They had surprised the whole band, and had practically made them prisoners when Charles came up with his strange message, and they marched them along to see what it all meant.
Great was their astonishment when they saw the golden-haired girl with her fearless bearing, and the handsome lad standing beside her, still breathless and bewildered.
"Release these men," said Stark briefly; "they have been told off for the service of this lady.

Let them resume their charge, and return in safety to the fort, or continue their chase in the forest at pleasure.

We do not war with women.
"If you wish to see some pretty hunting, Mistress Corinne, Rogers' Rangers are at your service, and the haunts of bird and beast are well known to us." The girl's eyes sparkled.

She was as full of the love of adventure as any boy could be.

She looked at her brother, but he shook his head in doubt.
"I think our father would not wish it," he said.