To these may be added twelve settlers acting as militiamen, making a total defensive force of seventy men.

But fully twenty-five of these are upon the sick-list, and totally unfit for active duty; while we are further burdened by having under our protection twelve women and twenty children.

It almost crazes one to think of what their fate may be." "Your defences look strong enough to keep off savages," broke in De Croix, "and I am told there is a sufficiency of provisions.

Saint Guise! I have seen places where I had rather reside in my old age; yet with plenty of wine, some good fellows, and as lovely women as have already greeted me here, 'twill not prove so bad for a few weeks." Helm glanced at him curiously; then his gaze, always gravely thoughtful, wandered back to me.
"We are to evacuate the Fort," he said quietly.
"Evacuate ?" echoed the Frenchman, as if the word were displeasing.

"'T is a strange military act, in my judgment, and one filled with grave peril.