I am the son of a soldier, Monsieur, and have myself borne arms in battle." "You will fight, then ?" "With pleasure, whenever the occasion arises," I replied slowly, struggling hard to keep back more bitter words.

"But I see none at present, and, if I mistake not, all our skill at arms will soon be needed to save this girl, as well as ourselves, from savage hands." I know not how we would have parted, for 't was evidently his wish to goad me on to fight; and there are times when passion overwhelms us all.

But at that moment I heard the soft rustle of a dress, and wheeled to face the fair young wife of Lieutenant Helm.

It was plain she had been weeping; but De Croix, ever quicker than I in such matters, was first to accost her in words of courtesy.

A pretty face to him was instant inspiration.
"We bow to you, Madame," he exclaimed with excessive gallantry, doffing his hat till it swept the stairs; "your coming makes the very sunshine a brighter gold." "I trust it may bring peace as well," she answered, striving to smile back at him, although trouble yet shadowed her sweet face; "surely my ears caught the sound of harsh words." "A slight misunderstanding, which will hardly grow to any serious end," he protested.
"I trust not, gentlemen, for the time is come when we women at Dearborn surely need you all to protect us.