Chapter 21 - Page 2

world, and Scotland the focus of, at least,
all moral excellence in that empire. In short, he was an epitome,
though on a scale suited to his rank, of those very qualities which
were so peculiar to the servants of the Crown that were sent into
the colonies, as these servants estimated themselves in comparison
with the natives of the country; or, in other words, he considered
the American as an animal inferior to the parent stock, and viewed
all his notions of military service, in particular, as undigested
and absurd. A more impracticable subject, therefore, could not well
have offered for the purpose of Mabel, and yet she felt obliged to
lose no time in putting her plan in execution.

"My father has left you a responsible command, Corporal," she said,
as soon as she could catch M'Nab a little apart; "for should the
island fall into the hands of the enemy, not only should we be
captured, but the party that is now out would in all probability
become their prisoners also."

"It needs no journey from Scotland to this place to know the facts
needful to be o' that way of thinking." returned M'Nab drily.

"I do not doubt your understanding it as well as myself, Mr. M'Nab,
but I'm fearful that you veterans, accustomed as you are to dangers
and battles, are a little apt to overlook some of the precautions
that may be necessary in a situation as peculiar as ours."

"They say Scotland is no conquered country, young woman, but
I'm thinking there must be some mistak' in the matter, as we, her
children, are so drowsy-headed and apt to be o'ertaken when we
least expect it."

"Nay, my good friend, you mistake my meaning. In the first place,
I'm not thinking of Scotland at all, but of this island; and then
I am far from doubting your vigilance when you think it necessary
to practise it; but my great fear is that there may be danger to
which your courage will make you indifferent."

"My courage, Mistress Dunham, is doubtless of a very pool quality,
being nothing but Scottish courage; your father's is Yankee, and
were he here among us we should see different preparations, beyond
a doubt. Well, times are getting wrang, when foreigners hold
commissions and carry halberds in Scottish corps; and I no wonder
that battles are lost, and campaigns go wrang end foremost."

Mabel was almost in despair; but the quiet warning of June was
still too vividly impressed on her mind to allow her to yield the
matter. She changed her mode of operating, therefore, still clinging
to the hope of getting the whole party within the blockhouse,
without being compelled to betray the source whence she obtained
her notices of the necessity of