"P '°' '"o"-" occasion."
La Salle bowed with mocking homage, and replied

122 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

" Mademoiselle, I beg to remind you that I have no
need to woo, for you are already my promised wife.
I go to prepare for our wedding."

Then, with a careless laugh, he joined Dickson, and
went out with him. leaving the posse of soldiers
quartered on the family.

Whatever harangue the officer addressed to the
redcoats and Indians outside the palisade, it proved
m the end efifective. With a wolfish howl of dis-
appointment at being baffled of their prey, they
set off for the camp of Proctor.

Meantime, Angus Macintosh raged like a lion
over the havoc wrought by the searchers. So thank-
ful were the women when the savage horde were
gone, however, that by contrast they were disposed
to make light of the presence of the guard. " La
bonne mere " even proceeded with right good-will
to give an order to Martine. in compliance with their
gruff demand for a supper of the " best in the house."

CHAPTER EIGHTH

A BRIDE AND A BOMB

lERRE is free ! " The words danced through
the brain of Laurcntc and awoke a happy thrill
m her heart. " Thank God ! Thank God ! Pierre
has eluded his pursuers, and by this time he must be
across the river,"

At first the girl felt only exultation at the assurance
given her by the vain search of Dickson and his
followers. But La Salle's boast recalled her to her-
self with a sudden chill, like a dash of water cast into
the face of a sleep-walker. Blue Jacket had kept
his promise; she must marry him when he came
to claim her. It was the price she had agreed to
pay for Pierre's life. Although she had just replied
so proudly to her unwelcome suitor, when she gained
her own little room at the rear of the house, she fell
upon her knees beside the window and, stretching
forth her arms toward the starlit heavens, cried out
to God to mercifully strike her dead rather than
abandon her to the fate she had chosen.

In her misery she bowed her head upon the
wmdow-ledge, and buried her face in her hands
But presently there came to the overwrought girl
like the first white light of dawn after a stormy
night on the Lakes, the recollection of Pierre's fierce

124 LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

Macintosh, he learned of the promise that had been
extorted from herself.

brought to you, remmber, - I „i|i „.;„ J
Sailer' °' '"'"''■" "' "" -'""^ of J-« •-

A fal ,ng s ar shot across the sky and disappeared
am,d the ,n,s,s of the Strait. Was i, an ang I nt
fro„onH,ghwi.ha.essageofpeacet„Jro„i;",'

The girl crossed herself and took courage She
seemed to hear again Pierres firm voice ; she felt
as if h,s protecting arm enfolded her

nI' ""t IT" ^^ ^""^ "^"'"' '■" '"""'^ escape?
No, what he said was false. I„ that case, she
was released from her bond. And yet, Pierre wa!

H,m ? she ejaculated. And, beginning to repeat the
prayers she had been taught as a chiW by " le bon

iurL'TVl "' -'"dow-ledge. and her face
turned toward the river.

The next morning. Angus Macintosh, ignoring the
posse of sold.ers billeted upon him. set out for Proc-
tor s headquarters to protest against the indignity to
which he had been subjected in the search of h^^
house, and to demand redress

He returned home in no gentle mood, but with
news that brought his domestic affairs to a climax

.ij;.;:,t;'''ty% .i-t>s!,¥. t/. ^,J£^

»^

A BRIDE AND A BOMB ,25

"By St. Andrew, matlam," exclaimed Ancus to
h.s Wife as he paced the floor of the livin^j-room. as
was his habit when excited, -

"By St. Andrew, here's a braw kettle of fish'
You have related an unco' story of how James La
Salle compassed the escape of that ne'er-do-weel
Labadic. and how Laurentc has promised to marry
h.m for h.s reward. Zounds! Down at the camp
they are tellmg a different tale"

Laurente, attracted by the lou.J tones of her father's
vo.o had entered the roo.n as he spoke the last
words. Steadying herself against the table, she
ga.ed at h.m in mute appeal, not daring to frame
the question that trembled on her lips.

•• Upon my soul. I wish it was La Salle who had

got hnnself into trouble for his two-facedness," con-

mued Macintosh .. But. no. - the Red Dwarf take

It al t.s Capta.n Muir who is to blame for Labadie's

h M u 7; '' ''"'"'• ^'■^'^'■^^ t'^^t the prisoner
should be left unbound, and -well, it is thought the
American got away in a canoe an h ^ before his
escape became known. Proctor was wild with ra-e-
Elskwatawa. sullen as a fox; and Muir was at once
placed under arrest."

An exclamation from Laurente caused the laird to
pause, but it was only for a moment.

"Well may you cry out. my lass," he said, turning

t^hTth • J'''' '"^ --^^^^l^Soncc to greet me wa!
that the unhappy captain was to be court-martialed,
and was hke to suffer the penalty from which he
delivered the Yankee."

"You interceded with Colonel Proctor? Surely

ill'

■

est:/. •

.flfiafi' ■"-

■1

126 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

the man would not thus sacrifice one of his own
officers," faltered the girl, white t(i the lips.

" Colonel Proctor would go to any length to im-
press the Shawanoe," answered the laird, glumly.
" Nevertheless, I went to him and, though I tried to
be smooth-spoken enough, by St. Andrew, we had
an unco' warm half hour. For I told him to his face
that if he proceeded against the captain, the Can-
adians, to a man, would rise against him."

"Mis<5ricorde! And how did it end.>" inq.ured
" la bonne m&re," while Laurcnte waited in breath-
less suspense.

The shadow of a smile flitted across the face of
the Scotchman.

" Oh. the captain's indiscretion is to be passed over
in view of his past services ; " he explained. " I am
to send to the high and mighty Proctor a barrel of the
fine old Scotch whiskey brought out to me at such
great expense last year, and to Elskwatawa a cask of
peach-brandy. "

Madam's face brightened, and she broke into a
laugh, as she said, —

" It is a shame to waste the good liquor on the
Britisher and the Shawanoe, but I know, to help
your countryman, you did not grudge it, * mon ami.' "

Even Laurcnte, now that the tension of her nerves
was relaxed, smiled faintly. Yet tliere was in the
smile a shadow of cynicism foreign to her nature, as
she reflected, —

" How strangely different is the value placed upon
human life ! Now it is esteemed at the price of a
woman's heart ; and again it is bartered for a dram."

A HRIDK AND A BOMB ,,7

WbT"!'-, ""' '■" "" "•"■"•""^ »'- paid n„ a
tnbutc which, ,„ everything short of her love, would

have rceompensed the galLnnt captain for whatever

gcnero5,ty he ha,l shown the priloncr.

•'\Vh!t,!!' ^ ""';'7™"<^'"^"-" »'•<■■ rq.calcd to herself.

rTv^l ,h. r,"^ "" "■'"' '" '"' ^'''"' '«= ^-^ved hi,

with the love of a woman worthy of hint ■

Surely ,f I.aurentc had not love.l Pierre her aflec
..on would have gone out to Mnir at thi proof of"

h r fl" '°V° '""" ■'''= "•-••'^■' ^™'^' "'-=d by

softened lod!"""' "'"^'■^ ""'"" "" """' ""

"Loyalty to friendship be d 1 ■• ciacul«,,l

Angus, With vehemence ; ■• does a n,an ris.rs o Tor
for h,s fr endi" No. only infat.,ation for a woman

wi^h vou;'"e'""T°' ""'' '""y- ''^^'' L--"
with your coquetries you have brought trouble

enough ,0 your family, and put more than T of
your lovers m peril of his life. There shall be an
ond of th,s. Captain .M„ir is to be released to-n -ht
To-morrow he is to set out for Niagara with de-'
"" B r f 1°" "'^" S" '^'"' "•■"< - his wif."
him" J; ^"; ^°"''''"'' ""'■■ ''"°"= ' '■o "°« love
ret^'mif;."'" ^"-'=. -" her spirit and opposition

J}7'\-^'' ^'- '^"'^"•■"' "''^ '' n" "■'"= for senti-
mental s,ghmg," replied her father, curtly, •. If you
would be saved from La Salle, my lass. /„u had best

--J-,'>

laS LOVE THRIVKS IN WAR

accept with a good grace the marriage I have made
for you I

w2^7 '' '^' ''"'^ *° ^' "'^"'^^J to-morrow?
With the two .s.dcs of the river at war. we cannot

get acroHH to the church at Spring Wells nor ask
Lc I tre Richard to come to us." softly interposed
the mother.

•• Laurentc shall be married at the English church
at Sandwiclr Say n more, it is my will." thundered
the la.rd. And. thereupon, he left the room, banging
the door after hmi. *

The comely countenance of Madam Macintosh
was usually a mirror of amiability indicative of a
y.eldmg disposition. But now an expression of quiet
determination settled upon it.

The laird had unwittingly arrayed against him-
self that strongest of all moral forces, religious
conscientiousness.

Upon matters of religion. Angus and his wife had
long since agreed to disagree. When in his youth
the Scotchman married pretty Archangc St. Martin
he promised that she. and any children that might
come to them, should be free to worship according
to the faith in which she had been bred. UntU
to-day he had never sought to evade that agree-
ment. *•

But Madam Macintosh, for Ml her placidity, would
no more have consented to violate her conscience
and the traditions of her race by permitting her
daughter to be married in this manner, than she
would have delivered that daughter over to be
burned.

A BRIDE AND A BOMB

119

Knowing: this, Laurcntc knew as well that hrr
mother's heart would not be broken by the discovery
of the plan she formed to retain her liberty.

Early on the following morning'. Captain Mnir
rode up to Moy Hall. The laird's sanguine assur-
ances had convinced him that he had been mistaken
in readini^ so much from the look he had seen
Laurcnte exchange with Pierre Labadie in the wood.
This being the case, might he not by earnest plead-
ing gain her assent to this hasty marriage with
himself?

The birds sang in the orchard ; the flowers Lau-

rentc had planted bloomed gayly behind the palisade.

The skies were blue; the sunshine was all-pervading.

It was as fair a day for a wedding as ever dawned in

perfect beauty, as if in answer to the prayer of a

happy bride.
Angus himself threw open the door to the expectant

bridegroom.

" Come in, come in, lad, and haste to your wooing.

If you find the lass backward, you must only urge
her the more," he said, with a hearty grasp of the
captain's hand. " Laurente ! Laurente ! The girl is
no doubt with her mother. She will bid you wel-
come, anon."

But to her father's call Laurente made no re-
sponse. Madam Macintosh sought her through the
house; the servants declared they had not seen her
that day. Search was made through the orchard
and fields, and old Sandy, leaping upon the black
pony Caribou, explored the neighborhood.

if.

•^TW^T^mm MMTiSimmrp

.er

It I

no LOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

It wa, when the household wen- wrought up to
tic p. c„ of c Htraction that M.utinc the vL uoLn
brought to her .niHtrcM a note folded i„ threc^
cornered fash.on which ,hc profcsed to have s on
out of , ,e urapcr.c. of I.aurentc'H dressin^.-table

Ihc laird took the scrap of paper from his wife's
trcmbhnu han.l and read it aloud,

f^. K-r w.ll red agams. ,„c when I,.- f.n.Is f an, gene Tea/
not ,narry ..cc Mc.s.c.r Mu.r - .n .he Knghth . hurrh ,
cannot marry him at >ll I nr., husn i nur< n. i

A.lclaide HrL ,^V cart i; l^r"'; '" ''"' ""' "'' ^■°"''"
min I I 1.' ^ '" "'*■■ '^'"""-an town with the

man I love II.s eomury nn.st k- n,y country, even as God
w.lhn«, h.s home shall one .lay be my honu-. \ i, o 'sca^

my loxe to yo.. and h.m. even though, to my gncf I shall
know he is angry with n.e. ^ ^ "

Laurente.

In his wrath Macintosh tore the pathetic little letter
into shreds and cast them upon the floor

Captain Muir's fme face flamed red with wounded
pr.dc and love. Without a word, he turned upon h's
heel and strode out of the house and down the road
forgettmg he had not come afoot, until a slave boy
secng h,s abrupt departure, called after him and
edh.s horse down to the gate. Then he mounted
and rode away, never to enter Moy Hall again

Unconsciously dramatic as was his goinfj it was
scarce noticed by his host, who continued to storm
nor by " la bonne mt-re." who. giving way to hysterical

■ ' J*' '' '

:«■'■ r^*%-

If;

m-'W',

i':f .

. i

'*!/ J?

r^m'^-'Mm

A BRIDK AND A BOMB ,3,

weeping, reproached her hiub.m.l for hin ' .. cm in
driving their .laughter from the shdtcr u, hi^ roof
and cried despairingly that they would never sec the
child agrt ...

Shortly before sunriie. L.iurcnte had put off in
a canoe from the little wharf before the palisade.
She knew indeed that she was embarking u|)un a
future which would ncparate her from her child-
hoo.1!, home more widely tlun the silver waters of
the Strait divided the Canadian province of his
Majesty King George the Third from the new United
States territory of Michigan, the country she was
choosing as her own.

But though now and again she arrcstetl her paddle
to dash from her eyes the tears that caused the out-
line of the American shore to grow <lim. her resolu-
tion did not fail. A woman's heroism is the heroism
or love and dcvotcdncss. Uurcntc was upheld by
the sense of obeying her conscience. Sh- was also
working out the problem of a woman's l.fe. the
destiny that bids her leave father and mother, to
break even the tie between herself and her native
land, for love's sake.

The greeting of Madam Brush was characteristic.

• Mam'sellc. you would better have stayed at
home and married the reckless Scot rather than cast
your lot with the women of Detroit, who are like to
sec many hardships and dangers before the year is
out. she said with brusque mothcr'^ncss " How-
ever set your mind at rest about I'.erre Labadie.
If es, he got across the river safely. My dear, you

'»>.. &x

■'I

Ft. I

M^ mVK TMRJVKS IN WAR

wotiM have felt inimil It »l. .

■"' '1.0 .own, .„,' ,; 1 ■-••"»'• 1'^- r«.;vcd

"rush.o,, l„s way f,„„, OUl.. Z'^^tV '

piritcdiy into a cliair <• Com. i "^^^ ^'^"'^ ^'S*

for hero i IJr , • '^'""'^ "P *° t''^- table,

lor nerc i, Ursiilc with a uelrnm.. v .

.. V .. ^ '-^ '^ ^•''■'•" consoler "

Vcs. ma SuKar Koncy, dc ribbcr breezes I, ,b' »

I'ungr, e<lKe," sai.l Urs,„e, ,„„„„,, bef.re the trt

a .ray whereon was se, forth a breakfas, .rdJlieaSv

brown crapes, white brea... and fragrant coffee '^

J:T" '""''•■'! ''" >'»"l>-^. «.m.noned amerrv

joyed to have heran,on, then. Tlfey were I Lere "
promptly hanishe<l by their mother who r a 1'
jojcecl to have the company of her spright y y^. 1"
relative, was impatient to nnfold a biLet of T ^
not meant for the ears of .Mittle pit^^^^^^^^^^^^

Well. well, she be^^an as. having, at I aurente',
request, siipph'ed her with t lnn„ ^-aurentes

KntH^A u ,r . °"^ ^^am to fell, she

settled herself by a window and began deftly to knil

a new
have come
wcddincr."

A HRIDK AND A BOMB
heel into a stocking. " it is f(

^3i

' ...tw .. sujcKins. •• It IS fortunate you
to-day ! Vou arc just in time for the

The wedding? " repeated the -iri.

eyebrows inquiringly

raising her

To b

e sure; the marriuLH; of

with the handsome Mr. Sn

pretty Abigail IFunt

tain, and the more eager to make Abigail h

elling, win. is now a cap-
is wife.

sently make her h

because the British may pre
widow."

Laurcnte shuddered, but she answered boldly, -
" After all, it is a great honor to have a hero for

a husband ; and. of the so'diers who go to battle

many retur "

Madam hrush bit her lip. and bethought herself
that this was not the v:.xy to entertain her visitor

•• True, and often the bravest bear a charmed life
as you and I have grateful cause to know, my dear •'
she said, with unusual emotion. " My husband at
his post outside the fort, has as perilous a position
as those who went down to the Maumce. lUit the
prayers of a soldier's wife and children, or of his
sweetheart, if he has not given these hostages to
fortune, have brought him safe back from a forlorn
hope before now. So. Laurente. we must go to the
wedding this evening with cheerful faces; you to
add to Abigail's gladness by your hopefulness, in the
absence of your lover; I. to show her that a soldier's
wife must share his courage."

Laurente's eyes shone, .^nd a wave of admiration
for the elder woman swept over her. Where was
now the sharp-tongued lady who looked back regret-

it:

"TSei

-."-•ir-ji "Ti'^" "^^^"''.- -yy^"^^' " -■ ■•Tii'.r„.'',as»'«»iiii»^ir~rfi

F.il t

■ »

'34 I-OVE THRIVES IN WAR

'n"hJ;ot^^:,t^;''r„:.V.'';; Canadian sHo..

her children ,o the fhei.c „r5 . "'" ^^"'^"«' "'"'
had taken her stand bjd!, ft"'." ''""■^''' ^^e
his cause her own "fth , ■■ '""''^"'' ='»' ""a-'e

*ifc. Hers waTTpltr ''r"'^°f=''='"°''^

fostered by love " '""P"'^'' """ a virtue

caught fire and her «ay4 rained " ™"'"'""'

K^ndcter^inrL ';:;;•?::■•- ■"- -.

" dearest friend, betroed r . . """""^ °'

help to put the last sttah > '" "'"" ""'

-nee she' and M dam H„ " l" "m r^""""-' «--.
finish it in season "'"^ ""^ ^'^"^ P"' to

like fallen rose'^l ^' .'"''' ""^''' '°f' "ght

river and lake ,'„';: eToa'^ P^'^' — of

"- house, a little eon.pany ^auXe^d'."^".^*' """'•^
marriage of his sister X I ^ "'"^'''^ *« ^^'tness the

chusetti to :,;: w l:-: "' '"'" '^^"^ ^--

Meigs of Ohio. ^'d^-dc-camp of Governor

There was Governor liull in f,.!i r
rounded by his official fan i J -!" \7;^^ 'f --
group. For his Excellencv nn^ ^ resplendent

-.•n.of,o,dlaee::-err;t:rXt

A BRJDK AND A BOMB ,35

semi-importance, but was accustomed to scl! the
cloth and trimmiuKs of the mihtary coats at a hand-
some profit. There were the officers' lad.cs. and
the representatives of the town's best society the
matrons in gowns of satin or brocade so rich th'at it
could stand alone." with tippets of Honiton lace
and gold cha.ns about their necks, and pendants in
he.r ears. The men. wearing the black silk knee-

which "-.r ''"'• "■''' ^^"'-" "^^ »^"- buckles,
wh.ch. with extra cambric around the throat, were
a sign of gentility among civilians.

There were also a few gallants whose vests were
niore gaudily flowere.i. and their watch-fobs more
showy than those of their fathers; and several youn.
g.rls m wh.te dimity, brightened by silken scarfs o>
cherry-color, apple-gr en. or French blue. Among
the women were Madam Brush and Laurente. the
.^tter. charmmg in a jonquil frock which Mesdames
Hunt and Brush had. as they said. " thrown together ''
for her. despite the haste with the bride's attire -~
Laurente, as pretty and smiling as any. Yet a close
observer might have noticed that her smile was wist-
lul and her glance absent.

At times instead of the pleasant room decked with
golden rod. and bridal gifts of asters, blooming stalks
of hollyhocks, and gladiolii from the gardens of the
town, she saw only the miasnuc mists, the trailin<^
Vines and dank woods of the fever-breeding marshe:
through wh.ch.she had been told. Pierre Labadie wa
ndmg beyond Frenchtown.

throat. Now the bridegroom stepped forward from

i^m^M-^i^mimm^mms^^Tm^^^^^aif^Ms^jsBL

S^.k

^*^\

'36 LOVK TJIRIVKS IN WAR

Honc as he took Ins place alone. There were to be
t" m ?""; V'^"'*'"^^' though, according to a cus

the .narnage. ^ "'"^ "^'" "^ ^^••*"^"^« o'"

A pause was followed by a stir, and a lively dcmoi
sclie whispered to her nci^'iibor. - ^

" ^^^^ ^hcre ever a fairer bride ' "

At the words. Laurcnte turned quickly, to behold
Ab.ga, . a graceful figure, slight and flexible. enteHn.
"pon the arm of her ,,ortIy brother ^

She was pale, but her pallor was of the rich olive
onjplex.on of the oriental, and enhanced th" ea ;
o her lustrous eyes and her wealth of dark ha r
vh.ch. parted above her broad brow, was gather d
I'P Ml a knot, after the manner of -. r 1 *» " ^

ROW,,, such bein,. ,he fashion at Xapolconl "„„«
■nd copied by the Knglish

unti, death ,,ho„,d break 'Z,::. ^orTl'^Z
of the moulding of the nation m. • ^

regarded as n.efe.y a civ^H "cractT;;:^^;; ^

pa nets and heroes the children of s„eh marriages

CO ,r )"T"'' ""■ •^'''-•'" """'• '"-■ other /o„„g
coupes of the tune, took each other for worse if
n .ght be. vowing ,„ be trne through every c\2jl

ehaplam, n, a nasal vo.ce, finished the simple cere-

iM:

A HRim: AND A M()\1H ,3-

mony with the usual admonition. " What God has
joined together let not man put asunder." f. each
member of the company the charge held a sacred
solemnity, and was like one of the fixed stars that
ever shme down upon the flowing tide of the Strait
wliether the waters be troubled or peaceful.

Now the guests gathered about Captain and Mrs
bnelhng with their congratulations. Gallants good-
naturedly contended to snatch a kiss from the bride
or, faihng in this, stole consolation fron. the lips of
a sweetheart or some pretty demuiselk in dangerous
proximity.

The merriment was at its height when, above the
laughter and gay badinage, the clicking of silver and
pewter dnnkin -cups, and the music of old Weaithy's
viohn. there arose the noise of a commotion out-
side, and directly the drum-beat " to arms " sounded
through the town.

" My God. the British have come ! " cried Mrs
Hickman, the general's daughter.

The hand of each military subordinate present
went to the pistols at his belt or touched his rapier.
The majority of the guests rushed to the windows
and the bridegroom, -^ringing from the side of his'
bride, started in scare, of his sword.

General Hull, however, laid a hand upon his arm.
•' Captain, you need not go." he said kindly; " on
your wedding day I will not send you to the ramparts
to be a target for the enemy."

But Snelhng was not a man to dally, even under
the spell of a wife's love-lit eyes, with that martial call
ringing in his ears.

»38 LOVE THRIVKS IN War

•' Not fjo." he exclaimed, with one ^^Uncc at Ab.Vail

but ua.tcc as thou^^h turned to stone. •• Xot ^o
S.r. r feci I.ke doin, „,y ,.,, „,,, „„,^, ,^^„ ^. « .;
I he general smiled.

k'vcn at my order to test the disciphnc of our little
force here in the for^."

At this assurance, the t;uest,. with a h.ugh. as over
an excellent jest, came trooping back

The „« moment, .he door of the fc.ive roon, burst
the floor to the place where the governor stood.

Col Vr<- '" '■"'^•" '"^ '"'''■ ■• ' ^'"' ^^"t back by
Colonc tass to tell you that .he Braish ship, Queen
Charlotte, ,s movin, up „,.. „,,, „ yJ^tTZ
other command for me. I ask leave to a once rejoin
the detachment on the w.iy to the Kaisin • '

wenruTfromH'"' •"'"^^"'-™^J'. "hen a murmur
went up from the women folk —

Mt'TlLl^T,' t',"" ^'-Intosh has fainted!"

Chan e.l c r. ^'"^ ''°""^ "f^"^' »'""<i -<">

changed color as he would not have done under the

enemy s fire. I.aurente here? Ah, had he knoJn"
He could not see her; she was over there ur'
rounded by a bevy of fussing ma.ons. 'mu t'

>va,t r,B,d, as a statue, and hear the general gr,n, a
suave assent to l>is over-hastv reou,.., f ,
tori,l,.„fc ■ ■ , ' request for permission

to ride oft agani without delay.

■ywm

At th

with hfr worn

A BRIOK AND A HOMR

is juncture Madam Snclling

'J9

in s uit.

came to his aid

Your Kxcellency." sh<

he com„,an,k.r.,„.cl„V.f ami ,l,e disconcerted s„b,
ten, . I ,„s,„ „„, ber,„o ,|.c lieu,c„.„„ .1. Ir

he shall pledge ,„,. ,, , bride in a c, f „„. ,,rn he -^

B,.^„^ „,„ch ,„e ,„o.s „e ,„ ,,,, „> .„ ,^;,:

The general lauirhed with ,■■,<,. • .

'•Ilnnn „.,. I. . > K"<>d-hcimor.

Upon my honor, I have never tasted H„r..„ndv of
a finer l,o„.,„et," he replied co„rtconsl,.. ■• "J al die
Madam ..nellin, is co„,„,a„dant here for the „„ e
and even the hard-pressed ntessengcr is en^ ed

pe!:cr.„°xi\a;rr:i:':,'."r;"' "-" ■'"■

^ ■ 1 ^ "t-nignant m temperament

considerate ,r. <li,p„sition. nothing could be more
gracious than his manner.

toasted the bngh, eyes of Abigail Snclling, and i\Z
without arousmg any jealousy in ,|,e br^L,, „f ■
own wife, on this evening, as i, chanced, he did no
taste Henry Hunfs famous claret.

Shot of the governor ami his staff, than she said
pointing ,„ the farther si.le of the room, " There t
Laurente. just over her swoon. Go to her- a wor
f-,^y.ou will do more torevive her than;;::::
Then, raising her voice, sh.> contlnn^ ! ? ^

ti^;

»40 LOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

the group who surrounclc.l the cirl " I .,ii..

Thereupon, the shrewd negro VVcahh.- i„ •
Earned new „reng,h for hi, b„.^ 'n^.h ' . J' h7e?
of .he wedd.nK supper, Mrxek up ,l,e air o^i K«"

Mr. I.abad,e, said Genenl 1|„||, „,„„, j^,, „
the moment, the lieutenant duly reported 'M 1,
<ice,ded to retain you on duty hL '\v may at a'v
",= be eannonaded fron, the batteries ejected bv

CI Xr T" ""^ '''"■ "' "'" - '""" "-Queen
Uiarlotte. Moreover, I have word that rl i

".s., I wish to draw my officers abou me not , '
'hc^T return." ""^ '"^ """ *'^^""-' -'"■•""6

!ijfr"\^»'m«fei'.

CHAPTER NINTH
THI-: FORT OK JJIi; STRAIT

THE next (lay was the fCtc of " Our Lady of the
Harvest"' All was silent across the river,
and the menacing batteries of the Hritish began to
seem but a show of defiance, the more, since the
American forces were known to be the stronger.

Accordingly, in the early morning', a company of
the I^rench of the town obtained permission to attend
the Grand Mass at the new church of Ste. Anne, more
than a mile below the fort. With them went Laurcnte
Macintosh, and beside her strode Lieutenant I^badic,
he being off duty for the time.

The sweet face of Laurentc no longer wore the
shade of sadness that sometimes crept over it as she
grew lonely for her own people, despite the brusque
motherlincss of Dame Adelaide.

For what j^irl could be pensive on so beautiful a
morning, when her lover walked with her through the
August sunshine?

The Strait lay outspread before them, a white-
crested sea of azure whose breezes toyed with the
new ribbon of her coquettish bonnet of woven grass
and stirred the lace of the little kerchief that lay soft
against her pretty neck. In the fields, the ripening

'f.

ill

*:i

'*> I.OVK TIIRIVKS IN WAR

niai« who.,,. a„.l UrI.y „.„,,! i„ „,e ,„„,„„ .

the if hoppers. Ihcorrh.r,! K i . ''""^^Xt"

their l».r I , xr "'^*^'*"^^ b<»u^;hH bent low beneath

Nature's harvci so,,,, ua ,f h . ,"'"'""■■ *'"""■
«rca."ii ''"'r.'» ""■ '■"• '■'"'« "'"••'i"''". since- ,hc

who .hose who love each other pray ,„f;e,hcr.

I-aurcntc dcirest mt- f h .» r . .

u- I , "J^'T^M, say that I may ask K I^^rf.

K.e hani ,o „,arry „, „o„,.' „hi„..r.j IVrr o i

alter the scrvici- •' v..w»„- i

.-(tiviuL. iCbtcrcJay wc wero rTii..c»e ^»

JoyM ,vcddi„«; ,e. „s ccieb'aJo r o'r dal;
Capta.„ S„elli„K will «■. to baHle s,ra„« in , ," tte
an. rendered braver by .he prayers of his ;„X"
Wile. If you love me as I love vou I inr.M,»
will make me happy also." ^ '"'"' ^""

Had he not pleaded so impetuously. I aurente

and blushed as though indeed her heart said. " Yes "
yet she was far from yielding after all.

THE FORT OF THK STRAIT „j

"What, be m.„rkd tod.iy. nou ? Ami i„ xUu
c.rn.ty Kown that ha, bcc. nude over tw.cc
possible I" she cicclarcf.

•• Hanj; the ^jown ! - ejaculated the inpatient lover.

' m. I naan. dearest. „o uo.nan cculd Un,k
lovelier than you do at thh moment-

I-aurente pursed her lips ru,Mml,Iy. a, if to ,ay. -

S.r. you think ho. because no one yet has seen

mc ^'-scd as a bride." Hut I We lold L T

with suililcii seriousness, —
•■•1:1,, bic, „,„„(„,„ .„„i,. ,,„, ^^ ._, ,,^^

I H h. II no, b, ,,^,„,,„ j.^.„, ^ij ^^^^^.| .

:nn,'t;:;.^" ■ """"■ --'^ -"- •"^- --''

Here was ;■ .limcuUy f>,r which there was no
waTto, :'h;""" '''"" ""'""•^' -."e,hi„,. .ha"
was not jet of age. bmee Ansus Macintosh op-
thTwo ,' T u """'' ""' '■""- '° *«" "" "■■ '
cnmson. \et, alas, by that tin.e ,l,e prairie, were
hke to be red w.th bluoj. and he and I.aurente n,iM,t
be done with life. ■"■km

These were Kluomy forcb.,Ji„Ks, l,„„cver, and he
ould no, let his tho„«h,s dwell upon them, „,
cally as the y,rl quickly recovered her gayety

Can!h""d" ""' "'"'"" •" '■"'■ '■" ~'"= with
Ca .she and a party .,f friends to breakfast at the

k';^!1^ :.,*'.T"'"'' ■^"'"■k" there w,s the walk

back to the town toccti

:!■•

l^'

t ■

« '-i
til

icr, in the inid-for

■iiiijo!!, when

•M

•44 I.OVK THRIVKS IN WAR

l.can.l .he liKhe hcartcdiy planncHl for themt.lvc. .

"«^ often b„th were to remember that mornJnir
f«.r .t wa, |.kc thr calm before the ,torm. ^'

with a soUhcrn .ilertnc.H. IVrre came b.ck fr«„, K^'
wanderinnH in I.,vcN nariHi.. ♦ ^ *""*

>viu,.,,v.,,,.c„i„;v';:::dTi:'' '""""""""• "'

in-door- -.nil . ^' '"•■ -'''"' *'»«"^ be

m-doors, and F on the ramparts."

•; VVhy f Hecaunc of a canoe upon the river? " she
objected, piqued at hi, haste.

" ^ canoe ^vith a white pennant ; it brin« .ome

ward so rapully that, rturricd and short of breath .hi
^«^"^, .t difficult to keep up with him. ' "^"

When they reached the .stockade the pirogue hid
d ^appeared from view behind the building th.t
clustered around the water-gate, but it had a ready

o^x^;:i^^^''^^-^^^-^-p°-^^ytheo«^^^

Kscorting Laurente to the house of Madam Hrush.

•crre took a hasty leave of her Fie gained the

wharf just in time to witness the landh,g iMo

ed oat officers, one of whom he recogniL. in"

flash as h.s r.val and friend. Allan Muir. who had

so ..^bly. and at the risk of his own honor, give^ him

^W':

«>.iiy I'V

ordi.il
w artl.

"-''-ictJ the

THK FORT OK IHK s I RA| r ,,5

•• Muir. God bIcM you. • he ,aM jn r>rnch. know.

• You l7 ""' ^r ""''^"»-^' '•> tl... other ,„.,„.
Vou left „,c no alternative bnt to uUc the chance
of escape you Rave me. To refuse It would have I 'd
to your ccrtam betrayal, while to accept pronme

ou .mmun.ty from blame. M.d I Heard^n t.me
that your uenero^ity wan dinr-.v ,.,•. I would hive

returned to die.., that no h..., m^ht .. ^ , ^ „'
throuijh me. ' "

The gallant Muirh.idtir p

hand-rbsp. when Capt.v . i|,.,-
and. according to the u u c , u
envoys.

They were then conducic.:. I
Hull to the room in Henry I'- .,„.,„, ,,.„^

had been the scene of the recent ..,...., fc.tivit.cs

The place was quickly surn.unded by a throne of

iTlTstt '";• l'"''^'"« '- -^y through the crowd,
and past the sold.er on guard. Labadic entered the
military headquarters.
•' Lieutenant i^badie." said an aide-<Ic-camp whom

askcdTr" m" '': '•^""^>'' "^''^- ^— ' has
asked for you. . I. wishes vou to act as his secretary
at this meeting." «-'^iar>

When the lieutenant reached the council-room he

'; letheT"' """ ^'"'"^ '''-' '■" ^ ^^-^' -"'"•'-
While the messengers stood before him.

^^ •• Sir." began the senior officer. Captain MacDonald.
m the name of General Hrock. commander-in-chief
o h,s Majesty's forces in Canada. I demand of you
the surrender of this fort and town of Detroit It
•'^ far from his Excellency's wish to joi„ in a war of

»«d. . r General
•side Kc which

F ,1

-mil

t )

14^ LOVE THRIVKS IN WAR

extermination ; but you must be aware that the horde
of Indians who have .-Itachcd themselves to his
troops will bo beyond his control fho moment a
battle begins. My capitulating-, you will fmd him dis-
posed to enter into such conditions as will satisfy the
most scrupulous sense of honor."

"And, your Kxcellency." continued Captain Muir,
steppmg forward." in proof that Capt.un MacDonald
and I arc authori/cil to entei into any arrangement
tcndmg t.> the [icaceful scttlen.cnt of the matter I
beg to hand you this paper, duly signed by General
iJrock."

Governor ll.dl receive<l the document, and glanced
over It in a da/ed fashion, as though his energies and
si)irit were paraly/ed in the face of the audacious
suuunons.

While Pierre I.abadie took down the notes of what
was said, his fingers twitched nervously, as though
he would gladly have cast away the pen for the sword
Captams Snelling and Findlay shot at tluir chief
glances of in.p.iticnt inquiry. The other members
of Ins council frowned darkly.

Still the silence was unbroken. An insolent smile
hovered about the lips of /^^.ptain MacDonald. but
Muir stared straight before him. He had not liked
his appointment upon this errand, and now he re-
gretted it the more because the open scorn of his
brolhcr-oflicer enraged the Americans.

It pierced even General Hull's armor of callous
indifference too; for. pulling himself together, he at
length replied.

" (ientle.nen. tell General Hrock from me that the

THK FORT OK THK STRA;

fort and town of Dct
last extremity. If. |,

roit will be dofendctJ to

lowcvcr, his

'47
the

brou«,.. .,.0.. „; ::::;■ zrT":'-'-"

certain of niy oftu

chan^'ed clance. of • , '"^"^* *'•" ^^'"cncans ex-

a s.unal that the co„f..r..ncc il '"• ""

• . ""itii-iicc was over niifl l..<"« »i.

room ,v,ll, ostc-,il...ic,„s .iiynity. ' "'*

The envoys ,vcrc Jctainal scvcraf hn„r. r.
«h.ch <iday. hh„clf„M,,, as before ,, " "

back to their boif Tl , . ' '^' "'^^'^•^ '"'

".ovccl rro„, eir ies^ "' "'■■" '""« "'•■" "•-

shore, bearin. ,^| ', , • "^ '"" "" '"' 'I-' L-a"a,ha„

fro,,, Cenerar.r, ; L; "7 '" ""-'^ ""'■"■""'-

i^nov b„. the writer, th„,,.,^:tt:r' """"'": "" ""■-■

rc,-.cra.,o„ of his <Ieter,„;;;a i .".^ST;"." ^^ »
c^cprccd in presence „f his eo,:„c,^ " ^ ""'' ^'

Hcfore the close of the afternoon Pierre I ,k ,•
r..hn,T throut:h the town on a suif^r r '

called o„. ,„ ,.,„,,„,, .„ ;,:,2'n^:''^'" '"'"'•

l<*-'ep in the hot..:,, f u " ^ garden to

Mc'added thar • in'r '"'""'',"'"" ""^ <'""^-

VVdis with a picket !ar 1 "':^'-''"' '" ■^l'""«

"ardly had'sne , ," "1, :f" ^'""'''" ^"^■"''".'■

fro.u the battery t;:sr't rrr\r r ^^^^^^^
"^■.'a- and was as pro„,„tly ret^ d'tn Ti::;:^

f a* I

148

LOVK TflRIVES IN WAR

The town bcinR unpalis.idcci except for inflividiia!
enclosures, tlie pcoplr. both American and French,
came running into the stockade; many of the women
with infants in their arms, and shrieking, toddling
babies clinging to their skirts; otiicrs dragging beds
and furniture or hastily gathered baskets of food.
All the men and boys were away to the ramparts,
those who were musketlcss having provided them-
selves with pikes. One regiment was posted in the
citadel yard. A battalion under Colonel Findlay
encamped in the rear of the town ; another on the
prairie to the west.

Karly in the evening the general sent his son.
Captain Abram Hull, to conduct Madam Brush.
Laurcntc. and Abigail Snclliii;:jtoone of the barracks,
where a number of the officers* wives had taken
refuge. Here they spent the hours, striving to en-
courage their neighbors, soothing the frightened chil-
dren, and making flannel cartridges for the soldiers.

At ten o'clock the firing ceased, but the troops
rested on their arms, for a rumor spread that Te-
cumseh was leading his warriors through the woods
from the direction of little Fort Nonsense at the
edge of the prairie.

It was after midnight. The moon looked sternly
down upon the hostile armies of the Strait, its calm
face lined and scarred like that of a mighty w irrior.
The stars kept their watch. the world's silent sen-
tinels. As Jean Cecire. the gu»rd at the western
gate of the stockade, paced forth and back, he
caught the sound of hoof-beats on the river road,
and. straightway, out of the shadows cast by the

THK FORI- OF THK STRAIT ,4,,

neighboring orchards appeared a n.an riding at full
gallop.

Drawing rein so abruptly as to brin- his pony
back up<»n its haunches, and spcakin- the password
he added, —

*• Open quickly, I bring a despatch from Captain
Snclling." '^

" Certes, Monsieur I.ib idic ! I wi,h you one -ood
morning, and one bcttair break fa.t zan ze ht.t shot "
replied the mettlesome Jean, throwing wide the gate.
•• Sacre ! zere is no fi.h so small but he hopes to
become a whale ! "

The messenger scarce heard the good-natured jibe
as he rode on into the citadel.

"The general? Where shall I find the general?"
he demanded of the sentry.

The soldier pointed to the gallery of one of the
buildings. '• His Kxcellency is over there asleep."
he said with a grin.

Labadie frowned, and. crossing the yard, found
General Hull just rising from a mattress on the Hoor
of the gallery.

"Your Excellency," he said, saluting, "I am
ordered by Captain Snclling to report to you that
the Queen Charlotte li-.s in the channel opposite
Sprmg Wells, and to ask that a twenty-four pounder
be sent down, so we may di.lodge her from her
moorings. This can be readily done. ..ince the shore
IS higher than the decks of the ship."

The general yawned, wiped his eyes, and ab.ent-
mindedly filled his mouth with tobacco, a habit to
which he was addicted.

.if

150

LOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

" Upon my soul, it would be well if the zeal of my
younn officers were more tempered with discretion "
he mumbled thickly. "A twenty-four pounder
could not be transported acro>s the R.vcr Rouge.
Carry to Captain Snellin^ my order that he return
to the fort with his command at dawn."

Labadic's mind was in a turmoil. The field-piece
refused, when so good anent;ineer as Captain Snelling
estimated that the brid^jc of th.- Rouge would bear
Its weight! The detachment recalled!

"Humph! Nothing venture, nothint; have," he
muttered sullenly, as he roile slowly back over the
"c^e du nord uuest. " '

Tlfe- day was just breaking when the disappointed
troops re-entered the stockade.

In vain Captain .Snelling sought for the commander.
•• Zouads." he cried at last to the latter's son. Captain
Hull, - when his Kxccllcncy wakes, say to him that
from Spri^ Wells I discovered no military prepara-
tions at Sandwich during the night. Hut more than
once I amd my men heard the sound of oars, which
were no doubt those of the boats passing from the
Queen Charlotte to the brig Hunter, or to the op-
posite shore. And now tell me, where has my wife
taken refuge .' "

" Madam Snelling is lodged, with Miss Macintosh
and other ladies, in the barracks across the parade.
They are not yet astir," rejoined young Hull.

* The right bank cf ihi- Detioit kiv.t «.»s called the "coic du
nord." the IlIi bank tht- -cote <lu mk! " ih, [..trt of the "cMe du
nord " below the fort wj.. the " . 6tc du nord-oucst , " the settlement
«bov« wu known m th« '* c6te du nordett. "

PHK FORI' OK \\l\ SIRAir
Well, tlicy arc safr if the attack is re

•5«

ne\vc<

And. thank Heaven. Pitrrr. at Ia^t we may sUv p.
Sixteen hours «>n duty will tire out iv»n a soldier.
Here is a cot; we will toss up a coin for it."

So saying. Snillinj,' pointfd tiuou^^'h the open door-
way of an unoccupied room of the ofTucrs' quarters.
Labadie followed him in. and. haviut^ <•"' t^«-'l f«>r the
captain, cast ixn army blanket upon the floor and lay
down upon it

Hetore many minutes the compani«)ns-in-arms were
slctpin.; the sleep of exhaustion.

•* I'hiff! Bomb! H..inb!"

About -six o'clock the report of a f[ii" brou-,'ht the
lieutenant to his feet before an hour had elapsed.
At the same time Snellin^' opened his eyes with
the l)lank stare of one whose ment.il (acuities are
not yet fully arouseil.

The next moment he too spr.tn^' up

"The bombardujent has bej,Min in earnest!" he
cried, as the firing; continued. " Ah. now that the
balls have been set wlii/.zin^'. we shall soon tirive
the redcoats from laeir earthwork "

Listen." said Lahad

i< "Our batteries alonij the

shore return the fire briskly; but why do /lot tht
guns here at the fort rej>ly?"

Snelling swore roundly.

*• Our commander should have retired on his
Revolutionary laurels; his valor has ^rown weak-
kneed. I must incpiire the meaning <>f this si-
lence, " he added, and therewith rushed tu the water
bastion.

Stopping only in the yard to inquire wheth

>i' I.OVK IHRIVKS IN WAR

the K.c„.ral had co,„c .,„,, I„b;,di, f„|,„,„j ,„ ,^

Look. I ,crrc. he ,,,i,l, and, pas,i„B hi, Icn, to
.he hculcnan,. he wheeled about an.l started t, the
Kovernor's quarters.

apoca'rai:J""";r' •"•"""■ '"'^""'' """ "•«dc hi,
appearance <in the parade Broun.l

■• r^n'l'I "7 T'' '""" ""■ """'" >"' '•-"''' "in,.

had m ,t a sol.herly exultation. •• the enemy arc
crossing the river at Sprinj; Well, "

A cheer uent up frun, the officers and oarrison
upon .he ramparts. N„w. even without a Z,
.hey could ,c. the dark line of boat, that reached
.h?L' Mir°-"' ""^ •'■'"'''''•'- "-on .:

Wil the exception of the ccneral. every officer
"f th< n,l,tary counci, every priv.te and m,li.ia-man
was e„„.er for the battle promised by .hi, n,ovc „f
the enemy. '

Hut tl commander ?

"Ze ycj.cral. has he seen zc 'Chase Galore' or

so vvhitclivcrc( ~— bou cvcrst — uh .» ......

,,.,... . """'tver-jc — wnat you zay, — u/>-

•"K hand upon the arm of Lieutenant Ubadic.

Uiable ! • ejaculated Labadic. shaking off the
grasp. *» '"*^

" ifa-ha. cet is le diable. ' sans doute.' ze redcoat
commander. Mais ^c devil, he have been beat be

Haggard and undecided. General Hull presented

IHK KORr OF IHK STRAIT ,53

a strikin- contrast t.. his us.ial diKuifk,! a.ul rlrcant
presence, lie uhu had b.cn ever such a martinet
in the matter of military unifurn.. shewed a slov-
cnly disorder in hi. drc.s and a ;,erturbatiun of mind
unbccomm^j a leader of brave men.

To the surprise of his ofticcrs. he did not j,'o upon
the ramparts to view the enemy, nor jjive any direc-
tions for the ascertaining of their number. Hm as
though chiefly concerned to save his ammunition,
which was bemg consumed very fast by the lonL'
twenty-four pounders, he sent repeatedly to the
batteries the order to fire with more deliberation
While he paced the parade, oftkers and troops
watched the boats of the Hritish as they plied to and
fro, protected by the guns of the Queen Charlotte
and of the fortifications on the southern shore.

•General, give me enough men to haul a piece
of ordnance a short distance down the river road
and I will scatter the enemy like chalf before the'
wmd," pleaded Snelling. almost beside himself with
rage that no steps were being taken to drive back
the invading forces,

" I beg of you. sir, let me take a party of French-
men across the Strait and spike the lirilish gur "
urged Lieutenant Labadie.

•* Discretion is the better part of valor," quoted the
general, sententiously. " My forces are best posted
as they are, and I do not wish to mov.- them."

His voice shook, and. as he finished speaking he
seated himself upon an old tent that lay upon the
ground between the guard-house and the gate. It
was the must protected spot in the fort.

■ ij

•54 LOVK IHRIVKS IN WAR

Now occurred a ludicrous diversion.
A hubbub arose from the town, and through the
eastern gate of the stockade, and across the yar.l
came two soldiers, running as if for their hve, as
indeed they were. for. close upon their heels, a horse-
man pursued them with drawn sw orti.

" Sacrc ! It is the general's son. ai.d, as usual, rather
the worse for liquor." bn>kc out I.abadie in disgust

"Hy Jove, the fellows arc of the company of
iTcnch militia that I took with me to Spring Wells "
muttered Snelling. angrily. •• \\ hat has Captain Hull
to do with my men ? "

•'Oh. .aonsicur.- called out one of the fugitives
gaspmg for breath. " you give us leave for ' un pcu'
dc temp." wc tinks we go see how fare our wives
and our littler children."

" Oui. oui ! Mais. Ic capitainc ici. he order us to zc
bastions," interrupted the other. " And when we do
not obey, he chase us to /.c death, like wc were zc
hog. or ze redskin."
Abram J full rode up in a rage.
"Sir." he cried to the general, "these men are
deserters; I demand that they be p.inished."

" Vou mistake, Captain I full." interposed Sncllinc

iTdut^-'''''''''^' " *''"'' """"^ '"^ "'"'' ''"'' '''">' ^^"'

Hut the captain's potations had made him eager to
quarrel with all who crosseil his path.

"Sir.-' he roared, springing from his horse, and
flounslung his sabre, -you uphold these fellows,
^ou have impeached my honor as an officer; I de-
mand satisfaction."

THE FORI- OK IHK SFRMT

" The moment I am rclicvctl fr
will Klailly settle this thricrencc," an
exasptrated.

•55

om -ny post, I
Hucrcd SncMin^,

n..t for the r.-ht. both men i^Uncai toward thr
Rcncral. imitily askiiifj that the ruUs of mil
discipline mi^ht be snsptn.Ud m their behalf.

it.iry

Btit (i

ttit (ieneral Hull appeared now th..n>iighly aroused,
for the hrst time,

'• Gentlemen, gentlemen, this is no season for pri-
vate (piarrel. when the enemy is at ..ur Kates." he
declared, pointing down the river. Then, turning, he
begged an orderly, in an aside, to take care of his
rash son. The latter, whose Hare of anger h.id given
place to a ha/y unsteadiness, was thereupon cajoled
into being led away to the t,flkers' quarters, where
he was placeil under guard.

Meantime, the cannonading and return fire went
on with little internjission A fine l-renrh pear-tree,
revered by the creoks for its associations with thJ
old regime, evidently served as a mark for the enemy
Noticing this. Captain Snelling directed Jean CecirJ
to take two of his men and cut it down. The men
worked willingly enough, but the wood ..f the
splendid old tree was firm as steel, ami. although they
wielded their a.xes well, the work progressed slowly.

" Hy Tiar." e.\claimed Jean, as he stood over the
toiling woodmen, '• /-: pommier, he stand up against
John liull so proud as one grand J-rench chevalier
to ze last."

Hardly had he spoken, when a shot from the bat-
tery acro.ss the river struck the tree, a few feet from
its base, and the great trunk fell.

m
m

;if

-I

156 I.OVK TflRIVKS IN WAR

••• MrrcJ mcrci.' Monsieur John liull.' crJcU Ctcjrc.
with the abandon .,f hi. Ircnch-Canu.l.an Ui,po,i.
t.on .. njcTc. for y.,ur h. I,>. Hut. ah. .c chc- llicr.
ne iH fallen ni /c |;otMl ti-lu."

The valor of the ^ray hairr.f ^enrrai wa» palsied
by the rcali/ation n( the awful peril of hi. , hi,
daughter, ami her little ones, H„, .|„ hearts of his
nubaltcrnn and of every vKImt stationed on the ram-
parts or in the niea.luvv out.ide the pali^de were
nerved to Krcater coura^^e by the danger, that
menaced the w..mcn and children of Detroit

Captain Snelling had not had an opportunity to
exchange a word with hi. brulc since hi. return
frorn bpring Wells, nor had I'ierre Labad.e caught
a Bhmpse of his sweetheart. Now when the enemy
had Rained an all-too-correct ran^e. they cast many
an anxious glance toward the building' which sheltered
tnc ladies.

Krc long, with a sizzling sound, a shell fell near it
In another instant there was a terrific explosion and
a blaze of dazzling light, followed by the terrified
snricL of female voices.

When the smoke lifted, the men on the parapet

saw that almost a whole side of the barracks where

he women were had been carried away by the shot.

It V as soon discovered as well that two officers who had

gone m to encourage their families had been killed

" My wife ! Sec u> U-r. Labadie. since I cannot

hhfac^ '''''''" "'"^ ■"""'"^'' '' '"'''' "^ 'Sony upon

Pierre, his brain reeling with anxiety for his beloved
i-aurcnte, ran across ijie parade.

THK FORT OK THK SIRAIT

•$7

The wnmrn am! children, many of them .ilreaiiy
sensclcM. were bcinjj hiirricti to a bomtY-proof maj^a-
«inc from which the hut of the ammunition had b<

removed a few momentii before, for uic in th
battle.

c coming;

When Labadic reached the distracted

^jroup, the

blood rushed back to his heart in a tiile of thankful-
ness, as he bcheUI, amouj; those ministorinK to the
iwooninjj ladies whose husbands had so trajjically
met their enel. two youn^: Rirls They were Laurcntc
Macintosh and Abigail Sncllinf».

" Laurente ! Abigail ! Thank God you arc unhurt !"
he ejaculated.

Laurente rushed into his arms, an«l Abigail smiled
up at him as he delivered her husband's messa^je.
Having contlucted the two brave women to the
magazine, he reluctantly left them.

" Ah, Laurente. how happy you are that you have
seen Pierre," faltered the little bride as the great iron
door shut them in. " Mow close and damp it is
here! The roar of the guns outsiJc, and the cries
of the children around us. almost drive mc mad. Oh,
if I could speak even one word to my husband » I
may never again see him alive. Why did I not go
to him on the ramparts, in face of the enemy's fire I
If he should be shot down, what would I care for life
without him ! "

"Cheer up, sweet one. " whispered Laurente, slipping
an arm about her friend, "for surely Captain Snelling
is not destined to fall in this war with the British.
Did he ni)t have his h.it shot mf at Mongaugon and
the hilt of his sword grazeil by a bullet? Hut let us

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^:l

'58 LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

pray to God for our dear ones. Abigail, let us pray
without ceasing while the men we love are under

They fell upon their knees and joined in the chorus
of pet.fon that arose about them like a beautiful
chant, m which the religious imagery of the New
Kngland Puritan, the Scotch Calvinist. and the daugh-
ters of the fleurs-de-lis was curiously mingled

Its echoes had scarce died away, when there came
amuflled sound of some one calling through the
door of the magazine.

Little Madam Snclling started to her feet
" It is my husband." she exclaimed joyfully, and
running to the entrance, cried out to him.
The intuition of love had not misled her.
" Dear heart." said Captain Snelling. through the
door. " at any moment I may be shot down I have
come to say farewell, if it „,ust be. and to ask of you
a promise." ^

" My love, my love." sobbed Abigail. " any vow
you demand of me I will keep most sacredly."

" Heart of my heart, I will not ask that, if I fall
you will never marry again. - but promise me you'
will never marry an Englishman?"

So overcome with emotion was the young wife that
she with difficulty repeated the required promise, but
the captain ^vent away content.

Laurente soothed and strove to comfort her friend
Nevertheless, so delicate is the balance between
pathos and humor, that while she wiped the tears
Irom her eyes, she was seized with so strong an
impulse to laugh that she could scarce control the

Ifii

"i "" ' , ■*

||S_

'rwmm%^-

-y:^'.'k^^H-

tjfev 1^ : x"i'.j^'M

THE FORT OF FHK STRAFF .5^

tremor in her voice, which, happily, Abi;-ail mis
understood.

" Ma foi ! The man is jealous of a possible suc-
cessor, even while he faces the enemy," she whispered
to Madam Urush. " Yet I have heard it said that he
who takes an eel by the tail and a woman at her word
holds nothing."

■ ,msmFwma^mw:£msrm^mg^n^%'¥it'^imj^m

r>^'

h i!

CHAPTER TENTH
THE COMING OF THE REDCOATS

PERE RICHARD! P^-rc Richard! What shall
we do? Where shall we ^^o? The redcoats
and the Shawanoes are at our doors ! Save yourself
save us. Pere Richard ! " ^ '

With this chorus of cries the people of the cOte
du nord-ouest poured into the warehouse church
where, with a congregation of a score of devotees'
the priest was saying the Mass daily offered at the
rising of the sun.

But the tumult both within and without was like
the wind-swept waters of Lake Huron breaking
against the bold, laurel-crowned bluffs and crags of
.ts rugged shores. The gaunt figure at the altar
might have been that of a tonsured monk in a monas-
tery chapel, far from the din of arms, the perils of
war. The flickering flame of two tall wax candles
and a long ray of sunlight, falling across the altar-
stone that enshrined the precious relics of Ste. Anne
shone on the ghastly form in priestly robes, as it
might have rested upon some marble saint in a niche
of the great cathedral of Notre Dame at Paris while
about It surged the shrieking crowds of the Reign of
Terror.

x^^^^jo^^mm.

'"f J

THK COMING OK THK RKDCOAl'S ,6,

*• Pax Domini sit semper vobisciim." niurinurcd
the priest in a low tone, as tliou-h deaf to the clamor
around him.

"Kt cum spiritu tuo," responded the trembling
clerk.

Overawed, the parishioners fell upon their knees,
the women, weeping and s-.bbing, the few old men
and boys, all that were left on the cote, half-sullen,
yet with unshaken confidence in their pastor.

Apparently unmoved, " le bon perc " continued
the Mass. Clear and sweet, as the rippling of a
prairie brook or the song of birds, rang out the silvery
voice of the little sanctuary bell. The people bowed
their heads in prayer, following the words of the
priest in the sublime Latin, a liturgy familiar to them
as was their native French.

*' What return shall I make to the Lord for all He
has given me? I will take the chalice of salvation
and call upon the name of the Lord. IVaising, I will
call upon the Lord, and shall be saved from my
enemies."

A silence followed, — a silence that comes in
Heaven, perhaps, when for an interval all sounds
even of praise are hushed, while the celestial courts
prostrate themselves before the throne of the Most
High.

A few moments more, and there was a stir among
the benches. An old woman crept up to the altar-
rail ; next came a young girl in the dress of a nun ;
and, anon, a patriarchal habitant whose descendants
numbered nearly fourscore, knelt beside the woman
and the girl.

\ i^

!f1

162

I,' i

f.OVK I HRIVKS IN WAR

Now for the first time the priest turned from the
altar. His countenance was serene as usual, yet, as
the people looked upon it, they were inspired with
a new coura^'c. Desccndinj,' the two steps to the
rail, he administered the communion and, returning,
finished thi Mass.

Then, again facing the worshippers, he addressed
them, —

" My people, the British are powerful ; the
Shawanocs and their Indian allies relentless ; but you
have not apjjealed to God in vain. If you fear to
remain in your homes, gather in the schoolhouse.
There I will protect you with my life, if need be."

Out of the church they streamed and took posses-
sion of the building near by. Here the indefatigable
Perc Richard had established class-rooms provided
with all the available apparatus known at the time,
for teaching chemistry and physics to the French-
Canadian youths and demoiselle i sent to him for
instruction ; besides a technical school for the educa-
tion of the young Wyandotte sqi-awa in spinning,
sewing, and housekeeping.

Such was the scene enacted upon the cAte du
nord-oucst on the morning of the i6th of August,
1812.

The British, having landed, had paused to build
camp-fires and to breakfast. General Brock, being
reinforced by Proctor's regiment and six hundred
Indians led by Tecumseh, the troops bore down upon
the cAte.

The refugees had found shelter none too soon.
From a room in the upper story of the school build-

THK CC)MIN(J OK thK RKIH'OA PS ,6^

iiiK the terr,TK-.| uo.ncn an.l cI.iMrcn saw the- rc.lmcn
sH'cc-p over tlu- r.r.ns like a «• l.rlwind. I.avi„« be-
l>"u tlum nuncd harvests am! ho,„os. X.,t a place
on the nvcr was spared as th.y passed.

" They are i)h.n<lerinK the house where ' mon ami '
bron«ht e as a hrldc." la.nented Dame Labadie;
lelas. hey are drivin. the cattle and horses before
licm.-..l,clair. n,y beautiful heifer, and La For-
tune, a pony that can show a clean pair of hoofs to
every racer at the Grand Marais ! "

;• What docs it matter, ma mC-re. so long as th'-
children are safe?" si^d.ed her dau^jhter Jo^ette. the
w.feof..Debendon/>ressin,clo,e,theba- at he:
breast, wh.lc she glanced across to the settle behind
which another child was hidden.

" The savages have broken into the church • "
The cry re-echoed through the house.
" Silence." exhorted I'tre Richard. '< Jean Knaees
keep away from the window, or your n,other shall
dress you again in the girl's frock of which, at your
entreaty. I bade her divest you."

The lad slunk back into a corner, followed by
a ftter rom the other children, who. for the morp.nt
forgot their terror. ' '

Like the cast-out demon of the possessed »r,„n of
bcr.pture. .t speedily returned, many times augmented
as pandemonium raged outside. Rut the boy Kna--s'
bemg the son of a soldier, and forgetting alike The
priests mjunction and his mother's solicitude, stole
agam to the window.

" Oh. mon pere. look! " he begged; "the savages
have destroyed the wonderful organ that was sent

it I

i ■

^j:•

1^,4

I.OVK IffRIVF.S IN WAR

from France ! Sec thrm rush out of the church toot-
ing; on the lon^j pipi"*."

" I see," Father Richard calmly avowed in F'rcnch,
from his station below stairs. " Truly, the redskins
have a taste for music."

All at oncL- an exclamation of dismay broke from
the rcfuj:;ees in the schoolhousc.

F'or they saw ITre Richard stride fearlessly out into
the road as Colonel Proctor, upon a bay horse, rode
up among his yelling allies.

Standing alone against that horde of redcoats and
Indians who could have borne him down like a spear
of grass before the wind, the priest raised a hand to
stay their progress.

The tall figure might have been the spectre of
war's battlefields. At its gesture of command the
half-drunken savages hesitated in sheer amazement,
and, with an oath. Proctor drew rein.

" Zounds, so you are the cure," he continued.
" Well, move out of the road, monseer, unless you
wish to be ridden down ! "

Le bon perc maintained his ground.

" Monsieur le colonel," he said with quiet dignity,
" I demand that you order your followers not to
molest the helpless women and children gathered in
this house. If you refuse, the chastisement of God
will fall upon you."

Kven the merciless, overbearing Proctor changed
color before this bold arraignment.

"And you, Wa!k-in-the-Water," added the cure, in
the half- French, half-Indian patois of the Strait, as he
caught sight of the Wyandotte chief who, in full war-

.-^LttJI •

THK C'OMINC; OK THK RI.IK'( ).\ IS 1^,5

paint, led his braves afoot, — " you to whom I have
given bread and salt, whose chiUlrcn I have bapti/.cd
and tautjht, you to whom your father at Wa^hin^ton
sent a present. - liow is it that I sec you i.» the ranks
of the Saganosh?"'

" Black Robe," answered Walk-in-the-Watcr, " the
VVyandottcs are the oldct brothers of the red people.
Hau we shut our ears to the call of the ^-rtat
Tecumseh, he whose father is the sun, we should have
been dishonored amonj,^ the nations. Hut we do not
forget. No harm shall come to those whom the
Black Robe stretches out his hand to save."

So saying, he signed to several of his warriors, who,
thereupon, took their stand before the house door,
which stood wide open. No one knew better than
Pere Richard that to bar a door against the redman
is to arouse his implacable resentment.

Although the swashbuckling Knglish colonel under-
stood not a word of this interview, the pantomime
made what passed plain to him. The temerity of the
priest, his influence over the powerful chief whose
alliance it had required all the eloquence of Tecumseh
to win, did not fail to impress him. The warning
to himself awakened in his mind the sujjerstitious
uneasiness which in the callous takes the place of
conscience.

" Sir cure, I regret the despoiling of your church.
Ton my soul I do," he blurted out; " and, with these
savages, I will leave a posse of soldiers to guard the
remainder of your property."

The cure relaxed a degree of his uncompromising
* An Indian name for the F^nglish.

\hh

I.OVI f MRIVIS IN WAR

attitinU'. as he rc|)licd. with a marked French accent,
" Monsieur le colonel. I accept the ^uard for the pro-*
tcction of the women and children. ( )f njy property,
besides this building,', there is left only a printin--prcss.'
which, indeed. I would uladly secure from destruc-
tion."

"A printing press, save the m.irk ! A printin;;-
press here on the border of the wdderness," crie.l the
blustering I'roctor. breaking into a loud outlaw, and
turning about to repeat the jest to his subordinate
ofliceis as they rode up. " 'Pun my soul, thi. I'rench
cure is a mo^t extraordinary man! General Hrock
must hear of it. Hy all means, .ir cure, your print-
ing-press shall be spared, for pre>ently we shall want
to print upon it the news of the capitulation of
Detroit."

^A sceptical smile played about the lips of " Ic bon
pere."

" That time wdl never come," he said confidently.
*' If I thought otherwise. I myself would break the
press to atoms rather than have it put to such a use."

" Ton my soul, we shall see. we shall sec. monseer;
you may be a saint, but I doubt if you arc a prophet,"
derided Proctor. And, raising another insolent
laugh, in which the subalterns about him readily
joined, he rode on at the head of his regiment

The rabble of savages and hangers-on having
passed, the troops came in a close column of pla"
toons of twelve, or sometimes of only seven or eight
file, in red coats. And, within ten minutes, an offic^er,
glittering with gold lace, and mounted upon a mag-
nificent English horse, pressed up the road fully two

•!

•' jr 1

THK C'OMINC; ()| IIIK RKIKOAIS if,;

hiindrc.l yanh in the f.»rc of tho main tlivi^ion, as if
he were noinj; to paratlc.

It was no other than riemral Hrock hilll^.•|f, — .,
handsonjc, prcposHtssin^; man. jn^t in hi> prim.-, who
woiihl have stood .-vcr mx feet in hcij^ht. Mis com
picxion was fair. h. physiipie lar-e. and his h.arin ,'
eminently miliiary. He sat easily in his sad.II. . .mil
his whole air was th.it of a victor, rather than of a
commander leading,' his forcts to h.ittlc-.

Attracted by the si;;lit of the -nard I,. for« the
house of the pri.st. he halted .in>\ called to P^rc
Richard, who still stood at his door. —

" I "11 tr-.uble you, sir. to m.ike way f.>r my orderly
to go to the top of your house to see if. pcrhaj)s. a
white na^j may be wavin^j from the rami)arts of the
American fort yonder."

*' I.e bon perc " bowed with Callic court.sy.
"Your men have already been up to tin- roof a
score of times, and you are welcome to muittit the
stair also, monsieur." he answered. " Hut you will
never sec the flag of surrender on those bastions
where the 'Stars and Stripes.' the most ^dorious
banner in the world, now floats so bravely in the
sunshine."

The ^'cncral's brows lowered. He frowned at the
bold Frenchman whose eyes had kindled with
patrioti.sm and pride in his ado[)ted country. Vet
something of his ostentation vanished, and a thought-
ful expression settled upon his bronzed features.

" Has Hull, like a sly old dog. deceived me, and
am I caught in the eagle's talons?" he muttered
under his breath.

: t

'feiKiiilm

ipT,.-. .•.-.•■ Jr^mir.

1 68

I.OVK TIIRIVK., IN WAR

••Mou.kur?" inqtiir.ul the priest, thinkln,' himv If
auilrcsscd.

Hut. vvith.Mit c<„ulc.ccntlin« to t,-|.,ncc at him a-ain
t ..• c..„„„.,ndcr put .pur. to h., hor.c ami .allo.u ,1
alicati, fullowcil Uy hi«i -.taff

At the fort, the two river battcric. and the one in
jiulAc \\o...lwarcr.s garden, were „,;,nnc.l by a part of
the fourth rcKiinent un-ler Captain Snell.ny. The
Michi^^an mihtia ami Ohio volunteer, uxrc in the
rear of the tuun. it bein^' anticipated that the Indiana
woid.l attack- from the uochIh. Cannon loaded with
Krape.hot cnunanded the river road, ready f. sweep
away the columnn of the enemy , and beside the guns
stood four hundred rounds of .hot. ^rape and shell.
a thousand r .umh of other ammunition beini; also
supplied r.r the defence. I-very man was impatient
«"r the f,j;ht, and expected a proud iliy for his
Country.

On cune the Hntish. the sunli^jht gleaminj; on the
scarlet ranks and burnished musk, is of the infantry
and slun.nK' f^H "pon the gohien staff of the crimson
st.uidard. the sword-hilts, gold-laced uniforms, and
red saddle-cloMis of the mounted ofTicers.

" Diabic, it is a gala array; but we will soon spoil
their pretty pageant," exclaimed Lieutenant Labadic.
as he watched ihem from the western parapet. " I'ar-
bleu, here is the one chance to rake with shot the
whole of the enemy's line."

In his enthusiasm, and taking for granted that the
emergency gave him the right to .-.ct. he sprang for-
ward wiih a fuse to f.re one of the great twenty-four
pounders.

... <*. Jill

KfTIKIH:

M\4'

THr. C'OMINC; OF r HK RKIKOAIs .^.,

Htfurc it touclud the ch.iri^'c. howevt r. ilu br.iuiiy
Scotch m,ij..r in commaml u( the battery tUtin; him-
self ui)t>n the hthc Creole,

** liy St. Aiulrevv : " he fried. " not a shot in to be
firetl until I have word to open upon the enemy."

The ^'rip .if the Seen wa. like imn.

"What iUk- tiii^ mean. Andirson?" protested
Laba.lie, angrily. \\\wt\, after a desperate struj;y|r, j,e
broke loose from him.

"Drat if I know!" rejoined the warrior from the
land of the heather, with tears in hi. eye. ; •• but a
soldiers duty is to obey orders. Perhaps the ^jeneral
is rescrvin- the attack untd the enenty i^d mj near
tha» wr can lot.k them sejuaie in the fac •."

The next moment the opportunity for an enfilade
was lost. The Hritish oftieer at the head of the
column, perceiving the snare. ^Mve notice to General
Brock, who immediately ehanjjed the p..sition of his
troops. Leaving the road, they advanced under cover
of the thick orchards which stood between them and
the fort.

It was nearly noon, and General Ihdl had remained
during the {greater part of the morning' seated in the
shadow of the wall, very much agitated and stuffing
tobacco into his mouth in >uch quantities that his
ruffled shirt-front and white neck-cloth were stained
by its use.

The burstinf^ of another shell, which killed a surgeon
and two men, increased his alarm, and he withdrew to
his quarters.

The British were now so near th.it Captain Snelling
started in search of the commander to demand that

:f ii

■-«fjlip--vm, jjsp.

170

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

I i ' y

I. }

somclhmg be done. On his uay he encountered
Abram Hull, who. oblivious of the quarrel of yester-
day, offered him one of the pikes made for the
boardmg of the Queen Charlotte.

" Captain." be n his late cpponent. " the general
directs you to ta^e this letter and Ha- — "

He got no farther, for. :7lancing for the first time at
the Pike, wh.ch he had taken mechanically, supposing
.t represented some plan of defence. Snelling saw
knotted about it a white handkerchief

"What, what is this? " he objected, hot with indig-
nation. " D- you. sir. I will never disgrace myself by
car-ymg a white flag to the enemy "

Young Hull laughed derisively, and running into
the officers' mess brought out a long white tablecloth
which he fastened to the pike. Was the man de-
mented, or still the worse for his late indulgence in
Old Jamaica?

Snelling wrenched the rag from him and would
have torn it to tatters had he not been summoned
across the parade by an imperative call from the
general.

; Sir " said the latter doggedly, ignoring the cap-
tarn s heated demand as to the purpose of the flag,

you W.11 carry my order to Colonel Findlay to
withdraw his troops inside the fort."

In a tovvering rage, the brave Snelling sprang upon
a horse which an orderly held ready for the general's
own use. rode through the gate, and delivered the
message.

"Withdraw, without firing a shot!" retorted the
impetuous Ohioan; " I will notobey ! "

»?«»'""^FTiira» r - ' •

THE COMING OF THE REDC:OATS 17,

SncUing wheeled his horse to ride back, and as he
faced the stockade muttered an oath, for there upon
the ramparts stood Captain Hull frantically waving
the tablecloth flag.

" My God, the country is sold ! " exclaimed the gal-
lant Findlay, as he too beheld the signal of surrender.
Although afoot, he fairly outstripped his fellow-
officer in seeking the commander-in-chief, whom he
encountered near the gate.

" General Hull, what in h— 11 am I ordered here
for?" he demanded fiercely.

"Humph, Colonel Findlay, you will have your fill
of fighting another time," replied the commander
brokenly. "You young men are rash. To await
the storming of the fort would be to place ourselves
at the mercy of the savages, and I must consider the
women and children who are under my protection.
I can secure better terms from General Brock now
than would be possible later."

" Terms ! Damnation ! " broke out the Ohioan at a
white heat. " We can beat this handful of British on
the prairie. I did not come to the Strait to surren-
der; I came to fight."

Meantime, the white flag floating from the bastion
was greeted by the soldiers, both within and outside
the fort by a cry of amazement, which was quickly
followed by a yell of rage.

At the very moment when they were ready to pour
out their heart's blood for their country, this beloved
country was disgraced.

The troops in the field, upon being ordered to re-
treat, crowded into the enclosure. Many wrenched

: t

■V.''«T»T

5W ^•■•'X

'W'- '■■w;xit

-3TS

scr

172 LOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

apart their muskets or dashed them upon the ground
with such violence as to break them to pieces. Dis-
order reigned.

" A curse upon the traitor ! "

" Death to the coward ! "

Such were the imprecations that assailed General
Hull on every side. Some of the officers and men
wept like children with disappointment, wounded
patriotism, and rage. Kven the spirit of the women
was aroused by the indignity, and. above the din. their
voices were heard protesting in impotent wrath that
the fort should not be given up.

"My God. Labadie." ejaculated Major Anderson
as he snapped his sabre over one of the guns "and
we might have wiped those redcoats out of ex-
istence ! "

"Well provisioned as we were, we could, at the
worst, have held out for days." returned Labadie
gloomily. "The palisade is so strong that the men
had to use tomahawks to open spaces for their
muskets." Thus, without an attempt at defence, with-
out consultation with his officers, did General Wil-
.am Hull, one of the heroes of Stony Point in the
War of Independence, surrender the fort of the
Detroit to an inferior force of not more than a
thousand white men. The number of their red
auxiliaries, however, could not be estimated.

It was high noon. The green boughs of the syca-
mores inside the stockade swayed in the river breeze
but on the prairie the sun beat down on the British'
who. as they caught sight of the shameful white flag
waving from the ramparts, broke into a wild cheer --

'oun-^rr.

-., -,ff- •■!«■> ^(Kiii..

A-. -■-•*«™r" -c,-. .— ■» p^Kntiffioorr-r*™ v-arm.

FHK COMING OF THK REDCOATS 173

a cheer augmented by the blood-curdling whoop of
Indian braves cheated of the joys and cruelties of
savage warfare.

A white man on horseback, whom several of the
watchers on the parapet recognized as Colonel
Proctor, rode to the front and, after much gesticula-
tion, brought the entire force to a halt. Two infantry
officers then stepped forward. Lieutenant Labadie,
to his chagrin, was sent out to meet them. As in
duty bound, he received them with military courtesy,
and conducted them to a marquee erected outside
the gate.

So insolent were the enemy over their easy vic-
tory, that many of the soldiers rushed into the fort
before the capitulation was signed. But, upon the
indignant demand of Colonel Findlay, they were
commanded to retire.

The formalities being completed, General Brock,
mounted, and presenting an imposing appearance
in his resplendent uniform, cantered out upon the
esplanade.

Abreast with him rode a splendid figure that might
almost have been taken for an equestrian statue
endowed with life, for the rider and the red-roan
stallion beneath him seemed cast in one mould. The
Indian warrior, nude to the waist, showed a torso
like polished bronze ; his imperious head was crowned
with eagle's feathers, and his countenance reflected
the courage, dignity, and strength of an extraor-
dinary personality.

Even in their bitter sorrow and rage, the en-
trapped Americans cast covert glances of interest,

«74

•■IV

.1 •!

I-OVE THRIVES IN WAR

allies. ' •'"'"■y P'^Kcantry of his

^__A wo,„an fi„, ,p„k, .^c name in ,hc thoughts of

Though still tearful over the fill of n,„ r .
from feminine euriositv b „. r '""■ P"^^y
learn the wherenbo t of h " baTd" TT ' "'■^'' '°

"Vciy, they had p-shedthr g 'tir: or:-f ;r^-
of ^^^:^^:z:^:^r^z:^'': t?

-- of the Wyando..e3:%°l!7:r :^'
"There, there," continued Laurente "ti,,f -ti

Mademoiselle, that one-eyed doi^ ;, FI.l. .
brother of the Greaf c:u, . , ^ Elskwatavva,

Cecire, as he parsed ""' '^'""^^^^^^ J^"

"And — and — "

Tl.e girl suddenly shrank back in terror, and

i^%

THK COMINC; OF TIIK RKDCOA FS 175

Mndain Snclling, recoil in<r likewise, sou^'lit to screen
her friciul with her own pretty shoulder.

For there among the British, his bhic jacket
covered with gold lace and conspicuous among the
scarlet coats, bareheaded, with a hawk's feather
thrust through his long straight hair, rode James
La Salle.

" Misericorde, I am more afraid than when shot
and shell rained around us," whispered Laurente,
crossing herself. "Let us go home to Dame Ade-
laide's. Pierre and your husband, dear Abigail, will
be sure to seek us there."

" Vcs, we will go," readily assented Abigail, " I
do not wish to see the disarming of our brave sol-
die s. Oh, that we should have lived to witness this
day ! "

Already the American troops were filing out of
the gate in gloomy silence, and those who had not
destroyed their arms, now stacked them on the es-
planade. Rugged faces that never blanched in dan-
ger were wet with tears of agony and disappointment,
as the men saw the glorious banner of freedom
lowered, and beheld given to the breeze the red flag
of England, which they had thought never again to
see floating over the fort of Le Detroit.

The standard was saluted by salvos of artillery
from the batteries on the Canadian shore and those
of the fort. The Queen Charlotte and the brig
Hunter, sailing up the river, discharged their guns
as fast as the crews could load and fire.

The British general, his officers, and the Indian
chiefs had dismounted, but during the thunder of

'76 I-OVK THRIVES IN WAR

cannon. ,1,0 cheers of ,hc soldiery, and the fanfare

Notinc this w,th .some uneasiness. General Itrock
was sc,ze<l with an inspiration.
Approaching Tccumseh. he said —

I „'1?^°'- "' ."!° ■'"'••'"'^"o". ""■» victory over the
Long Kmves. ,s due as much to you as to me. I

Kit of', ", ''?• r"' "" y""' *""°". 'h" 'he
der".^, ° ■m:"*"'"" ^^'"" '"' "™« ^o" >-e ren-

siH^'^ih'at'hr "'""''• 'T "'°'' ""^ ""= "'■' of "'•"-»"
sUk hat he wore, and tied it, in a similar fashion

about the waist of Tccumseh '

The eyes of the other Indian chiefs gleamed with

grat,f,e pride in their ieader, and m!re Tan o e

"Ugh!" """ '° ■•" "''^'''"'°" '" "> -"-Phatic
Kor an instant the great Shawanoe was silent
Then, .nchning his head with a regal grace thaal
emperor might have envied, he replied 1

prele!,"" ' """'' "" ^'"^ ^°'" ^''*" '"' h»

triJmoh"'?,"' *' ""™" '"°^' '""° » 'h""' of
trmmph It was re-echoed a thousand times, as a

whirlwmd of a pra,r,e storm, yelling, firing, seiang
the horses of the surrendered, and despoiling thf
town hke so many fiends. The havoc was, however
presently stayed by Tecumseh, who. too s^ornfuTof
h,s wh,te foes even to wreak his vengeance upon
them, ordered his followers back to the woods

' Americans.

THE COMING OF THK RKDCOATS ,77

i^'l**'.*^'? **'''"'' ''''"' ^^'"2 ^"''^t"'- Colonels Cass
and Mc Arthur arrived with their troops. caRcr for
battle, having been overtaken late the evening before
by the messenger sent to recall them. They had
made all haste, keeping under march throughout the
greater part of the night. The occasional firing
heard from the direction of Detroit led them to sup
pose the fight had begun. When, a short distance
below Sprmg Wells, they were apprised by a fleeing
c.tl^en that General Hull had surrendered, they could
not credit the news, and sent out scouts who brought
back the mformation that it was indeed true

Resolved not to rush into the power of a haughty
foe. they retired to a position near a bridge. Here
they slaughtered an ox. cooked and ate it without
bread or salt. This was their first warm fare since
they had left the town, except when they had dined
on roasted corn and pumpkins, for the expedition
had not been properly supplied.

The meal over, an officer went forward to learn
from the British the terms that had been made, and
to give notice that if unconditional submit ^on was
expected, they would defend themselves. Before the
envoy's return. Colonel Elliott, the English Indian
agent, approached the little band of resolute men
bearing a flag of truce and accompanied by a party
of Indians. He brought a letter from General Hull
stating that the detachment was included in the ca-
pitulation and it must, therefore, report at the fort.

The command was met by curses from the indig-
nant officers and soldiers. But. surrounded by a
savage foe. without provisions, and with a scanty

-Iti'lii^kLi ^

■f^m

Fsmw'F^'

■•ir i.

rv^T

*5v^

178

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

supply of ammunition, it was alike impossible to
retreat through the woods to Ohio, or to overpower
the enemy. Forced to yield, they marched to De-
troit and laid down their arms. Hut Colonel Cass,
stung with mortification, when ordered to give up his
sword, indignantly declined to comply, and, breaking
the blade, threw it away.

-j:fm....^^

CHAPTKR KLKVKXTH
THi: FOkTLFNKS OF WAR

IT was the day after the surrender. In the hvinff-
room of the Brush house. iJamc Adelaide, heavy-
eyed but resolute, stood at the table cutting out from
blue eotton homespun a blouse many sixes too large
for httle Edmond. Slightly withdrawn from the win-
dows, m a position to overlook the street without
be.ng seen, sat Laurente Macintosh and Abigail
Snelhng engaged in sewing upon portions of the
same garment.

Occasionally, indeed, the coarse cloth became to
Madam Snclhng a blue mist and her needle only a
point of hght. but she kept steadily at her task.

Cheer up. Abigail my dear." said Madam
Adela.de at last. " althou^jh Captain Snelling is. like
the other regular officers and men. to be taken a
prisoner of war to Montreal, have you not already
decided to follow him there?"

.hl^V''" ''''''"^^'^ ^'^^ ^'"'^ bride, weakly; "but.
ah. Madam Brush, how happy you should be tha
your husband belongs to the militia, since they are
perm.tted to return to their homes on parole not to
serve again durmg the war. and — "

wiih^rZV' V"t^"P^^^ '^' '"'•^t^^s^ of the house,
with a flash of her accustomed spirit. " his Excel-

i^^Biil^Bi'ftfl

jc. ^"mFSt^T^mWJT^.

€.T

180

I.OVK THRIVKS IN WAR

Icncy General IlttU may have betrayed the army,
even a% the stupiil uU\ ram among the sheep he
bougljt from the nriti\h lately led the flock to be
shorn; but I know more than one American officer
who han neither surrcmlcrcd nor given his parole,
and never will."

Abigail started. An exclamation of surprise rose
to her lips, but she suppressed it, and the eager query
that would have followed.

Colonel IClijah Brush had disappeared, although
during the cannonade he was in command of his
regiment. For whom was Dame Adelaide making
this habitants suit of homespun on which she had
begged to help, to keep from fretting herself ill >
Surely Laurente was a heartless girl, or else how
could she sit there smiling, and sometimes even hum-
ming snatches of a song, when she had not seen her
Jover since the Hritish entered the town.

" Why, Laurente," asked the little bride, abruptly,
" where is Pierre Labadic? "

For a»».-wcr Laurente dropped her sewing and broke
into a peal of mirth.

Observing Abigail's half-piqued, half-wounded ex-
pression, however, she checked her merriment and
said f)cnitcntly, —

" My dearest dear, I should not be frivolous when
you arc sad ! Yet every time I think of what hap-
pened, I am like to die a-laughing. Yesterday after-
noon, when we were returning home after seeing the
British ride in, you broke away from me and ran on,
thinking, no doubt, to meet your husband on the
parade. Our troops were forming in line to be dc-

*„i'.i"

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'HnL'illii.

a" .jiHiii^ 1 1

."•«

%££'!

THE FORIINES OF WAR ,8,

nvcrcci a» prinoncM. and r t.,rncd back, in the hope
of ubtauung a glimpse of I'icrrc. An yuu know, there
was great confunion. for already the redcoats were
ben.nnmg to plunder our More, an.I the officers-
quarter,. I stood near one of the huildini;i «f the
cantonment, ready to ccapc. should Jame. Blue
Jacket chance to appear a^ain. All at .>ncc. a su|.
ilicr pushed pant mc and entered the barrack> I
wa, on the point of crying out. for it wa. I'icrrc
himself. No doubt my good angd held me dumb.
IcelmK that .something of importance was taking
place. I drew off a ittle. lingering as if lost in ad-
m.ration of a yv ag iJr.tish lieutenant stationed
near by.

"Laurcnte. how could you?" exclaimec' .igail
m matronly disapproval of such light condu t '
^^ "But all the while." continued the girl, demurely.
I kept a sidelong glance on the door of the bar-
racks. My watching was not in vain. Presently
out came Pierre carrying an officers trunk on his
shoulders h.s cap down over his eyes, and his face
almost hidden in the shadow of the box Then
quick as a flash. I understood; he was resolved to'
getaway from the fort without giving his parole,
and would have it supposed he was detailed to carry
the trunk. Misc-ricorde, how fast my heart beat • I
knew he had to pass not only my English lieutenant,
but Colonel Fmdlay, who was marshalling the troops "
Uh, my dear, what an ordeal ! And did Mon-
sieur Labadie see you?" inquired Abigail, now all
sympathy, while the click, click, of Madam Brush's
shears went on uninterruptedly.

VT ■

^cn

i»a I.OVK THRIVES IN WAR

•• I think he .IJ.I." rrj„inctJ I.aurcntc, a deprecating
cxpre<i<(jun rtitlinj; over hrr face.

" And wh.it «lid you .lo?"

•• I — oh — I nmilcd. .ind, nnatrhln^' the flower from
my h.iir, threw it to the MnKli.hman. lie laughed
and ciuKht it. which by -pl.iy attracte.l the ^a/e of
Colonel KindUy, .tn<l put hi.n m such a ra^'c that
he bent hi5 eycn on nie m if |,c woul.l have ^tabbe^l
mc with them for beint; no ready to co.ju. t with
the enemy. Vet. ma foi ! was not that just what I
wanted? For. the attention of both the Mrii, J, and
the American .jfTiccr being fixed on me. Pierre
passed unnoticed out of the g.ite."

"And escaped?" exclaimed Abigail. cUMjJng her
hands.

" And escaped, " repeated Laurentc. ti^iimphantly
"Since nothing has been heard ..f him. he must have
safely passed the marquee on the esplanade and gained
the house of some neighbor on the cAte. hy this,
no duubt. he h on his way to j.^in the troops of
Governor Meigs. Still - " and here for the first time
she faltered. ~" I hope he knew I put the flower in
my hair because he likes it .so, and that, but for his
sake, I -vould not have bestowed a second look on
the impudent redcoat lieutenant."

As the girl finished her sto,/. Madam Rrush arrested
her work and approached cnc of the windows.

"See," she cried, "here is Tecumseh coming
down the street. He makes a fine appearance in
that suit of buckskin, with a sworl at his side ! Many
say he is the .son of the noble Sieur Hienville by a
Cherokee wife. Be this as it may, his moderation

WfT'^'W.

pmi 4M'aiifwwi

THK KORrUNKS OK WAR

•«J

•incc he came into the town mlijhl be copied with
advanta^,'c hy h\% white allien."

*• Mc has <iuartcr!t umkr the name roof an General
Brock," siaiil I^urcnte i " and truly the ^jrcat Shawanoe
hat ihown himiclf lew cruel than thin Colonel
Proctor, who ha-* been made Kovtrnor of the fort
and territory "

" Well, well," proceeded Dame Adelaide, turnint;
•way. " I must arouse Wealthy, and bid him hide our
provi!»ion!i from the redcoat sohliers. It seems many
weeks, instead of two days, since your weddini;,
AbiRail, child; but that rascally old negro has not
recovered frc ' ♦'»c cflfcct of the negus in which he
drank to your appincss. Such a coward as he is
tool You know my father gave the slave to me
at my marriage, but I heartily wish I had sent him
back to Strebane before the war began."

Old Wealthy 's convivial habits 'verc in Iced a trial
to his mistress. On returning; her errand, she

admitted that she had found him cr .tdition to aid

Ursule in secreting the stores. As she resumed her
cutting, young Kdmond burst into the room, crying, —

•• Mother, mother, a British ofTiccr and a posse of
soldiers are paying a visit of inspection to every
house. They will be here in a minute."

In the twinkling of an eye. Madam Hrush lifted a
board of the floor, caught the sewing out of the
hands of her guests, thrust it, tog«'ther with every
scrap of the blue cloth, into the opening, and re-
placed the board.

Hardly had she done so, when there came a sharp
rap, as of a sword-hilt or musket, at the house- lor.

■ikm'mTr^m^:

;i.

184 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

Stepping into the narrow hallway, she threw open
the door, but the next moment started back with an
exclamation of surprise ; for there stood Colonel
Proctor himself.

That any one could disconcert Madam Adelaide
neither Laurente nor Abigail would have believed
possible ; yet now she was certainly strangely agitated
and white to the lips. ^

LucKily. the harsh English colonel ascribed her
perturbation only to a wholesome awe inspired by
nis visitation. '

"Madam." he began tersely, "finding that the
citizens have not obeyed my order to surrender their
arms, I am going the rounds to make sure that
every mu.ket and sabre is given up. Have you
anything of the kind in the house?"

Madam Adelaide's self-possession returned as she
laced the overbearing governor.

The reaction from her late ' domestic exaspera-
tion caused her eyes to twinkle with humor, as she
replied with mock humility, purposely addressing the
doughty colonel by a title above his due, -

" Well, general, I must acknowledge that I have
oue British piece."

_'What a field-piece?" he asked, astonished.

Then I daresay it is the small brass cannon taken
from our troops at Saratoga, which I have heard is
one of the treasures of the fort."

In anticipation he already heard the acclamations
that would greet the discovery of so rare a prize
^^ '' It has seen service in the field," asserted the lady ;

of what use it is now, I leave you to judge "

THE FORTUNES OF WAR 185

So saying, she led the way through the house to
a shed at the rear of the kitchen, where, upon a
heap of straw, sat Wealthy, just awakened from his
drunken slumber.

♦• There, your Excellency," said Dame Adelaide,
pointing to the old negro, whose eyes grew round
with terror at sight of the redcoats, " there is the
British piece of which I told you, — a black whom
I would gladly send across the river where he
belongs."

Before she finished speaking, however. Colonel
Proctor broke into a volley of expletives, to the effect
that he was not in the slave trade. And thuii, as with
an explosion of musketry and a trail of red fire, he
beat a retreat, leaving the Yankee officer's high-
spirited wife, mistress of the situation.

After the surrender, the French militia who lived
along the cdte du nord, to the east and west of the
fort, went back to their pipe-stem farms ; and, being
thus assured of the protection of husbands and
fathers, the women and children who had taken refuge
in the schoolhouse at Spring Wells ventured to re-
turn to their despoiled homes.

Although " Le bon P5re Richard " was so cheerful
through it all, he had been hard pressed to provide
for them during the trying days when they were so
suddenly cast upon his hospitality; while with so
many lives in his keeping, his responsibility had been
great.

Now his anxiety for the safety of his flock was
for the time relieved, and he found himself on

i 4

» r

I86

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

the church premises with only his youthful clerk
and major-domo Isadore, who followed him about,
lamenting the loss of one thing after another which
had been carried off or destroyed, either by the sol-
diers or the redskins.

At last Father Richard came to his own cabin,
a^ small two-roomed log-house with an out-kitchen.
Kntcring it alone, he saw, as he anticipated, that his
little study had been sacked. But Walk-in-thc-
VVater, the old chief, had sent his son Shkotai.^ to
turn the raiders, white an J red, out of the house.
Was the young brave in time?

The priest passed on quickly to the inner room.
It was as he left it, except that his desk had been
rifled. This was not the work of savages ! Still, he
could afford to smile. For their pains, the plun-
derers had secured only a few Spanish pistareens,
the silver small coins current in the territory and of
the value of a British sixpence.

He glanced eagerly beyond the broken writing-box,
to a corner where, covered with a patchwork counter-
pane, was a frame, ostensibly a rude couch.

Ah, it was not disturbed. Shkotai, his former
pupil, had been vigilant.

Almost tenderly Pere Richard turned back the
coverlid. Thus might a miser have taken a surrep-
titious look at his hoarded gold. To the ascetic celi-
bate whose heart was set on higher things, it was
as great a joy to find his one earthly treasure
unharmed.

After his duty to God, to his spiritual children, he
* The Firebrand.

t'*'

THE FORTUNES OF WAR

187

loved his printing-press. There it stood, untouched.
Beside it lay a yellowed printed sheet, — a number
of the first newspaper of the territory, the " Michigan
Essay," which he founded three years before, but was
forced to discontinue, because each reader expected
the compliment of a free copy.

The press was a clumsy affair, built almost entirely
of wood, and on the same model as the structure at
which Franklin worked in his apprentice days.
Nevertheless, the priest rested his long bony hand
caressingly upon it.

How many days and nights of planning it had cost
him ! How much patience in accumulating the coin
to pay for it, since not a pistarecn could be laid by
until every demand of justice and charity is satis-
fied ! And when the sum was finally assured, and
the order sent, what an undertaking to have the
machine transported over the mountains from Balti-
more, and up Lake Erie! What an achievement
when it was here at last, the wonde» of the whole
region! The only printing-press in the Northwest,
— a power for the dissemination of knowledge; a
champion of liberty by which the utterances of patri-
otic men might be repeated many thousands of times,
might live when their ringing voices were silence!
forever ; an influence for good or evil as might be,
for good, as should be in this instance ; an educator
of the people and a guardian of their rights. For,
although the newspaper was defunct, special intel-
ligence and many public documents were printed on
the press.

While PSre Richard remained lost in his pleasinf*

i !

i;f

188 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

rcvery, which was but a moment's respite from the
cares of his daily life, a small cloud, like a mammoth
lacrosse ball, rolled along the wagon-trail that con-
nected Spring Wells with the fort.

Betimes, out of the dust emerged a mounted
British dragoon. He checked his speed as he
approached the house, and just as Isadore. with
callow curiosity, rushed around from the kitchen
fearful of missing anything there was to be seen

" I wish to find the cure ; can you tell me where he
lives? demanded the soldier, cavalierly.

The youth was spared the trouble of replyinc
for straightway P^-re Richard appeared to answer for
himself.

"I am the cure," he said; "what is wanted
of me?

"Aw ! •• ejaculated the dragoon, unfolding a sheet
of blue foolscap paper, and handing it to the priest,

well, Mister Cur^. General Brock orders that you
pnnt this upon your press, and circulate it as widely
as possible ; he will defray the cost."

Then, without waiting for assent or inquiry he
wheeled his horse, and was off again to the fort

Mechanically the priest went back to his room and
sat down on the bench by the window. Mechani-
cally he glanced at the document.

It was a copy of the articles of capitulation, — the
terms of the surrender of Detroit.

Aroused to indignation by the very sight of the
galling lines. Father Richard started to his feet and
stood before the printing-press.

His flashing eyes caught sight of a tomahawk

i .

:.iti:i^

J/-

'•V^^

THE FORTUNES OF WAR 189

which Shkotal. VValk-in-thcWatcr's son. had left on
the bench. He took it up. How dared tlic British
commander insult him ! Was he not an American
citizen, loyal to his heart's core to the country that
received him when he fled from France, an exile of
the Terror? Had he not declared to Colonel Proctor
that such a document should never be printed on
his press? Had he not defied the general to his
face? Yes, he would destroy the press.

He raised the tomahawk. Another instant, and a
vigorous blow would have shattered frame and
rollers.

Fortunately, however, a second thought stayed
his uplifted arm. It fell limp at his side, and the
hatchet dropped with a sharp noise to the floor.

"May God forgive me! " he exclaimed in French,
his stern conscience stricken with compunction.
" Not every impulse that seems good is immediately
to be followed, nor is the contrary to be rejected.
I have taken too great satisfaction in this poor
machine and whatever it may have accomplished
here at the Strait. I thought the burning words I
flung at the insolent Proctor sprang from the purest
patriotism, but now I fear there was in them some-
thing of the heat of passion. The Lord has humbled
me, by making the object of my pride the means of
my chastisement. No, I will not destroy the press."
He stood before it, with hands lightly interlaced
and bowed head, as though accepting a just sentence.
His lips moved in prayer, and a deep scar on his
left cheek showed white against the slight flush that
suffused his usually pallid countenance.

IQO

LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

f ■•t *

■■'■ )J'

The scar had a history. During the Revolution in
France, Gabriel Richard, the young priest of St.
Sulpicc, was proscribed by Robespierre, and a
gendarme entered his room to arrest him. He
escaped through a window ; but, as he fled, a " trico-
teusc " ' flung after him a Sevres coffee-pot, obtained
from th. looting of a palace. Had the aim of the
fury been better, his life might have ended then
and there. Hut, missing his temple, the missile
struck his cheek with such force that the coffee-pot
was broken to pieces, inflicting a wound whose mark
would always remain.

Here to-day, in his rude log-house on the American
prairie, the soft sound of the wind as it blew through
the open door was like a long sigh. It was suc-
ceeded by a tense stillness. The active mind of the
priest ran on. He shifted his position, and a light
leaped again into his dark eyes as a new thought
dominated him.

'• No, I will not break this wonderful mechanism,
for it may still have a mission," he said aloud. " In
submitting to the order I have received, may I not
be an instrument of the providence of God? The
British commander thinks by means of the press to
spread the glory of his triumph ; it is more like to
be a factor in his defeat. Where is the American,
whether of Yankee or crcolc origin, but when he sees
the news of this infamous surrender set forth in
glaring type, will find his heart fired anew with zeal
for his country's honor! A priest should not favor
warfare. Yet, since Detroit was gained without a
* One of the knitting-women of the Reign of Terror.

THE FORTUNES OF WAR iqi

battle, surely it is well to pray that the British may
be driven back across the river by a victory as blood-
less and more reputable. The mi<,'ht of the sword is
great, but the power of the press is greater. More-
over, • ce Monsieur Hrock ' may be a brave man. but
Proctor is a bully, and I '11 warrant he can run."

The days passed. For a month the river was dotted
with canoes and dugouts engaged in transferring the
captured stores from Detroit to Fort Maiden. The
American commander, his officers, and troops were
taken north, and Captain Snclling's young bride was
permitted to follow the adverse fortune of her
husband.

Pretentiously, General Hull had once boasted
that he would go through Montreal playing Yankee
Doodle. The British now resolved he should keep
his word. Accordingly, as the surrendered troops
entered the city, before Hull's carriage marched a
full military band, playing the air in derision. Nath-
less the jest was in such bad taste that a prominent
officer left the ranks in chivalrous indignation.

When the procession reached Nelson's monument,
the escort uncovered their heads, but the prisoners
of war did not, of course, salute. Angered at this, a
militia captain made a motion to knock off Captain
Snelling's hat.

" At your peril, touch me ! " cried Snelling, and
the redcoat evidently thought it best not to annoy
the Yankee officer farther.

In Detroit, meanwhile, the brutal Proctor winked
at the depredations and outrages constantly com-
mitted by the Indians and his soldiers, — offences

192 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

which ranged from petty theft to murder. With the
exception of the French residents and a few officials,
every man known to have been prominent in the
American cause was paroled and deported.

The savages brought in many captives from the
frontier of Ohio, - soldiers, peaceful settlers, women
and children. All were bareheaded, and some of
them were nearly nude, having been robbed even
of their clothing. The personification of misery and
want, they were forced to sleep on the ground, under
the open sky, or in unclean wigwams, and during the
day were led around the streets by their red captors
m the hope of ransom. Nor was their mute appeal
m vam. for the already impoverished townspeople
moved to compassion by their sufferings, by strenu-
ous effort and personal sacrifices, bought fhe freedom
of these prisoners. The women too, with Madam
Brush and Dame Labadie in the lead, and Laurente
as an efficient assistant, gave their time to making
garments for the unfortunates, and often a housewife
who had no money left, traded blankets and clothing
to rescue some poor little child brought to her door
by a drunken redskin.

The early frosts whitened the prairies; St. Martin's
t.de, the bright afterglow of summer, faded like the
last roseate and amber clouds of the sunset. A thin
ice began to form at the river edge ; there came a
flurry of snow, and the dark, cold evenings of late
November set in.

Old Wealthy, admonished by his mistress' threat to
deliver him ove.- to the British, had not touched
negus nor "English milk " (rum) for many weeks

THE FORTUNES OF WAR ,93

NcvcrthclcHs. his ebony countenance often wore
a dazed expression, and he frequently announced
that the house of Klijah Hrush was haunted. How
else account for the strange tread sometimes heard in
the hvmg-room at night. - the strange step, so hkc
the master's footfall on the stair?

In vain Dame Adelaide declared the wood of a
new house was apt to creak, and bade him not to
frighten the children. He only shook his head and
persisted that. " De Red Dwarf done cotched Massa
Urush. sartain sure, and his haunt done come to
warn de missus."

Once the colonel's little daughter started up from
sleep, crying out that she heard her father's voice.
Several nights afterwards, redoubtable Kdmond.awak-
enmg to find the loft lonely and fancying his mother
was below in the living-room, longed, like many
another embryo hero, to 1 .e his courage bolstered
up by her assurance that all was well.

Possessing himself of a stout stick with which to
combat the shadows, he set oflTto join her. guided by
a cold ray of moonlight that shone through a window
at the foot of *he stairs.

A few m)ments later, a piercing scream rang
through the house. Immediately the living-room
grew dark, where, an instant before, a light had
glimmered, and the household, hurrying with flick-
ering candles to the hallway, beheld Madam Brush,
in nightcap and bedgown, bending over the insensible
form of her young son, who, reviving, declared he
had come face to face with his father's ghost.
The very next evening, as it happened, Laurente

194

LOVE THRIVKS IN WAR

r >

Macintosh remained up late to finish the revamping
of a pair of hose of goodly size which her hosteM
was inexplicably eager to have completed.

As she sat alone in the living-room, chancing to
raise her eyes from the knitting, she shuddered Invol-
untarily, for opposite to her in the doorway stood, not
an apparition surely, but Colonel Elijah Brush in the
flesh.

"ZoundH, Laurcnte, is it you? I expected to find
my wife here," he said, coming forward into the room,
since further attempt at concealment was useless as
far as this young guest was concerned. " Luckily,
you are too brave a girl to cry out atsi^htofa hunted
man who. what with being buried alive for three
months in the gloom of a wet cellar, and with bones
racked by fever, has become verily the ghost of him-
self. Where is Dame Adelaide? "

•• I will go in search of her ; and, when I am gone,
blow out the light, I beg of you," entreated the girl.
As she reached the door, however. Madam Brush
appeared upon the scene, laden with a hamper covered
by a square of white damask, from beneath which
were visible the necks of two stout glass bottles.
She betrayed no surprise that Laurcnte shared her
secret Perhaps the knowledge was a relief to her
overburdened heart. In any case. Colonel Brush
gave her no time to ask questions.

He had stood warming himself before the fire, and
now catching up one of the bottles from the basket,
he put it to his lips.

"Ha! h'm, this old ' eau de vie' will banish the
ague," he exclaimed, as he set it down at last and

THE FORTUNES OK WAR „j

to om,.„ here lunger »i.l„„„ ji,c„,J^^y, '";■•„;' J^'^

c ir iM""' ""•"" "'•'"'•"« "< "•> lin-b win
_.. mu« be w,.hou, delay. , „„ ,,„, Jj ,„ ^,;;;-

Tear, welled up ,„ „,e bravc eye. of the wife h,.,
she answered steadily,— '' ''"'

"e'aI,e'"'l',T""'''f'' '^'"■'' ""'' '"" '•'•^""-' f->our
escape. It heinij Si. Andrew's ni.-lit I m „lr ■■ h i

of neBus, and told Kd.ond to e.^r,; i to e , n^d

ine men are not Scots, mdeed ; but a soldier seldom
o r " e2 ' "\ '"'" ''"""■ ■•^'•"•"".Mi^n

wi.o„.e.cit4.l::i;ij:;:::;"C"V^y.rb:

sharp m such matter, I The child think, in fact
to get away. By now, thank, to the stiffness of th!

cri:;ti:,rr:^';r:«°^-°"''°'"

when he ha, the cou„;:rsi,„"!! """'"'''■ "^"'""^

i.rLtlconic:;;."""'''-'" "'" •"'"'"^^^'^ Elijah

'■Is St. Andrew," replied Madam Adelaide,
vo,. ™>'^S'"''» disguise, made in the hope that
you m,ght get away in the summer, would gfve you

i I

".*'

I9<5

I.OVE THRIVKS IN WAR

poor scrvit c now," she athlcil with a %lmw of cheer-
fulness; " but I have one ilut will <iuit you better."

Sliding i»f)cn a panel of the wall. »hc took from the
preM formed by the opening a blanket coat, a fur
cap, and gloves of beaver-nkin.

The fugitive arrayed himself for th** ourney,
finishing his supper between times.

With trcmblinj; hands, Laurcntc helped to put to-
gether a small packet of clothing and provisions, and
tied them up in a blue homespun handkerchief.
When all else was ready, Madauj Hrush drew forth
from the secret press a knitted silk purse whose
meshes showed several gold coins, and a brace of
small firearms.

Khjah Hrush accepted the purse silently, but his
countenance lighted up as he thrust the pistols into
his belt.

"Zounds, Adelaide, you contrived cle "i' - to keep
them," he crietl, in admiration of her powers of re-
source. " Truly you arc the wife for a soldier ! "

Therewith, the matter-of-fact colonel stole an arm
around Dame Adelaide's ample waist, and imprinted
upon her handsome check a kiss more ardent per-
haps than he had bestowed upon her since the time
of their courtship. For in those days, life was hard
and practical, and any demonstration of affection
unusual and unexpected.

Taking the bundle from Laurcnte, the colonel
saluted her finger-tips with gallant courtesy. Losing
her composure, Madam Brush clung to him.

"May God bless you, my husband, ar J bring you
back to your home some happy day," she sobbed.

,'1.

THK KORTrNKS OK WAR ,<j.

He kUicd her ajjain, and. quietly opening the
hotMcUoor, went out. It wa« ab..ut two o'clock in
the morning.

Hi* wife did not dare to watch him out of sight.
Cloiing the door, she extinguished the candli » on the
living-room tabic.

Then .she and l.aurcntc crept away, not to sleep
but during the long hour., and for many dayn and
nights afterward., to follow the wandcrtr with their
thoughts and prayers. No word from him came to
the devoted wife. All she knew was. that since he
was not stopped by the sentries, or brought back by
Proctor's scouts, he nust have succeeded in getting
away through the woods.

0|**' w*-

<aMi %~l»PSiL3PqS'

' •3^:;' M

CHAPTER TWELFTH
A LOVER'S MESSAGE

THE Christmas holidays passed with little merri-
ment. As usual, however, on the eve of the
Jour de I'An " the d'Ignolee or masqueraders went
their rounds from house to house, demanding the
p.oce o ''ehignee- (pig's tail), whieh every family
reserved for them, together with a few simple gift.
to be distributed among the poor.

The Strait was ice-bound, exceptfor a narrow gray
tide where the current was strongest, bordered by
wide frozen fields that once had been a gleaming
sea. The pra.nes were vast tracts of untrodden
snows All travel was either along the almost ob-
literated wagon trail that led to Sprinr^ Wells or
upon the smooth, hard road-bed of the ''river ice

The month of January was more than half over
when one afternoon, as Laurente Macintosh stepped
out of Madam Brush's house, prepared for a prom-
enade m the town, she saw Wealthy, the black,
hobbling up the street as fast as his rheumatic limbs
could cany him.

"Oh. little mam'selle. stop a minute!" he called
gesticulating with both arms; " ole Wealthy 's got a
message to transfer to you."

So grotesque was liis appearance that L- .rente
broke into a gay laugh.

' -' i.

•^^-^ /

A LOVER'S MESSAGE ,99

"Oh, little mam'seile," he repeated, as, short of
breath, he --t last reached her side, •'some one
what dor, iuo6 ynn h i^ sighin" like one ob de Savo-
yard's b ^ iron siovr., an' all for de sight ob your
pretty fa.u-. I U- scr ds you word to say he '11 be in
the proximity ob ue Labadie farm 'bout sundown,
an' he hopes no misfortune will resent his seeing
you." **

Laurente laughed again, while her spirits mounted
higher and higher.

" You are not far wrong, Wealthy," she said. " Of
late, fortune has seemed rather to resent our past
happiness. But how is it that you bring mc this
strange message, — what have you seen?"

"A sight for sore eyes, ma Sugar Honey," chuckled
Wealthy, unclosing his clenched fist and extending
his hand toward her.

In his dark palm lay one half of a shining yellow
pistole.

The girl drew back astonished. In the first days of
the American occupation of the territory, the larger
gold and silver Mexican pieces were often cut into
halves and quarters to eke out the supply of small
coin. But where had the grizzled slave obtained this
gold?

" One ole Wyandotte squaw done gib it to me " he
explained glibly. " She done mak' me swar by de
Red Dwarf to bring you de message wid all perdi-
tion. So here I is, come as straight as de road
runs."

"Did s..e mention no name?"

"No, little mam'selle," answered Wealthy, hugging

V T, I

W ^#f

; ■"■, "issS" ». J

ll(

U^ ^'f .

20O

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

the com to his breast. ■■ But yaller posies hk' dis
yere a,„ t nebber been known to .-row wild; 1^,2
a g an gemman „b de rigl,, sort, or a f„o , 'ud so v
gold half-pistoles in dc woods."

Or<linarily Laurente would have persisted in her
.nqu,r,es would have refleeted, and taken eounsel o

lurther. Hut Dame Adelaide >vas gone to care for
a sick ehild a. the other end of the town

The g.rl was lonely, and weary with longing and
"■a.t,„g for news of her lover. She had heard ^.oth-
mg of hn„ smce the day of the surrender of Detroit
five months ago, when he shouldered a trunk and
walked out of the gate of the stoekade. wt but
he eould have sen. the half-pistole to Wealthy with
.nstrucons to let her know he was in the viein^ y ?

There was m Pierre's nature more of the generous
" noblesse obhge " of his French forbear, the Chevalier
Labad,e Se.gneur de la ChausseliJ-re, than of he

no. at all The f "'T^r "'' ''^'"^' """'''<='' •■"
not at all The friends of a proscribed man do not

tnan Jiint at his return.

"He would be at the Labadie farm." The words
meant plainly, that, if she would go down to visit the
Labadies. she would there find her soldier lover

wZni '""" M ' '^""^' '^^' ^'■^"Sht the message?
Wealthy could not tell. But the Indian women were
^.endly to the whites, and especially to the Frelch
How many a gallant " pale face " did they save from
the stake, or the almost equally cruei death by

^ \

Wk' ^ -^/:^;v

A LOVER'S MESSAGE

201

the gauntlet during these wars between their own

doubt th,s Wyandotte had proved herself a friend to

Laurente was well satisfied, nevertheless, with the
blaek s assurance that the stranger was not young
As they grew older, the daughters of the forest

to'neT' T^U "' 'r'""' -^^"^^ °' ''^"^^' -d ^J'rill-
oned. But how often had the dark beauty of an

m the heart of the white captive a sentiment so much

sTcefr !'";•'"'':;'' ''"'' '""'^^^^"^ by their sweet
sorcery, he hngered. content with his adoption as a
warrior of her tribe. '• ai> a

,hn"'t,"?'u"'°"' f-^" ^^harp pa„g„f jealousy a, sh.

"Wealthy, fetch my snowshocs," she commanded.

shoes andT ''."' ;"'° ""= ''°"^^' •'^-S'" »'" "-e
sh«s, and strapped them on her httlc fur-encased

"Wealthy," she said, taking a few steps to test them
when Madam Brush returns, tell her I have goneTo
v.s,t Mademoiselle Catishe Labadie, The waylLfe
eno"gh, since the redskins, having stolen nearly all
we possessed, have betaken themselves elsewhere
and .he BHtish soldiers do not care to risk a mee ing
w.tl Jean Bapt.ste on the c8te. Say that if I am no°
back by mghtfall, I will thank her to let you come
for me with the cariole."

nelt'-T- ''■""'• '""'" ''"'"'''" agreed the old
n<=gro , Time is not tied to a post like a horse to de

202

LOVE THRIVKS IN WAR

This point being decided, Laurente set out boldlv
The Bnt.sh had built a pahsade around the t;wn bu;
the gates stood open during the day. The French
and Yankees still permitted to reside within the boun
dancs or along the margin of the river, were wont to
pass in and out at will.

She was, therefore, soon speeding along on her
s^^owshoes toward Spring Wells. Mer heaft thrilled
w. h happ.ness at the anticipation of so soon seeing
v^tjioy ^"^--^'"g^ -emed in accord

form.'!"?""'^'"'* '^" ^"°-^°-<^^ed prairie was trans-
fo med to a scene more splendid than that historic
field wh.ch a French king caused to be carpeted w^
cloth of gold m honor of his royal brother of F^ng-
fro" ; ^^^'■"5S:ed orchard-trees, wreathed witn hoar-
frost, might be compared to gaunt, dark warriors
decked w.th necklaces of wampum and silver chain
The snowbirds, tiny, feathered " coureurs-de-bois "
congregated now here, now there, in some sheltered

s thetTf"' ^"^^^'^P-S with as gay an abandon
as the care-free Creole ranger of the woods. -

"That wild troubadour, with his joy-loving crew.
Who sings as he paddles his birchen canoe
And thinks all the hardships that fall to his lot
Are richly made up at the platter and pot."

A long walk lay before Laurente. and in her eager-

started. Now, engrossed by pleasant thoughts, she

A LOVER'S MESSAGE

203
did not remark that the sunlrnhf «« *u

Hrie, bade faiAost:: '• ^/^S^'lui;:™"','-^'''^
fleecy clouds. ^^ ^ ^°''^0" of

The deepening shadows could not rom,-
heeded, however, and presentlv fL , ^ " """
with dismay that the on I ^ ^"'' ''"scovercd

.•". and she'iad t I'ln^^r"'''''^^^^
Labadie homestead "^ ""'' '° ^^^^^' '^ '^^^

She strove to hurry on hnt fl,« o*
snowshocs was ioos/ ""P "^ ""'= °' <•"

She stood erct v^c ^^

rK.,-n« at run .„r:p i:Ve7o:;:^::vr ^^r

course .t was Pi„re coming .0 meet her °^

Her pulses quickened; she felt the h„, .j ,
crimson mounting to her brow I , "^

hands to her breast i^ ,„ . •' " "'"'P"^ ^"
her emotion n .u '"«'""'« <^«'ort to control

».th het won, "c rrher""""":"' """"' ''''"' ^
again, " Lauren.e, I Ze /ou •■ ''^ """=• """"' "^

anlVcI*;! "^''""' '"' "'''^^ ^ -">- -cond seemed

:sj>' -TliffipX irSiL 'H

Li'tSiffe

204

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

a horse and rider, who bore down upon her so
rapidly that, as she peered at him through the dusk,
she grew bewildered and alarmed.

Alas, this was not I'icrrc ! Of what folly she had
been guilty in coming alone to the cAtc !

Cruelly had she been decoyed. This rider in a
dark .•'urtout and blanket cloak, who scorned a chapeau
and wore a hawk's feather in his long black hair, was
the man of whom she was as much afraid as of Te-
cumseh and all his hosts, — the creolc with a strain
of the Indian nature, La Salle.

The spectre of ff'ar seemed to clutch her by the
throat and rendered her dumb.

As she attempted in vain to call for aid, the horse-
man was beside her. Without dismounting or even
coming to a halt, he caught her up before him and
thrust a gag into her mouth. By a motion as swift,
he drew a kr.ifc from his belt and cut the thongs of
her snowshoes, freeing her feet of them.

Then he whispered a word in his horse's car, and
the spirited animal bounded away, swift as the wind.

Laurente had fainted from terror. When she came
to herself, it was to realize, in an agony of apprehen-
sion, that, mute and helpless, she was being carried
away toward Frenchtown by James Blue Jacket.

More appalling than harshness, too, was the tender-
ness in his voice, as he said, in French, with a gruttural
laugh, —

" Ah, ha, Pahweetah, my r rctty snowbird, you
were easily snared. But do not fear. Have I not
often told you that I love you? I shall not leave
to the Long Knives, the Saganoth, or the French

fi, ,

i.li

ij 2

''■js^BSB'^K-m''^i Mmt

li i

A LOVERS MESSAGE 205

any right to i .kc yo„ from mc. You shall be bound
to mc by all the laws of church ami territory. I am
brmging you to my Indian mother; she will guard
you wr'l. I will not inflict my presence upon you,
but I will have P^re Richard intercepted in his mis-
sion rounds by a party of braves, and brought down
Y I^rcnchtown to marry us. As the wife of Hh.e
J :ket you shall be. not only a forest princess, but
the first lady of the town of the Strait."

"Cod help me!" mentally ejaculated the girl, as
she shrank from her captor. Her eighteenth birth-
day was now passed. She might legally marry with-
out the permission or contrary to the wishes of her
father if she so willed. La Salle had only to gain her
assent to h.s plan. Ah. but that she would never give '
She madly longed that some supernatural power
might cause her to shrivel up, or change her into a
bird or a squirrel that she might escape away from
him. Since no guardian spirit of the wilderness
mtcrvc d to save her, she would fain cast herself
from the horse galloping along at extraordinary
speed. Oh, if she could but tear the gag from her
mouth and scream for succor! She strove to free
her hands; but La Salle caught and held them more
firmly. Then, with another triumphant laugh, bend-
ing down, he covered her brow and cheeks with
kisses, every one of which was like an arrow in her
heart.

She turned away her face. Now she blessed the
gag. since it shielded her lips, which no lover but
Pierre had ever pressed, — Pierre who was to be her
husband.

»o6 I.OVK THRIVKS IN WAR

.n^Klo ,.nU.r w„„l., b... call for.l, a„„,„er ,J"a
car.,,. She culd only remain ,,a„ivc, and con-
.n.,c- ,o ,,r.,y r„r ddivorancc. Oh.'whcrc wa, ric"
- "I I.C no, hear her ,„,.r, appc... ,o hin, , Ih " "h
h. n.y„er,„.„ a«c„cy by which .he though,, nf ,h^,c
who love are ,on,e,i,„e, ,ransmi„od from one o "l e
o^cr ,o the annihil.„ion of ,ime and ,pacc, did !
not know how greatly ,he needed the prot c.ion of
hi, strong arm and fai,hfi.l hear,?

She wa, indeed like a Mmwbir.l in ,hc rough cla,p
of the fowler „r a tender wind-flower rudely pluckeS
from the pra.rie in ,he early spring. '

I.m.p. and apparently lifeless, she leaned forward
upon tlu- hor . neck. A, least she was no Xd
of .h,s beautiful Sans Souei, wl,.,n, she had o t^fed
«..h apples and m.aple sugar in the day, before s^e
grew to fear La Salle.

conlrr «^ rT' f ""= '■"^' » ^''S'" «n5e of

comfort. She felt San, Souci quiver beneath the

ouch of her throbbing and tired head. A Vubtle

yn-pathy seemed established between the two you„'

creatures whom Blue Jacket loved with all his'fiercf

hear, yet to both of whom he had been on more than

one occasion most cruel.

La Salle did not attempt to raise Lanrente from
the position she thu, chose. He thought she had
swooned again and was content, since she no longer
fought for her liberty. longer

. 5^"^^ '"^'■^ ^^ ^Poke to Sans Souci. Whatever the
influence exerted by the desolate girl upon the se"

iL-,Mi. 4 '" Mfdi# -lAtt.^.

ir#j..

A LOVER'S MKSSACJE ,07

iltivc nature of the spirited ani.ral. the word of the
master must be obeyed.

(Wdrushc.1 the marc down the fro.en Strait.
Had not Hh.e Jacket been known to boast. un,|cr the
potent spell of the ■Mu.ucurdep^che/' that hU

^:;; wider- '' ^ '^""' "•'^^* •" ^'^ •- •• ^-n»/

The orchar.N and farmhouses of the cite ha.l lone
been left far behind; the n.ists b.^an to roll awa^
akM.n In the wide prairie of the sky shone forth
te,,„nous constellations. Orion. Cassiopeia. Ursa
Major and Mmor.- which the Indians believed to

grounds "'"' ""^^-'"^ "' ''' ^^•'^'^^'''' '-"^'"«-
The Krcat comet, the Arm of Tecumseh. was no

longer to be seen in the heavens. The siu'n had
disappeared, because the day of the princely leader
was come. Had not the British General Brock re-
turned to Montreal ; and what was IVoctor but the tool
of he Spnngmg Panther of the Shawanoes? So
sa.d the warriors of the many nations of redmen
known^ to be still gathered in the vicinity of Fort

So rejected the almost despairing prisoner, as she
was bnme over the dreary waste whose silence was
broken only by the thud of the mare's hoofs on the
•ce. Oh. If th.s treacherous ice road would but
yawn beneath them, and engulf horse, and rider, and
helpless captive in one com- on doom ! Yes. death
would set her free.

But now. as if to deprive her of this last chance of
freedom, and dreading the fate which she would

^fj

ao8 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

have wdcomccl. La Sille turnrd from the river In
rc«,)on^e to the rein. San* So,,ci daihecJ acrott the
frozen twamp below the nalt »k.1, of the Wyandotte
vlllaRc. and gained the trail that bordered the lower
Strait.

From the ea^c with which the pony followed the
road, it wan evident that lure the nnow was well trod-
den. A body of troopH must have recently pawed
thiH way.

Sann Souci xtill kept up her wonderful pace. But
Laurentc awoke fn.m her stupor of misery, with
«cnse» alert. Thr plain secme.l le^ desolate. Surely
a hornc was approachiriij fr«,m the .)pp(„ite direction !

The Rirl was so |f,nK inanimate that La Salle had
involuntarily relaxed his vice-like grasp upon her
hands. F.ndin,: them released, she stealthily tugged
at the Ra^. and succectled in loosening it.

Nearer came the swift hoofs, nearer, until, under
the starlight, she saw a dark mass like a shadow
svvccpmg eastward over the prairie in Uluc Jacket's
very path.

Was it a spectral steed, or some h.nbitant's racer
stolen by Le Lutin. the horned goblin of the c6te for
h.s wild flight through the night? Laurentc made
the sign of the cross upon her breast Were the
solitary rider the Red Dwarf himself, she would be-
seech him to save her from James La Salle.

At the latter's sharp command, Sans Souci altered
her course in order to give the traveller a wide
field.

Was Laurcnte to lose the opportunity of rescue
apparently almost Miraculously offered to her?

■ himi-..

-j-iijB' f

■afi

A LOVKR- MKSSAdK ,09

Hy a Urnpcralc cm.rt. tcarinL' away Hie ear* .hn
shrickc.l aloud fur help. ^ ^ ^*^' '^"^

Such mniht have teen the u.iil „f the lo,t bride
carr.ed off fro.n her bnde«roo.„ by the aL, .^^
Loup Garou.

U Salle muttered a deep cur.e. and. pinioning
»«.H prisoner H arm,. thr„.t tlu- hamlkerehuf into her
mouth once more.

The other traveller had already turned and he now
Kave chase to the flee in^j creole.

Fleet an was Sans Souci. nhe could nut |„n^ keen
.M adv.,nce of the pursuer, and the two orsen were
soon abreast.

.\l:v7T')u"' r"""' ''"'''■""'■• "''''' «"^'n'entcd than
allay, I by the d.scovery that the Htran^'cr was an
In.l.an. feather-crested and arrayed in all the redman's
trappings of war.

La Salle to halt. but. instead of complying', the h tter
drcvvhis p..stol Uurente felt the cold steel against
wouUl.''''' ^^"^''^^Coingtokillher? She hopeu he

In another instant there was a blindinjj flash, a
sharp report. No. she was not hurt. Inn, n,ani!
fcstly .t was to be a duel to the death between Blue
Jacket and his antagonist for the custody of the white
captive. The brave was aLso armed with one of the
weapons of the pale-face, and now it "spoke with
fire pe emptorily. yet wide of the mark, for La Salle
was un wounded.

Laurente would willingly have cast herself within
the range of the bullets. Hut even had she not been

«4

_€. \m.

210

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

deterred by an intuitive knowledge that suicide is
never justifiable, Blue Jacket held her fast, and wheeled
the mare round and round, while he kept his own
shoulder and strong arm ever as a shield before her.

His shot had told, for the left arm of the savage
hung useless. Enraged, the Indian fired again, with-
out eflfect, being evidently unaccustomed to the white
man's weapon. Having exhausted its power, he flung
it away, and, winding his long legs about the body
of his horse, uttered a blood-curdling whoop.

At the same moment the animal plunged forward,
carrying its savage rider brandishing r *-)mahawk.

Laurentc closed her eyes. Surely this was the end !

But La Salle had discharged only one barrel of
his pistol, and, when his opponent rode at him with
the raised hatchet, his second shot sent the Indian
reeling backwards. The redman's grip upon his horse
relaxed ; he fell to the ground. A convulsive shudder
passed over his stalwart frame ; then it grew horribly
still, and he lay, apparently dead, upon the prairie.

James La Salle had shown that after all he pos-
sessed a degree of the courage and horsemanship of
the Shawanoe chief from whom he claimed descent ;
while Sans Souci had nobly demonstrated the spirit
and intelligence of the breed of half-Mexican, half-
Norman ponies that were the pride of French-Canada.
Nevertheless she quivered in every nerve with ex-
citement, and Laurente had really lapsed into un-
consciousness.

There being no immediate danger of further pur-
suit. La Salle continued his journey more slowly.
He did not know what chief he had shot, but he

*v.'iJ

A LOVER'S MESSAGE

21 r

reall^cc^ that, although he had come off victor in the
contest. It was like to cost him tk-ar

Still he had kept his prize. No one should wrest
away this treasure.

As the girl awoke from her insensibility, she again

thetf " J"'l /"^"^'"^ ^^"^' -'^ '--bled
tlic httle snowbird flutters in the hand of the hunter

The perception that she still loathed him. although
he had just saved her life, stung the Creole's proud
soul to the quick; but he controlled his angeHnd
spoke to her with gentleness

and La Sa les woo.ng had a far different effect than
he mtended. He sought to banish her fear of him-
self, for he was resolved not only to make her his wife,
but to ,vm her love. To the girl, his words brough

Tart irrr-^""" '""^^^^= ^'"^ '-^^-'-^ '" '-
heart a thr.ll o hope. Pierre would yet come to save

her. She wou d pray with confidence ; Divine Provi-
dence mmdful even of the little snowbird, would
protect her, would not suffer her to be forced into
this hateful marriage.

On ran Sans Souci through the starlight. The
eafless forests, that extended down almost to the trail
at the waters edge, seemed to the over-wrought girl
l.ke a vast horde of skeleton warriors. Were they The
^hades of the hosts of Pontiac. King of the WiWer-
ness. whose spirit had again returned to earth, the
ShaM^anoes cla.med. in the person of Tecumseh?
Ihe wmd, soughing through the ice-covered

lin^l/h'nT' f" '■■" °^^ Sh-^Jy battle, the whist-
hng of bullets, the nng of the tomahawk, the hoarse

•Ii

= ?j

III.

It I "t

212

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

cry of the victors, the death wail of the vanquished.
The illusion passed. How much more fearful might
be the reality! Creeping forth from these woods,
as from beneath the winding sheets of the de-
parted braves, a band of living savages might spring
up and drag her down from Sans Souci. She
shivered like one with the ague; but, although the
night was very cold, her chill was due more to ex-
haustion than to the low temperature. La Salle
wrapped his blanket around her,

" We have not much farther to go," he said.

Across the trail at last glistened the frozen coil of
a broad stream that, reflecting light, as from millions
of gleaming scales, wound away through the wilder-
ness, beautiful as the serpent of Kden at its creation.

It was the Nummasepee, or " Stream of the Stur-
geon," called by the French, because of the tangled
masses of wild grape-vines that grow on its banks in
summer, " La Riviere aux Raisins, " the River of the
Vineyards.

Sans Souci knew it as well as she knew her master.
Beyond the stretch of silver lay rest after her hard
run, a meal of oats, the shelter of a shed of fir boughs,
and a bed of pine-needles.

With a joyful neigh, she rushed upon the ice.
Her hoofs seemed scarce to touch the frozen surface
of the river; yet betimes she scrambled up on the
opposite bank, and came to a stop in front of the
isolated La Salle homestead. Blue Jacket gave a
whistle like the wild note of the heron. Then, leaping
to the ground, he lifted his captive from the saddle,
and carried her in his arms to the house.

A LOVERS MESSAGE 2,3

The door opened at once, and. straijrhhvay. Laurcnte
found herself gently placed upon a settle in the living-
room, and free to speak if she wished. Benumbed
and weeping from the tension of fright and weariness,
she cast an anxious glance about her. The room'
was neat and spacious, like those of most of the farm-
houses of the c6tc, and wore an appearance of rude
comfort.

At a sign from La Salle, the woman who had
admitted him, and to whom he bore a strong resem-
blance, approached the demoiselle. Kneeling before
her she removed her fur moccasins, and began to
chafe her little feet, at the same time murmuring in
an unknown tongue words th t were soothing in their
soft cadence.

Another individual present was not so ready to
wait upon the involuntary guest.

t.-fore the fire, rigid as a statue, stood a beautiful
half-breed girl, who appeared the personification of
indomitable pride, as she met the gaze of La Salle.

"Matanah, serve us with supper," he ordered,
brusquely.

With flashing eyes and heaving bosom she con-
fronted him, and answered in an impetuous outburst
more French than Indian, — '

" James Blue Jacket, I am neither your slave nor
the slave of any milk-faced woman. The ' dame
blanche ' may starve before I bring her food."

Thereupon, darting toward Laurente a look of in-
tense jealousy and hatred, she left the room with the
air of an empress.

, itt-- • .'iit^-^fiSft'C'*

Z?\aU 311 *. i -.

CHAITKR THIRTEENTH

h- ? -*

i I

;i^ f

SQUAW si) WHITFC WOMAN

THE older woman set out the food ; but Laurente
declined to join La Salle at the table. Ignor-
ing her scorn, he pretended to ascribe her refusal to
weariness.

" Patience and time accomplish more than force
and violence," he reflected.

To hold her in bondage, and yet know she hated
him, would be intolerable to his proud spirit. She
had never given him an opportunity to woo her;
now he possessed it. To win her love from Pierre
Labadie, —this was the aim he put before himself, the
triumph of which he dreamed. He had brought her
where her friends could not follow. In her very
loneliness would she not turn to him? If this valley
should become a scene of strife, as from secret in-
formation he knew to be more than probable, would
she not appeal to him to shield her? And, once a
woman regards a man as her protector, is not her
heart half won? Yes, surely she would soon assent
to his bringing Pere Richard to perform the marriage.
Reasoning thus, he bade his mother take some
of the bread, and wine from the Raisin vintage, to
the giri, where she sat on the settle in a corner at

r :'

-■ •i^''

:m^-':\.

SyUAVV AND WHITE WOMAN 215

the opposite side of the room from the chimney.
Slightly withdrawn from the heat of the blaze, that
she might not too suddenly feci the chan^je from
the outer air, and somewhat in the shadow, as she
tasted the revivifying juice of the wild Catawba, and
tried to cat a little of the bread, she watched lilue
Jacket and the squaw, who were within the ring of
the firelight.

The man was hungry, and he attacked his supper
with the voracity of a wolf. The woman waited upon
him with maternal alacrity, and, when she could do
no more, stood submissively before him. She never
thought of taking the vacant chair that had been
placed for the guest, any more than she would have
seated herself in the presence of her husband. La
Salle the elder.

The paler light of the single candle set in the
centre of the board played fitfully about the two,
bringing out their likeness more strongly, although
the son's complexion was sallow and his expression
haughty, while the mother was dark-skinned and
gentle.

" Is it a servile wife, such this woman, that James
La Salle would make of me?" reflected Laurente,
with bitterness.

She understood it all now. This was the squaw
who had sought out the old negro Wealthy and
bribed him with a half-pistole to bring her the
message which had led to her abduction.

Ah, the plot was warily laid ! The mention of the
Labadie farm, that she might suppose the word came
from Pierre; the payment to the messenger of a

: *

216 LOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

coin used only by the Americans and the French
Ooubt ess the black was told to show it to ner. Had
he exh.b.ted an Knglish half-sovereign, she would
not have been for a moment deceived. Hut who
would surm.se that Hlue Jacket had any Amer
jcan^money. since he was in the employ of the

As she brooded upon the manner in which she had
been ent.ced away, the dogged determination of this
-an the bl.ghting glance of animosity cast on
by the unknown Indian girl, the tears welled up in
ner eyes a^^-esh. *^

She restrained them, however, her attention being
qmckly brought back to the two figures before 2

Blue Jacket, having devoured bear's meat and
prahne and every morsel that was served to him of

If ':^^'-"^^^!^' '-'^^"^-" cookery, poured for him-
self a second draught of Knglish milk (rum), and
turnmg sharply to his mother, addressed her n the
Shawanoe tongue.

His query was evidently a demand to hear the
news, for she answered in a hurried murmur, as
though there was much to communicate

As she. too. used the Indian language, her words
were of course, unmtelligiblc to Laurcnte.

What had happened or was expected to happen
wluch so engrossed the interest of La Salle thafhe
sh fted h,s pos,t.on uneasily, and set down the liquor
without hav.ng brought the cup to his hps? I
must be something of moment to cause the woman to
forget her subservience, her taciturnity, and speak

w fm

SyUAVV AM) VVHITK WOMAN 217

with a vehemence which recalled to the watcher the
say.ng that fires Iouk hidden are the most glowing

Withered and masculine in appearance now. this
daughter of the forest had once been comely Yes
I^urcnte could sec. in the lighting up of the erst-
while immobile features, traces of the beauty that
fascinated the Frenchman La Salle, and led hi.n to
marry her before the altar of old Stc. Anncs. She
was once as handsome as Matanah.

And her voice had plainly not lo'st its magic spell
for how powerful was its effect upon her son ' Yet

was It the voice after all. or what she had to tell >
Hue Jacket put to her several questions, or so

might be inferred from the inflection of his tones

As she replied, he muttered an oath, drank off his

liquor, and rose to his feet.

Laurente hastily closed her eyes, feigning to have
fallen asleep.

He spoke again, and she instinctively felt it was
to direct his mother to care for her.

Then, with anoUicr oath, he strode from the
house; and a few moments later she heard his
snowshoes crunching the snow as he hurried away

The mother had followed him to the door. Now
she came back, put a fresh log on the fire, crossed
the room, and Laurente knew she stood looking
fixedly at her. It was useless to feign unconscious-
ness under such close scrutiny. The girl opened
her eyes.

" Ugh ! " said the squaw, " my son is gone. He
cannot be back until the day has dawned three
times."

■*' \i ai2 1

I V

■1i4|. I

218 LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

Laurcntc smiled. Her heavy eyelids drooped
once more, and her pretty head sank against the
soft beaver pelt that covered the back of the settle
Before many minutes, she had forgotten, for the
lime, her sorrow and anxiety.

••VVe sleep, but the loom of life never stop,,
and the pattern it was weaving when the sun wen
down ,s weavmc when it comes up again tomorrow."
Ous.de ,t was still dark, when Laurente awoke
The hv.ne-room was lighted only by the fire, but
on the bc.rs pelt which served as a mat before

nettle and VVahtayah. the light. La Salle's mother.
The elder sat with folded hands. The young one
was eatmg hickory nuts, cracking them with her
wh,te teeth, nibbling the meat like a squirrel and
throwing the shells among the burning Igs
At first to the tired prisoner, their subdued accents

i^vrt:T- ''-''' --'^ -^

being earned on in the patois of .he Strait, because
of Matanahs very hmited knowledge of Shawanoe.
Moreover. ,t touched upon matters of the utmost
importance to the Americans and French of the
vicmity. "'^

It >vas well knovn at Detroit that in the summer

tol ""hf" '"""'" """'^ ^-render. French:
town which remained loyal .0 the •• Stars and

cZ \ rTi" °""P'"'' ^y ""^ '^"Slish Indian agent,
Colonel Elliott, with a force of Canadian militia and

SyUAVV AND WHITK WOMAN 219

savages. What was not known. Uurcntc gathered
from the talk of the women.

Driven to desperation by the depredations and
drunken excesses of the rcdmcn. the inhabi-
tants, early in this month of January, had despatched
a messenger to General Harrison at the Maumcc
Kapids. askmg for troops to protect then He
responded by sending seven hundred brave Ken-
tuckians. Matanah waxed animated as she described
them. Tall, strong men. with faces ruddy and
bronzed like the cheek of a Normandy pear, and
brown-haired, though here and there one might sec
a scalp having a glint of gold. Men clad in leather
huntmg shirts, blue trousers, and coonskin caps
and weanng crimson sashes about their waists, each
white brave the very picture of a soldier.

They found the British quartered in and about the
La Fontame homestead, at the end of the long lane
called Hull's Road, because by it the commander
at Detroit planned to escape with his troops Not-
withstanding a rain of fire from great guns and little
guns, the Kentuckians drove the Canadians and
Indians away at the point of the bayonet, and
caused them to flee toward Maiden.

The Americans were in possession of the town.
Oh. what glad news for Laurentc ! Friends and
succor were but a stone's throw distant. And to
think she had nearly lost hope a short while before!
Why. Pierre himself might be here in the American
camp ! Perhaps within a few hours he would rescue
her; they would be reunited.
" Ah, how truly ' patience is the door of iov ' "

-Sol. iji;^'^,

?l.'5-W-*rf^.r^«iX. •

^%:

lao

I.OVK TdRIVKS /N WAR

•and hiT heart blillielv: "there :. l.,™.-_

for 111 yet.' "appincs, ,n store

The tilk ran on. ,„<1 fr„,„ i, ,,,, |„,„^,| ^
.hat only a day or two prcviou, one General Win
che,ter ha.1 arriv,,!. The women were rca.ly wUh

oi<r;h;i"" "■""'"■'"■*'• ""' "•"' "«" ""'-"^'^

wercTt th r.vT: .'■'" K^""^l' heailnuartcr,
were at the fortified lo-housc „f Colonel l.'raneoi.

Madam n ITI '^•'-"">"-' '' «' f .hi. ho ^e
Madan, Brush had come upon her visit of congratu!
ation on the day when the old French ,e.tlemen, of
Dc-troi, wa, laul in „,,„ ei^ht year, before And
what nowj She listened still more intently
After the skirmish a party of habitant,, to whom

o Maiden to demand their pay, broiigh. back word

on the V L '°"°' ""' P'"""'"e '" -vcep down
on the Yankees with a great number of (rooo^
and Indians. General Winchester, knowing li.Te 'of
the people, ha.l consul,e<l La Salle the eld who
made pretence of being a good American,- a„d La
Salle roundly swore that Proctor would niver dare
make the attack

But, "Ha ha, ha I " Matanah's light laugh was like
the ripple of a woodland stream, as hercomp „„„

the Bntish, believing they would in the end be the
conquerors. He was hanging about the Vankee
camp as a spy, and at a message from him, delivered
by Wahtayah, Blue Jacket had set off for Maiden

defel' d "'°'"" '^'""'"'" """" >"= '""y

< : •

*■■ -v

fl^k^p^

n ¥

SV)IMW AND VVHITK WOMAN an

This was the meaning of Blue Jackctn sudden de-
part..re^ VVa, the j.r.cc of Laurcntc's prcucnt iiecu-
nty to be the livet of the tjallant soUlicn the Klimmer
of who,e camp-nres nhc could sec from the window
near by. without so much an raising her head >

No. no. she must set her brain t.. work to outwit
the La Salles, father an«l son. She lay with closed
eyes, scarce daring,' to breathe, but storing in her
memory every word uttered by the women.

At last their voices ceased, and they crept away to

After they were gone. Laurcntc remained awake
a long time, trying to devise s..me means to apprise
the American general of the treachery of those in
whom he trusted. Having finally settled upon a
scheme which gave a faint promise of success she
yielded once more to her fatigue, and slept like a
weary child.

*• .SwInR thee low in thy hammock soU,
Deep in the dusky wood ;
Swinjj thee low, and awiny aloft;
Sleep as a pa|)oosr should.
For safe, in this sheltered birchen nest,
(juiet will come, .md peace, and re.st,
If the little papoose is good.

" The coyote howls on the prairie cold,
And the owlet hoots in the tree.
And the big moon sliines on the pretty child,
As it .slumbers pe.icefully.
So swing thee high in thy birchen nest.
And swing thee low and take the rest

That the night wind brings to thee." »

E. D. i;

iirK.

# jip' Hi

f ll, Jlf

'I'

"t LOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

The soft air of the M.mmcr-timc; a vinc-Rrown bank
beneath the mterlacin, bouKh, of great tr ' . ; the ,r

the flutter of b.rdi uho,e .on^ filled the woo<l with
mclocly; the pUh of limpid fore.t-Hpring, ; the
fragrant breath of wild-flower.. -- ,uch wL the Une
Llml "'" ''"" transported in the fairyland of

She awoke again to find La Salle's mother bend-
ing oyer her. and crooning in the familiar patui,
a lullaby whcrcw.th the s.p.aws were wont to beguile
their chddren to rcit. *

There wa. something touching In the singer's atti-
tude and the pathos of her voice. I for heart already
yearned over the beautiful gi-' whom her first-born
had brought home to take the pl.ce of her only
daughter who. now the wife of an FCnglish officer
had grown to despise the squaw-mother. Laurente's
resentment toward this woman wno had done her so
great a wrong softened a little.

The squaw .spoke to her In the patois, but she
fcRncd not to understand. As she sat up from her
couch on the settle, the sunlight uas streaming in
through the windows of the room. Beyond them

banw"" IrV'.' '"'""^' *^"^^ °" '"^^ -ow-covered
bank of the Ra.sm. and the river bed. solid as the
esplanade of the fort at Detroit.

VVahtayah brought her a breakfast, dainty as any
ever prepared by creole housewife, and having
eaten so sparingly the evening before, she gladly
took the fare now offered her. In the absence o"^
iilue Jacket, her cheerfulness returned. Youth is

•m

'^ mk

S^)irAVV ANf) VVIIITK W(>\|an ,,,

rn..rc inclined to believe go. • ,h.ui ill «f .„|,„,
hurely Ihin gentle attcnclar wa, ,o «„|id,„u,

for her comfort ha.J nut mearu to injure lur » H|„e
Jacket had nut toM h., mother the truth. She would
wxpli.n that .he. was brought a^vay against her will,
and beg help to cs< ape. Then, when free, .he would
hasten with her news to the Navarre hou,e.

Ihc woman drew nearer, and. ..piattinj; by the
fire buH.ed herself in embroidering with porcupine
qu.lU a <lecrskin waintcat. evidently intended f»r her
Hon I he girl bcK'an her appeal in French, and e,(.
erted all her pretty artn of persuasion. Hut. like a
reed which responth to every wind that blow, yet
hold, tenaciously to the soil of the river m.r'h
whde Wahtayah showed a decree of tender emotion
"nuHual ,n an Indian, to all Laurente'n entreaties for
aid to regain her liberty she remained obdurate

"Pahweetah. little white snowbird, it cannot be "
she said. •• My son wishes to make you his wife
I dare not thwart his will. Hut why are you not
content? Matanah here, my -lister's child, would fmd
her 50ul filled with joy had he chosen her. Blue

Fn hsV'"^'^'*' '" ''''' *'''""'*'' ""^ Tccumseh and the
Uurcntc desisted, in sheer despair of making any
.mpression upon this forest woman, who plainly
Kloued her son. and was as inclined to palliate his
faults as IS the fashion of mothers the world over

Conscious that her presence irritated the girl
Wahtayah betook herself to her household tasks '
Laurente breathed fre^r. To be prized next to
liberty, was the boon of bcmg alone.

"4 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

But she was not long to enjoy it. As she sat. lean-
inff forwanl with hands clasped upon her knees, gaz-
ing into the glowing depths of the chimney, reflecting
upon the speedy failure of her girlish plan, and pon-
denng what to do next. Matanah. the half-breed
entered the room and, advancing to the opposite side'
of the hearth, stood regarding her steadily.

With the words of La Salle's mother still ring-
ing in her ears. Laurente comprehended the girl's
hostility upon her arrival. Matanah loved Blue
Jacket. Ah, if .she. Laurente. could only transfer
his love to this forest beauty ! I low strange that the
cause of her unhappiness might be another's bliss'
She already knew something of the apparent irony of
fate. '

The worthy Captain Muir had chosen her from
among all the demoiselles of the Strait, and had she
not fled from home to escape the marriage with him
to which her father would have forced her ! Now she
was held a captive because La Salle was resolved
she should be his wife ; yet it was to Pierre Labadie
she had plighted her troth. But. alas. I'ierre was far
away ! Oh, if he would only come and take her home !

" The ' dc ne blanche ' grows sad because her lover
is absent." began Matanah in French, and with mock
commiseration.

Laurente turned her head, and met the gaze of the
half-breed with a quiet dignity.

For a moment the two girls remained thus, each
looking unflinchingly into the eyes of the other.

Then Laurente said gently, —

" Matanah, if James La Salle is my lover, it is not

■■..m^i'w^ *:miuBssm^

SyUAW AND WHITE WOMAN 225

because I want his love. I pray that he may stay
away forever from where I am."

Matanah drew back Involuntarily. Despite her
assumption of indiflfcrence, she was disconcerted by
this unexpected answer.

^ " Vou do not love him?" she asked incredulously;
"you were not glad to come with him? Le Pere
Richard is not to be brought down to marry you and
Jilue Jacket?"

" No. I do not love him; he decoyed me by a ruse,
and I will never plight my marriage vows to him."
declared Laurentc, emphatically.

Matanah regarded her for a few moments in amazed
silence. All at once a wave of passionate emotion
svept over her dark features.

You hold his love lightly; then he will love you

forever," sho cried. " I hate you ! I will kill you ! "

With the swiftness of a wildcat, she leaped toward

her rival, a hunting knife, which she had drawn from

the folds of her dress, flashing in her hand.

At the same instant Laurente sprang to her feet.
With the courage of her grandfather, St. Martin,
the noted Indian interpreter, of the long line of
heroes of the Scotch house of Moy, she caught the
arm of her assailant and warded off the blow.

" If you kill me, he will indeed love me forever,"
she cried, as they struggled for the possession of the
knife ; " he will crush you like a snake under his
heel."

Matanah relaxed her grasp of the weapon, -nd it
fell to the floor.

" What you say is true," she acknowledged, sul-

• fil«r"«&"r.?*W^^-

M.*-!

iSK^lwrri-^-r

226 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

lenly; " I can safely leave your fate in the hands of
my people."

Coupled with what Laurcntc had overheard con-
cerning the projected attack from Fort Maiden, these
words bore a terrible and vindictive significance.

Nevertheless, she did not falter. If possible, she
would avail herself of the girl's very hatred. Under
pretence of inducing Matanah to get rid of her, she
would send word to General Winchester of the in-
tended movements of Proctor.

" Listen, Matanah." she said, •• I have given my
promise to another ; it is his wife I wish to be. Shall
I show you how you can cause Blue Jacket to forget
me. how you can win his love? "

Matanah hesitated. The Indian superstition, which
ascribes occult powers to the white race, swayed
her. Could this beautiful stranger really reveal to
her a way to gain her heart's desire?

" Show me," she pleaded, awed, yet with ill-con-
cealed eagerness.

" And in return you will lend me your blanket
cloak, that, disguised by it, I may pass the armed
servants outside at the La Salle gate?"

" If I did so, Blue Jacket would kill me. For him
I was reared. That I might be a fitting mate for
him, my mother would not teach me the Shawanoe
tongue and ways, but sent me here to my aunt, to
learn to cook and sew like the white squaws. '

" Eh, bien, I will show you, anyhow," said Laurente
affecting to yield. " In the first place, you must take
a written message from me to the camp across the
river. The Americans will come and set me free.

wm^

*/■■••:

S(;}UAW AND WHITE WOMAN

22'

Blue Jacket shall

long

never sec me again, and befo
»c w.ll turn to you ; one love drives out another."

Was this the white woman's ma^ic?

While Matanah deliberated. ano'Iher scheme began
to take form in her mind. ^

work of the missionaries has ever been to induce the
Indian to for^nve a real or imagined injury. And
was not Matanah half-Indian? She loved La Salle

1 Z."'"^" f"' understood love, but he had
scorned her. and she would be revenged

Yes. she would go to the camp of the Big Knives
under pretence of carrying the demoiselle's letter'
asking Hat a posse of soldiers be sent to release her.
But she would demand to be conducted before the
general; she would betray to him the plans of the
tnghsh. of Blue Jacket, who had spurned'her love fo
the sake of this milk-faced woman. She would foil

accounT'^H"' vT ^'^ "''^" '''' '''''^^' ^' - ''ttle
account. He did not know with whom he had to

reckon when he so lightly passed her by. His success
or failure lay ,n the hollow of her hand. This time
•t should be failure; and she would blame it 1 on
the white woman.

The features of ,he Indian girl were now an im-

tliat raged within her breast.

" Eh. bien,'' inquired Laurente. who awaited her
answer with feverish anxiety.

" Eh. bien, mademoiselle. At dusk I will take vour
-ssage." Matanah answered, and noisele^:'; ^to^^

'T-

»^AL.^.

CHAPTER FOURTEENTH

BY THF- RIVER OK THE VINEYARDS

MATAXAII soon returned carrying between
her pretty hands an earthen-ware bowl filled
with bits of many-colored shells.

" With these you can -pell out your message," she
said, laconicallv.

Laurente stared at her in puzzled surprise.

"You do not know how to talk with shells?"
exclaimed the half-breed, disdainful of her ignorance.
" See, th ; white mean peace ; the red, trouble. Here
IS the deerskin cord. You string the end of the
message first, and put a knot when you change the
theme. When you have done, you coil it up like
•Muneto.' a little snake, and he who receives the
letter reads as he unfolds it."

The white girl's attention was for a moment caught
by the ingenuity of the device for transmitting news,
but now she turned away from the dish of wampum'
beads.

" Even if I knew how to tell my story in your
Indian manner, the Long Knives could not read it
from the string of shells," she rejoined ; " give me
a feather and a bit of birch-bark, and I will tell it in
my own way."

■,^'

^■■^-

''SRnLmm^msmmi

BY THE RIVKR OK THK VINEYARDS 229

Matanah brought a swan's (juill, and for want of the
bark, a scrap of deerskin dried ahnost to parchment.
An earthen jar fdled with drinkint; water stood on
the table. Laurente poured a few drops of the water
into a birchen cup, mixed with it a small quantity of
soot from the chimney, and began to write in Knglish.
because, of the La Salles, only Blue Jacket understood
this language, and, according to Wahtayah, he could
not return before three days.

"Ugh," commented Matanah under her breath;
" the life of the heart and the life of the hearth-fire
are the same. In taking from lilue Jacket's fire the
means to set herself free, ihe ' dame blanche ' takes
a joy from his life. The fire will die upon his hearth,
but when Saganosh and Long Knives arc gone, and
Tecumseh rules alone, my love shall kindle it again."
The letter had long been ready when the Indian
girl came for it late in the evening, and Laurente's
heart beat fast as, shortly afterwards, she saw Mata-
nah pass out of the La Salle palisade and glide away
into the gloom of the winter night.

An hour later, as the gaunt Kentucky sentry paced
his beat before the Navarre house, he h ard, c' )se
beside him in the darkness, a slight sound, like he
stealing of ne tiny creature of the woods across ihe
snow.

" Hy George Washington, it is a musk-rat, and the
parlez-voos hereabouts do say the critter makes a
fine stew," he muttered, peering through the gloom
in the hope of being able to bag his game alive. For
hunger changes musk-rat to chicken, and the Yankees
were none too well rationed.

230

LOVE THRIVKS IN WAR

W'i

:i,-

In another moment a soft voice said almost in his
car, —

" Winchester ! Winchester ! "
The man was no coward in face of the English or
even of Tecumseh's Satanas. or red devils, as he and
his comrades called the Indians.

But of what use are powder and ball to defend
even a general against the powers of the other world ?
And the dusky girl at his elbow seemed no less than
an apparition.

Quickly recovering from the illusion, however, tlie
soldier caught and held her fast.

" By George Washington, my forest fairy, I have
taken a pretty prize," he cried, and raising his voice,
called lustily for the guard.

The latter appeared forthwith, and was disposed to
march the prisoner off to the temporary guardhouse
without delay.

"Winchester — Winchester," she repeated per-
sistently.

" Zounds ! After all, she may have some informa-
tion for the general; I will report the matter at once,"
he decided.

In Madam Navarre's best parlor, General Win-
chester, Colonels Lewis and Allen, and Major Madi-
son sat around her best polished table. They were
playing cards and drinking claret. But only the
general's hand was a trifle unsteady so that hj spilled
his wine, and when he set down his glass it marred,
by a little unsightly rim, the shining surface of the
mahogany.

Elderly, fat, fussy, aristocratic, and self-sufficient,

BY THE RIVER OE THE VINEYARDS 23,

General Winchester was. like Hull, a revolutionary
soldier who had been appointed to a prominent com-
mand in the present war because of his past services
and without close consideration of his qualifications
for leadership.

Engrossed with the chances of whist, the officers
found it no welcome interruption when Hypolitc,
Colonel Navarre's Pani body-servant, poke 1 his dark
head in at the door and announced to his master, who
was moodily pacing the apartment, —

" M'sieur Francois — M'sicur Ic General, dcr guard
ham brought hin one squaw what, hec sazc, has one
big piece news; hor, cla Jaub, she hees one spy."

General Winchester raised his eyes from his
cards.

" Why did not the blockhead lock her up until
morning?" he muttered, but stopped short and
frowned superciliously, as the guard entered the room
with his captive, and saluted.

"Sirrah, how dare you force your way into my
council chamber in this manner?" demanded the
general.

The soldier's lips twitched nervously as his glance
fell on the cards and the winr glowing ruby red in the
crystal glasses, but he replied, with a gravity that
spoke well for the discipline of his corps, —

"Your Excellency, the squaw has some kind of
a letter, and she's kept a-sayin' your Excellency's
name over and over. I thought maybe her news
wouldn't keep till mornin'."

At this juncture Matanah stepped forward. Thrust-
ing a hand in front of the guard, she opened and

^-^

ill

^t-

^'iph >

aja LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

closed her nngcrs before his face, - the In.lian gesture

of contempt. Then, turning to the commander.

she inchncd her head and threw back her blanket

cloak in salutation.

Her disdain of the soldier amused the stout old

general so that he laughed immoderately, a signal

to the other ofT.cers, who promptly followed suit.

Matanah's beauty and the fawn-like grace of her

every motion awakened his interest.

*' Well, well, what have we here ? " he said, extending
his hand for the little roll of deerskin.

She did not at once deliver It, but recognizing
Colonel Navarre among the gentlemen, addressed
hmi in the patois of Uic Strait, briefly telling of the
treachery of La Salle the elder, his message to liluc
Jacket, the latter's departure on an errand to Proctor,
and the probability that an attacking party from Fort
Maiden would soon sweep down upon the American
camp.

As she proceeded, Navarre .sprang to his feet.
When he had heard all, he repeated the tale to his
chief, adding his own opinion that the enemy might
appear at any time, and it would be well to prepare
against surprise.

"My genial host," replied the general, senten-
tiously, •' have not the British already been driven
from the banks of the Raisin? Why should they
come back again ? Soldier, lock up the prisoner."

But Matanah, divining that she was to be led away,
thrust herself between the guard and the officers, and
began to .peak of the white captive at the house of
La Salle, Navarre again acting as interpreter.

BY THE RIVKR OK THK VINKYARDS 233

"On this piece of deerskin you will fmil written
the white girl's prayer to you to set her free." she
said in conclusion, stepping forward and offering
Laurentc's letter to the general.

As he read it, his features changed, he let fall
an exclamation of surprise, and darted at the half,
breed a searching glance.

"She says this contains only the white girl's
appeal for aid," he asked of Navarre.
The latter replied in the affirmative.
" Humph ! ' continued Winchester. •• She docs
not know, then, that Miss Macintosh has set down, in
broken sentences, the same story of a meditated
attack upon our troops which she herself has just
told. Colonel Navarre, we need not be over anxious.
This is but hysterical tattle founded on one woman's
jealousy and another's fears. The beautiful she-devil
would like to set the world aflame because a coureur-
de-bois has scorned her for the sake of a white
woman; while, because Blue Jacket has run away
from the American troops, the white girl thinks he
has gone to bring the British about our ears. I shall
not alter the disposition of my forces because of a
three-cornered lover's quarrel."

" But you will permit me to lead a posse of sol-
diers to rescue Miss Macintosh at once? " interposed
Colonel Navarre.

" Urn — To-morrow, my dear colonel. To-morrow

we will send for her. Navarre, tell the half-breed she

may go home, and bid her say to the white girl that

we will set her free to-morrow."

When the general and his officers were again

«I4

KOVK IHRIVKS IN WAR

ii-:

alone. Colonel Navarre voiced the uncasincM of his
brothers-in-arms.

" I would remind your Excellency," he said. " that
the words of this strange messenger tally with the
report brought in by a sco.it. who avers that the
Hr.tish have actually reached Stony Creek, but a few
luilcs distant. I beg your Kxccllency to order the
troops to sleep under arms to-night."

" I)— your caution, sir." interrupted Winchester
his choler rising. '• The men are already asleep, and
It .s nearly midnight. Be satisfied; to-morrow we
will strengthen our defences."

He concluded with a yawn, and presently retired.
Colonels Allen and Lewis and Major Madison re-
turned to their commands and remained watchful
for a time; but as nothing happened to confirm the
rumors they had heard, they at last sought their
tents. *

Upon Matanah's return to the La Salle house.
Laurentc received her message with misgivings.
Why did the general delay to end her captivity
when half a score of brave men could effect a
rescue? To one in prison every hour seems an
eternity And was not this house really a prison?
VVahtayah had given her a little sleeping nook that
adjoined the living-room, but the Indian woman
remained on guard in the outer apartment.

Notwithstanding her disappointment, the girl's
heart thrilled with unselfish thankfulness as she
knelt at her window to pray before lying down to
rest. General Winchester had received her letter-
Matanah's description of the scene at Colonel

^1";
%,^

BY THK RIVKR OF IHK VINKYARr)S 2,5

Navarre's was proof that the half-brccd was not

deceiving her. The American army was saved.
The La Salic house, bring well built, had glass

•n the sashes. Such a window had always be n

Laurentc's favorite pric-dicu.

Ah she looked forth to the sky stretching wide

its arms, symbolic of an all-embracing Providence
or across the vast expanse of Strait and prairie.'
she felt her own nothingness. Ikr soid bowed
down in adoration of the Creator, the God of the
Universe whom Tccumseh worshipped as Tarcn-
ya-v -go. the Holder of the Heavens, the breath
of man's life and the fire of his heart. To-night
the meadows of the sky were starless but pervaded
by a white light, for. although in a chariot of clouds,
the moon rode royally on her way.

From this little room Laurcntc could not sec
the frozen stream of the Raisin nor the cheering
camp-fires on its banks. The outlook from her
window revealed only the desolation of the wilder-
ness.

How long she k-clt. pouring out her maiden heart
in prayer, she could not have told, but all at once
she became conscious that the scene before her was
not absolutely a solitude. Was that the si.ar'ow of a
tree wavii.g in the wind, a breath of mist, or an
Indian lurking at the edge of the wood ?

Laureate rubbed her eyes and lookr I again. No.
it was not a savage. From a th-ckct beyond the
level stretch of ground issued a st. dierly form that
she vaguely recognized. It wheeled about and ap-
preached her window. Her heart beat faster.

f i ^

ij^ f.OVK THRIVKS IN WAR

Who wa, till. crosHini: the unbroken .now without
•no«r,hoe. yet .tridint; "n a. if he trod the smooth
•ur ace of a ball room fl-or? W.„ there an opening
1.1 the paluade yonder? If not. how had he Rained
admittance ? !• or n..w he pa*«d beneath the leafless
boughs of the I^ Sillc apiilc-trces.

Surely, she had lived through a similar experience
Ah. yes. once before nhe had seen lum coming thus
through the moonliKl.t. Hut then, it «.„ the sum-
mer-time. the orchard upon which her l.ttlc room at
home IcK^ked out w.h laden with foliage and fruit, and
the grass under the trees was like a soft carpet
I hen. he can.c with a song on his lips. Now-
What could this be but an illusion? Laurente had
never heard of the refraction of light, but she had an
ind.st.nct ,dea that perhaps the glass in the window
nelped to deceive her.

Noiselessly so as not to arouse her drowsy jailer.
Wahtayah. she raised the sash and slipped under it
the block of wood used to keep it up.

The mysterious figure, clad in the uniform of an
hngl.sh officer, was but a few rods distant He
threw back his head; just now. the moon seemed to
step forth from her cloud chariot, a ray of light fell
full across his upturned face, and Uurentc caught
her breath in n.inglcd joy and fear. The officer was
Captain Muir.

Still she remained upon her knees as though held
motionless by an invisible power. Another instant
and he was beside the window. He spoke her name
in a tense whisper. Yes. it was his voice; yet it had
a strange new note. Why was she afraid?

'^*r*-

«ll«.«1

nv THE RIVKR OF THK VINKYARDS a,;

" I^iircntc." he *aid. " in the lumincr. when in the
sky the fiery arm of Tccumtch alone challenged the
moonliuht. you bade me comc aj^ain. I love you
»till; I am come to %avv you. The arm of Tccumseh
i« Mrctchetl «nit in vengeance. Vou cho^jc Ticrrc
I.aha»lic, but he in not here to shield you. Come
away with me. my love, while there is time ! Come
away ! "

The Kirl had .t^^eo and prayed for rescue; why
did »hc n.»t s* 'c , t, i i* . Uj .mrtunity now ofrcrcd
to her? lie v.i o ho.' ;,.,., c> I i - I'ani guards of the
I.a Salle p.ili^ait \i Hic ulu jijjht of the moon,
could he li.n ta ,*• I -f a-A.iv ". »ho same manner?

Why r : she . • ,t. .ir I draw back in terror
from this ga'l.tnt y.vn g ^oMie, f With him she had
more than onti- s.u < « th n low-rcccssof the living-
room at Moy H .. hir- ihe blaze of the hearth-
fire; with him she had walked in her garden or
beneath the applc-tree« on the shore of the Strait.
He was the soul of honor; she could trust him.

" Come away, Laurcntc, I ask nothing for myself;
'ct me take you home," he urged; or was it the
weird sigh of the wind through the I.a Salle orchard?
Home! To 'ler mother for whose love she longed;
to h"r fathr, who would forgive her flight from the
shelter of his roof when he learned how much she
had suffered ! Yet —

" No, no, I cannot go with you." she faltered,
finding voice at last. Hut the words fell from her
lips in an awed and frightened cry.

He leaned toward her. His face was ghastly white,
and in the moonlight he seemed clothed in silver.

238 LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

" Then. Laurcntc. Kood-bye," he sighed mournfully.
" I will love yon forever, good-bye ! "

He bent so close that she felt his breath upon her
check. Why was it so icy cold? He kissed her
hand as it rested on the window-ledge, and she shud-
dered, chilled to the heart. His form grew indis-
tinct. What mystery was this.'

She started to her feet ; she tried to call out to
hini. to tell him she woi.ld accept his protection.
Jiut the cry was lost amid a great din that suddenly
arose outside, where the I'ani servants began to rush
about, vociferating wildly.

The girl stood bewildered in the middle of the
floor of her little room. Had she been asleep? If
so. how came the window open ? Was it only because
she was cold that she trembled so like an aspen-tree?
And what was the matter with her hand ; wa.s it
touched by the frost?

She did not know what o'clock it was. At least
there was no sign of dawn, and beyond the deserted
hearth-room the house-door stood open. Amid the
confusion she ran out into the yard, plunged her
hand into a drift, and, drawing it forth, began to rub
It with snow. She forgot even the stinging pain that
followed this vigorous treatment, however, - forgot
herself altogether, a:, the shouts of the slaves in their
French patois became intelligible.

*' The ICnglish, the Shawanoes have come ! There
will be a fight ! "

The next moment, from the vicinity of the American
camp, arose a blood-curdling war-whoop, which was
(luickly followed by a volley of musketry.

BY THK RIVER OF THK VINEYARDS 239

Another minute, and It was ns if Abaddon, the evil
ang««l of the bottomless pit, the devil of destruction,
was abroad with all his fiendish host.

I^iurcnte watched the scene in dazed horror until
Wahtayah came and forced her to return to the house.
Iwen then, she continued to gaze upon it from a
window, unable to resist its terrible fascination.

The prairie was ablaze with a crimson ^dare whose
thin curtain of smoke was pierced at short intervals
by lightning flashes from fieUI-pieccs or a rain of
musketry fire. And above all she heard the wild
yells of savage warriors grown drunk with war.
From them came no death cry, — fiends are immortal !
But, now and again, above the noise of the battle,
arose the shrieks of Saganosh and Long Knives in
mortal agony.

Laurente clasped her hands and cried out to I leaven
in a paro.\ysm of womanly pity. —

" May God have mercy upon them ! May God
have mercy upon the living and the dead ! Ah. yes,
the dead ; for I know that there, lying beside- the
river amid the snows dyed red with his life-blood, is
one whose friendship I prized. Captain Muir has
fallen in this battle; it was his -.p-.;t that came to
warn me. He loved me to the la.-,i; may his soul
rest in peace."

As she uttered her requiescat, she glanced half
fearfully over her shoulder. 1 lowever dear the mem-
ory of the friend who is gone, there is an uncanni-
ness in the thought of his ghostly return.

In the room, in the house, there was no stir even
of a living presence.

*l!

240

LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

Where wore VVahtayah and Matan ah ; where the
servants who had raised such a liubbub? All had
fled in terror to hide like Sfjuirrcls in the woods.
They had ffirjjottcn thoir prisoner. Laurente was
free. What should she do?

■.' s

if I:

For the better protection of the settlement, the
American forces were divided in two camps on the
opposite side of the Raisin from' headquarters and at
some distance down the river.

The small hours of the morninjj had passed in per-
fect quiet, but before it was yet daylight the sharp
crack of a sentinel's musket broke the silence .nd
re-echoed from the neifjhborin^' thickets.

At the Navarre house. General Winchester was
awakened by the ringing voice of his host calling
from the foot of the stairs and urging him to make
all possible haste, for the enemy were come.

Confused at being so suddenly aroused, he and his
aids while dressing clamored for their horses, but the
servants were slow in equipping them.

" You were right, Navarre," cried the general, as
he fumed at the delay. "Zounds! you were right."

" Take my mount, sir; it has been in readiness all
night," was Colonel Francois* only reply.

A few minutes later he himself led up the horse.
Winchester sprang to the saddle, waved his hand in
thanks, and putting spurs to the fine animal set off
to join his troops.

On the dark prairie the alarm was succeeded at
frequent intervals by a luridly illuminating shower
of shell and canister-shot from field-pieces and mor-

BY THE RIVKR OF THE VINEYARDS 241

tars, the charge of soldiers invisible until they were
almost face to face with the men still dazed with
sleep, and the appalJinR shouts of savaRes.

The attack had been made all along the line, but
Proctor soon led his redcoats particularly against the
picketed encampment of Colonel Lewis. To cover
their advance, they attempted to shatter the tem-
porary stockade and destroy the houses of the little
town with a small cannon placed at the ed^'c of the
thicket. Hut. as man after man essayed to load the
gun, each in turn w.is picked off by the Kentuckians.
until the detachment was compelled to fall back.
Colonel Navarre and his brothers having taken pos-
ses.sion of an old horse mill, did good service with
their rifles during the engagement.

At the lower camp, near the La Fontaine house,
the fortunes of the Americans had come to a very
different pass. It was this part of the struggle that
Laurente witnessed from the window of the La Salle
living-room ; although, happily, her range of vision
could not take in all its terrible details.

Here the attack of the Indians imdcr the redoubt-
able warriors. Roundhead and Splitlog, was -o like
a whirlwind, and the force of two hundred men so
inadequate, that, notwithstanding their courage, they
could not maintain their position. Colonel Wells
•sought to retreat in good order, but, as soon as his
command began to give way. the savages redoubled
their unearthly whoops, and fell upon them with such
ferocity that tlir retreat became a rout.

As they (\cd i>anic-stricken, they were met by a
detachment, led by Colonel Allen, to conduct them

242

LOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

to the upper camp. Despite hi;* heroic efforts to
restore discipline, they continued their frenzied flight,
and. instead of taking' a course toward the safety of
the palisade, fled diagonally across the river and up
the Hull Road in a blind cndeavt.r to escape to Ohio.
Meanuliiif, as (ieneral Winchester rode down the
river on the ice. he overtook a man running in the
same direction. It was Whitmorc Knag^'s, knoun
also as Debendon. The general halted long enough
to insist that the American Indian agent should get
up behind him on the horse, and then, gallopmg on,
soon fell in with a body of his fleeing soldiers.

He followed, shouting after, seeking to rally them
and rcgatn the day, but was intercepted by a party
of seven Indians.

" General, we arc lost." muttered Debendon ; " the
leaders of these savages are Jack Hrandy, the Wyan-
dotte, and Blue Jacket, the Shawanoc chief. "

'* My friend Knaggs, you arc my prisoner," called
Brandy, adding an oath.

With the odds so greatly against the two Americans
tbey were forced to surrender.

Drawing his sabre. General Winchester handed it

to Blue Jacket, saying curtly,

" Sir. I make you a present of my sword."
La Salle demanded his pistols also. The weapons
of both men having been given up, Brandy deprived
them of their coats as well ; and. after the lapse of
some time, the prisoners were taken half frozen to
Colonel Proctor.

On the prairie the flight of the troops had become
a carnage. The Indians cried out in their own tongue

Z/'-flLI,

BY THK RIVKR OF IHE VINKYARDS 24J

that the I^ng Knives were flccin{T. The war-whoo»
was echoed by hordes of warriors who sprang from
the woods and confronted th: fugitives. Others
followed in their tracks ..nd from behind brained
them with tomahawks; ..thcrs. again, awaited them
at the sides of the narrow road and shot them as
they approached. Finally a body of redskins headed
them off at Plum Creek, a small stream about a mile
above the Raisin. 1 Icre the despairing soldiers, who
had thr<»wn away their arms to facilitate their flight
huddled together like sheep by their brut.d foe. were
remorselessly slaughtered. So closely were they
hemmed in. that after the battle forty of the slain
were found in a space two rods square. The savages
tore away their scalps, and afterwards carried these
to Maiden to receive the pri/cs offered by the British
commandant.

Several hours of daylight had now passed The
Americans at the upper camp, having driven away
the Saganoshs, and being ignorant of the fate of their
comrades, were breakfasting quietly when two men
were seen approaching with a white flag.

Major Madison, supposing it was a flag of truce
to enable the enemy to bury their dead, went out to
meet it. To liis astonishment, he found it borne by
one of Wells' command, accompanied by Proctor
himself.

"MajorMadison," said the British colonel.haughtily
dispensing with all formalities, '• I bring you an order
from General Winchester, who is my prisoner. As
you will see. it commands the unconditional surren-
der of all your troops."

W f

a44

LOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

J- 1

•' Colonel IVoctor," rejoined the major with cool
dignity, " I decline to accept any such ortlcr."

Sjimcvvhat cre«itfallen. IVoctor returned to his camp,
and sent Winchester in charge of Blue Jacket to
Madi<ion.

" Our position 'i% hopeless, my gallant major." said
the fjeneral, sadly, after he h.id informed him of the
rout at Hull's Road. " The lives of all our remaining
men depend upon a prompt surrender of them as
prisoners of war."

"Sir. the disgrace of General Hull shall not be
repeated," persisted Madis<»n. bravely.

Resistance was, however, imlecd useless. He had
no strong fortifications, no fresh men, as was the case
at Detroit.

" I will yield on condition th.it all priv.ite property
shall be respected." he saitl at length ; " that the sick
and wounded shall be protected by a guard and re-
moved on sledges to Maiden; and that the officers'
side arms shall be restored to them upon their arrival
at the fort."

All this the British commander promised upon his
honor; yet, scarce had the Americans given up their
arms when the Indians began to plunder them. The
next day the cruel victor started with his captives
for Maiden, but his promise of protection amoiuUed
to nothing. No means of conveyance was furnished
for the wounded, but hundreds of reeling, drunken
savages fell upon the helpless nitn, robbing, toma-
hawking, and scalping them without mercy.

The houses where some of the Long Knives had
taken refuge were set on fire, and if an}- of those thus

y ., %-«»••."%

BY THK RIVKR OK THK VINKYARDS 245

imprisoned tried to crawl out of ilic doors or windows,
they were thrust back into the flame with bayonets.
Those who lay outsitlc. blccdin}; and dyin^;, were
thrown into the midst of the conflagration. Of the
sick and wounded not one '"^capi il.

So perished many of Kentucky's noblest heroes.
Little is known of the personal histories of these
brave spirits, who traversed a wilderness of several
hundred miles, and ^javc up their li\es for their
country. Hut they did not die in vain.

Althoujjh Proctor's san^^uinary triumph ^jaincd for
him promotion to the rank of tjencral, it covered his
name with obloquy. Amonj,' the Americans the
memory of the intrepid soldiers slaughtered in the
dreadful massacre nerved the arms of their comrades
to avenge them, and the words " Remember the
Raisin " became the war-cry destined to strike terror
to the hearts of their enemies.

CHAITKK FIFTEENTH

THE GREAT SHAWANOE

:.r

ON the morning of this tragic 23d of January,
when I^urcntc found herself alone, her first
thought was to get away from the La Salle house.
But she must guard, as far as possible, against the
dangers of being overtaken.

Men like the I^ Salles doubtless had brandy and
rum stored away, since these commodities formed
their chief trade both with the Indians and the
habitants.

" If the savages come and discover the liquor
that they say is made of the tongues and hearts of
men, what chance will any white man, woman, or
child on the banks of the Raisin have for life? " ex-
claimed the girl, as, catching up a half-consumed
brand from the hearth to give her light, she made
her way to the cellar.

Yes, as she supposed, around the walls were ranged
rows of barrels which gave forth a stronj,' and sicken-
ing odor.

Thrusting the torch in a socket above her head,
she seized a hatchet that lay on a heap of brushwood,
and, going from cask to cask, knocked in the bung of
each, letting the amber and red-gold fluid gush forth

THK GRKAT SHAWANOK 247

until the floor w,is a little sea of firc-watcr from
whose rising flood she fled.

This task accomplished, where hhould she (jo?
Anywhere, even to death to escape fnmi Hlue
Jacket. Yet she was already faint from hunger and
horror.

A hasty forage of the pantry put her in possession
of a loaf of rye bread. Then taking an Indian blan-
ket from the settle, she drew it about her shoulders,
squaw-fashion, and ran out of the house and through
the open gateway of the palisade.

Fleeing from the vicinity of the river, she sought
refuge and shelter among the underbrush of a pine
grove about quarter of a mile distant.

The morning passed. The noise of the battle died
away in the haunting death-cries of the routed troops
as, in their stampede down the Hull Road, they were
cut off by the savages.

These heart-rending sounds were succeeded by
a silence for which the terrified girl was grateful,
although she did not understand its meaning. It
was the silence of the surrender.

The hours wore away. Laurente, siill safe in her
concealment, slept from sheer exhaustion. She
awoke suddenly, trembling with foreboding. All
around her was the gloom of the great trees ; above
them the sky was blue. It was still daylight. She
must move about or she would succumb to the
cold.

As she attempted to get upon her feet, a sound
borne by the wind palsied her stiflfcned limbs and
caused her heart almost to stop beating.

M» U)VK THHIVKS IN WAR

A party of InUia.n were approacl.inu the .rove

Al .he could do was to crouch closer to ,hc Bro.rd

n the hope that their path m.ght not lead thcmLo

the Hpot wlH re she lay hidden '''**^

Lreek. Ihcy surrounded the i:r..ve, An,oruMhr,e
shadow. ,„.,ht be lurkin, defc dess I.on, K iv
w u lack., the wisdon. of babe, had trusted to he
«"rd of Colonel Proctor and jjivcn up their arms
I he place must be searched.

StraiKhtvvay the little wood became like the forest
of he Inferno that Dante .aw with unspeakable fla

Pointed sav^.,es clad in the hairy skins of h be '
the deer, and the fox, and L'hilted ui»h i u

k..i. ,h u ""I'"', tl"; bayoiictj of the mus-

kct, ,hcy had wrctcU fn.m Iho dyinj. ,„Mi„,,

Oh that one such bluw iniKht transfix n,y heart "
Laurcntc prayed n> dcs|Kratiun. '

But it wa, not to be. l.cfore nuny minute, a
hornblc face »„,eared with ochre and ver„,i.ion t^ut
above her. a ,ell of triun.ph ra„K a„u,„g ,he trVe"
and the poor «irl, n.orc dead than ahve. .'a, drarej
out to the open »pacc beyond then.. ''''

A Kroup of Krinnina warriors formed a hne

re'd'tha, " '■-.—'-- -. spattered :.th a
red t, a- . .snot pa.nt; fro,,, their belt, hung scalp!
freshly ,.,-„ f,„„, .,,, ,,„j, „f ,„^.^ victin.s'andTn

« .hTi: lit '"T "" '"°^"^ "' "■« -""■ »"''J;

«i me signt of blood grows mad.

THK (;rkai SMAWANOK 14,,

And yet. luw ch.inu'tlt-i» w.n llu- calm «.f the iky
a!i it ltM>k(Hl «lowii ii|}(*i) lur; h«)vv »uft wtrc the rayr*
of the afti-rnoun nun an tlicy shunc upuii the snow.
The accord between Nature mu\ human woe or
happincH<i wa< broken at lulen'-* ijatc. ]\y the
•trance quahty of the miml whuh take-* mitc <»f
triflc-i in a siijiremc nifuiuni. I.aurcnte was conscious
of many dctaiU of htr environment.

That nhc had but a few minutes more to live she
tlid not dtiubt. Cowcrinj;, she ^;lamtd from one tc»
another <if the savajjcH, wondermg with a dumb ter-
ror who amonj,' them wan chosen to strike the blow
that would put her out of her misery.

A youn^; buck be^'an to jjatlur wood f..r a fire.
Merciful Heaven! was this to be her fate? Her
brain reeled, she strunijled against the physical
weakness that threatened to rob her of constuiusness.
And then a strange thin^j happmed. The dark
veil of faintness that hunt; before her eyes seemed
lifted ; the blood rushed back to her heart. There
was no escape ; she must die in any case, but why
should she die like a coward? Why should she let
them crush her as if she were only the little snow-
bird I^ Salle had called her? Ihc spirit of St.
Martin the interpreter who, a score <if times, had
braved death at the hands of the redmcn, of the
Macintosh who fought for tin Stuart, quickened her
pulses like wine.

She had been so passive none in the awful circle
had thought ti» bin«l her. Therefore, the effect was
electrical when now their hitherto unresisting prisoner
broke from her captor. Springing to the centre

MICKOCOfY RfSOlUTION TiST CHART

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B^S Rochester, Ne» York U609 USA

■^g (716) 482 - 0300 - Phone

^a (716) 288- 5989 -Fa.

^ I

250

LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

of the wild ring of warriors, who. brandishing their
tomahawks, had begun a death-dance around her,
she cried aloud, in the patois which they well under-
stood, —

" ICssa ! For shame ! So many warriors fight one
little squaw! "

Had Wauboos, the timid hare, turned like a wolf
upon the hunter, or I'ahwectah, the dove, fought him
like the eagle, these fierce redmen, reeking with
the awful spoils of their warfare, could not have been
more amazed. Rut courage is the one human quality
which above all others impresses the Indian nature.
The dancing warriors were already sated with cruel-
ties, and the girl's daring defiance called from their
savage throats a hoarse shout of applause.

" You are not warriors, you should wear squaw-
petticoats," shrilled Laurente, turning upon Splitlog,
th« leader of the band.

A yell of protest greeted this despairing shaft of
sarcasm, and the chief fell back as if stung by a
poisoned arrow.

Had she hastened or averted her fate?
Even at this crisis, Laurente felt a sense of in-
credulous astonishment as one of the most stalwart
of her enemies leaped forward and took his stand
for her defence.

To one who knew that every daub of paint on an
Indian's face has a significance denoting honors,
ancestry, or condition, it would have been plain
enough that the heraldic device of this chief was the
beaver, that he and his forbears were great trappers
and hunters. Above his eyebrows were depicted in

THE GREAT SHAWANOE 251

vermilion the cars of the animal; on his cheeks,
also in vermilion, the paws, in a position as though
raised to the mouth; while, in criss-cross lines of
yellow ochre, extending from the chin to the nose,
was portrayed the tail, as though standing upright,
the chin itself doing service as the beaver's body.
To Laurente, however, the features of her unlooked-
for champion were simply a hideous blur of red and
yellow pigment most terrible to behold.

How great was her surprise, accordingly, when
this dusky Shawanoe, this painted redman, flourish-
ing his tomahawk as though it were a shillaleh, cried
out, not in the patois, but in ready English enriched
by a fine brogue, —

" By the powers, if any of yesc lays a finger on
the gurl, he 's a dead man, bcdad ! "

Even Pierre Labadie's fervidly whispered " I love
you " had scarce sounded sweeter in the long ago
than did now this reassurance to the again drooping
captive. For by the words, the tone, Laurente
recognized McCartai, the Tawas, son of an Irish
trapper and an Indian woman, a sachem said to be
the most humane and generous among the followers
of Tecumseh.

So much for tiic ubiquitous Irishman.

" If our brother claims the captive there is no
more to be said," sullenly declared Splitlog, uneasy
lest he might have lost prestige by the incident, and
eager to prove his prowess anew. " It is poor sport to
torture a hare when we can hunt big game."

Thereupon, he raised a war-whoop. The party
were about to follow him in a wild rush over the

iij

'■' ''■

J'j V,

1 1.

252 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

prairie, when the same brave who had started the
fire cried out that a horseman was crossing the plain
and making at full speed toward the grove.

McCartai, hastily turning to the girl, bade her not
to fear, and promised to send her to her own people.
A few minutes more, and the rider reached the
spot where they were. lie wore a suit of buckskin ;
his face was unpainted, but upon his helmet of
hawk's feathers gleamed and shimmered a disk of
pearl, which implied that the Moon-goddess was his
ancestress.

He did not dismount, but called to the band in
Shawanoe, angrily pointing to the girl a;id uttering
again and again the name of Tccumseh.

Laurente drew nearer to her late defender, choos-
mg him for a protector rather than the other.

For the newcomer was Blue Jacket, who had been
searching the woods for her.

He spoke forcibly. McCartai was inclined to dis-
pute his authority, after the traditional fashion of the
Irishman who prefers to fight first and explain after-
wards; yet a moiety of the caution inherited from his
Indian mother, and the frequent repetition of the name
of the " Springing Panther," at length prevailed.

Evidently Laurente was the subject of contention,
and now, to her dismay, McCartai consented to give
up his prize to La Salle. A chorus of jeers arose
from the other warriors as he yielded, but he eyed
them to silence and, patting his hatchet, muttered
again the magical name of Tecumseh.

Laurente vaguely comprehended that Blue Jacket
had Led, saying she was his promised wife, and any

•^IJir -If #;*'■'&„

rHK GRKAT SHAWANOK

253

one who strove to take her from hitn wouUl be
punished by the leader ct the Nations.

She had no chance to beg her recent champion
not to abandon her cause. La Salic bending down
lifted her to his saddle, as he had done that evening
when he stole her away, and, putting spurs to his
horse, galloped toward his father's house on the river
bank, followed by the yelling Shawanocs.

If he meant to again make Wahtayah the jailer
of Lan rente and barricade the place, his plan was
promptly frustrated by the savages. Reaching the
house before he had time to enter it, they thronged
into the living-room, slap[)ing on the walls and ceil-
ing the trophies of their victory at Plum Creek; or
flinging them upon the table, until the reeking scalps
were piled almost as high as the rafters.

Having disencumbered themselves for the time of
their horrid adornments, they next made a rush for
the cellar, where, finding the liquor in pools upon
the floor, they lay on the ground, lapping up the
drink like dogs.

" It is our opportunity," whispered La Salle to the
girl, who in despair found herself again his prisoner.
" I will take you to Proctor's camp. Under the
protection of the banner of St. George you shall go
with me to Maiden."

The British were by this time encamped at Sandy
Creek, three miles above Frenchtown. Upon learn-
ing that Laurente was a daughter of Angus Macintosh
who, sinking his past animosity, had contributed
generously to ration the troops. Proctor assigned her
to the care of Madam Navarre, that lady having

I ^

254 LOVK TflRIVES IN WAR

obtained prrmission t accompany her husband,
i-oloncl I'ran^ois, in his captivity.

The women were treated with' some sh'ght decree
of consideration ; and when the troops began the
march to the fort, two or three of the young officers
would g adiy have constituted then.,elves the escort
of A .ss Macintosh. But Hh.e Jacket, having secured
for her use Colonel Navarre's beautiful saddle-horse
upon which General Winchester had sought to escape.'
rode by her side and kept at a distance those who
would gladly have beguiled her loneliness. In all
other respects, he behaved toward her with thf
punctilious courtesy of a Creole expectant bride-
groom.

Yet although she was safe from molestation, what
traged.es were enacted arounJ her; what piteous cries
aroused her from sleep more than once during that
dismal journey.

*u^«^^?^^'' ^"^"'"" soldiers were driven before
the British and Indians like cattle.

Those A'ho grew faint and weary on the way were
tomahawked by the savages, scalped, and left to die
by the roadside. Others were carried off toward
Detroit. I^or more than two weeks after the massa-
cre It ^vas a familiar spectacle, in that town, to see a
redman hawking a footsore and half-starved Ken-
tuck.an about the little streets, willing to sell him for
any sum above the price that Proctor would pay for
his scalp. If money was not forthcoming, blankets
or provisions were readily accepted in exchange.

After three days the army reached Maiden. Here
Laurente found to her consternation that, instead of

■ 10' \J ■

THE (JRKA r SHAWANOK ^55

being sent home, as Colonel Proctor had promised,
she was detained a prisoner.

" I cannot now bring Lc I'^re Richard ; the parson
at Sandwich shall marry us," La Salic said, a day or
two after her arrival.

From that time r.hc kept almost constantlv at the
side of Madam Navarre, fearing that if Blue Jacket
discovered her alone he would again spirit her away.
Was she after all to be forced to this marriage? Had
she fled from a union with Captain Miiir o'iily to be
compelled to pledge herself to Blue Jacket, accord-
ing to the ceremonies of an alien creed? Among
her people there was something of a slur upon
such a marriage, even though it was avlmitted to
be legal.

Ah, if Captain Muir were here at Maiden he would
help her. notwithstanding that she had rejected
his love. But. unhappily, her strange premonition
on the night of the attack upon Frenchtown had
proved only too correct; the gallant and noble Muir
was one of the first of the British to fall at the battle
of the Raisin. To whom, then, could she turn for
assistance in the camp, where she was so cruelly held
a captive?

■*•••••

At the time of the final struggle between Great
Britain and the United States for the supremacy of
the Northwest, the site of Fort Maiden was. as it is
to-day. the loveliest spot on the Detroit River.

Situated at the point where the blue Strait pours
its great flood of waters into the silver sea of Lake
Erie, with the wooded island of Bois Blanc like a

■m

256 LOVK IHRIVKS IN WAR

sentinel on j,.u,ucl at its R.-.tc. it cotn.nan.lod the river
and f..anc<I a n.a^Mnfu-.nt position of vantage, whence
any approach fron, the lake n.i.ht be ascertained
uh.k he sh.ps or canoes were still at a distance

In the late sprin^j and snmmer. the green slopes of
•ts earthworks were fair with wildnowers. as I a
woman s tambonr-frame. The birds built their nests
^l^d sang as merrily as in their native woods, among
'0 branches of the young Kngli.h lin,e-trees. tha'
now cas upon the velvet lawns the shade of a century
of growth. '

In winlcr, Imucvcr, the place was bleak coueI,.

Had been binzed except upon the island. The north
w,„ds swept over the plain with untempcred severity
»h,le the sonth breeze, blowing fron, L ice cIok'-cJ

Kabibonokka ' himself.

In this year. 1813. on Candlemas Day the traditional

hedgehog crept out from his hiding-place cau^it a

g -mpse of his own shadow as he frk'ed in t^:^!!

shme, and scampered back to his home underground.

As a consequence of his wantonness, the winter bade

tair to contmue f • many weeks.

To Miss Mad,, .h. nevertheless, it seemed a light
thmg to brave cold and snows if by so doing she
could gam her liberty. Once outside the stockade
she could make her way to Moy Hall by short
stages, findmg refuge and shelter among the habitants
and Knghsh settlers along the southern c6te. Were
McCarta, now here she might ask his help. But the
» The Indian Spirit of the North Wind.

ifS^:

J^'Jl^^cvla«^;rli^j^?^.

THE (JRKAT SHAWANOE 257

Tawas chief was gone to the Maumce valley upon
another expedition aRainst the Long Knives Her
plight appeared hopeless.

So reflected the girl as one morning she stood
upon the embankment, vainly scanning the river and
lake for some sign that General Harrison, the her. of
1 .ppccanoe. was coming to siorm the fort. With him
would come her lover. Pierre Labadie. she felt sure-
and when Pierre came, her anxiety and peril xvould
DC at an end.

But alas, after the massacre at Frenchtown. what
capable general would lead an army into the wilder-
ness m the dead of winter when the lake was stormy
and the river was locked fast in ice?

"Jesu! Marie! help me." she exclaimed, now
wa.kmg briskly up and down. As a matter of routine
she took the air daily; to remain indoors would be
to lose the physical strength that would be so
es.^nt.al, were an opportunity of escape offered

The stone powder-house, which stands to-day a
vine-grown ruin at the edge of the grassy stretch,
once the old parade ground, was. at that time a
strong magazine stored with ammunition. As Lau-
rente drew near it, she saw two figures coming down
the esplanade from the commandant's quarters.

One was a redcoat officer, the other an Indian
almost SIX feet tall and of a compact, muscular frame
A second glance showed her that the officer was
General Proctor, and the redman none other than the
great Tecumseh.

If she were met by them here, the guard might be
punished for permitting her this semblance of free-

(»

II!

»5» LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

«p^:,r ■"'^" """^ ""• '"'' "•«- •" p»« 'he

It wa, in,po«ibIc for h<^r to retreat, but very nece,-
«»ry that ,he ,ho„I.I keep a ,l,arp wateh upon h r
every motion in or.ler to avoid discovery

They were engaged in some earnest di,cu„ion, and
a« they approaehed the ma^a^ine, Uuronte. pe;ri"K
from her concealment, studied the face of thi Spr 2
."B Panther more closely ,h.,„ she had ever hi I, ^o

hHoe ""'"t "" *""""-" "' '■■■' fo-head ,h at
a Roman co.n treasured by her father. His teeth
were large and white, and his dark, penetrati g ev,
were overhung with heavy brows which increased he
grave expression of hi, countenance.

than '^hc" si™ °'"1' '"«'"'' '^'••""•^' >■" no' "eater
da h o oi« """'^ '"=" °' ''""'''"• '° "hich a

and a crimson sth.-'t t^raiKcrU" he'

wore an eagle's feather. '''

This was the man whom both friend and fo,

s"mm: t.^' '" "' "■= "°'""' '"<'- "ho had c«
s .mmoned h,s people to join with him to save the!
hunting grounds from the "White .Strangers "U
was wh,spered among ,he American pr.Ws tha

w" JrvTbL^rer^e^roiT ''■' ~

had gone down to tirKlin^o" ri:™'! tL\=
habitants fron> the Indians and British who still

»,

THE ORF.AT SHAVVANOE ,„

lingered .hero, or hin, ;, „,„ ,,,., „,„ ,,^

■-.iiowci ., pr„„„cr ,„ ,,, „„„,i„,., if 1,^. ,„„,,, 7 ;;

lii> ivarror!! n cheek • il... i.. .

f,.,.,.™... I. ' ' '" ""' •" li"ni.inc and

Buierou« a. Proctor »a, mean an.l cruel

Now he spoke in Kngli^h, with ,„pp,,.,cd ,„,.

a_n.M,a,.ed ,„ hi, Tree stride hnt a Tew Z- .o'Ll

General Proctor came to a pa„« aNo. Their di,-
cu„,o„^wa, no. an.icable u„d had plainly reached

" I'alawah," ,aid the chief, •• at the Raisin, yo„ let
>warr,or, loose like wolve,, and yonr sold e^s o

I hen, ,n burning, plnn.lerin,-, an.l destroying. The
:'"*;• ■"™ "•" -■•■ Mi Jmvn .here have no meal
no meat but the nesh of .he musk-ra.. Some ofX m
are v,„Bon the ,ra,s of the prairie chopped

one In, , ""' '"" '">'>'"""2 "«=".«. I .'ok from
one old hab.tant a yoke of steers he had in hidin,,
hop.nBw.th them to earn his bread in the sp „c
Ine.xeh.,nge I Rave him an order on your agent Tlfe
.on of th,s old n,a„ Kivard ha, come to me; e says
you refuse to pay for .he steers. Is this tru; i- - ^
Ves, replied the general promptly. " My sol-
d,ers and allies arc entitled to support ffom thecoun-
try they have conquered."

shChn!'''"^'" u!'°''' °"' '^' ercat Shawanoe. only
b c s^r:? '" '°'"' " >'"" '"-^ ^^y ^- '^-' steers
mywarriL ^^°"'"' '' ^°" ^ive salt meat to
my warnor while yot.r soldiers have fresh beef. You
a^^e Genera Proctor and lead the army of the EngU:

Boutin "" '^''"""'''' ^"'^ '^ I -"^ -ot satitfied
you uiU have to reckon with mc."

!kr»Hlk%i

260

I.OVK THRIVKS IN W.\R

"frulian p.imh. r. >"u threaten? ' cricJ IVoctor
K'vinK u.iy tc, his anfrcr. '

hJ^c^'f ''T''' '"; '"^'" ''"" "^ ^"Kcr other than
h tense tone but .luUin^ the hilt of 1 Wtor'n .worj
with h.s han.l he then touched hii own tomahawk
amUternly acUletl.— "lanawK

" "^[7^' Tccumseh and hU brothcn came to f.^ht
the battle, of the Kn.hsh kin« they had enough to
cat. for wh.ch they had only to thank the .Nfas^er of
I^ifc and thc.r ^ood riHcs or the hunter's bow. Thev
beLe/"'" '" '''"' '»"nti"K-Uround. and hvc as

ThiH pcrcniptorv warninj,' was not without cfTect

n.ctor was udl aware that the great Shawanoe

coul.l umncdiatcly withdraw all the nation, of the

rcdmen from the Hritish service, and without them

hHSold.ers would be nearly powerless on the frontier

bmcc lecumsch has :>assed his word, I will pay

nc could muster.

The Frenchman must have hard money, not the
rag-money you call army bills." persisted the chief

coin •Tvi'p"'^ ^"■"■*'" '"^ ' ^'" ^'•^^' y"" l'»'-
co.n sa.d Proctor, sullenly; and they passed on

together to the commandant's house.

"This is my chance to get back to my room with
Madam Navarre." thought Laurente.

datr/h^'f ,'''''"u^"' ' ^''' '''^' '""''^'^ the dilapi-
dated bu.ldmg where the women were lodged, how-
ever, when a man sprang from .round a corner of
the powder-magazine and confronted her
The g,rl recoiled from him indignantly.

fcivlft^

^*iiii*!i

(>."■■■-■■■'■ "1 A „., ■.

IP*''!!,';.]!!

$£

: '*%,*■

^i^_.m^ '^-*^\-*iji'is-j^\:r*«

»HK (iKKAf SMAWANOK ,,,,

••Musi I a\^^,^ys t. II >o., ,.. „.,„.i ,,j^,.. j^„,,.^ , ^

S..IIC? »hc cried. "Why .to you continue to pcMcr
mc with the si^jht of you ,» '

" Why. my pretty I'.,luvcct.ih. my htile nnou-binl '
he rejoined .uavely. ulth.u.-ih in hin voice she detcc-
ted a ring of unalterable det. rmmation. •• bet .lusc I
h'vc you. Mademoiselle. F have been patient. ' he
I)r..cce.lcil fiercely, coming a pace nearer to her - f
have sued for your love; I have asked you to ro
with mc to be marr.cd. and you wo.dd not. Now I
will take you for my wife before the ^reat chief
Tecumseh. This h the form of honorable marriage
amonij my people, and even Holy Church seeks to
protect the Indian wife. I have st.,len you for my
bride after the manner of a brave, and the Sprinir-
inn Panther will confirm my claim."

HccauKht the girl in his arms and bent hi. head to
Kis.s her passionately.

" No. no.- she faltered, struggling to free herself
from his grasp. And obeying a sudden impulse, she
screamed aloud the all-powerful name both with the
Indi.ins and the Knglish,—

" Tecumsch ! Tecumsch ! "

La Salle laughed, and catching at her hands drew
them down from her defiantly tearful face as he said
derisively, —

" What ! You. a prisoner, call upon fic protection
of your arch-enemy ! "

In another moment there was a rustling sound like

the swirl of the wind as it

ows a branch of brush-

wood over the frozen ground. Before the astonished
gaze of the Frenchman loomed up a tall form • a

■]

«l^^'

262 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

brawny arm. stronger than the mailed hand that
wielded the sword Excalibur. thrust at his chest, and
straightway he was sprawhng upon the snow. Over
h.m stood a dark warrior so kingly, imp ious. and
noble m appearance that he might have been taken
lor the manitou of the woods.

"Tecumseh.-stammered Laurente.piteously, stretch-
ing out her hands to him to save her. while her tor-
mentor lay dazed, staring helplessly at the deliverer
who had so unexpectedly cut short his unwelcome
woomg.

^ " Dog ! get up, " commanded the Shawanoe. roll-
ing over the squirming half-breed with the toe of his
moccasin.

La Salle wriggled out of its reach, slowly got upon
his feet, and faced the chief

''What! Bluejacket!" exclaimed Tecumseh.
looking him over with a scorn too intense to be
expressed in words.

''The demoiselle is my captive. I have but now

aiue Jacket, surlily. ^

" And what does the white woman say ? " demanded
lecumseh, turning his gaze upon Laurente.

" That I am his captive is only too true," answered
the girl gathering courage from Tecumseh's aspect.
Blue Jacket has stolen me away from my people, '.ut
rather than become his wife, I will stand as a target
for the arrows in the quiver upon your shoulder, or
the pistols m your belt. Kill me, Tecumseh; for I
would rather meet death by the weapon of a great
warnor than live to be the bride of James La Salle "

:-;;>'

•XL-axa^ajtw^!

■h

W'i

J-

M .:Myi

*^ii!^*

THE GREAT SHAWANOE 263

The shadow of a smile flitted over the face of
Tecumseh. " The Springing Panther docs not make
war on squaws." he said, grimly. " Blue Jacket, the
woman does not seem to love you ; why do you pur-
sue her? ' ^ v

"Because I wish to break her spirit," returned La
Salle •' Should a milk-faced woman be permitted to
laugh at me?"

^^ Tecumseh eyed him for some seconds in silence.

James La Salle." he said, at length. " if you want
to have part with your mother's people, take for your
bride a daughter of the forest. If you would remain
among the pale faces, woo some demoiselle with
whom you have found more favor than in the eyes
of this girl. I have forbidden my warriors to carry
off the white squaws. Tecumseh must be obeyed
M'sieur Blue Jacket." ^

"Tecumseh. may the Master of Life reward you ' "
cried Laurente. clasping her hands in gratitude. " My
father. Angus Macintosh, lives not twenty miles from

homer *^^ '^"'^ °^ *^^ ^^*''°*'- ^°" ''''" '""^ "^<^

Tecumseh shook his head.

"When the ice breaks in the Strait and the snows
are gone, the squaw shall return to her people." he
replied; "but until then she can wait with a quiet
heart. Blue Jacket, yoti shall go on a journey.
Come to my lodge to-night when the dark falls, and
1 will tell you what I have for you to do."

With a lordly wave of the hand he dismissed
Laurente and stood guard over La Salle until she was
safely out of sight.

-^m^

264 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

Then he turned contemptuously upon his crest-
fallen adversary.

" Dog of a half-breed." he muttered, gutterally " J
would have buried my tomahawk in your breast were
it not that you can serve me. Remember, and be
faithful ; for upon your fidelity depends your life "

•v^*iBrx<^*, w^m-WEki

CHAPTER SIXTKRNTFI

WITH TIPPECANOE AT FORT MLIGS

THE next day James La Salle disappeared from
Maiden, and before long Tccumseh and the
bravest of his followers set out on another hostile
expedition.

The Indians have a saying that in winter the sky is
a vast dome of ice. A serpent manitou coils close
to the dome and rubs his scales against it, causing
the ice-dust to fall upon the earth in the form of
snow.

"The manitou of the North shows himself in a
snow-storm and has wolves for warriors," said the
Pani woman who waited upon Madam Navarre and
Laurente. "The manitou of the South commands
the ram and thunder, and is aided by the crow and
the plover. When the North god plans to have cold
weather, he gives battle to his antagonist, and, if
successful, fills the air with chill blasts, and the risers
and prairies become frozen. But if he is defeated, he
is drowned in the storm sent by his enemy, and 'the
crow and the plover peck the wolf-warriors to death
The breeze becomes warm and the earth blossoms
Before the manitous go forth to the conflict each
leaves a young god in his lodge to succeed him in
case he does not return."

^^^Tr^^^T^^TSESTTifr!

266

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

i f

At the Strait the latter part of the winter of
1812-1813 passed without incident, and when at
last the Spring god began to prevail, his victory
was hailed with delight by Laurente and Madam
Navarre.

They did not know that the sudden breaking up of
the ice had frustrated an American expedition which
crept up near the Detroit to destroy the British ships
blocked in the mouth of the Strait.

In April, however, there was a stir at Fort Maiden,
and the news soon came to the ears of the prisoners
that the Canadian militia were being assembled at
Sandwich, where Tecumseh had arrived with nearly
a thousand of the fiercest aborigines of the region.
The Prophet, who had just recovered from a wound
received in a mysterious encounter, was also in the
neighborhood.

On the 23d of the month the captives sadly
watched the embarkation from Amherstburg of two
thousand white and dusky troops on a brig, two
smaller vessels, and two gun-boats, and saw General
Proctor and the Great Shawanoe set oflf with this
army down the lake.

Since the day when Pierre Labadie, shoi'ldering a
trunk apparently confiscated by a looting Bruisher,
walked out of the gate of Fort Detroit, nothing had
been heard of him either by his friends or his sweet-
heart. Where was he during these long months?
Was he so indifferent to the trials endured by Laurente,
the perils by which she was encompassed, as events
would have it seem? Or was it rather that the
exigencies of war, the hardships of a soldier's lot,

'■••<<-«t5 «*■

TIPPECANOE AT FORT MEIGS 267

kept him from her side, while untoward circumstances
thwarted all communication between them?

With Laurente to love was to trust, and therefore
notwithstanding his silence, she held fast to her faith
in her lover.

He was, indeed, worthy of her loyalty. Pierre's
love was like the star that guided him through the
morass and forest when he led his men in the various
scoutmg parties upon which he was sent by General
Harrison. It spurred him ever to greater effort in
the service of his country.

He had written more than once to Laurente. But
the wood-ranger, to whom he committed his first mes-
sage, was attacked and killed by Indians ; a second
deserted to the enemy, and the third reached Detroit
a day or two after the girl was stolen away by Blue
Jacket. It would have comforted her could she have
known that a letter from Pierre was awaiting her in
the care of Madam Brush, yet this letter she was
destmed not to receive until some time later The
war must be fought, that out of the conflict, as the
phoenix from the fire, peace might arise; the peace
that would, the brave lover hoped, reunite him to
Laurente and join their lives.

After many adventures Labadie had arrived at
St. Mary's, where General Harrison was mustering
the gallant Kentuckians. The general made him a
captam and employed him on several important
commissions. The spring found him with the troops
in the camp at the rapids of the Maumec. which the
commander-in-chief had named Fort Meigs in honor
of the martial governor of Ohio.

mn'^n^mm^'^x^^^ '^:^rw^p«»f»iK«rf'«siiar'3«ps7'-&«-

268 LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

On all the frontier there was. perhaps, no lovelier
scene than the valley of the Maumee as the warm
rays of the sun shone upon it durinji the afternoon
of the 29th of April, 18 r 3.

The only point of the panorama that suggested the
strenuous life of the wilderness was the strongly
picketed camp on the right bank of the river just
where the swirling waters, having gathered force in
the struggle among the rocks, dashed onward with a
mad rush.

Here in his tent, overlooking the rapids, sat an
officer about forty years of age, absorbed in thought
The epaulettes and stripes of gold lace upon his blue
coat proclaimed his rank to be that of a general.
His lank frame, thin, strongly marked face, keen
eyes and broad brow formed a portrait well known
throughout the seventeen States of the Union. This
man with the firm mouth and resolute air was Wil-
liam Henry Harrison, the idol of his soldiers, the
hero of Tippecanoe, the commander of the Army of
the Northwest

The sun sank toward ♦he green sea of the prairie
as though seeking its kindred fires in the heart of
the earth. The general aroused from his abstrac-
tion, and stood looking across the valley. He was
not insensible to its beauty, but now he took no
note of the charm of the landscape, for his atten-
tion became quickly fixed upon two objects that
stood out like shadows against the disk of the setting
sun.

He levelled his glass at what might have seemed
to the unaided eye a mist rising from the swamp, and

if ;4

,yiL

WSl'W^

TIPPECANOE AT FORT MEIGS 269

presently lowering the lens, sharply rang the little
gong that stood upon his table.

" Sergeant," he said to the orderly who promptly
appeared. '• tell the officer of the guard to fire at that
dark spot yonder. And say to Captain Labadic that
I desire to speak with him."

When Labadic reported, the general handed hi.n
the glass, saying, —

"Captain, you are familiar with the wilderness,
what do you make of those forms yonder?"

Labadic studied them for a moment.

" Sir, they are horsemen who, from the other side
of the river, appear to be taking a very deliberate
survey of the fort," he at length answered.

'* Humph, so I thought," rejoined Tippecanoe.

"Well, in a wild country strangers are considered
enemies until they prove themselves friends. We
will sec how they receive our salute."

He was mtcrrupted by the hoarse voice of a
cannon demandmg the business of the travellers.
The latter did not wait to explain their presence'
however, but swiftly galloped away.

If the gun had been charged with ball or shell, how
different might have been the course of subsequent
events ! For, although the Americans were ignorant
of the fact, the daring visitors were Proctor and
Tecumseh.

Upon their disappearance Labadie withdrew
When the general was again alone his gaze swept
the valley in every direction. Then he glanced from
the western sky to the flagstaff of his little fort, and
back at the sunset clouds.

"^Sh..

tfi- m:i«c*iMJBr^:vr'3r-ia'r

l!il

170 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

" By my noul." he soliloquized, hin stern features

relaxiriK '"to a smile, •• were I a poet like Krencau.

I minht see in the sunset's flowing bands of crimson,'

and the stars beginning to shine forth in the blue sky

above, a semblance to the flag floating from the

bastion there ; our standard unfurled in the skies by

a power mightier than the arm of Tecumsch ! I

might seize upon the circumstance as an omen of

victory. Truly, a soldier's best omen is his courage

and the strength of his sword. Nevertheless, this is

an interesting coincidence."

The next morning, shortly after reveille, the officer
on the ramparts discovered that during the night the
British, who had been reported from Maumcc Bay,
had selected a position on the high bank of the
river opposite old Fort Maumee, about two miles
below Fort Meigs. Here they had succeeded in
mountmg several of their guns.

A fire was at once opened upon them, and this
was so promptly returned as to cause uneasiness
among the Americans, whose powder had only just
been removed from the ammunition wagons to a
block-house that was exposed to the red-hot balls
of the enemy.

General Harrison, passing a group of soldiers, cried
out,—

"Boys, who will volunteer to cover the maga-
zine?" *•

Off started several of them, including Captain
Labadie. who. on the way from the officers' mess,
heard the call for volunteers.

The intrepid band had only just reached the

st mML wmjjmm m^^^^'f:' m

TIPPECANOE AT FORT ME.qs ,.,

«nd. lodging in one u^hc braccT,„l "'7?^"''
B'Kantic top. ' I*"" '"""<' li>«: a

Every v.Idicr of the party fell n„ „„ i ,
breathle,, horror. awaiL/thc vt Col" ' T'""
■t seemed, must incvit.bly follo^ "^ '" "'"''

come"" oIV'pTc':!: T2 ",""'""•'""' '"" ■•' "■■" "»«
•ince the sl^-IUid'^ it sT TS. rT"' """
constructed from those Hhict hadT cL' " ""'

cx!mi:e"£To:.ri''r;'.''"''' - «■--.<.

but by a few sccondr "' ''""'" '''" '^"""S "^

cnthJToun'; ntr't "'d^V """■"'"'^ "- '^^
.n.s..le fr'on. the r^of, ^rk^d .l'""''';^ '"' ^'"""^
the socket and ..amp;^ ij ou, °'""''' '"'" '"""

B.";r;t:er,T:h?r;otnr,r''^
re jTit^d tit '"^---'--^uirif

commander said, atTasl,-i '' '"•'" "'"" "■=

" Well done, my brave fellows I r,, f

a;!

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

•if

warnctl hi^ comrade-*, bccomlin{«io »kiirul a< in almo«t
every ca»c to rightly predict the destinati.iti of each
shell.

A« soon as the nmokc lisucd from the enemy'*
gun, he would cry out,—

•• Hombc ! Hullet de cannon f " Or. " Now cet er»
dc mcat-house I " " Adieu, ccf you will pass ! " '• V la,
zc big batteric ! "

Finally, there came a shot that defied his calcula-
tionn. He remained silrnt, perplexed. In another
instant he would have been swept into eternity had
not a gunner ruihcd forward and dragj,'cd him from
liis position. Philosopher Jean did not understand
that when there was no smoke, cither to the right or
left, the ball would travel in a straight line.

The fire from the fort was «o effective that the
enemy's guns were dismounted and the British were
forced to discontinue their work of erecting batteries.
On this same evening General Harrison sent for
Pierre Labadic,

"Captain," he said, when the officer entered his
tent, •• I have a perilous mission to offer you, but you
are at liberty to decline it if you wish."

As he spoke, he narrowly watched the effect of
his words.

Labadic never changed color, but responded with-
out hesitation, —

" General, when am I to set out? "

The commander smiled, and nodded his head in
approval.

"To-night," he said; and then added, "Captain
Labadie, I commend your readiness. The selection

i!l''i^'&"-=il^'*Jw^'^M

TIPPFCANOF. AT FORI MFKJS i-,

of one Huilcd to thJn important trii.t wi, not to U-
khtly made. My m«»cni;cr mu*t b,.. n.,t only
devoid, prudent, and courancouH. but familiar with
Indian warfare and the character of the country here
about. I did not long hcitatc before choosing yuu
for the service." fc / "

" Sir. I thank you f<»r the honor you confer ui)on
n.e antl I will do n.y bc,t to prove worthy of y^ur
conridcncc." replied the young subaltern, kindling
with i soldier'* cnthuHi ism. •' What am I to do? -

•• Meet General Clay an.l repeat to him the instruc-
t'OHH that I Hhall give you orally, sin-e it is n..t
safe to put them in writing." directed t. comman-
der-in-chief.

Labadie started, but this betrayal of his surprise
was like the eager champ of the spirited charger
impatient to plunge int.) the dangers of the battle

General Harrison daily looked for reinforcements,
and these troops were, no doubt, pushing on through
the wilderness from Kentucky. To find this little
command; to inform its leader that the Kritish and
Indians were befvecn them and the fort; to conduct
them by a roundabout route to the relief of the
place, — such was the desperate enterprise entrusted
to Captain Labadic.

To succeed would be to win victory for the Ameri-
can arms, fame and a record for himself. To fail
would mean perhaps the overthrow of General Harri-
son's entire plan of campaign; the almost certain
sacrifice of the lives of the isolated garrison above
the tossing rapids, that, like swaying Harpies, laughed
below the river bank as though to mock lii^ errand

I •^.

274 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

"Take with you two companions of your own
choice and set out as soon as possible." continued
the general; "you will say to General Clay — "

Here he added his instructions, and Labadie. after
repeating the exact words to impress them indelibly
upon his memory, retired to make the necessary
preparations for his journey.

An hour later Captain Labadie, accompanied by
Jean Cc^c.re and James Knaggs, the famous American
scout, brother of Dcbendon. set off in a boat up the
river. '^

That they got away none too soon was quickly
evident The next day. despite the cannonade from
the fort, the enemy continued the erection of their
earthworks, and by the third morning the batteries
were completed.

By this time, however, the Yankees had built a
strong traverse across the highest ground of the
camp, and all tents were either struck or removed
behind It. the canvas houses, that had concealed the
growth of the traverse from the view of the British
being thus in turn hidden by this great shield of
earth.

Moreover, as each mess excavated suitable rooms
under the embankment, the tents were abandoned
The new places of shelter were shot and bomb proof
except in the event of a shell falling at the mouth of
a cave. The Saganosh had now faint prospect of

smoking the Long Knives out."

These defences were scarce finished when it was
ascertained that the enemy, under cover of the night

ik.1

*,; :i

TIPPECANOE AT FORT MEIGS j;,

to Dcsct the Amcncnns on every side

Alar,e „„,„berof ca„„o„.balh were thrown in.o
the cunp and be.ng short of a supply, General
Harnson offered a rIII of whiskey for ev^y „„"
«K. e„e„,y. bans delivere., over to the L,..ll

^:':m°r ^ "'°"^"'' ^'"^ "■-•^ •"- ^-^^^ ^y

Jlcavy rains filled up the excavations in the em-
bankment and foreed the „,en to raise thei tenTs

ng night they were aroused from sleep by the sta-t-

.ng cry of ■• Bon.b ! • Rushing out, th/v watetd

the fiery u.^-ssenger of death as it winged its way

alnhen/'r'"'''^- '^ ■' f-^" "- "then,, t ley
cast themselves prone upon the ground; otherwise,
they returned to their tents, only to be presemi;

tomed to danger had the men become, and so over-

powenng was the desire for sleep, that n.any of

hem refused to respond to the call, declaring they

would not be disturbed if ten thousand bombs

burst all around them."

On the third day the firing from the British batter.'es
stead,|y contmued until evening, when it ceased, and

.h^ltrkad:"""^ '^ "'"■"• ''' '-'' -=" ^"P--'""S
He was admitted, and, upon being conducted to
hea.quar.ers, dc!:.cred to General Harrison a per-
emptory summons fron, General Proctor for the «„,.
render of the garrison.

276

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

The hero of Tippecanoe only smiled at the demand.
" Tell your general this post will not be surren-
dered on any terms," he satirically replied to the
messenger. •• If through the fortunes of war he ever
obtains possession of Fort Meigs, it will be in a
manner calculated to do him more honor, and give
him a higher claim to the gratitude of his govern-
ment, than he would gain by a capitulation."

Soon after the return of the envoy, the cannonad-
ing was resumed on both sides, and the British were
finally driven from their position near the fort.

The " Stars and Stripes " still waved proudly above
the rushing waters of the Maumee; the spirit of
the officers and garrison was bold as ever. Never-
theless, in the American fort on the river bank there
was an atmosphere of suspense and keen anxiety.
Many times each day the officer of the guard scoured
the valley with his glass in the hope of descrying
some signal that promised relief to the troops be-
sieged by an army that greatly outnumbered them.
Still there was no sign of the reinforcements.

What was become of Captain Labadie? Had he
failed in his attempt to reach General Clay?

Had he and his two companions been taken pris-
oners by Proctor's scouts, or were they lying, mur-
dered and scalped, in the depths of the Ohio forest.?

(' ' ;• fi

CHAPTER SEVENTKENTH

WARS RED TOUCHSTONE

TO go back to *Mc evening when, under cover
of the darkness, the young officer guided by
Knaggs, and followed by the Creole sergeant, whose
drollery was only exceeded by his stanch courage,
set off in a canoe up the Maumee. The three were
dressed and painted like Indians, and all during the
night they plied their paddles as vigorously as any
dusky voyageurs of the rivers and lakes.

When day broke, Jean Cecire, looking back along
the water-way, descried afar off on its surface a
black dot.

"Via, monsieur le capitaine," he cried, " v'la les
diables rouges, de red devils, dey gif us chase."

Knaggs pointed the canoe across the current
and with his companions watched the approaching
shadow.

" We must make for the bushes," he said.

They put in to the shore, leaped from their boat,
and dragged it up to the woods.

The other canoe came nearer. It was manned
by four Indians who, when they reached a point
almost opposite to where the white men lay hiding,
also made for the strand.

ft «

«' 1

278 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

"By Gar!" exclaimed Jean C6cire; "Ic Nain
Rouce, de Red Dwarf, he must be one hof dem,
hor else dey haf de scent hof de fox."

The captain resolved to intercept them, since, if
not m pursuit of his party, they had perhaps been
sent to discover and spy upon the reinforcements

As they gained the beach, he stepped forward in
open view. Behind him the locks of his comrades'
muskets cried. " Nick ! Nick ! " At the same moment
he recognized the redmcn. They were Shkotai.
Walk-m-the-Water, and two other of the latter's
sons who had aided Pierre's escape from the Strait
" Nick ! Nick ! " whispered the fusees once more'
Were his forest benefactors to be shot down
before his eyes? He raised a hand as a signal to
his men not to fire. Without understanding, they
obeyed, but rushed from their ambush, ready for
the expected fight.

"Knaggs! Cdcire ! these are my friends," cried
Labadie, springing forward and taking the old chief
by the hand. " They fed me when I was hungry and
tended me when I was ill. Had I been the son of
this old man, he could not have treated me with
greater kindness."

The hardy scout and the sergeant threw down their
weapons and, advancing, greeted the strangers.

" We did not know it was you, our white brother,
that Palawah sent us to tomahawk," said one of the
young braves, turning to Pierre. " We cannot kill
you since you have been adopted by our father
Neither can we go back and have the redcoat chief
tell Tecumseh we have failed. What are we to do? "

¥» ' »* I

WAR'S RED TOUCHSTONE 279

••Brother," replied the officer, throwing an arm
about the youth's neck, "Tccumseh is a great
warrior, but Tippecanoe, who drove the redmen
before him, has many soldiers at the fort of the
Rapids, and another army is coming to help him.
Remain in the woods until the strugg'c is over.
Then, our Father of the Seventeen Fires » will not
treat you as bad Indians; he will load you with
presents."

•• My son. we will stay in the forest," agreed the
old chief. " Give me a half-pistolc to buy whiskey."
Labacic's eyes twinkled with mirth, but he answered
sternly, " My father, there is no whiskey in the
woods ; nor have I any money now. Come to Fort
Meigs, after Palawah has been driven away, and I
will give you a whole pistole."

The old chief grunted, kissed the captain on the
cheek, and hugged him until Labadie was forced
to return the compliment. The braves saluted him
in the same fashion; then the four Indians raised
the canoe on their shoulders and plunged into the
heart of the forest.

Labadie, Knaggs, and Cecire continued their jour-
ney, and the next day, abandoning the river, took
their course through the woods.

At the Rapids the cannonading continued daily,

and the position of the besieged was becoming

desperate. Had General Clay's brigade been attacked

and cut to pieces by the enemy?

The evening of the fourth of May was overcast.

» The Seventeen States that at the time composed the Union.
The President of th« United States.

28o

lOVE THRIVES IN WAR

Shortly after midnight a sentinel on tU.

fiction,. """ '"" "'"'o" ""J" 'h« forti-

bus7"° '"" ""''■■ "'"''■'• '""""B fi' blunder-

Who goes thcc? ■• he shouted again.
Tim t,me came the low answer, _
'A friend."

•■Advance, friend, and give the eountersign."
F.ght on, soldier, but do not fight the ™„.r,r
messenger," called a cautious voice. ^ '

" Fight on," was the pass-word mven tn i ,1, j-
when he set out. This must be he '""'"

Despite the usual vigilance of Tecumseh md th.
Shawanoes, Pierre landed his boat wtf fit,

a"'Tav::'rat"r'"j- ''- p-'^- -^^^^
c™pe^th:l^.^To^l"rtLT.^alr°"•

promptly admitted. ^ ' *"'' ""=

The captain was conducted to the tent „f r
Harnson, whom he found up and ZZ ""'

••YourrepV;' """^"''"-'"-'"^f-

chesfersif ""h"" "'', T'"" """""' Clay near Win-
cnestcr, sir, began Labadie, "we euidrH h,, .

through the „i,der„ess. Aft. a hafdlt" ^Z
month, they awa,t your instructions at so shor[

rts

tj-
r-

WARS RED TOUCHSTONE 281

a distance up the river that they can hear every
cannon-shot fired from your guns or the enemy's
batteries." '

"Thank God they are so near." exclaimed Tippe-
canoe, with enthusiasm. " Now to Ret them into the
fort ! Captam Labadie, you shall be served with food
and drink, and then you must go back at once. Bid
uencral Clay in my name — "

Here he added his instructions, which he emphasized
by frequent reference to the military map on the table
before hmi.

Weary as Pierre was he lost no time, but within
the hour set off up the Maumec with ten or twelve
fresh men. He found the forces already embarked
in open boats, and as soon as General Clay received
the message he directed an advance down the river
m the hne of battle.

By order of Tippecanoe a division of the rein-
forcements was to land on the fort side of the
stream and fight its way into the stockade through
the cordon of Indians. This the men did after a
desperate fight, in which they were aided by the sortie
of a detachment from the fort.

Meantime, the remainder of the forces, under a
gallant young Kentuckian, Colonel Dudley, and
Major Isaac Shelby, had been commissioned to take
the enemy's batteries on the opposite side of the
nver. It was not yet broad daylight when they
gamed the shore, and. guided by Labadie. marched
across the plain to a hill clothed with timber

The guns were at this time cannonading the fort
but the Yankees, rushing upon the gunners, carried

l82

LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

Atthis, the garrison at Fort Mcig, shouted for iov
and General Harrison signalled the detachn "n to
re ur„ ,„ ,,„ , b„„„ ^i^^^j victor^ howcv"
they remained quietly looHnrr ,k » .u "°**^vcr,
ing to spike the cannon ^ ""' "'°'"' "'«'«'■

-ing then, rrra' ed" t!:'tlfZ^"
Remember the Raisin," and, headed by the c"l'
one , gave chase to the savages. I„ '^^ain La
bad.e, who knew the country and the tactic of ^ht
abor.g,„cs. cr..d out to the officers to recIlMhei;

Having enticed the Long Knives into the woods

de tr! ::t: t- 7°- '-- '-■» ambush ;■

agal::. h redmen b : at e^^h?'"^ "" ' '""«'
.0 fall back. It was t o ;."' aI IT?" """r
retreat, their foes of the forS .un^g t'ht r^u" "/

re^r„''a:^;;:ra:ker ^ ""- -""'''^- -

force, but he^treL'Totrfeerprilefo't?

rpir^d?"-!^-^^^^^^^^

As he emerged from the woods into an open space

WARS RED TOUCHSTONE 283

near the battery, a British officer seized hit sword
crying, —

" Sir, you arc my prisoner."

Labadic looked about him, and. with astonishment,
saw the ground covered with muskets.

"The Yankees have surrendered.' said the red-
coat, wrenching the sabre from the hand of the
wounded man. " Go forxvard and join the others."

Famt from loss of blood, he complied.

It was a beautiful May morning. The sun shed a
flood of golden radiance upon the valley, and. now
that the sounds of strife had ceased, the birds could
be heard singing in the trees. But the scene swam
before Pierre's eyes as he came up to his comrades
and found them all disarmed.

" By Gar. monsieur le capitaine, what for ees dis?"
mquired a familiar voice.

Labadie summoned strength to answer.

"My brave Cdcire, we are prisoners of war," he
said dully.

The valiant Jean, with the idea that the Indians
always treated best those who appeared fearless
returned the gaze of any savages whc. he met
with a haughty stare, which attracted . o attention
until he caught the eye of a stout warrior painted red.
They glared at each other for a second. Then, as
the luckless sergeant passed, the old chief raised his
stick and c ;alt him a severe blow over the nose and
cheekbone. After that, Cecire was careful to dis-
play as httlc hauteur as possible.

The Indians drove the Americans before them tow-
ard the British position, and upon reaching a point

J«4 I.OVK TIIRIVKS IN WAR

of the road where ,he,e wa, a precipice to the rieht
formed a the left and compelled the captive, to ruL'
he gauntlet shooting, beating, or tomahlv "« tlZ
" "'<^y »l«'l <lown the terrible line

off aJ^l^'tte ""' m' "' "'"""BP'^'. he da,hed
^f ,h^ , " "'"'• ""•' "" ""r the muzzles

To turn thnr musket, up „r ,|„„.„ „„ <:„,„j ^ ,;•
to fire would endanger thc„„elve.

In thi, manner he escaped without injury bevond
»«era sickening blow, from their gun,, ckT A, hf
entered the ditch that surrounded thBti,„n,h.

he bloekmg of the way by those who fell over 'he
two cost the live, of twenty or thirty

The survivor, finally reachcl the ,vall, of old For,
Maumee. Labadie. now exhausted, ca,t him,elf „po„

If th'TvalTe ' T t" '■"" •"""■ "■' ""«

w ,h ,h, r '■ "'"' ''•'"' "''" '•''" «he gauntlet
with the swiftness of a young stag

An Indian painted black mounted the crumbline

Me re loaded his f„,ee and shot another. Nevt
wavmg h,s ba«Ic ax, a, though ,he former mean^
of destrucon was ,00 slow ,0 sui, hi, venBean« he
leaped down among the captives.

At first they had watched him with apathetic fas
ematjon ,00 weary and miserable ,0 care whethe
hey ved or died. But now the spell was broken ; and
seeking to escape this relentless executioner thev It
tempted .0 shield themselves behind their comrade^

WARS RED TOUCHSTONK 285

The savage, having itoppcd to scalp his victims,
was overborne by several other warriors, who com-
pelled the prisoners to seat themselves in a circle on
the grass. A tall Indian walked into the centre of
♦he dismal ring and began whetting a long hunting-
knife, while he debated upon which of the captives
to wreak his vengeance.

His choice fell on Labadic. !fc sprang forward,
and in another moment the suffering of the brave
captain would have been over, and Laurcnte Mac-
Intosh would have been left to mourn her hero
lover. As the savage raised his knife, however, his
arm was arrested by a voice which might have been
that of the war-manitou thundering a command to the
Shawanoes to desist from their barbarous work.

The next moment a kingly warrior upon a splen-
did horse galloped into the thick of the frenzied
throng.

•• Tecumseh ! Oh, nichee wah,» it is Tecumseh f "
vociferated the Indians in their own tongue, as they
scattered to right and left.

Tecumseh in his rage would have ridden over
them. Suddenly he drew rein, sprang from his
beast, and, perceiving the plight of Labadie. caught
by the throat the brave who stood above the captain,
shook him as though he were a dog, and flung him
to the earth.

Anon, drawing his tomahawk and scalping-knife, he
ran in between the Americans and Indians with the
fury of a madman, forbidding the hundreds of fierce
warriors about him to slay another prisoner.

> "Oh, brother!!, quit "

^iimi^i^i „„ ^u ^iii*"

sw.*^wr<P"mrjr

•i

»«6 LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

cZlH''' '"' '''' ' '*"P *^ ^^'^ "-— . hi* mood

•'What will become of n^y poor Shawanoc. • " he
exclaimed w.ih pathetic eArne,tnc«
Hif eagle glance travelled to the tent of r«„ i

no. -top .he killing of .,„, „n,o„c 'of :T/''S
llnfi^it:-"'"""" ""'""'•' '••'^''^-'••-' .He

of w;„7"'"'' """'' '""»" f'<"» '"c fic,c.„«.

be'rcrtraiZl'w'' '';°"'"' »'"" "'''' f"""""' c,„no,

•• ^h ■• . ••'""L"'""' ""h => har,h laugh.
. , ™'' ' .'"°'"=«' Tccumsch, „ he thru,, hi.
hatche. again in.o his bel.; "I conauer .^
you to murder." conquer .o save;

Although the Shawanoe leader harl .1,

of earrymg off captives to their villages. The soldieVT
.0 avo,d this new danger, crowded Into the cmrH;
h . own band Labadie. weak fron, hi'to'nd
felt the tension of his nerves cive wav ,„ ,„ ."™""'
.ion ,0 laugh, as he sa. Jean c'c^e on h^ H 'j
.nee^dash through .he ^ of h' tl'ra^esX:-
Root, leetler hog, hor die." '

Having thus escaped, he came back, strioDed „ff
•he captain's blood-stiffencd shirt, and gave Wm ht
own hunting-blouse. A redman, se^nT the ac^

...liliill

WAR'S RKD TOUCHSTONK a8-

ofTcrcd Ubadic a piece c,f vcnUon totjcthrr with
a knife to cut it.

Pierre divided the meat with the comrades who
itood nearest to him. reierving ;. !«mall portion for
himself, more to satisfy the savage than to gratify
nny appetite he had for it He then gave back the
.<nife. and the Indian left him.

When it was nearly night the prisoners were taken
down to the Hritish ships at the mouth of thr river
From this circumstance they knew that the day's
fighting had saved Fort Meigs to the Americans.

M^X^M \ C

'»-'"» Kt

CHAPTICR KIGMTKENTM

SOULS MADK UK FIKK

A SHIP!" " A ship!"

T 7' M 'T ^'" '"'" '""''""'' ""'^^^ the heart of

n^'MM ""'"''' to beat faster as. one forenoon
of m.d-May. she walked on the flower-dotted ram-
parts of Fort Maiden.

Glancing down the channel formed by the island of

Bobelow (Bo.s Blanc) she .eheld. against the horizon.

he masts of a vessel, whose rigging glean.ed like

saTfin/T:'""'' '■" '''' -"''ght.and whose
sails, fi led w.th the wmd. n,ight well have been com-
pared by the Indians to the strong wings of Kenu.
the war-eagle. '

The old officer who had been left i„ eommand of
the garnson came out on the bastion to view the

.he"::ba„re„r'""'-"^ '°"« -■"■"'^ --^ -^"^'' '»

What if the brig should prove to be one of the
gunboat_s that, rumor said, a young commander of
the American navy, Oliver Perry, had early in the
year been sent to build at the lower end of this inland

thi^R -/T '^"'?'P'"' ^^"•"^ "^-^^ ^°«" P««^<^d that
the Bnfsh squadron was returning from the Maumce.

% "L^^

ij'

.-.J

iJii^^c* -

^fi

SOULS MADE OF FIRK

289

Tuo hours later the schooners Que. m Charlotte,
-ady I revest. Little licit, and Chippcw., .nd the
•xigantinc Hunter, sailed int.. the b. niii, flvlr-
colors, accompanied by a great numbc, nf hi.oh-hai;
skiffs.

From an upright pole in the Ixnv of each canoe
waved fantastic decorations, soon discerned to be
stnngs of human scalps, each scalp being stretched
over a hoop about four inches in diameter, and the
under side painted red.

When Laurente caught sight of these awful ensigns
of savage warfare, she fled and hid herself in the
dilapidated log-house where the women were lodged
But ,11 news travels fast. Outside her window a cock-
ney settler, who had been forced into the militia,
called lustily to a comrade,—

" Zounds, -arry. did the general and Tecumseh drive
the Hamericans into the lake? "

" Naw. not by ha long shot." was the drawlinj:
answer; '• but 'is Nibbs hand that red devil, the
great Shawanoe. 'avc bagged a good lot hof game."

The girl's heart ached with pity for the prisoners
thus unfeelingly designated. She ran out again to the
bluff.

A group of unarmed men had been landed on the
beach below and were being conducted to the fort
while a fifer of the military band phyed " Yankee
Uoodle in derision of their misfortunes.

Laurente reached the parade just as they started
acoss It. A sorry spectacle they presented. Ml
'•re bareheaded; many had been str.,.ped of their
shlrt^^ The ships had lain at anchor for several

: I

ill
Li

fmimaLm'^.

290

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

days at Maumcc Bay, yet the prisoners had not been
given an opportunity to wash the smoke of battle
from their brows, which, in many instances, were
further disfigured by a ruddy stain.

As Miss Macintosh stood with Madam Navarre
and a little group of the wives of the British soldiers
compassionately watching the forlorn band, the bear-
ing of one of the captives attracted her attention.

Surely there was something familiar in that poise
of the head, though she had never seen a more miser-
able object than this poor man clad in elkskin trousers
and crimson daubed hunting-blouse.

And the face! Colorless as it was, save where
begrimed with the mud flung at him, and shaded
by a mass of matted hair, — surely she knew that face
well !

He came nearer, her gaze met his ; he started in
uncomprehending wonder; then his eyes flasht i
to hers a quick recognition. Her brain reeled, and
she felt a sharp pain like a sword-thrust at her heart.
A wild cry arose from among the spectators
gathered ostensibly to greet the return of the troops.
The next moment the dreary procession was unavoid-
ably brought to a stop by a young woman who,
breaking away from the detaining grasp of a matron,
dashed forward and fell on the neck of one of the
prisoners, sobbing, —
" O Pierre, Pierre ! "

Captain Labadie folded her in his arms.
" My poor Laurente," he murmured, as he tenderly
kissed again and again the sweet lips that had so
piteously proclaimed her loyalty and her great love.

^ ^jf^^^mtMm^^m^^Tmm^

SOULS MADE OF FIRE 291

" My poor Laurontc ! "

But so extraordinary a procccdinfj as the halting
of the march was not to be tolerated.

A rcdco.it sergeant strode forward, laid a rude
hand on Laurente's shoulder, and, separating her
from her lover, forced her back among the women.
"Forward," he cried harshly; and the wretched
parade was resumed, while Laurente, with senses
benumbed, was led away by Madam Navarre.

So this was the realization of the hope that had
helped to sustain her during all her trials. Pierre
and she had met again. How often she had pictured
to herself his return. " Having fought and helped
to wm the battles of his country, he will come back
and save me from James La Salle," she had said.
"He will restore me to the arms of my mother,
whom I forsook for conscience' sake."

Never, despite the hazards of war, had she imag-
ined a reunion like this. Pierre was her hero-
therefore in fancy she saw him always victorious'.
He would look so handsome in his military uni-
form; he would be so brave and strong, and the
stroke of his sword would scatter her enemies right
and left.

It was a young girl's day-dream; how different
the reality. He was come, but he was a prisoner,
weak and wounded, unkempt and utterly miserable.
How could she endure this terrible awakening?

In her cheerless room she sobbed out the torrent
of her grief upon Madam Navarre's motherly breast.
But as the storm gave place to a despairing calm,
the voice of Pierre, brave, although unsteady from

Sil*. .

202

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

emotion and physical weakness, rang again in her
cars.

" My poor Laurente ! "

The girl withdrew herself from the soothing
caresses of her friend and dried her eyes.

" How selfish I am ! " she exclaimed. " How
unworthy of Pierre's love ! He forgot his own
misery to comfort mc. He has come back to me
defeated, wounded, yet is he not more a hero than
if he had, unharmed, gained an easy triumph? More
honorable to the soldier even than his well-earned
laurels are the scars of the wounds received in battle.
His country can bestow upon him no prouder deco-
rations than these badges of courage conferred by
the enemy. Pierre is come. I shall be able to care
for him ; to lighten the burden of his captivity. Oh,
thank God, thank God ! "

Animated by this thought, Laurente waited upon
General Proctor and begged the favor of an in-
terview with her lover, for the captives were to be
confined in the block-house.

She found the commander hard as adamant.
His rebuff did not, however, disconcert her. Lin-
gering about the esplanade until Tecumseh came
forth from his tent, she stepped before him and
besought him to use his influence in her behalf

"Ugh," muttered the great Shawanoe. "The
white squaw loves this French Long Knife? The
white squaw love a good warrior. She shall bind
his wounds if she will. The wine of her love shall
give him strength, for it is well to save the life of
a brave man."

-lB%.iiiiilP"J»^JPVk ^

SOULS MADK OF FIRE

293

At her request, Tecumseh sent the British sur^jeon
to Pierre and his companions. Shortly afterwards,
Laurente, accompanied by Madam Navarre, visited
the prison ; and while the older lady drew from the
ill-fated Americans the story of the fight at the
Maumec Rapids, Captain Labadic and the devoted
girl plighted their troth anew.

From this time the two women were permitted to
bring clothing and food to the Yankee soldiers, with
medicines and cooling drinks for those suffering from
their wounds or from the dreaded swamp-fever so
prevalent on the frontier during the war.

" Ma foi ! love is a plaster for every hurt," ejacu-
lated the droll sergeant, Jean Cccire, when his own
broken head was nearly mended. " Monsieur le
capitaine, he waxes strong. If Cupid, he ces one
blind gunner, he hit ze mark; he hit ze mark! Ze
courtin' eet ess like ze dyin', aivcry man he must do
eet for heeself."
The fete of St. Jean Baptiste came and passed.
In the early mornings and evenings of the hot
summer days the prisoners-of-war were sometimes
permitted to take the air, and Laurente occasionally
had the happiness of walking on the ramparts with
her captain.

Very dear to both of them were these brief half-
hours. But, although love can make any place
agreeable, a soldier who is a lover does not thereby
cease to be a soldier. When Pierre saw the British-
preparing for another expedition, he chafed at his
own inaction.

Then, like a thunderbolt from a sunlit sky, came

r .iMV

r'-^f^Ofi

i«^ k

fir\,,mr:~ mm

294

LOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

an order from General Proctor for the removal to
Detroit of the American officers who had refused to
give their parole.

Laurente again sounht an audience with the gen-
eral, and once more entreated him to send her up the
river also, to her father's house. But Proctor had
long ago decided that so ardent a partisan of the
Americans had best not be returned to her relatives
on th^' Canada shore. He nov lent but a deaf ear
to her petition, therefore, and as obdurately refused
to restore her to the can- of Madan. Brush.

Neither was Madam Navarre permitted to accom-
pany her husband.

Never did the birds sing more sweetly in the lime-
trees at the edge of the parade ; never was the sky
brighter, the river more like a flood of molten silver,
than upon the beautiful July morning when the pris-
oners were brough*- down to be embarked.

"Cheer up, dear one," said Labadie, taking a last
leave of his sweetheart as she stood upon the beach ;
" cheer up ! We, Long Knives, shall find our diffi-
culties but whetstones to exertion. Before long,
God willing, I will return a free man, and will convoy
you home."

With this farewell he took his place in the pirogue
with the other passengers.

The next moment the half-breed crew put off, and
Laurente was left to keep as brave a heart as she
could, and to pray that the faint hope of release held
out to her by her lover's parting words might be
speedily realized.

One day, a few weeks after the transfer of the

wmmmmzf^-'^

!.:■ _ ^

SOULS MADE OF FIRE

295

American officers to the upper fort, at Maiden, Miss
Macintosh sat before the door of the women's quar-
ters engaged in the prosaic occupation of revamping
socks for the Yankee soldiers who were still detained
at this post For cotton, as well as wool, was scarce
and costly, outworn knitted [larme .Is being frequently
unravelled to obtain the precious yarn.

Behind her, the green prairie stretched away to
the fringe of woods afar off. Beyond the bluff, the
Strait on this fair afternoon gave back the opalescent
light of the clouds, justifying its aboriginal name,
" the sky-tinted river."

But the worker did not know that the beauty of
the scene had cheered her loneliness, until a shadow
fell upon her work. Looking up with a nervous
shudder, she beheld, standing in the path of the sun-
shine, and almost at her elbow, the motionless figure
of an Indian girl.

" Matanah ! " ejaculated Laurente, starting to her
feet.

" Yes," said the Shawanoe woman, with cool inso-
lence, as her black eyes bent upon her rival an eager,
yet scornful scrutiny. " The little spirits who carry
the news say Pierre Labadie has returned, and that
you love him. If this is the truth, give me back the
heart of the warrior whom you bewitched. Blue
Jacket loved me when, as children, we played together
in the forest. I thought when you were gone he
would love me again. But he is cold, and if he knew
I betrayed his plans to the Long Knives he would
kill me."

This outburst, begun with such assurance, ended

%.^^m 4>?»

.•Zji*

296 LOVK THRIVES FN WAR

with a .mothered sob that touched the heart of the
Rirl to whom It was addressed

gently. lerhaps, too, it was not all an impulse of
revenue but rathe, a womanly longing to av^r ttlie
fate of the unhappy Kentuckians'that led you to teU
your story, which, alas, was so little heeded Had
the power I would gladly help you now. Go home
pray to .le bon Saint Antoine.' who makes h";;;
niarr.ages and trust to the good saint to obtain o^
you your heart's desire."

'•Go home! " echoed Matanah, opening and clos-
ing her fingers as a sign of her disdain ; •' I'aweetah
you are only a pretty snow-bird. A ' dame-blanchc '
s.ts at home and prays for her lover, but an Indian
woman follows along the war-trail [o care fo tr
warnor ,f he is wounded in battle. For your sake
Blue Jacket fought with and nearly killed a'^hief near'
the Lcorse. I follow La Salle to save him from the
vengeance of that chief His enemy is Elskwatawa
the Irophet The Wise Woman of the Prairie ha
disappeared from her lodge near your father's house
so you. who are a witch, must give me a charm to'
help me. Is this your room here? What is that
bnght thing upon the chimney-shelf? Give it to

As she peered through a nearby window, her
glance had fallen upon a little mirror which Laurente
with femimne vanity, and because it was the only one
she possessed that could be easily carried, had thrust

SOULS MADK OF rIRE

297

into her bodice when she left home. On the day she
went down the cAte t<» meet Pierre, she had carried it
with her, co juettishly thinhing, perhaps, to prepare
for the interview by a stolen ylancc into it at the last.
It was the unique oriental mirror from which Abi-
gail Hunt had jestingly attempted to .cad the future
on the evening of the " bal pare."

Anxious to be rid of her visitor, M=ss Macintosh
stepped indoors, caught up the trinket, and, returning,
placed it in the hands of the Indian, —

" Take it," she said ; •' it is held to be a magic glass,
and indeed, more than once it has shown me the un-
welcome face of James La Salle."

Matanah bent over the shining disk of jade. Was
it due to some trick of the eastern goldsmith that
beside her own features a dark visage looked out at
her, taking character both in type and individuality
from her imagination?

" It is not Blue Jacket, it is Elskwatawa," she cried,
hastily covering the surface with her hand. *' But
while I hold his spirit form he is in my power. I will
keep the picture-glass."

And, concealing the mirror in the folds of her
blouse, she sped down the bank, pushed a canoe from
among the reeds of the swamp, sprang into it, and
paddled away.

Her coming and going were not unknown to the
sentry who paced the bluff. But, beguiled by a
soft word and the gift of a small mocock of black-
berries, and believing her one of the women from the
Shawanoe encampment on the island opposite, he
had let her pass.

298

f.OVK IMRIVES IN \Vy\R

'f 4

When the I.Klian kiM was gone. Laiircntc resumed
her place en the hcnch at the door of the house and
contmued her knitting. Madam Navarre and the
other women had earned some simple comfits they
had ma.lc up to the building where the prisoners
d.ned m common, for it was again the festival of
Uur Lady of the Harvest."

Here it was very .,uict. The westering sun sank
lower, unt.l at last it touched the waters of the lake
and set them all aflame.

When the stillness was broken by the report of
the gun on the flag-ba.tion. Miss Macintosh ceased
to knit and sat watching the sunset clouds and the
shimmering sea. Hut the twilights were growing
shorter, and she soon started up from her reverie
Through the gathering dusk she cr,u.d ,ee the
pomt that marked the end of the sentry's beat, and she
carelessly noted that the guard was being changed.

As she turned to go into the house, her attention
was attracted by a shadow close to the outer wall
bhe sprang fonvard to cross the threshold, hoping
to bar the door and shut out any possible intruder;
but m the passage a dark form, wrapped in an
Indian blanket, arose before her, cutting off her escape
m either direction.

Was this James La Salle, come back to menace her
with his fierce love-making? Had Matanah tracked
h.m to this vicinity, and was the half-breed beauty's
abrupt departure caused by the smouldering passion
of her jealous rage? Or were the two in league
against the white girl, and had Matanah come at
the command of Blue Jacket?

Ji^MWPlillw . W

SOULS MADK OK KIRK

299

I^urcntc tried to cry out, but fright chokcti her,
fortunately, asi it happened, for a tense voice said, in
an imploring whinpcr, —

" Be silent, mademoiselle, my life is in your
hands."

"Who arc you?" she asked, hardly above her
breath, as she recoiled from the stranj^er.

" An American in search of news for Tippe-
canoe," came the scarce audible answer. ** I am
nearly famished. Fur God's sake get me something
to eat and hide me for a few hours. I had a hard
time dodging the squaw and the sentinels."

Peering into the painted face. Laurente repressed
an exclamation of astonishment. Heneath the dis-
guise of a complexion darkened by the juices of
forest plants and bedaubed with ochre and vermilion,
a feather head-dress and dishevelled locks, she recog-
nized the features of James Knaggs, vhosc brother
Debcndon was the husband of Josettc l.abadie.

" Ma foi, Kaugwadwa," ' she faltered, unconsciously
giving him his Indian name.

" You here, a spy ! " she would have added, but
dared not frame the word.

"Where can I hide you?" she ext '.aimed instead.
"Ah yes, the garret; it is a lumb. r room, seldom
visited. The way is in the corner there, and the
door is fastened only by a rusty lock. Break it
open and conceal yourself. I will bring you supper
in half an hour."

" Grdcc i Ste. Anne ! And, since it will be dinner
and breakfast as well, bring good measure," chuckled

^ The Questioner.

^Mfrrmmmc^ . ^.si^il

joo U>VK IHRIVKS IN WAR

Knaggy a^ he sprang up the ladder that Ir.l to the
loft.

r..iurcntc ran out again, banging the houscKloor
•ftcr her to drown the thu<l .,» the yielding wood
above, for the new icntry wan approaching the
building.

As he came up to her. Laurcnte. with as inscrutable
an air as that required .»fhimby hin military duty
crossed the parade to the pavilion where the pris*
oners' rneaU were served.

A word aside to Madam Navarre, and the two
women managed to slip the portions of nuat allotted
to them between the thick slices of rye bread, and to
transfer these to their capacious pockets. I'or drink,
their guest must be content with a draught of the
river water. Liquor in abundance had been given
the Yankee officers, perhaps from a craftv design to
deaden their wits; but to seek to obtain a gill of it
for the spent wood-ranger would be sure to awaken
suspicion.

Returninr to their lodging before the other women.
Madam > .re and Laurente mounted to the garret
bringing the food they had saved.

As they paused before the door of the loft, Lau-
rente held her candle higher and called softly. '

In response the American rose to his feet from
behind a pile of empty grain sacks.

Laurente marvelled that she had even for an
instant mistaken him for La Salle, since he was
a very Hercules in size and strength, straight as an
arrow, and so tall that as he stood erect his head
nearly touched the apex of the garret roof.

SOULS MADE OF FIRE

301

Hi* rcntlen"* manner bctraycti that he v/m active a«
a wild-cat, ami an the h^ht of the taper shone upon
hin face it j»h«metl that hi» blue cye» were instinct
with intelligence am! mental force.

" Ha, ha, maclcmoistllc, if you have brought mc
but a cruHt it will be an welcome i\% though it were
a banquet prepared for King Geori;c," he said, coming
toward her with a wide launh which nvealetl the
most itinijular feature of hin app«arance, atnl one that
led many of his Indian antaj^onistn to consider him
as other than an ordinary man He had a double
row of teeth, both in the lower and the upper jaw,
and he was wont to boast that from the ^jrowth of the
second set in his boyhoiul he had never lost a tooth.

Such was the noted Creole, James Kna^gs; a man
who hated his country's foes with fiery intensity;
a swift and clever courcur-de-bois; a champion
wrestler ; in woodcraft acute as any savage ; in war
courageous, resourceful, and audacious; in peace
a farmer of untiring energy and industry.

Having somewhat appeased the sharpness of his
hunger, and with a grimace quenched his thirst from
the jug of water, he took time to answer the eager
inquiries of the two women as to what had happened
since the day, almost a month before, when General
Proctor and Tecums<:h had again set sail down the bay,
this time with a great number of British and Indians.

" They attacked Fort Meigs once more with shot
and shell, but our troops were resolved to blow up
the magazine rather than yield," he began, pausing
in his attention to the trencher duty for which he was
so well equipped. " Tecumsch tried to deceive the

} k

i f
I

t ! !

I ii

301 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

Rarrison by a sham battle «,ih supposci rcinforce-
■ncnts. but the ruse was discovered, and Pro. -or
returned to his ships with his white soldiers, wh.le
he Indians made oft' through the forest. Itefore
long a party of Shawanoes led by James Illue Jacket
appeared ,„ the neiRhborhood of Fort Stephenson
oeneral larnson, who was at Seneca, hearing of this
sent word to the boy-eomman.ler, Lieutenant Croghan
to abandon the stockade. Hu, Croghan returned the
bold answer, ■ We have decided to hold the place
and by Heaven we can ! ' "

"mess his rashness," exclaimed Laurente, kindling,
yet - d(d It cost him his commission i> "

fal in o the hands of the enemy, s„ it was meant as
a challenge to them," explained Knaggs. •• This the
boy made clear when he was summoned acros the
hostile stretch of country to the camp of Tippecanoe
who allowed him to return and ca'rry out'hi plan
of defence. Scarce had he gained the fort when
1 roctor appeared in Sandusky Bay with his gun-boats
and a horde of red devils under Tecumseh gather d
m the woods to cut ofif all chance of help. IVoctor
Uirea ened a massacre if surrender was refused
Croghan defied him. and on the first day of Augusi
here was a battle during a thunder Lrm. The
British fought well; but, to the rage of the great
Shawanoc his Indians fled from the fire of our sLle
cannon (old Betsey Croghan, the soldiers call the
eun), and the young commander held the fort with

:;'LeThra;d" '''''-- "'™ ^-- - --y

ink^c,.JW^ J. «. m-

SOULS MADE OF FIRE

303

Madam Navarre laughed low.

" Not the least of General Proctor's ruortifications
must be that he was baftled by a youth who has not
reached his twenty-first year," she said.

" For this gallant defence the brave lieutenant
deserves the thanks of the nation," cried Laurente.

"Aye, and he is like to receive them, for Tippe-
canoe is loud in his praise," rejoined Knaggs. " Now
it is my turn to ask (juestions. I have ventured here
to examine the strength of this fort; I need informa-
tion from you only upon one or two small points."

The two women, so unjustly detained as prisoners,
were not deterred by foolish scruples from comply-
ing with his request. Still, they dared not linger
long to talk with him, and before an hour had
passed, they descended the ladder, encouraged to
endure their captivity with greater patience by the
cheery " au revoir"of his leave-taking.

He had told them also that Colonel Cass, now
a brigadier general, had joined General Harrison at
Seneca. Governor Shelby of Kentucky had taken
the field in person, and Commander Perry at Presque
Isle^ was only waiting to man his ships in order to
give battle to the British fleet.

In the morning Knaggs was gone, having no doubt
escaped as he had come, by being mistaken for one
of Tecumseh's Shawanoes who were wont to prowl
about the camp. A sentry would be vigilant, indeed,
to stop a savage ally of the size and build of the stal-
wart wood-ranger.

^ Erie, Pennsylvania.

•if!

m-^

CHAFFER NINETEENTH
THE BAND PLAYED 'YANKEE DOODLE"

THE September breezes covered Lake Erie
with crested waves, and as far as the eye
could reach a host of white-clad Naiades seemed
dancing on the blue waters. From the lime-trees
at Maiden a russet or yellow leaf fluttered down
now and then to the sward, and in the marsh below
the bluff the reed-mace flaunted their green flags,
like a pigmy army of brown Puk-Pudjies advancing
upon the moat

In the morning there had been a calm over the
lake, and a slight rain, but a wind had sprung up,
and the afternoon was filled with the sunlit splendor
•of early autumn.

Its beauty was, however, scarce noticed at the fort,
to which Proctor and Tecumseh had returned after
their fruitless summer expedition.

Since noon the boom of heavy ordnance from
across the water, and clouds of smoke at the sky-
line, had told the general, his Shawanoe ally, and
all the anxious watchers here, that the British fleet
and Perry's ships were at last engaged in a great
contest. Since noon Proctor and his oflicers had
scanned the horizon for some signal from Commo-
dore Barclay, commander of the squadron; and,

BAND PLAYED "YANKEE DOODLE" 305

from the beach of Bois Blanc Island, Tecumseh
had listened to the ominous voices of the great
guns.

Since noon Laurentc Macintosh and Madam
Navarre had at frequent intervals told their rosaries
for the success of the Americans. They could
not sit quietly sewing or knitting before their door
as was their custom, but set out earlier than usual
upon their visits of mercy to the sick soldier-
prisoners.

Shortly after three o'clock the firing ceased.
The battle of Lake Erie had been fought and won.
At sunset an express was riding through the Ohio
forests, carrying in the breast of his blouse an old
letter on the back of which was pencilled Perry's
historic message to General Harrison, " We have
met the enemy and they are ours."

Yet, although Maiden was withit thirty miles of
the fighting ships, not until the second night after
the conflict did Proctor receive news of the defeat
and capture of the British fleet. In his anxiety to
keep the knowledge of it from Tecumseh, he had
the messenger, James Blue Jacket, speedily locked
in the guard-house.

But the plash of a paddle in the darkness had been
heard by the Indian sentinels at Bois Blanc, and the
next morning Tecumseh and several of his warriors
came across from the island. The braves lounged
about the fort, but their chief demanded an interview
with the general.

The two leaders met on the esplanade. The wide
waters formed a background to the scene, and the

^(\

3o6

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

morning sun shone full upon the martial figure of the
rcdman whose bearing was that of an emperor, upon
the officer, the bravery of whose gold-laced coat hid
an uneasy heart.

" Palawah, where are now the big canoes of your
King? " began the Shawanoc. " We know they have
fought, but we know nothing of what has happen d
to our father of the one arm.^ A runner whom I
sent out has brought back word that many ships are
lying at Put-in-Bay, and a band of Long Knives arc
hiding in the great cave that leads under the lake, —
the cave which could shelter an army. A messenger
came to you last night? "

Proctor avoided the glance of the chief, wheeled
about, took a few paces, and returning, faced him.
He had already decided upon a story to deceive this
monarch of the woods, and wanted only a moment
to assume an appearance of candor.

" Tecumseh, you are right," he said. " A messenger
has come and gone on to Detroit. Commodore Bar-
clay has been beaten by the Long Knives and he has
taken his ships into Put-iti-Bay to refit them. They
will be here before the moon wanes."

But Tecumseh, on his way from the strand, had
observed many things that might have escaped an eye
less keen.

" Palawah," he protested, with a gesture of com-
mand, " our great father the King is the head, and
you stand here in his place. Last summer you gave
us the tomahawk, and told us if we helped you to beat
the Long Knives we should have all the lands of the

* Commodore Barclay had lost an arm in his European service.

(«i

^i4

w^.

■i"'

--JlS"^-

' -'M

BAND PLAYED "YANKEE DOODLE" 307

Strait; that you would give mc General Harrison to
be burned at the stake if such should be my will.
You told us to bring our wives and children here and
they should want for nothing. We were to fight the
Long Knives on the prairie ; you, to drive out their
garrisons. At the Rapids and Sandusky, it is true,
we gave you little help, but it is hard to fight men
who live like ground-hogs. Now, your ships have
gone one way and we see you tying up everything
to run away the other, though you said you would
never draw back your foot from Hritish ground."

"Tush, tush, Tccumseh," interrupted Proctor.
" I am only sending my . jjccic and a part of the stores
up the Thames River for greater safety."

" Palawah, you do not speak the truth," declared
the Shawanoe, with a shrug of his broad shoulders.
*' Give us the muskets and powder and shot 5 ^nt
by the King to his red children. Our lives are in the
keeping of the Breath Master; we will defend our
lands or leave our bones upon them, lla, ha, for
shame, my father, you are like a raging turkey
that ruffles his feathers ! You are like a fat dog that
carries his tail on his back when all goes well, but
when chased he drops it between his legs in fear and
runs fast."

Tecumseh's infrequent laugh rang out with savage
harshness, and was like ihe sharp cut of a lash upon
the cowardly soid of Proctor. Yet now, less than at
any time during the war, could he afiford to despise
the aid of his savage allies.

" Listen, brother," he said, controlling his anger
and speaking in a tone of mjured forbearance.

m-_§^.

308

LOVL THRIVES IN WAR

" Here I cannot give you the food and clothing
you need for the winter. Hut if you and your war-
riors will come with me to the Thames, and bring
your wives and children, you will find there all you
require, and a reinforcement of redcoat soldiers from
Michilimackinac or the cast. Will you come? "

" I will talk to my warriors and will let you know
their answer," the great chief rejoined. And there-
with he strode away

The sun rose red over the prairies of Le Detroit
and the tossing waters of Lake Erie on ihe second
morning after this conference.

It was not the arrows of Kecsahthwah, ' am-
bushed behind the haze of the autumnal atmos-
phere, however, that, shortly after roveille, caused a
fluttering reflection upon one of the outer walls of
the commandant's quarters at Fort Maiden.

A glint of light like a glittering lizard crept
up the wall. Glowing sparks uncoiled like snakes
among the thatch of the roof; and like a pack of
ravenous wolves fallen upon their victim, shining
tongues began to lap and crunch at the foundations.

Every moment the savage flames gathered strength,
yet no alarm was sounded. Was it the wind that
so quickly carried the brands, causing the fierce
gleam that now leaped forth from the barracks, fol-
lowed by a thick smoke?

Under the tranquil sky of the radiant September
morning, from one building to another crept the
flames with a strange likeness to the half-brutal, half-

' The Sun.

BAND PLAYED "YANKEE DOODLE" 309

human malice of the loup-garou, the werewolf. A
crimson glow lit up the old house near the esplanade
and shone into the room where Laurcnte Macintosh
and Madam Navarre lay still asleep and almost
smothered by the heavy air.

A sharp banging at the house-door, and the voice
of Jean Ct^circ calling outside, aroused the younger
and stronger woman from this perilous unconscious-
ness. Although it was broad day, she could see
nothing distinctly ; the room was pervaded by a gray
mist.

Laurente groped her way to a window and threw it
open ; but, instead of a cool, refreshing breeze, there
rolled in a billow of smoke that filled her eyes and
lungs, and for a moment confused her utterly.

The banging continued.

" You are free ! Save yourselves ; the fort is on
fire ! Do you hear ? " shouted Creole Jean, as he was
named by his captors.

" Yes, yes," she gasped, still bewildered.

" The fort is on fire," he repeated as he passed on,
crying his warning to the other prisoners, until the
sound of his voice was lost amid the mutterings of
the flames that had now attacked a building only
a stone's throw from this old log-house.

'• Madam ! Madam ! The fort is on fire ! " wildly
reiterated the girl, awakening her friend with a vigor-
ous shake. " We must flee for our lives ! "

Having closed the window as promptly as she had
opened it, Laurente dashed water from the ewer into
Madam Navarre's face and her own.

The two women hurriedly dressed and, without

310

LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

waiting to gather their scanty belongings, rushed out
on the parade ground.

Where were the garrison, the redcoat officers ?
Why was there no call for volunteers to fight the
bla7.e, no summons to the men who at this time
should be on duty? The fortifications were as deso-
late as a cleared spot in the forest surrounded by
burning timber.

I-aurentc covered her eyes to shut out the lurid
scene. liut she couKl not blot from her mind the
picture it recalled, and which had been impressed
upon it in childhood with sharp distinctness, the
memory of the devastating conflagration that laid in
ashes the old French town of Detroit.

The prisoners came running or hobbling out of
their quarters, all save one poor fellow who was
carried out by his comrades.

" M'sieur Jean Hull set fire to zee fort, and ' alors I '
Phouflf, he run away ! Gone up in zee smoke,
ha, ha," laughed Sergeant Cecire, as he constituted
himself master of the situation

Yes, Proctor and his army had evacuated the place,
abandoning their captives, who, losing no time lest
their escape should be cut off by the flames, fled
through the gate to the little settlement of Amherst-
burg, just bej'ond the earthworks.

The news of Perry's brilliant capture of the British
fleet with all its officers was now generally known
along the shores of the Detroit, and the people of
this village were ready enough to seek immunity for
themselves by sheltering the liberated Americans.

As Laurente and Madam Navarre reached a group

BAND PLAYED "YANKEE DOODLE" 3'»

of white-washed cottages, a thin, middle-aged woman,
with a cadaverous face and high check-bones, ran out
of the smallest of these houses and called to the
ladies, half in broad Scotch, half in English, —

•• Puir bodies, you 're welcome to what comfort this
bit shealing and Janet Frazcr can gic, gin yc 'II bide

wt me.

Grateful for the invitation. Miss Macintosh and her
companion gladly took shelter in the cosy living-
room.

•• Draw up near the spunk o' fire and break your
fast wi' a dish o' porridge," urged their hostess.
" At blink o' day the sodgcrs and a'most a' the men
o' the village, my gudcman wi* the rest, went strcalin'
away toward Sandwich. The reveille was sounded
by a mounted trooper to rout up the prisoners and
gic them a chance for life. Aweel, awecl, there has
come a turn in the tide o* war."

Half an hour later the gudewifc summoned her
guests to the house-door.

•• Look yonder," she said, pointing with her long
forefinger to where the river widens before mingling
Its waters with those of the lake.

A canoe was struggling across the mouth of the
Strait from the distant American shore.

"Is some voyageur hastening to warn us of the
coming of a band of Indians?" exclaimed Madam
Navarre, wringing her hands. " While held captive by
the British we were at loast safe from the savages."

" Hearten up, madam," said Janet Frazer. " A*

the redskins hereabout ha' gone wi' General Proctor."

Tossed by the wind and beaten back by the cur-

;.>^'-

■.ti-rfi

k ■*& ''

■I'. I

7^"^^

... J!!!

3«2 LOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

rent, the canoe yet came nearer. N„vv they could
distinKuish its occupants; a half-hreed b..y who pHed
the paddle as one to the manner born, and a spare,
black-robed figure, whose wide-brimmed, low-crowned
cloth hat was of the shape worn by the clergy in
Paris at the time of the French Revolution.

"Grace .^ Dicu. it is Lc P^re Richard!" cried
Kaurcnte, shading her eyes with her hands.

The prisoners, who by this time had gathered on
the shore, set up a shout.

Without waiting for the paddler to beach his craft,
they waded into the shallow water, dragged the canoe
up on the sands, and assisted the priest to alight,
joyously vociferating, —

" Perc Gabriel ! I'^re Gabriel ! Lc bon p^rc has
come to us ! "

They crowded around him as he stood upon the
strand. — the men of New Kngland ancestry, soldiers
from Kentucky and Ohio, and those whose forbears
came to New France with Frontenac, — and all were
alike glad in their greeting.

For a moment Pirc Richard was silent from emo-
tion. Many of the faces before him were wan from
the ravages of the fever of the marshes; some of the
men carried their arms in slings, and others walked
with difficulty.

'* My children I My children ! " he said at length
m a voice that trembled with the tenderness of a
strong nature, as he extended his hands as if to
embrace all the motley company.

'• Pere Gabriel, zc British, zay hav' decamped and
lef zair prisonairs," called Jean Ct^cire.

b'*fi'

tal. isA' r'-:!

3F?i

BAND PLAYKD "YAN'KKK DOODI.K ' 313

" I :*urmiscil the truth," replicti the missionary.
"The blaze of the burning fort U^htcd my way as
I was rcturnini; from a jourmy t«> the Raisin. Many
timcH I sent to General i'roctor, begging penninnion
to visit you, but my petition was always refused."

" Miss Macintosh," he continued, catching sight of
the women who had joined the throng, " yotir father
has often pleaded in vain for your release. Madam
Navarre, your husband is escaped and has joined
General Harrison."

*' O Pfirc Richard, take me up the river in your
skiflf, my only wish is to be in my father's house
again," stammered I^iurentc.

"Your only wish?" echoed le bon pJre, with a
twinkle in his kind eyes. " Have patience a little
longer, my daughter. The British are still between
you and Moy Hall, but before long you may be es-
corted up the cdte by the triumphant American army."

His gentle jest, which yet embodied the assurance
that such a return to their homes was possible for
all, raised a buoyant laugh from those who overheard.
And amid rejoicings the throng led " le bon pJre " up
to the village.

Late in the afternoon, after having cheered and
encouraged and brought good news to all, he re-
turned to the •* c6tc-du-nord."

It was the twenty-ninth of September. Lake Kric
and the Strait gleamed like a sea of gold and mother-
of-pearl beneath the sunlight. About Amherstburg
and the ruins of Fort Maiden the prairie was still
green, save for bare or withered patches where the

T h

Ki 9^"*

^SifciHMTfl.

3»4

I.OVK THRIVKS IN WAR

foraRinti redcoatH and the %avagc% had dcupoilctl
the fklcli bcf. c the cars of the mal/c were full or
the pumpkiiH (irm. and had made off with the prod-
nets of the kitchcn-^ardcnn ere the leeks and kale
and cabbages could be gathered by the farmers.

Notwithstanding the visits of these predatory har-
vesters, amid the dark foliage of orchard boughs
"pommcs de neige" glowed red as pfjmcgranatcH,
and gnarled trees of yellow pippins, standing out
against the while, sunlit clouds of the horizon,
showed " apples of gold in pictures of silver."

About noon gray sails were descried on the I.\kc.
and within half an hour three trig little battle-ships
were seen beating up against the wind toward the
entrance to the river.

Scarce had the first commotion caused by their
appearance passed, when a British scout rushed into
the • -ttlcment, crying, —

" The Yankees ! The Yankees, led by Tippecanoe,
are coming up the river road."

The wives and children of the absconded settlers
sought hiding in the houses and cattle sheds, but
the Americans rushed down the village street with
shouts of joy.

The branches of the maple and beech trees that
lin.'d the way waved like banners, and an army of
birds, mustering for their flight to the south, ceased
their clamorous twitter, silenced by a sound borne
up the c6tc on the breeze.

The little throng of men and women waiting by the
wagon trail heard it too, — the sound of martial
music.

BAND IM.AYKl) "YANKEK I)iU)I)Lfc" J15

Soon the spirited tunc couUI be distinKuishctl. It
was the homely melody t)f " Yankee Doodle," m»
often played by the enemy in drri-tion of their pris-
oncrt, but now, as in the days of the War of Inde-
pendence. beci»mc the triumphant measure of the
Victor's march.

•• Yankc<< DotKllr '» romr lo town,
Yankee DckkIIc clandy,"

Hang the fifen in shrill exultation.

" Yankee Doodle '» come to town," laufjhcd the
rich voice* of the drums.

" Yankee Doodle's come to town," said the steady
tramp of marching men. as they kept time to the
rollicking air.

At the repetition of the refrain, the soldiers who
had been held captive at Maiden since midsummer,
growing almost delirious with rapture, sped away in the
direction from which the cheery strains proceeded.

Miss Macintosh and Madam Navarre followed,
until in stentorian tones Jean Cecirc called, " Stand
back! Stand back! Kcs eet zat you wish to be
trampled under zc feet of zc troops? "

How the drums chuckled over the song, —

•* And there I sec a little kec

Its heads were made of leather ;
They knocked upon 't with little sticks
To call the folk together.

" And then they'd fife away like mad,"
piped the flageolets,

" And play on cornstalk fiddles ;
And .some had riblwiis red as blood
Ail wound about their middles."

3i6

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

Thus, niarchinpuj) the corduroy road to the inspir-
iting rhythm, the Army of the Frontier came into
view.

" Dree chairs for zc • Stars and Stripes,' " yelled
C<Jcirc, plucking wildly at his hair, since he had no
cap to fling toward the sky.

"Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!" broke from half a
hundred throats.

"Three cheers for the flag! Three cheers for
Tippecanoe ! Three cheers for Commander Perry ! "
Many among the little band of loyal spectators
laughed aloud in their delight, but tears coursed
down the bearded cheeks of some of the men who
shouted most jubilantly.

Laurentc and Madam Navarre fell upon their knees
and wept unrestrainedly.

No one among the watching throng needed to be
told that the soldier leader was General Harrison;
that among these ill-clad troops who had invaded
Canada without horses, tents, or baggage, were heroes
of Forts Meigs and Stephenson; that these dust-
covered militia men were resolved to settle the con-
test with the enemy by land as Perry had settled it
on the lake.

" Dree chairs for General Cass and Colonel Na-
varre," yelled Cecirc, recognizing the familiar figures
among the ofllccrs. The next moment, and just as
Laurentc uttered a glad little cry, he added, as his
glance passed down the line, —

" Dree chairs for Captain Labadic."
Yes, there was Pierre with his company; Pierre,
free and strong once more, for youth and his iron

BAND PLAYED "YANKEE DOODLE" 317

constitution had triumphed over the ill etFccts of
fever, and poor food, and the hardships of his pris-
oner's lot.

Laurentc's heart thrilled with fervent gratitude to
God, while every breath she drew was a prayer of

thanksgiving-

And Pierre saw her. Their eyes met and e.xchanged
a greeting of love.

When General Harrison understood that the disrep-
utable-looking rabble screaming themselves hoarse
by the roadside were the American captives left
behind by the British, he cried a halt, gave the order,
" Present arms ! " as a salute to the prisoners, and
called the latter around him while the troops rested

The affecting interview between ♦^'■c men and their
old officers and comrades was cu short, however,
by the appearance of a throng of the wi\ s and
children of the Canadian settlers, who shrilly im-
plored the mercy and protection of the general.

" Do not be afraid, good people," Tippecanoe re-
plied to their appeal with kindly impatience, " we do
not make war on women and their little ones."

Then, at his word, the advance was sounded, and
the troops marched on, to encamp for the night upon
the lately deserted esplanade of Fort Maiden.

CHAPTER TWENTIETH

H-

ii^

LOVE AND GLORY

HALF an hour later Captain Labadie, at last
ofif duty, strode in haste down the road to the
spot where he had seen Laurcnte standing under the
beeches.

The girl was not there. Having beheld her lover
at the head of his men, she had, prompted by her
native coquetry, run away from him.

In the first days of her betrothal to Pierre she had
been frankly happy. When he was a prisoner at
Maiden she had consoled and cheered him by aflford-
ing him many glimpses of her innocent heart,
wherein, like the flame of a little alabaster lamp
in a votive chapel, burned the fire of her love for
him.

But, now that he was restored to health and was
marching on to honor and fame in the fore of Tippe-
canoe's army, she felt a strange diffidence of herself,
and before the shrine of her affection would fain have
built an altar-screen of maidenly reserve.

Yet, though she retreated to the arbor overgrown
with wild grape-vines that formed a pleasant shade
in the garden beside Gudewife Frazer's cottage,
Labadie, directed by the kindly officious Jean Cecire,
promptly found her.

LOVE AND GLORY

3»9

" Dear love," he said, as he clasped the smiling,
tearful girl in his arms, and kissed her with the ardor
of a bridegroom who has travelled far to meet his
bride, and has won her only after long and earnest
eflfort, " heart's dearest, we are reunited in happiness
at last."

Lau rente hid her happy face upon his breast.

" O Pierre, God has been very good to us," she
faltered ; " my love, my love ! " ^

At first, in their joy, they could think and speak
only of the present. But after a while Laurcnte
wished to know what had happened to her captain
since he was taken away, a captive, from Maiden;
and how he came to 'mvc the good fortune to be
again with General Harrison.

As they sat together in the arbor, the sunlight
wove the open roof above them into a lattice-work
of gold, changed the clusters of purple Catawbas to
pendant jewels, and stole through the withered foli-
age of the vines to shine upon the lovers.

" When the news of the battle of Lake Erie reached
Detroit, it was kept secret by the British officer in
command. The soldiers of the garrison were engaged
in preparations for flight, however, and the prisoners
of war were thus allowed more liberty than usual,"
said Labadie, beginning the story of his adventures.

" James Knaggs, having contrived to be captured
by a foraging party, brought word of the victory to
the townspeople, and in council with them it was de-
cided that James and I must escape if possible, and
carry a message to Commander Perry, or commodore
as he will be ere long.

fli^'**>

''iv'"^;»j-

/i"-t.«/\..*"'

320

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

-m

't:

" Two nights ago we got away in a canoe with six
townsmen, and paddled swiftly down the river and
far out upon the lake. We passed no ships, but
as we floated on in the gloom, suddenly ahead of us
we heard the dip of oars. The next moment a light
flashed just beyond the prow of our pirogue and the
report of a musket arrested our paddles.

" ' Boat ahoy ! ' I shouted. My comrades had
made me their leader, and since the strangers might
be Indians or spies of Proctor's, I quickly resolved to
gain whatever advantage might come from being be-
forehand. • Boat ahoy ! '

" ' Ariel ! What boat is that ? ' was the peremptory
answer.

" How our spirits rose as it rang out over the surg-
ing waters.

" ' A canoe from Detroit with a greeting to Com-
mander Perry,' 1 replied.

" Thereupon, the Ariel's boat came alongside us,
and its officer flashed the rays of a lantern in our faces.

"By the same light we saw he was a youth, or,
rather, a handsome lad in the uniform of the navy;
but he commanded his boat's crew with the decision
of an admiral. We afterwards learned that he was
the commander's midshipman brother, who had
shown extraordinary bravery during the action. He
took our canoe in tow and brought us to Perry's ship.
We all went aboard, and the hero of the battle re-
ceived us on the quarter-deck.

•"Commander Perry,' I said, saluting, 'the in-
habitants of Detroit have sent us to beg you to come
to their aid as soon as may be.'

■*.;

^4'jyil-- jJ^Mm. 'ii

m-A

LOVE AND GLORY

i*'

** Not content with this, Knaggs, who, for all his
fighting qualities has never been amenable to mili-
tary discipline, spoke up, crying, —

*' ' Commodore, they want you to have a chance to
give the garrison a broadside before the redcoats
take to the woods.'

" Perry smiled indulgently.

" * God willing, I shall lose no time before sailing
up the river,' he responded, with the terse simplicity
of a great man who has no need of ostentation.

*' He then engaged the rest of our party to accom-
pany him up the Strait. But this morning he sent
Knaggs and myself to join General Harrison, who
was debarking his troops at Hartley's Point.

" So, heart's dearest, I am come, and yonder
are Perry's ships beating up the bay. Within an
hour he will land here at Amherstburg to confer with
Tippecanoe. And by to-morrow evening, doubtless,
the Ariel, the Scorpion, and the Caledonia will lie
before Detroit, where the birch-bark flotilla of the
Sieur de Cadillac once breasted the current."

"Thank God, the heroism of the intrepid com-
mander of our fleet has wiped out the reproach of
the fort's inglorious surrender," exclaimed Laurente,
with spirit.

" And now, dearest," continued Pierre, re^ ^rning
to the subject of which lovers never tire, namely, their
love for each other, " I have the general's permission
to marry ; P'ather Richard is on board the Ariel ; he
went out to the ships to visit the men who were
wounded in the battle. I had but a few moments
with le bon pere, but I told him of my hope to win

322 LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

your assent to my plan. Say yes. Lau rente ! Tell
me that when he comes I may ask him to marry us
to-morrow ! " '

" To-morrow! " she repeated, drawing back in shy
astonishment.

" Yes. heart of my heart ! Why should we delay
longer? God has given us this tryst at the most
critical time of the war. P^rc Gabriel i. at hand to
perform the wedding ceremony and receive our vows
to be true to each other. You are of age and thus
free to decide as you wish. But even if this were not
so. while I was a prisoner at Detroit ycur father sent
me word that if I would bring you back to Moy Hall
he would not refuse his sanction to our marriage
I am of course, to go on with Tippecanoe, and he
will follow Proctor to Montreal if necessary in order
to force him to a decisive battle. Give me the joy
of calling you my wife ! Afterwards, if it is my fate
to fall. I yet shall feel that, in your wifely love, my
life has been crowned with happiness."

His arm stole around her, and he bent his head
awaiting her answer. '

The girl averted her face.

" Since Providence has commissioned me as Mon-
s.eur Labad.e's lieutenant, ' sans doute.' I must share
his fortunes," she stammered at length, in the laugh-
ing fashion of the time. when, care-free, she danced at
her birthday ball at Moy Hall.

" Then, my brave lieutenant, I direct you to salute
your superior officer." enjoined Labadie, with more
of eagerness than a captain usually betrays to his
subaltern.

■■V ,,,

% m^

tf •(

J ,„ a '- d -rf'T^il.,

rm.w^^ymmw

LOVE AND GLORY

323

I^urente, being well trained to military discipline,
obeyed without demur. And the salute was as
promptly returned.

While Pierre Labadie and his sweetheart planned
for their wedding, the American squadron reached
the anchorage in the river, before the ruins of Fort
Maiden, and now the little cannon which the artillery
had dragged up from Hartley's Point boomed forth
a salvo of greeting.

Laurente started to her feet.

"I forgot about the ships," she admitted in
blushing confusion, and straightway ran out of the
arbor and along the bluff.

Labadie strode after, too happy to let her out of
his sight. They had not gone more than a few rods
when James Knaggs with a band of scouts passed
them, singing with rollicking glee a witty play upon
words written by a poetaster soldier, and already
popular among his comrades and the sailors of the
fleet.

" Bold Barclay one day to Proctor did say,

I 'm tired of Jamaica and sherry ;
So let us go down to that new floating town

And get some American Perry.*
Oh. cheap American Perry ;

Most pleasant American Perry !
We need only bear down, knock and call,

And we '11 have the American Perry.

" All ready for play, they got under way.
With hearts light and right voluntary ;
But when they came there they quickly did stare,
At the taste of American Perry.

> Perry, pear cider.

324 IX)VK THRIVKS IN WAR

Oh, thin fiery American Teiry ?

Such hot (ii»tiltatiun
Wuuld (udtile a nation,

Should it taste ihia Amerit^in I'errj.

'♦ On American ground, where «uch up! Jt \n found,

Let uf toa»t deep the heroc; of Kric ;
An'l never turget those whu»e life '• lun did set

My the side of their Commodore I'erry.
Oh, brave American I'erry !

Triumphant American I'erry.
Let u» ever remember the tenth of September,

When a fleet struck to Commodore I'erry."

As small boats put off frotn U\e ships, a tumultuous
cheer broke '"rom the army encamped on the espla-
nade. At every turn Laurcntc heard the soldiers
who were off duty repeating to the town<ipcople inci-
dents of the great naval conflict, and anecdotes of the
courage, kindness, and generosity of the valiant
Perry. How, at the height of the engagement,
he crossed from one ship to another in an open
boat, which for a quarter of an hour was the target
of the enemy's fire. How he cared, with the
greatest solicitude, not only for the injured among
his men, but for the disabled Commodore Barclay,
and the wounded British. How he had been mer-
ciful even to the Indian sharp-shooters caught in
the top-yards of the enemy's flagship, who expected
scalping, but were fed instead.

Now, on the strand below, the boats were beached,
and, with a gesture of disclaimer waving back the
throng, who would have raised him upon their
shoulders, the manly figure in the bow of the fore-

-: T^':

KOVK AND GLORY

3*5

most tkifT leaped ashore, being closely followed by
the occupants of the other boats.

They wt.e welcomed by General Harrison and
his staff, and the hero of Tippecanoe and the hero
of Lake Erie marched up the hill side by side.
Before them were borne the starry standard and the
blue banner blazoned with the last words of Admiral
I^wrence, which I'erry had naiUd to the masthead
of his flagship as the signal to lead on to victory.

The military band played " Hail Columbia." "the
Stars and Stripes" floated to the * -eeze, and on the
azure field of Perry's pennon the brave motto, '* Don't
give up the ship ! " stood out in proud, white letters.

On came the simple procession, escorting the
young naval commander, who was noble in bear-
ing as was ever knight of old, of splendid physique,
and with the head and face of the Greek Apollo.

With him were those of his officers who had with-
stood, unscathed or with slight injury, the fire of the
battle. And yes, there too was Father Richard, as
Pierre had said.

As they advanced, the throng of free lances, scouts,
loyal Indians, liberated prisoners, won»cn and chil-
dren, who lined the way, raised cheer after cheer,
until the air rang with acclaim.

Laurentc with the naive ardor of her nature cried
out with the rest, and catching the blue kerchief
from her neck, fluttered it gaily.

So pleasing a picture did she make, as, in her light-
colored frock, and bare-headed, with her brown curls
blown by the wind, she stood beside her captain,
that the glance of Perry was attracted to them both.

3»6

I.OVE THRIVKS IN WAR

Reading their little romance, he smiled in the ready
sympathy uith love and lovers which overflows from
a heart that lovet and i* secure in the Joy of a t;ood
woman's devotion.

And no he went on to the parade ground of Fort
Maiden, where the army of Tippecanoe was drawn
up to receive him.

The Moon of the Mai«r that shone full upon the
conquering and the captured squadron an they sailed
into Putin-Hay had w.ined and dietl ; but now a
new moon, like the bow of Hiawatha, the all-powerful
Indian hunter, hung in the western sky. The stars
came forth in the white heavens, and the blaze of a
great camp-fire lighted the esplanade at Maiden,
where, in front of their canvas headquarters. General
Harrison and his distinguished guest, on the evening
of the latter's arrival, held an informal reception.

When Laurentcs turn came to be presented, Cap-
tain Labadie led her forward with the pride of a
soldier who has won the prize for which he has
struggled.

•• Ah. this is our fair bride to be," exclaimed the
courteous sailor-hcro, as she blushingly swept him a
curtsey. " Miss Macintosh. I have received through
Father Richard your inv itation to assist at your mar-
riage to-morrow morning. I now take the opportunity
to ask as a favor that you and Captain Labadie will
make your wedding journey to Detroit with me on
my good ship Ariel. Is it a promise?"

" Sir, you do us too much honor." answered Lau-
rcntc, blushing again with happiness ; while to Labadie
this mark of thoughtful condescension on the part

sa^ttMrfm^^mv-'

IX)VK AND (fl.ORY

3^7

of the commander wa« a dittinction to be forever
proudly remembered.

" Ah, captain." continued Perry, \rjlh rharacteriiitic
dircctncH*!, " in joinint; your life to that of thi« .wect
girl you arc buckling on a strong armor. It h.i^
pleaHcd the Almi|;;hty to gWc the United St.itcs a
great victory on I^kc Kric, but I believe I have
come through the battle unharmed because - "u-
prayers of my own dear wife. \lh\ Maclr'u t' let
me present my young brother. He, I dare -<y u.is
tome schoolgirl sweetheart praying for lift u^ .
For the rascal is unharmed, though du tr ax

gagement two muskct-balls panned thrr. u h . \ .A
his clothes were tattered by splinters, .. u! i v...%
struck down by a hammock which a cannoi.bali ' r^*
from its nettings."

The little midshipman kissed the hand of the buut.
elect with a chivalrous grace, and said, boyishly, as
he patted the head of a curly black spaniel that
had made its way to him and thrust its nose under
his palm, —

"Madam, I must share vhatevcr credit is given
me with the commander's dcg. I'onto. here. So en-
raged was he at every shot from the encmv s swivels.
I was forced to lock him in the cabin of tJiC Lawrence ;
and when a cannon-ball tore a hole in the bulkhead,
he at once thrust his head through the opening,
barking and yelping for release. Now what do you
think of old Ponto; was he foolhardy «)r a hero? "

" I think that to be near Commander Perry in
battle would inspire even a spaniel with the courage
of a lion," replied the girl.

it I

J^« I.OVK PHRIVKS IN WAR

Ami while the lad's treble laugh rang out mirth-
fully at this sally, she passed on.

Half an hour later, Pierre bade her a lingeimg
good-night at the door of Janet Frazer s cottage.

The sun never shone on a fairer bride than was
Laurcntc Macintosh the next morning in her white
dnnity frock set oflf by a veil of creamy English lace
found by gudewifc Janet in her old-country chest
Had the girl been arrayrd in all the silken splendor
her mother would hav^e wished for her, she could
no^ have been more beautiful. At least, so thought
Pierre Labadie.as. with General Cass for his grooms-
man, he stood before Vhc Richard at the end of a
cordoned space on the parade, and saw her coming
to meet him on the arm of General Harrison, who
had claimed the privilege of giving the bride away.

And when he took her hand in his and knew that
with It she gave her heart forever, what were the
perils of war to him? With his soldier laurels was
woven the myrtle crown of a true woman's love.

The words of the marriage vow were soon spoken ;
the i iipti.il blessing was given with a fervor that came
from the heart of PcVc Gabriel. Then, as Laurente
radiant and white as a lily, and Labadic, erect and
triumphant, turned to walk together down between the
double line of officers drawn up in military file
a hundred strong arms flashed across a hundred
brave breasts; with a rattle of steel a hundred sabres
gleamed forth, and beneath an arch of swords Pierre
and Laurente Labadic passed to the end of the
esplanade.

IX)VF. AND GLORY

329

They were follouetl by all the company to the
house of Janet Frazer, where the gi'tlcwife and
Madam Navarre had prepared a wedding feast.

Scarce was it over wlicn the troops broke camp
and began their march up the cAte.

An hour before noon the bride and bridegroom
and Madam Navarre went on board the Ariel with
Commander Perry, ^ioon afterwards the squadron
weighed anchor, sailed up the river, and, touching at
Sandwich only to take on board General Harrison,
Colonel Navarre, and six hundred men, proceeded
to the fort of the Strait.

Thus did Laurcnte, whose girlish espousal of the
American cause had led to her being stolen away by
Blue Jacket, return to Detroit in the flagship of
the noble conqueror ; a happy bride under the
protection of " the Stars and Stripes," and of her hus-
band Pierre Labadie, the hero of her loyal woman's
heart.

General Proctor had evacuated the post and with-
drawn beyond Lake Ste. Claire, accompanied by
Tecumseh, who, for the sake of the Chippewas and
Sioux, had decided not to desert him.

The little cannon of Yorktown and Saratoga, twice
surrendered by the British, boomed forth a joyous
welcome to the victoriou ; Perry. The townspeople,
men, women, and children, in the best holiday attire
the hard times had left them, crowded down to the
water-gate, cheering and clamoring.

The women waved their kerchiefs, red, white, and
blue ; the men and boys tossed their caps in the air,
while now and again some one unfurled a pennant;

L r:

330

LOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

•(

and others, breaking branches from the trees, flaunted
them as banners.

Again the band played " Yankee Doodle," as Perry
and Tippecanoe, and Cass and Shelby, marched up
to old Fort Lernoult and took possession of the
stockade and town in the name of the United States.
The people shouted and cheered anew. The women
and many of the men wept like children ; ami the
children felt their hearts stirred with the love of
country that is a nation's strongest defence.

There among her neighbors, at the side of the
street leading to the stockade, lingered Madam Brush ;
sad, because while the other officers returned in
triumph, her husband was, she feared, still a wanderer
for his country's sake, but dignified as a Roman
matron of old, and with the light of a pathetic patience
shining in her fine eyes.

Beside her stood a tall lad, hurrahing with all the
strength of his young lungs.

" Look, mother," he cried abruptly, when the
heroes of the hour and the military had passed, and
the crowd was lessening. " Look ! "

And before the astonished mother could check
him, Edmond dashed across the street and flung his
arms around the neck of a pretty girl in a plain gray
frock and a hat woven of river grasses.

But the girl who smiled so gaily and kissed the
child on both cheeks? Her ^scort, the handsome
officer, who affectionately clapped the boy on the
shoulder? Madam Brush drew a hand before her
eyes ; no, she was not drcaniintj ; there but a few paces
distant stood Laurente and — i'ierrc Labadie.

LOVK AND GLORY

33 »

With a quick step she made her way to them ; she
heard Labadic say, "Madam, my wife," — and
Laurcntc was clasped in her embrace.

As the four walked together toward the Brush
house, Edmond broke into another hurrah.

"See 'old Glory,'" he shouted, pointing upward.
From the window of the loft his small brother and
sister were waving an American fla^j, the finest seen
in Detroit that day.

" We found it in the garret," thty cried. " We
remembered Laurente hid it away saying we must
keep it i ntil oui soldiers should come back to the
fort. Wl-y, there are Laurente and Captain Labadie
with you ! "

The next moment the bobbing heads were with-
drawn, and the merry young folk came pell-mell
down the stairs to greet the happy bride and her
worthy husband.

Warned by the glad outcry. Ursulc also hastened to
the door. And when the welcome guests entered the
hearth-room, there was old Wealthy who, as he recog-
nized them, uttered an exclamation half of delight, half
of grief, and falling upon his knees kissed the hem of
Laurente's frock, sobbing, " Oh, little Mam'selle, is
it your own sel' or your speerit dat's dun come to
ha'nt dis wicked ole fool nigger? Oh, Sugar Honey,
trample on me wi' your pretty feet ; crush dc life out
en dis black hulk, efif you will, but believe him !
Indeed, indeedy, dis ole Wealthy thought the mes-
sage he dun brought you was from your true iuh",
Captain Labadie thar ! 'For' dc Lawd, he did ! '
" I do believe you, Wealthy." said Laurente, in

*.'

332

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

token of forgiveness extending to him her hand
which he covered with respectful and [)cnitent kisses.

" Here is a letter for you, Laurcnte." interposed
Madam Brush, taking Pierre's long waiting missive
from behind the mirror of the best parlor, " and here
is another to me, which you will like to read. For it
is from our dear Abigail and was written at IJoston,
where Mr. Snelling was permitted to reside on parole
until exchanged by the British. He has recently
rejomed the American troops."

While the little party were discussing' Madam
SncUing's letter, the sunlight shining through the
open doorway was suddenly intercepted.

On the threshold stood a gaunt man, at sight of
whom the strong and resolute Madam Brush sank
fainting to the floor, ftut the children rushed into
kis outstretched arms, cryiag, —

" Father ! Father ! "

Elijah Brush, having after imKjy adventures reached
Fort Stephenson before the tigiit, had arrived at
Sandwich with the Kentuck]^' militia who followed
the other troops, bringing the horses and baggage.
From this point he had come up the river in a
canoe.

The one time mayor of Detroit. United States
attorney, and colonel of the legionary corps, had
returned to wife and children, broken in health, but
in spirit dauntless as ever.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIRST

THE PASSING OF THK SHAVVANOE

AN hour later Captain Labauie and his wife
embarked in a canoe at the water-gate. In
another moment their light craft shot into the cur-
rent, and, while Pierre paddled with the skill of his
boyhood, Laurente sat in the bow of the skiff chat-
ting merrily, and well content to be there.

And thus, as upon the evening long ago, when
the town of Detroit lay in ruin after the great fire,
Pierre Labadie took her home to her father's house.

Jean Cecire had volunteered to apprise the dear
ones at Moy Hall of their coming, and Angus
Macintosh was accordingly prepared to receive his
daughter with something of the feudal state of his
Scotch ancestors.

The servants drawn up along the road, from the
beach to the gallery of the house, raised a cry of
welcome as she stepped from the pirogue onto the
little wharf. An old regimental piper left by Proc-
tor played " The Flowers of Edinburgh " and " The
Scolding Wives of Abertarff " with a spirit that out-
rivalled the most aixomplished performance of black
Wealthy with his fiddle, while Sandy, the laird's
major-domo, bent almost double in his attempt to
make a profound bow, and began a set >pecch.

334

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

But Laurcntc pushed past him and hurried up the
walk.

At the house-door waited mother and father, — - the
latter grown feeble since Proctor had roughly told
him he was too old to command a regiment of
Canadian militia. — Angus Macintosh, who at sight
of his daughter forgot his pride and the formality
with which he had chosen to surround himself.

" Father ! Father, forgive and forget," cried
Laurente. springing toward him.

The laird folded her in his arms.

" I was too hard on ye, lassie ; yet I lo'ed ye
well," he said, and held out a hand to Labadie.

" Oui, oui, cherie. When you were gone away we
all found out how much w o loved you," added " la
bonne m&re," as, weeping lappy tears, she drew the
girl to her heart.

" Ma foi, Laurente," s continued in an under-
tone, while Macintosh arid Pierre re-established
their old amicable r lations, " had you married
the suitor your father selci I, you would now be
coming home a widow instead of with a fine, hand-
some husband. You know, Pierre was always my
choice for you."

"Ah, ' ma m6rc,' " rejoined Laurente, with a laugh,
as she kissed her. " When ' Ic bon Dieu ' and a
girl's mother favor a marriage it is as good as made.
But Captain Muir was a gallant gentleman, God
rest his soul."

Two days afterwards General Harrison led his
eager troops over the route taken by Proctor,
across the marshes, and into the Canadian forest.

vr'm-

THE PASSING OF THE SHAVVANOE jjs

With them went Ticrrc I^badic as a staff-officer, an
honor he shared with the gallant Commander Terry
and General Cass, who volunteered as aids.

The pursuit was short. At the end of a week
Tippecanoe and his army returned to Detroit in
triumph, having routed the British and Indians in
a desperate encounter at the Moravian towns on the
Thames.

When all the inhabitants along the American shore
were rejoicing over the victory. Laureate could
not wait at Moy Hall to greet her husband, but,
crossing the Strait in a canoe with old Sandy, she
sent word to Pierre that he would find her with
Madam Brush.

So it was in the hearth-room of the house where
she had found shelter, when she cast her lot with
Labadie's friends, that -he welcomed home her
soldier hero.

" And now, Pierre, tell me about the battle," she
said, when, after the first blissful moments of reunion,
he unbuckled his sword-belt and placed his sheathed
sabre in her hands.

" The battle, heart's dearest, was a resistless dash
over the field on the part of our troops, like a fire
sweeping across the prairie; a gray sea of smoke
pierced by shrieking shells, and men stricken down
as by the Fiery Arm we saw for so long in the sky.
An elkskin-clad warrior seemed to be everywhere,
like the spirit of war itself, and fought with determined
courage ; but he was at last shot down by our Ken-
tucky colonel, and fell with upraised tomahawk. The
indomitable chief was Tecumseh. "

336

LOVK THRIVES IN WAR

"The Shawanoe was a Rcncrc^us foe.' sighed
Laurcntc. remcnibcrin(; how he had stood her pro-
tecior on the esplanade of Maiden.

" He was the greatest chief of his race," admitted
Labadie, heartily. " His love of country made him a
statesman and a patriot, and had he succeeded in
driving the white settlers back over the Allcghanies,
he might have founded a government stronger than
the Indian empires of Mexico and Peru. I have
something more to tell you. As we fought our way
through a party of savages, I found my bridle grasped
by a half-breed. Loath to gratify my hatred by kill-
ing the fellow, I beat him off with the butt of my
pistol, for the man was James Hlue Jacket. The
tide of the struggle separated us, yet involuntarily I
followed him with my eyes. His capture by our
brave fellows seemed certain, when, like a fiend from
the Inferno, a tall chief crowned with eagle's feathers
leaped from the edge of a neighboring beech grove.
Disregarding the white men as though they were
the withered leaves from the trees, he dashed toward
La Salle with demoniacal fury and hurled his toma-
hawk. Before it struck, however, from the grasses
of the swamp, like a wild and beautiful lynx, a young
Indian in war-dress arose between the two men and
received the fatal blow.

" A horde of Shawanoes rallied round the sachem;
but he rushed from the field, followed by their hoarse
cry of, ' Elskwatawa, Klskwatawa ! '

" Blue Jacket, after bending to see if the lithe brave
was indeed dead, caught a riderless horse as it gal-
loped near, and rude off like the wind. When the

THE PASSING OK THK SHAWANOK

battle was over, James Knaggs and I went back
to the place. We found that the young Shawanoc,
who had saved La Salle froti) the vengeance of the
Prophet, was not a youth but a girl. It was Matanah
the Nettle, who gave her life for loves sake."

"Poor Matanah," said Laurentc, pityingly. " Had
I^ Salle loved her, many things might have been
different. How true it is that love can neither be
forced nor cajoled ; yet its only price is love ! "

" Ves, heart of my heart," answered Pierre, as, with
a lover's tenderness, he kissed his young wife. " And
though love thrives in war, it is the guerdon of peace.
Let us thank God that this fifteen minutes' battle of
the Thames has ended the war here on the frontier."

Through the flcctness of their horses, Proctor,
Blue Jacket, and a band of redcoats and Indians
escaped to Niagara.

About the middle of October, Cicneral Harrison,
having accomplished the object of his expedition,
sailed away down I..akc Erie with Commander Perry,
and, soon after, an express from Washington brought
to General Cass the appointment of governor of the
territory of Michigan.

Of the other prominent members of the company
who gathered around the hospitable board of Angus
Macintosh on the evening of the " bal pare," Angus
himself, having inherited the lands of the earldom of
Moy, departed for Scotland with his family to live on
his ancestral estates.

Although the fortunes of war called Aleck Macomb
far from the Strait, his bravery on the Niagara frontier,

33»

KOVK THRIVKS IN WAR

and his brilliant victury a» commander at riatt^ihurg,
rendered him Detroit's munt di<»tini;uished hero of the
Htruggle uf i8ij, and won for him not only the rank
of major-general, but the thanks of Congress. I lis
friend, hand^iomc Charles luirned, who was conspicu-
ous in the war, was made a general by I'residcnt John
Quincy Adams.

Captain Snclling fou^^ht at Chippewa, I.undy's
Lane, and Fort Kric. Later, he was sent into the
wilderness, where, far in the Northwest, on the high
bluff overlooking the Falls of St. Anthony and the
present sites of the cities of St. I'aul and Minneapolis,
he built the fort that now bears his name.

Here for a long period his devoted wife Abigail,
by her gracious manners and womanly tact, held in
check the gayeties, the dissipations, and the rival
factions of the isolated post. Here her presence by
the side of the White Chief often aided him in the
negotiation of treaties with the Indians, especially
when, with the grace of a princess, she thanked them
in their native tongues for their gifts of wampum,
moccasins, and beaded ornaments.

General Hull was court-martialed in 1814, found
guilty of neglect of duty in the surrender of Detroit,
and condemned to be shot, but because of his ad-
vanced age and past services President Madison re-
mitted the execution of his sentence. Posterity has
judged him more leniently than did his contempo-
raries, believing that though he faileu ;;i the prompt-
ness and intrepidity necessary to a commander, his
course was actuated solely by the wish to avert the
horrors of an Indian massacre.

THK PASSIN(; OK THK SHAWANOK 3,9

General haac Hrock. n% noblf ^ fot- a% Proctor was
harnh and cruel, fell, fiuhtin^ valiantly for hU cause.
In the battle of Qucen<itown. (kt. 13, iHij,

The printiniipress of I'athcr Richard published
far and wide the glorious ncwn of the success of
the American arms, which restored to tht- United
Sutes all the territory that had been included in the
surrender.

So greatly was " le bon Virv Gabriel * esteemed by
the community that in 1823 he was elected to Con-
gress as the fust representative from Michigan, and
he served for two years to the satisfacti«m n( the
people. When, in 1832, Detroit was visited Sy the
Asiatic cholera, amid the dangers and heartrending
scenes of the plague Father Richard moved, calm
and helpful as, after the Great Fire, he had passed
among the ruins of the olil French settlement.

But his arduous labors told upon his strength at
last And thus, at the age of seventy-five, like a
soldier at the |K)st of duty, he laid down his life.
Of him Daniel Webster said, "He was so clever
a Frenchman that he did not need to be made
over to become a Yankee," — " lc bon Fere Richard,"
who wherever his name is spoken is honored as a
missionary, an educator, a litterateur, and a patriot.
With him, as he had foretold, the scourge passed.

Captain Labadie saw service in the campaign of
1814, but al the ratification of the treaty of peace
between the United States and Great Kiuaiti he
returned to Detroit. During the cholera siege he was
as efficient an aid to Father Gabriel as he had been
in the war to General Harrison, while Laureate proved

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340

LOVE THRIVES IN WAR

her courage anew by her ministrations to those
stricken with the plague.

Tlic brave captain and his good wife lived many
years in the old Labadie homestead on the " cutc-du-
nord." When they too became old. often, on St.
Andrew's night, or the " Jour de I'An," their children's
children gathered about them before the fire in the
great chimney, pleading for stories of their youth.

At these times they spoke of the threatening Arm
of Tecumsch, of Tippecanoe, and Perry. Then also
they told of the sweet days before the war, when they
learned to love each other with a love that grew
stronger through perils, and trials, and joys, until —

|i^

The twilight glow of their autumn path
And the golden sheen of Life's aftermath.

Were bright as the spring time's budding flowers
The balmy airs, and the sunlit showers
Of the long years ago.

i;
(

THE END

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