“And young to boot,” exclaimed Mrs Scott archly, “I shall certainly stay and keep you from falling into temptation.”
“Bring them this way,” said the Colonel, and the orderly returned with Hemlock and Maggie.
“In truth an odd-matched pair,” whispered the Colonel as he saw them approach.
“Why, it’s you, Hemlock. I thought you were raising the war-whoop on the Huntingdon frontier. And who may your companion be? Too young to be your wife—too fair to be your sweetheart.”
The Indian’s features relaxed into the nearest approach they ever came to a smile, as he answered, “An arrow from another bow than mine has struck the doe.”
“Well, Hemlock, do you bring me news from Hinchinbrook? When is Hampton going to march?”
In reply, Hemlock briefly told how he had been at Oka, was sought out there by Maggie and for what purpose. The Colonel listened with stern expression as he was told of Morton’s peril, and when the Indian had done, he plied Maggie with questions. When she had told all, the Colonel brought his fist down heavily on the cannon beside which he stood as he exclaimed, “I knew these Americans were boasters but I did not think they were capable of such cruelty. Once they hung a gentleman wearing His Majesty’s uniform and were allowed to escape under the belief that, tradesmen and farmers as they were, they knew no better, but if they send a second to the gallows, there is not an officer in Canada who would not consider it his duty to challenge every one concerned in the deed.”
With a glance of apprehension at her husband, Mrs Scott with admirable tact strove to divert him from his vengeful mood by changing the subject. Addressing Maggie she asked, “And what is Mr Morton to you that you should risk the peril of these woods to save him? Is he a brother?”
“He is neither kith nor kin to me,” answered Maggie.