Why was not this thing done before our settlements were destroyed, and when we could have pushed forth an army into the field to drive back the encroaching foe, so that they would never have dared to show their faces upon our border again ?" Charles looked up with burning eyes.
"What say you?
Six months to wait?
That will not do for me! My blood is boiling in my veins; I must needs cool it! If these laggard rulers, with their clumsy methods, cannot put an army in the field before the spring, surely there are men enough amongst us to go forth--a hardy band of woodsmen and huntsmen--and hunt and harry, and slay and destroy, even as they have done!" "That is what the Rangers do!" cried Stark, with kindling eyes; "I have heard of them before this.

The Rangers of New England have done good work before now.

Good thought, good thought! Why not form ourselves into a band of Rangers?
Are we not strong and full of courage, seasoned to hardship, expert in our way with gun or axe?
Why should we lie idle here all the long winter through?
Why not let us forth to the forest--find out where help is needed most, and make here a dash and there a raid, striking terror into the hearts of the foe, and bringing help and comfort to those desolate inhabitants of the wilderness who go in terror of their lives?
Why not be a party of bold Rangers, scouring the forests, and doing whatever work comes to hand?
Men have banded themselves together for this work before now; why may not we do the like ?" "Why not, indeed ?" cried Fritz, leaping to his feet.

"I pine in the restraint of this town; I long for the forest and the plain once more.

My blood, too, is hot within me at the thought of what has been done and will be done again.