When the supper was cleared away, and the jar of tobacco and long clay pipes had been placed upon the table, the evident leader of the party turned to Nathaniel, and said with infinite courtesy,—
“After having partaken of your generous hospitality, it is time we introduced ourselves to you, my host; especially as it is our intention to remain some time in the settlement, if you will suffer us to do so.”
“Why should I hinder you? If I mistake not, you are officers in his Gracious Majesty’s army,” said Nathaniel.
“You have guessed rightly,” answered the same speaker. “I am Brigadier Howe, and my companions are Lieutenants Pringle, Philips, and Roche. I need scarcely tell you the importance of the struggle going on between France and England; it has not yet reached its height, but it will ere long, and it behoves us all to be prepared to fight to the best of our abilities for our country and her honour. I am of opinion that the ordinary system of European warfare will prove a failure when pitted against Indian and Canadian fighting; and unless we can acquire some practical knowledge of their tactics, we run a very great chance of being worsted. For the last three years you have suffered frightful aggressions along the borderland from the Indians and French, and have only been protected by the courage and abilities of your volunteer men, your Rangers, as they are called, whose captain, Roger the Ranger, is, I believe, your son. His name is in everybody’s mouth as the man of all others the most capable of rendering assistance to the colony in its present straits. Thirley, the Governor of Massachusetts, and William Johnson, of New York, Commander of the Massachusetts Volunteers, cannot say too much in his favour; and therefore we four officers of his Majesty’s army have come to him with a request that, during the present winter, he will enroll us as members of his corps of Rangers, subject us to their training, and allow us to accompany him on all his expeditions; thus we shall learn forest warfare and the ways of the enemy, and know how to deal with them. Your son will be doing inestimable service to the regular army by thus initiating us. Do you think he will consent to do this?”
“I cannot say,” answered Nathaniel. “My son has thrown himself heart and soul into the defence of the colony. But for his fame I scarcely think our settlement would have remained so long unmolested. You are acquainted with the frightful rapine and murder which the red warriors have committed in the border settlements of Virginia and Pennsylvania. The Quakers even, much against their will, have been driven into passing a militia law, by the sight of the bodies of the massacred men paraded about the streets of Philadelphia. Massachusetts has been foremost in resisting French and Indian aggression, and has taken the lead in the preparation for war. I have heard Roger say that the British army, disciplined as it is, and with officers of unrivalled bravery, will, from their ignorance of the country and of the style of warfare, be subject to many reverses. I think he would approve of your plan, but you must await his return; he will answer you himself.”
“We are quite willing to remain here,” answered Brigadier Howe, “if you will tell us where we can put up.”
Nathaniel smiled. “You are unacquainted with our New England hospitality,” he said. “We never turn a stranger from our door; we deem it would bring us ill-fortune. The Lord has sent you hither, and until your business with Roger be settled, your place is laid for you at my table and the guest-chamber is at your service.”
“But we are so numerous, and our horses will encumber your stables,” said the Brigadier.
“What Omega cannot accomplish Alpha will,” he answered quietly. “The Boscowens and Langlades, though they live each under different roofs, form but one household: it has been so for over four generations.”
“If such hospitality be amongst your traditions, far be it from me to gainsay you,” said the Brigadier. “But that name of Langlade struck me just now. I heard it lately at Albany; there was much talk of a Charles Langlade and a certain La Corne, both of them French Canadians, who had joined the Indians, taken squaw wives, and become of great importance in the tribes. Surely that Langlade has no connection with this family?”