"None, I regret, have so far been practicable. I am detained on duty here with twenty men; and expect an attack hourly. I would surrender the fort and hasten to the rescue of my friend, but that the lives of more than a hundred women and children here depend upon my remaining."
"And where, monsieur, are the nearest troops? Holy Mother of God!" she exclaimed, "surely they will not permit le chef to put him to death without making an effort to save him."
"Anything possible will be done, my brave lad. The nearest troops are those of Colonel Denison. Here I will write you a note to the Colonel. He is an officer whom I much admire. He is quick at conceiving, and prompt and firmhanded in achievement. His force is mounted and a few of his troopers thundering into the rebels' nest would scatter them like rats."
"Speed, speed, monsieur," she cried, as she perceived the Inspector pause to consider the terms in which he should address the Colonel. "Let it be simply an introduction; and a mere statement that I have rendered service to you and to your forces."
"So be it," he replied; and then rapidly pencilled the note, which he put into her hand. A quick "Merci, merci," and the two were gone, and speedily upon their horses' backs. They had not ridden far before they espied a mounted party, evidently reconnoitering. Instead of pursuing its course, the party, upon perceiving the two Indian boys, turned their horses and rode towards the pair.
"Oh, Julie, I hope that they will not detain us. They judge, I suppose, that we are enemies."
"But you can tell them that we are not, mademoiselle."
"Ah, Julie, the world is not as truthful and as free from guile as you. They might not believe us. But I can at any rate show them the Inspector's note."
"Who goes there?" shouted the officer of the approaching party.
"Friends, who want to see Colonel Denison immediately.