of this fort, and that which it contains. My days and nights have all been passed there since we separated, because I thought that duty called me thither. But, he added, with an air of chagrin, which he endeavored, though unsuccessfully, to conceal, had I been aware that what I then believed a soldier's conduct could be so construed, shame would have been added to the list of reasons.

Heyward! Duncan! exclaimed Alice, bending forward to read his half-averted countenance, until a lock of her golden hair rested on her flushed cheek, and nearly concealed the tear that had started to her eye; did I think this idle tongue of mine had pained you, I would silence it forever. Cora can say, if Cora would, how justly we have prized your services, and how deep - I had almost said, how fervent - is our gratitude. And will Cora attest the truth of this? cried Duncan, suffering the cloud to be chased from his countenance by a smile of open pleasure. What says our graver sister? Will she find an excuse for the neglect of the knight in the duty of a soldier?

Cora made no immediate answer, but turned her face toward the water, as if looking on the sheet of the Horican. When she did bend her dark eyes on the young man, they were yet filled with an expression of anguish that at once drove every thought but that of kind solicitude from his mind.

You are not well, dearest Miss Munro! he exclaimed; we have trifled while you are in suffering!

'Tis nothing, she answered, refusing his support with feminine reserve. That I cannot see the sunny side of the picture of life, like this artless but ardent enthusiast, she added, laying her hand lightly, but affectionately, on the arm of her sister, is the penalty of experience, and, perhaps, the misfortune of my nature. See, she continued, as if determined to shake off infirmity, in a sense of duty; look around you, Major Heyward, and tell me what a prospect is this for the daughter of a soldier whose greatest happiness is his honor and his military renown.

Neither ought nor shall be tarnished by circumstances over which he has had no control, Duncan warmly replied. But your words recall me to my own duty. I go now to your gallant father, to hear his determination in matters of the last moment to the defense. God bless you in every fortune, noble - Cora - I may and must call you. She frankly gave him her hand, though her lip quivered, and her cheeks gradually became of ashly palness. In every fortune, I know you will be an ornament and honor to your sex. Alice, adieu - his voice changed from admiration to tenderness - adieu, Alice; we shall soon meet again; as conquerors, I trust, and amid rejoicings!

Without waiting for an answer from either, the young man threw himself down the grassy steps of the bastion, and moving rapidly across the parade, he was quickly in the presence of their father. Munro was pacing his narrow apartment with a disturbed air and gigantic strides as Duncan entered.

You have anticipated my wishes, Major Heyward, he said; I was about to request this favor.

I am sorry to see, sir, that the messenger I so warmly recommended has returned in custody of the French! I hope there is no reason to distrust his fidelity?

The fidelity of The Long Rifle is well known to me, returned Munro, and is above suspicion; though his usual good fortune seems, at last, to have failed. Montcalm has got him, and with the accursed politeness of his nation, he has sent him in with a doleful tale, of knowing how I valued the fellow, he could not think of retaining him. A Jesuitical way that, Major Duncan Heyward, of telling a man of his misfortunes!

But the general and his succor?

Did ye look to the south as ye entered, and could ye not see them? said the old soldier, laughting bitterly.

Hoot! hoot! you're an impatient boy, sir, and cannot give the gentlemen leisure for their march!