Chapter 24 - Page 2

fell at my elbow," the Sergeant answered in a low melancholy
tone. "We have, indeed, all suffered for our mistakes."

"No, no, Sergeant, I meant no condemnation on you; for men were
never better commanded than yourn, in this very expedition. I never
beheld a prettier flanking; and the way in which you carried your
own boat up ag'in their howitzer might have teached Lundie himself
a lesson."

The eyes of the Sergeant brightened, and his face even wore
an expression of military triumph, though it was of a degree that
suited the humble sphere in which he had been an actor.

"'Twas not badly done, my friend," said he; "and we carried their
log breastwork by storm."

"'Twas nobly done, Sergeant; though, I fear, when all the truth
comes to be known, it will be found that these vagabonds have got
their howitzer back ag'in. Well, well, put a stout heart upon it,
and try to forget all that is disagreeable, and to remember only
the pleasant part of the matter. That is your truest philosophy;
ay, and truest religion too. If the inimy has got the howitzer
ag'in, they've only got what belonged to them afore, and what we
couldn't help. They haven't got the blockhouse yet, nor are they
likely to get it, unless they fire it in the dark. Well, Sergeant,
the Sarpent and I separated about ten miles down the river; for
we thought it wisest not to come upon even a friendly camp without
the usual caution. What has become of Chingachgook I cannot say;
though Mabel tells me he is not far off, and I make no question
the noble-hearted Delaware is doing his duty, although he is not
now visible to our eyes. Mark my word, Sergeant, before this matter
is over we shall hear of him at some critical time and that in a
discreet and creditable manner. Ah, the Sarpent is indeed a wise
and virtuous chief! and any white man might covet his gifts, though
his rifle is not quite as sure as Killdeer, it must be owned. Well,
as I came near the island I missed the smoke, and that put me on my
guard; for I knew that the men of the 55th were not cunning enough
to conceal that sign, notwithstanding all that has been told them
of its danger. This made me more careful, until I came in sight
of this mockfisherman, as I've just told Mabel; and then the whole
of their infernal arts was as plain before me as if I saw it on a
map. I need not tell you, Sergeant, that my first thoughts were
of Mabel; and that, finding she was in the block, I came here, in
order to live or die in her company."

The father turned a gratified look upon his child; and Mabel felt
a sinking of the heart that at such a moment she could not have
thought possible, when she wished to believe all her