Suddenly the Oneida canoe shot out from the farther shore, passed both batteaux, paddles flashing, and came darting toward the landing where I stood. Two riflemen were in it; one rose as the canoe's nose grated on the gravel, cast aside the bow-paddle, balanced himself toward the bow with both hands, and leaped ashore, waving at me a gay greeting.
"My God!" said I excitedly, as Boyd ran lightly up the slope. "Are you stark mad to bring ladies into this damnable place?"
"There are other women, too. Why, even that pretty jade, Dolly Glenn, is coming! What could I do? The General himself permitted it. Miss de Contrecoeur and Lana heard that a number of women were already here, and so come for a frolic they must."
"Who accompanies them? I see no older woman yonder."
"Mrs. Sabin, the lady of Captain Sabin, Staff Commissary of Issues."
"Where is she, then?"
"We left her with the army at the Ouleout."
"Where do you propose to quarter these ladies?"
"We understand that you have four block-forts mounting cannon. That would argue barracks. Therefore, I don't think the danger is very considerable. Do you?"
"There is danger, of course," I said. "The entire Seneca nation is here with Indian Butler and Brant."