"That's good news. And how is it on the lakes?"
"Ah, that is different! So far we have had the worst of it. That naval battle of Put-in-Bay was a terrible disaster to us. Commodore Perry of the American fleet was too much for Barclay. It ended in a perfect rout. In their hands all our officers, and half the crews of our boats, were either killed or wounded. The fact is, that battle undid all that Brock accomplished by his great victory at Hull."
"That's bad, indeed! But what of Michigan? Surely you have better news from there."
"Gone from us forever, I fear. We must be satisfied if we can hold our own territory, but that we're bound to do."
"To which we all say 'Aye,'" and Sir George's words were echoed by the little group of men who had gathered round them.
"You have dispatches for me, I believe," said Colonel Mason, preparing to lead the way.
"Yes," replied Sir George. "I will give them to you when we reach the Citadel."
Sleighs with broad runners, curled up behind and before, comfortably cushioned, and well supplied with buffalo robes, awaited them; and cheers rang out from the crowd on the wharf as the officers, with Helen by the side of her husband, landed and took their seats. In a few minutes the sleighs in single file dashed away in the direction of the Fort.
"This is just lovely," cried Helen in glee. She had never seen a sleigh before. The ponies trotted off at a swinging pace, the circlet of bells around each of them ringing out merrily.
"First impressions are a sure omen of the future," returned Harold. "This is my first sleigh ride, too, and like you, I am delighted."