Immediately the cry of “Wolf-Cap” resounded throughout the fort, and the next minute the Night-Hawks’ foe appeared above the hatch!
“Welcome, welcome, neighbor Belt!” cried old Levi, springing to the trapper. “Bloody times, these.”
“Ay, ay,” said Wolf-Cap, quickly. “But to the ports; This is the darkest hour of the night. The foe is crawling through the storm both from the river and hill. Thank heaven! the rain has saved your fort.”
The settlers sprung to their places.
“The demons carry ladders,” continued Wolf-Cap, “and they’ll make a desperate effort to carry the palisades by storm.”
Matt Hunter and Huldah did not wait to hear the trapper’s words, but hurried below and paused before the guard at the lower door.
“You can’t get out here,” said the sentry.
“Can’t,” echoed Hunter. “We’re on a mission from our new captain.”
“True, Miss?” asked the soldier, looking at Huldah.
“Mr. Hunter should know,” she answered, and the heavy door was unbolted, and they stepped into the yard.