“My dearest father is so much occupied, as to desire me to write
you this note. Mr. Bulstrode sent an express, yesterday, who was
bearer of the sad tidings from Ticonderoga. He also announced his
own approach; and we expect him, in a horse-litter, this evening.
Reports are flying about the settlement, that savages have been seen
in our own woods. I endeavour to hope that this is only one of those
idle rumours, of which we have had so many, lately. My father
however, is taking all necessary precautions, and he desires me to
urge on you the necessity of collecting all your party, should you
be again at Mooseridge, and of joining us without delay. We have
heard of your safety, and gallant conduct, through the man sent
forward by Mr. Bulstrode; his master having heard of you all, safe
in a canoe on the lake, the night after the battle, through a Mr.
Lee; a gentleman of great eccentricity of character, though, it is
said, of much talent, with whom papa happens to be acquainted. I
trust this note will find you at your hut, and that we shall see you
all, with the least possible delay.
“ANNEKE.”
This, certainly, was not a note to appease the longings of a lover; though I had infinite gratification in seeing the pretty characters that had been traced by Anne Mordaunt's hand, and of kissing the page over which that hand must have passed. But, there was a postscript, the part of a letter in which a woman is said always to give the clearest insight into her true thoughts. It was in these words, viz.:—
“I see that I have underscored the 'me,' where I speak of papa's desire that I should write to you, in preference to another. We have gone through one dreadful scene, in company, and, I confess, Corny, I should feel far happier, if another is to occur, that you and yours, should be with us, here, behind the defences of this house, than exposed, as you otherwise might be, in the forest. Come to us, then, I repeat, with the least possible delay.”
This postscript afforded me far more satisfaction than the body of the note; and I was quite as ready to comply with Anneke's request, as the dear girl, herself, could be to urge it. Guert's letter was as follows:—
“Mr. Mordaunt has commanded Anneke and myself to write to those of
your party, with whom he fancies each has the most influence, to
urge you to come to Ravensnest, as speedily as possible. We have
received most melancholy news; and a panic prevails among the poor
people of this settlement. We learn that Mr. Bulstrode, accompanied
by Mr. Worden, is within a few hours' journey of us, and the
families of the vicinity are coming to us, frightened and weeping. I
do not know that I feel much alarmed, myself; my great dependence is
on a merciful Providence; but, the dread Being on whom I rely, works
through human agents; and, I know of none in whom I can place more
confidence, than on Guert Ten Eyck.
“MARY WALLACE.”
“By St. Nicholas! Corny, these are such summonses as a man never hesitates about obeying,” cried Guert, rising, and beginning to replace his knapsack. “By using great diligence, we may reach the Nest, yet, before the family goes to bed, and make not only them, but ourselves, so much the more comfortable and secure.”
Guert had a willing auditor, in me; nor was Dirck at all backward about complying. The letters certainly much quickened our impulses; though, in fact, there remained nothing else to do; unless, indeed, we intended to lie out, exposed to all the risks of a vindictive and savage warfare. Dirck's' letter was from Herman Mordaunt; and it told the truth in plainer language than it had been related by either of the ladies. Here it is.
“Dear Dirck,—The savages are certainly approaching us, my young
kinsman; and it is for the good of us all to unite our forces. Come
in, for God's sake, with your whole party, as speedily as possible.
I have had scouts out, and they have all come in with reports that
the signs of trails, in the forest, abound. I expect, at least a
hundred warriors will be upon us, by to-morrow, and am making my
preparations accordingly. In approaching the Nest, I would advise
you to enter the ravine north of the house, and to keep within its
cover until you get to its southern termination. This will bring you
within a hundred rods of the gate, and greatly increase your chances
of entering, should we happen to be invested when you get here. God
bless you, dear Dirck, and guide you all safely to your friends.
“HERMAN MORDAUNT.
“Ravensnest, July 11th, 1758.”
Guert and I read this letter hastily, before we commenced our march. Then, abandoning the hut, and all it contained, to the mercy of any who might pass that way, we set off for our point of destination, on a quick step, carrying little besides our arms, ammunition, and the food that was necessary to assure our strength.
As before, Trackless led, keeping the Jumper a little on his flank; the danger of encountering foes being now considered to be greatly increased. It was true, we were still in the rear of the party that had committed the deeds at Mooseridge; but the Onondago no longer followed its trail; pursuing a different course, or one that led directly to his object.