The Frontier Fort

  CHAPTER SIX.

  The inhabitants of Fort Duncan were spending their time much as usual,and had almost ceased to trouble themselves about the threats ofMysticoose, who had, they believed, returned to his lodges, having seenthe hopelessness of inducing the English chief to give him his daughterin marriage. The hunters were out every day in search of buffalo,sometimes several days together, while the young ladies, accompanied bytheir father and brother, and two or three attendants, took their ridesas they had been accustomed to do, without fear of encountering enemies.

  They were about, one afternoon, to take a ride, when a small party ofmounted Indians--who, as they had several pack horses, were evidentlycoming to trade--were seen approaching the fort.

  "We must wait to receive these fellows," said Captain Mackintosh, "and Iam afraid, my girls, there will be little chance for you afterwards toget your gallop."

  "Oh, papa, Norman can come with us, if you can spare him; it would be apity to lose this lovely day," said Effie.

  Sybil said nothing, and Captain Mackintosh, perhaps against his betterjudgment, consented to let the girls go, supposing that the new comerswould be too fully engaged in trading to notice them. They accordinglymounted, and accompanied by Norman and two of the men who usually actedas their body guard, set out a short time before the Indians arrived atthe camp.

  No one in the fort observed that one of the savages turned round hishorse and galloped off in the direction from whence they had come.

  As there were not more than a dozen men, and as they, according tocustom, had deposited their arms outside the fort, they were admittedwithout hesitation.

  Captain Mackintosh, well acquainted with the various Indian nations, wasstruck by the appearance of their features, which were those of theBlackfeet, although they wore none of the distinctive ornaments of thattribe, and introduced themselves as Peagons, whose territory lies to thesouthward. Their chief, a plausibly mannered man, stated that they hadbeen induced to come to Fort Duncan by hearing that better value wasgiven for peltries there than was to be obtained from the Long Knives.They seemed, however, in no hurry to begin business, and begged thatfood might be provided for the party, as they had gone several dayswithout shooting a buffalo, hinting that some fire-water would be awelcome addition, though they did not appear surprised when CaptainMackintosh refused to supply the pernicious beverage.

  The visitors did ample justice to the feast placed before them, andwould apparently have continued eating as long as any meat remained, hadnot Captain Mackintosh suggested that darkness would come on before theyhad time to commence trading.

  At length, therefore, one of the packs was undone, and businessproceeded in the usual way.

  They were thus engaged, when a little hump-backed Indian, whom nobodyhad observed, crept in at the gate of the fort, and making his way up towhere Captain Mackintosh was superintending affairs, drew a piece ofpaper from a leathern pouch and put it into his hand.

  Captain Mackintosh having read it attentively, directing his head clerkto go on with the trading, beckoned to the hump-backed Indian toaccompany him out of ear-shot of the trading party, and havingquestioned him and received his answers, he summoned Le Brun.

  Though the Captain had betrayed no emotion in presence of the strangelooking little Indian, his chief hunter remarked his agitation. "Whathas happened, Monsieur Capitaine?" he asked.

  "This is a matter of life and death, and I know that I can trust you, LeBrun," said Captain Mackintosh, not directly answering him. "Take thefleetest of our horses and ride after Monsieur Norman and the youngladies. Spare neither spur nor whip. Desire them to return immediatelyto the fort, as hard as they can gallop. Here, take this with you," andhe wrote a few words on a slip of paper to be delivered to Norman.

  "Monsieur Capitaine can depend on me. I will make La Froule fly likethe whirlwind," said Le Brun, and doubling up the paper, he hurried awayto obey the order he had received.

  "I would that I could go myself," murmured Captain Mackintosh, "but myduty compels me to be here, and even for my dear children's sake, I mustnot desert my post when danger threatens."

  It was some time before Le Brun could catch the horse he had selected.

  Captain Mackintosh endeavoured to conceal his anxiety, especially fromhis visitors, whose keen eyes had been watching him narrowly though inno other way did they show that they suspected the little hump-backedIndian had come with any information relating to them. CaptainMackintosh, who had gone up to the platform, gave a sigh of relief, ashe at length saw Le Brun gallop off at full speed in the direction theriding party had taken.

  Having seen Le Brun off, Captain Mackintosh returned to superintend thetrading, which the Indians seemed inclined to prolong more than usual.They haggled over every article, and insisted on their peltries beingweighed more than once, on the pretence that there was some mistake, orthat the scales were out of order. They examined the goods offered tothem over and over again, handing them round to each other, andcriticising their quality. They then requested that tobacco might besupplied to them, as they were inclined to have a smoke beforeproceeding further.

  One of them then got up and spoke. The meaning of his speech wasdifficult to understand, though uttered with that flow of language ofwhich most Indians have the command.

  Captain Mackintosh bore all this with the necessary patience. He didnot wish to come to a rupture with his visitors, though from the warninghe had received, he strongly suspected that treachery was intended.

  As time went on, he became more and more anxious at not seeing the girlsand Hector return.

  At length he went to the platform, but not a glimpse of the riding partycould he discover. On his return he found the Indians still smokingtheir pipes. He inquired whether they intended to sell the remainder oftheir peltries, when one of them getting up stated that they wished tohold a council on the subject, and asked permission to sleep in thefort, that they might be prepared the next morning to continue theirtrading.

  Captain Mackintosh replied that he had made it a rule to allow nostrangers to sleep within the fort, that they might leave their peltriesif they chose, that they would be perfectly safe, and that they couldsleep in the hut built expressly for the purpose outside the gate.

  This answer appeared somewhat to disconcert the traders, and one of themrising, offered to go on again with the business after they had beensupplied with some more food, for which, as he expressed it, their soulsyearned.

  Captain Mackintosh answered that a feast should be prepared for them,but that as the gates were closed at a certain hour, they must not takeit amiss at being requested to leave the fort before that time.

  While their spokesman was making his address, the dark eyes of the otherIndians were wandering around in every direction. Perhaps they began tohave an idea that their intentions were suspected, when they perceivedthat all the men in the fort had pistols in their belts, and swords bytheir sides, and their rifles in their hands.

  While the traders were waiting for the promised feast, CaptainMackintosh again went to the platform. Just as he reached it, he saw asingle horseman galloping at headlong speed towards the fort, and in thedistance, as if pursuing him, he observed an extended line of mountedsavages. His heart misgave him on discovering that the fugitive was LeBrun, who, not even casting a glance over his shoulder, made straightfor the gate.

  Captain Mackintosh hurried down to meet him. "What has happened?" heinquired, with difficulty commanding his voice. "Where are the youngladies and my son?"

  "Monsieur, I cannot tell, though I fear the worst," answered Le Brun,throwing himself from his panting horse, which stood covered with foamat the gate. "I was on the track of the young ladies, and MonsieurNorman, when I saw far away a large troop of Indians. I endeavoured toavoid them, but was discovered, and they came thundering across theprairie in pursuit of me. I fled for my life, feeling sure that theywould take my scalp, should I be overtaken, and that is all I know. Iwould have died to save the
young ladies, but it was beyond my power tohelp them."

  While he was speaking a shout was heard from one of the Indians, who hadremained with the horses outside the gate. In an instant the visitorssprang to their feet, and drawing their tomahawks from beneath theircloaks, uttering similar cries, rushed towards the white men standinground. An athletic savage was about to strike Captain Mackintosh, whena shot, fired by the hump-backed Indian, pierced his heart. Anothersavage shared the same fate. The remainder fought desperately, theiraim evidently being to keep the gate open until the arrival of theapproaching horsemen.

  The instant the alarm was given several of the garrison, who hadremained concealed, appeared from various quarters, and furiouslyattacking the treacherous Indians, shot several of them down, theremainder being allowed to make their escape through the gate, which wasimmediately closed and strongly barred behind them.

  So rapidly had everything been done that up to this time scarcely aminute had elapsed since Le Brun had entered the fort.

  Before it was perceived what he was about to do, the hump-backed Indianhad struck his knife into the breasts of those who had fallen, severalof whom were still struggling on the ground.

  We must now return to the riding party. They cantered gaily on,enjoying the pure fresh air, the exhilarating exercise, and the scenery,notwithstanding that its general features were well known to them. Tothe south and west extended the level prairies, covered in many placeswith rich grass, though in others sandy and barren, while to the eastrose a ridge of tree-covered hills, through which the river forced itsway, bordered by maples, willows, and elms. On the other side of theriver the hills swept round, rising almost abruptly from its margin,with here and there small fertile valleys dividing the heights. To thesouth-east was a lake of some size, also fringed by graceful trees,beyond which appeared another blue distant range, adding much to thepicturesque beauty of the landscape. On approaching the northern end ofthe lake, they saw a splendid flock of pelicans floating on its calmsurface, sailing round and round, but as they got nearer, the birdsspreading their wings, flew majestically off until they disappeared inthe distance. Magpies, grackles, cat birds, and many other of thewinged tribe, appeared in considerable numbers among the trees, ordisporting themselves on the lake or river.

  "It is so long since we have had a gallop, that I vote we take a goodlong one," exclaimed Norman; and Sybil and Effie, whose spirits had alsorisen, expressed their readiness to do as he proposed.

  "Then let us take the circuit of the lake," said Norman. "I have goneround it several times; and there is plenty of hard ground, though thereare some swampy places which it won't do to ride into."

  They had, however, not gone far, when Norman, whose horse was higherthan those of his sisters, observed in the distance to the south-west alarge body of mounted men, whom he knew from their numbers, and theprevailing colour of their ranks, must be Indians.

  He pointed them out to his companions, "They are probably bound eitherfor the fort, or are on a hunting expedition to the eastward, but Icannot yet make out in what direction they are going," he observed."However, I conclude that they are friends, and should they come nearus, I will go forward and meet them. It is always better to show thatone wishes to be on good terms with the Redskins, and have no fear ofthem. You girls, however, keep back. Since the lesson Sybil received,it is as well you should not let them see you pale-faces, if you canhelp it."

  The young ladies laughed, and Norman soon afterwards observing that thehorsemen were approaching, dashed forward to meet them as he proposed.

  He had got some little way when he saw that the strangers had put theirhorses to their topmost speed, and he remarked at their head a tallchief who was galloping on, urging his steed by whip and spur.

  "I don't like their looks," he thought. "That fellow is very much likeMysticoose. It will be wiser for the girls to keep clear of them."

  Turning round, therefore, he rode back as hard as he could go, and as herejoined Sybil, and Effie, he advised them to give their horses the whipso that they might not risk an encounter with the strangers. On lookinground he saw that the latter were coming directly after them.

  "On, girls, on!" he cried out. "I wish that we had turned sooner; butour horses are in good wind and we can keep ahead of these fellows, evenshould they try to overtake us."

  Norman's horse was a powerful one: the young ladies being light weights,and accustomed to riding, giving the rein to their steeds they flew overthe ground.

  Their attendants, who did not like the appearance of the strangers,making good use of whip and spur, managed to keep up with them.

  "There's a ford right ahead, across the river; we will make for it,"shouted Norman. "We can then keep along the northern bank. It will bemuch safer than attempting to reach the fort by the direct track, whichwould bring us close to those fellows."

  Towards the ford, therefore, they directed their course. Trusting tothe fleetness of their steeds, they had reason to hope that they shouldkeep ahead of their pursuers; for the Indians' horses, though strong andpossessed of great endurance, were incapable, they knew, of going at anygreat speed.

  Norman, looking back, however, saw with vexation that the Indian chief,spurring on his animal, was fast distancing most of his followers,somewhat scattered, though not far off. There were several othersavages endeavouring to keep up with him. Again and again, Norman urgedSybil and his sister to give the rein to their steeds.

  "Never fear. Stick on; the animals won't come down," he shouted.

  They both kept up their courage, though fully alive to their dangerousposition. Sybil, indeed, suspected that Mysticoose was at the head ofthe party, and that his object was to capture her. She nerved herselfup, however, for whatever might occur.

  Though Norman had assured them that there was no risk of their horsesfalling, she saw, as she approached the river, that the ground wasbecoming more uneven. Rocks and the stumps of trees, burnt in a recentfire, cropped up here and there, and fallen logs, some so close togetherthat the horses in leaping might stumble over others further off.

  Beyond, the ground appeared marshy, and though it might not be too softfor them to get over, they would be delayed until their pursuers hadovertaken them.

  Still, the girls holding their reins ready to lift their horses shouldthey stumble, continued urging them on with their whips, and Norman, ashe looked at them, wondered at their nerve and apparently calmdemeanour.

  He carried a brace of pistols in his belt, and the two men had theirbuffalo guns, short weapons, useful for a close encounter, and heresolved to fight to the last rather than let his sister and Sybil becaptured. He knew at the same time, how hopeless it would be to contendwith their numerous, well-armed enemies.

  The rough ground was crossed, the marshy spot was reached, and thehorses dashed on, floundering through it, their feet at times sinking sodeep that it appeared impossible to draw them out again, while evenNorman had to stick tight to keep his seat. He scarcely dared lookround, but he fancied that he could hear the clattering of horses hoofson the hard ground they had just before passed over.

  "Hold on!" he shouted, "we shall soon get through the marsh and thesavages will find it no easy matter to follow us!"

  Though he said this, he knew there was the ford to be crossed, and thatcould only be done at a walking pace, so that before they could get tothe other side, the savages would already have reached the margin of thestream. Once more he turned round.

  The chief and half a dozen of his followers were already on the bordersof the marsh, some going on one side, some on the other, to find aharder part for crossing.

  Happily, however, just then, the young ladies' steeds reached firmerground, and sprang forward. They were now making directly for the ford,and Norman hoped once more, though almost against hope, that they mightget across in time to obtain another good start of their pursuers.

  The savages, however, knowing the nature of the ground better than theydid, had succee
ded in passing it much more rapidly, and Norman saw thatin a few minutes they would be up to them. He had almost lost all hopeof escape when two horsemen, evidently white men, appeared on the browof the ridge on the opposite side.

  A glance must have shown them the state of affairs, and at the risk ofbreaking their necks, they came rattling down the steep descent, thehorses sometimes sliding almost on their haunches, sometimes leapingforward.

  "That is Hector!" cried Norman, recognising his brother; and then thethought occurred to him that he and his companion would share the fateto which it appeared likely they were doomed. Hector and his companion,who, as may be supposed, was Loraine, regardless of the danger intowhich they were running, dashed forward, and without stopping, plungedinto the ford to meet the fugitives, who had all by this time began thepassage.

  The appearance of only two white men did not deter the Redskins fromcontinuing the pursuit, and having, their guns in their hands, gotwithin thirty yards or so of the two attendants, they fired. Both shotstook effect.

  One poor fellow fell from his horse; the other, though wounded, clung onstill, endeavouring to escape. The Indians came pressing on. One ofthem, who had got abreast of his chief, attempted to grapple withHector, and Mysticoose himself was about to seize Sybil, when Loraine,dashing forward and levelling a pistol, shot him in the arm. The limbhung powerless at his side. But notwithstanding, taking the reins inhis teeth, the savage chief again attempted with his other hand to takehold of her, while, fearing that she would escape him, he shouted to hisfollowers, who, with fearful shrieks, were pressing on. Her horse,terrified by the sound, bounding forward, she escaped him. Enraged athis failure, he lifted his tomahawk to hurl it at her head, when Lorainewith the butt of a pistol struck down his arm; and at that instant ahorseman was seen on the top of the ridge. The stranger was old Sass.At a glance he took in the state of affairs. Instead of descending,however, he turned round and shouted loudly in Cree--

  "Come on, come on! Here are your enemies, here are your enemies! We'vea fine band of them in our power. Quick, quick, or they will escapeus!"

  Then, as if his followers were close behind, he began to descend almostas rapidly as had the younger men. The Blackfeet, evidently believingthat in another minute a large body of their foes would be upon them,turned their horses' heads, and without looking again at the top of theridge, began a rapid retreat, carrying Mysticoose along with them, theirflight hastened by the loud shout which, Hector and Norman setting theexample, was raised by the white men.

  Norman had not forgotten the poor fellow who had fallen in his defence,and succeeded in catching him as he came to the surface, and dragginghim to the shore.

  "We must get to the top of the hill and show ourselves, or the Blackfeetmay suspect the trick we played them," said old Sass. "That done, we'llride as fast as our horses' legs can carry us to Fort Duncan. I'll helpyou with that poor fellow," he added, addressing Norman. "Here, friend,mount your horse; many a man has ridden a score of miles with a worsewound."

  The half-breed, knowing that his life depended upon his following theadvice, succeeded in getting into his saddle, when the whole party,winding their way up the height, which was of no great elevation, showedthemselves on the summit, appearing as if they were the front rank of abody of horsemen about to descend to the river. Such was the idea, inall probability, that the Blackfeet entertained as they were seen in thedistance galloping off to the south-west.

  The party had to make a considerable circuit, and notwithstanding theirwish to hurry forward were compelled frequently to proceed at a footpace, although they pushed on whenever the ground would allow.

  On reaching the top of the hill overlooking the prairie on the southernside of the river, they caught sight of the Blackfeet band in thedistance, galloping, it appeared, towards the fort. Whether theythemselves were perceived, they could not tell; but Norman fancied thathe saw a band separate from the rest, and direct their course towardsthe river. It would have answered no purpose to stop and ascertainthis, though, should such be the case, it was more necessary than everto gain the fort without delay.

  Descending the hill, they pushed forward as before; but Norman cast manyan uneasy glance to the left, fearing that the savages might, havingswam their horses across the river, pounce suddenly out upon them.

  They had got about half-way, when the sound of distant firing reachedtheir ears.

  "Where can that come from?" asked Hector, who was riding with hisbrother.

  "From the fort, I am afraid," answered Norman. "The Blackfeet must haveattacked it, hoping to get in while some of the garrison are away; butmy father will, I trust, have been prepared for them, though I am afraidthat some traders, who arrived just before we set off, must have comewith treacherous designs, and will try to help their friends outside."

  "I thought before this that a fine fellow who came with us--Allan Keith,one of your clerks--would have arrived with a party of half-breeds, whomhe expected to enlist," said Hector. "We calculated that he would havebeen here, as we were greatly delayed on our journey," and he brieflyrelated the adventures Loraine and he had met with.

  "Hurrah! Here's a level place. We can push on," cried Norman; and theparty, putting their horses into a gallop, dashed forward. As they didso, rapid firing, echoing among the hills, was again and again heard,evidently coming from the direction of the fort.