I turned and started back through the woods as swiftly as I could stride.
As I came in sight of my log house, I was astounded to see my mare out and saddled, and a woman setting foot to stirrup. As I sprang out of the edge of the woods and ran toward her, she wheeled Kaya, and I saw that it was the Caughnawaga wench in my saddle and upon my horse—her yellow hair twisted up and shining like a Turk's gold turban above her bloodless face.
"What do you mean!" I cried in a fury. "Dismount instantly from that mare! Do you hear me?"
"I must ride to Caughnawaga!" she called out, and struck my mare with both heels so that the horse bounded away beyond my reach.
Exasperated, I knew not what to do, for I could not hope to overtake the mad wench afoot; and so could only shout after her.
However, she drew bridle and looked back; but I dared not advance from where I stood, lest she gallop out of hearing at the first step.
"This is madness!" I called to her across the field. "You do not know why that bell is ringing at Mayfield. A week since the Mohawks were talking to one another with fires on all these hills! There may be a war party in yonder woods! There may be more than one betwixt here and Caughnawaga!"
"I cannot desert Mr. Fonda at such a time," said she with that same pale and frightened obstinacy I had encountered at Bowman's.
"Do you wish to steal my horse!" I demanded.
"No, sir.... It is not meant so. If some one would guide me afoot I would be glad to return to you your horse."