"'How? explain, pray,' he demanded, as his earnestness became tinged with irritation.
"'You might be deemed a deserter by General Burgoyne if found more than two miles from camp or quarters.'
"'A deserter!—I?—pooh, man, absurd!'
"'A general officer has joined the rebels already. Then you might be hanged as a spy by Montgomery, whose troops are certainly closing up, if we may judge from the murderous outrages committed by his Indian allies upon the picquets stationed here.'
"'It is for that very reason, Middleton, that I am most anxious to ride southward for about twelve miles into the country along the shore of the lake, towards Misiskoui.'
"'You could not return; my sentinels have positive orders to fire instantly on all——'
"'Who have not the parole and countersign,' said he, smiling; 'they are Quebec and WOLFE. You see that I have both!'
"'From whom?'
"'My friend André, of the Cameronians—the fort-major.'
"'He is very rash! I wish he had this infernal picquet to command; the duty might teach him caution.'