“The deed is done, now,” said the major, “and the ball that nestles in his brain can not be recalled. Of course I was arrested and cast into the garrison guard-house, to await my trial. Notwithstanding the fact that I shot the stripling in self-defense, I will be condemned. I will be tried by partial jurors; I feel it; I know it. It is through bribery that I am here to-night, Effie—here to tell you that I love you.”
The trader’s protege started back at the word, and the criminal sprung forward and clutched her arm.
“Yes, yes, I love you, Effie St. Pierre, and I invite you to unite your fortunes with mine. I have a noble home in England. The Runnions are of noble lineage, and there, beyond the clutches of these avenging hounds, we’ll enjoy the blessings that wealth affords. Come with me. Wayne is advancing up the valley. So sure as he lives he will defeat the allied tribes, and if I am caught here then he will deliver me over to the court martial. In Canada, girl, I will be safe. I’ve strong relatives there, and from one of her ports the vessel will bear us to England. I’ll not burden time with a long love-story, now. You know that I love you, and that is enough. Each succeeding moment is precious to me now. Come, Effie, fly with me to a gorgeous home, far beyond these woods, where man proves a famished wolf to his fellow-man.”
“What! unite my young life to a murderer?” cried Effie. “Never! Rudolph Runnion, and, besides, I never loved you.”
An oath parted the officer’s lips.
“I did not come here to be baffled,” he cried. “You shall become mine: you shall, I say!”
“Back!” cried the young girl, and the pistol—his gift—flashed from her bosom.
The Briton came to a sudden halt.
“Another step, Rudolph Runnion,” cried Effie, with determination, “and the gallant boy you slew will be avenged.”
“Better death here than in yon fort,” hissed the criminal, as his hand flew forward and knocked the pistol from Effie’s grasp. “I have you, now, girl, and before I leave this accursed spot I’ll—”