"Good-bye," I said, and kissed her clenched hand so violently that it slipped sideways on her cheek, bruising her lips.
She gave a faint gasp and swayed where she stood, very white in the face.
"I have hurt you," I stammered; but my words were lost in a frightful uproar bursting from the fort; and:
"God!" she whispered, cowering against me, as the horrid howling swelled on the affrighted air.
"It is only the Oneidas' scalp-yell," said I. "They know the news. Their death-halloo means that the corps of guides is ordered out. Good-bye! You have means to support you now till I return. Wait for me; love me if it is in you to love such a man. Whatever the event, my devotion will not alter. I leave you in God's keeping, dear. Good-bye."
Her hand was still at her bruised lips; I bent forward; she moved it aside. But I kissed only her hand.
Then I turned and ran toward the fort; and in the torch-light at the gate encountered Boyd, who said to me gleefully:
"It's you and your corps of guides! The express is from Clinton. Hanierri remains; the Sagamore goes with you; but the regiment is not marching yet awhile. Lord help us! Listen to those beastly Oneidas in their paint! Did you ever hear such a wolf-pack howling! Well, Loskiel, a safe and pleasant scout to you." He offered his hand. "I'll be strolling back to Croghan's. Fare you safely!"
"And you," I said, not thinking, however, of him. But I thought of Lana, and wished to God that Boyd were with us on this midnight march, and Lana safe in Albany once more.
As I entered the fort, through the smoky flare of torches, I saw Dolly Glenn waiting there; and as I passed she gave a frightened exclamation.