"About the beginning of April," was the reply.
"Which means, that in less than three months, in the dead of winter, we must travel a thousand miles; and that a large part of the journey will be through forest that has never been broken."
"A severe undertaking," was Colonel Mason's comment. "But, as the marshes and lakes will all be frozen, the winter season is in your favor, Sir George. The only pity is that you were not here before Christmas; then your time would have been ample."
"We expected to arrive two weeks ago. It was the storms and not the skirmish that delayed us."
"Something you could not avoid. How many men have you, Colonel?"
"Two full companies with the exception of several killed and half a dozen wounded."
"A few men of your regiment were left with us by the Marquis of Tweeddale, when he went west. What say you to exchanging the sick list and filling up your number? If I mistake not, you will need every man."
"Thank you—a good suggestion."
"What about stores for the journey?"
"Oh! the North King has a full supply; but it will take some days to unload, as well as to secure horses and guides; and in this matter we will have to call upon you for assistance."