I have heard that twice since others have been despatched northward, although to what points was unknown." "The saints defend us! 'tis indeed serious.

I supposed the boat which passed contained all the Dons on the upper river, but if this be true we may have to desert the stream, and take to the eastern trail on foot.

_Sacre_! I like it not! What say you, you sphinx of an English borderman?
Knew you this all along ?" "It is news to me," I answered soberly.

"But if three expeditions have already been despatched north, there is little hope the land routes have been forgotten.

Beyond doubt every trail, white or Indian, leading toward French or English settlements, is by now patrolled by the Dons.