Such was the news which reached Marshwood.
CHAPTER XIII
BRAVELY DONE
“I must leave at once,” said Lord Howe, “and make my way as best I can to Louisburg. Loudon has failed in his attack on that place; but I am certain it will be renewed without delay—therefore I will go there.”
“I will take you; it is impossible for you to attempt the journey without a proper escort; besides, we must push forward in the same direction,” said Roger. “The Indians have tasted blood; we shall have them swarming by thousands all over the land.”
“I expect we shall,” said Howe. “When will you be ready to start?”
“We are always ready,” answered Roger sternly; “make your own preparations, and by dawn to-morrow we will be on our way;” and having so spoken he left the house, and was not seen again till suppertime.
Soon the whole settlement was astir. The indignation of the colonists was unbounded, and they swore to be revenged. Before nightfall upwards of three hundred men had taken to the woods, and scouts had been sent out in every direction to call the Rangers together. Every precaution was taken to ensure the safety of the settlement. Knowing they were watched, instead of going into the woods by twenties, or even by tens, they went forth by twos and threes, giving each other a wide berth; but each man was acquainted with the ultimate place of meeting; besides, though apparently dispersing, they were within rallying distance of each other, and knew the signal agreed upon.
There was quiet weeping that night in many households. Marcus had entreated to accompany Roger, but Martha interfered. “Not brother against brother,” she said, clinging to him, with tears running down her face.
“Stay, Marcus, my friend,” Lord Howe had said. “It may be that you will be needed here more than you think for; it is not well to leave Father Nat alone without a lieutenant;” and so Marcus remained.
“I shall come back, Marie; don’t cry so, dear,” said William Parkmann, ready to cry himself at sight of her grief. “As soon as the war is over John Cleveland shall marry us, and, darling, I’ll take you right down to my father’s house in Boston; and you shall never set eyes on these ugly savages again if I can help it.” And stooping, he kissed the pretty, fair face of his little sweetheart, as they stood together for the last time under the great oak tree at the back of Alpha Marsh.