"Do they bring good news as fast as bad ?" "It may mean our marching orders," I said, dejected.
We had now arrived at Croghan's, and she was withdrawing her arm from mine, when the hollow sound of a conch-horn went echoing and booming through the dusk.
"It does mean your marching orders!" she exclaimed, startled.
"It most certainly means something," said I."Good-night--I must run for the fort----" "Are you going to----to leave me ?" "That horn is calling out Morgan's men----" "Am I not to see you again ?" "Why, yes--I expect so--but if----" "Oh! Is there an 'if' ?' Euan, are you going away forever ?" "Dear maid, I don't know yet what has happened----" "I do! You are going!...

To your death, perhaps--for all I know----" "Hush! And good-night----" She held to my offered hand tightly: "Don't go--don't go----" "I will return and tell you if----" "'If!' That means you will not return! I shall never see you again!" I had flung one arm around her, and she stood with one hand clenched against her lips, looking blankly into my face.
"Good-bye," I said, and kissed her clenched hand so violently that it slipped sideways on her cheek, bruising her lips.
She gave a faint gasp and swayed where she stood, very white in the face.
"I have hurt you," I stammered; but my words were lost in a frightful uproar bursting from the fort; and: "God!" she whispered, cowering against me, as the horrid howling swelled on the affrighted air.
"It is only the Oneidas' scalp-yell," said I."They know the news.
Their death-halloo means that the corps of guides is ordered out.
Good-bye! You have means to support you now till I return.

Wait for me; love me if it is in you to love such a man.

Whatever the event, my devotion will not alter.

I leave you in God's keeping, dear.