The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1895-01-17
PART II.

A scene of hustle and hurry about the
shore and barracks at Fort Halifax, thir.
ty miles down the river, showed II mark
ed contrast to the Sabbath quiet which
prevailed in the Indian village on that
August day. Soldiers ran to and fro be
tween the Fort and shore. Stores were
unloading from the bouts drawn up on
he beach Arms were stacked within
the quadrangle of the stockade, aud the
few natives and settlers stared with open
mouths at the sudden arrival If Il large
aimed force. Back aud forth before
The stockade, walked the sentihel of the
hour, whose gaudy uniform betrayed his
allegiance To the British tllg All day
long the soldiers worked aud drilled,
preparing for some expedition, the end
and object of which was known only to
those highest in command. Here and
there groups of snD-oflcers We're en-
gagged I'm conversation with each other.
In one corner four officers We're talking
of certain orders lately made known 10
them by their superior.
you may say what you please, slid
one who seemed to be somewhat excited.
"we can't accomplish our object with
out scout who knows the country
lnbfbH00lN, am WHO l. DtiltI dtiIHilHl-
ed with the habits of these skulking
devils than any of the loungers about
the Fort, who only pretend to the name
of scout
"What are YOU going to do about it 2"
said another.
"Do? We must find man who can
bring US to this village in detachments,
so that we may attack on all sides at
once. The captain has sworn to catch
that psalm-shouting Jesuit who has
given us the slip so many times. He
does more harm about this country than
French army"
Il don't much enjoy prowling about
these woods, where one constantly eX
poets an arrow or tomahaWk to end his
days said third, Every shadow
hides an enemy, and | always fear that
every tree conceals red-skin.'
How much longer this discussion
might have continued is doubtful, for
the sergeant's mouth was open for more
complaining when man stalked into
the midst of the group and confronted
him. The newcomer carried Il long rifle
upon his shoulder. By his dress, he WAS
evidently trapper. His deer-skn
clothes and leggings were soiled and
torn by brambles and broken branches,
indicating a long and carelessly hurried
journey, such perhaps as oae might have
come from Thirty miles or so up the
river. He wore the countenance of one
who had been lately baiiied in some
scheme of treachery or villainy.
sergeant" said he, hoarsely, "lead
me to your captain. | know what you
are in need of. and | alone can help
YOU"
swell, my good man." said the officer,
you may tell me your business. aud If II
is of sufficient Importance, will lay it
before the cap ain.
With an angry expression, the half
breed (for it was Benson) attempted tn
force his way into the main entrance tn
the superior officers quarters. A scutlla
ensued, in which the half-breed would
have succeeded in getting himself shot
or locked into the guard-house, had not
one of the higher officers come from the
fort and interposed. On learning the
cause of the turmoil, and after an inter
view with the half-breed, he disappeared
with him within the fort, aud by the ava
lanche of orders following in quick sue
cession, the soldiers knew that their
guide had been found,
''rhere aint any use in grumbling,"
said the sergeant, "but If there was, |
believe I'd enter something Of protest
against that chap. prefer the red skin,
bad rs he IL, To II man with such a face
as he carried. There's no knowing into
what ambush he will guide u.s.
But he was ordered to report his men
Ix,f 60. Af In. al