"I think," said Honeywood, "there's much truth in what Mr. Rangely has said,--that by joining this expedition we take the best method to defend ourselves, and break the Indian power. If instead of building all these forts, and manning them with soldiers half of whom will run at the sight of an Indian, the same money had been spent in getting together a force of frontier-men led by a suitable person to do what is now on foot, a great portion of this terrible slaughter and destruction of property would have been saved. One-half the money would have done it." "I'd 'a' taken the job for that," said McClure, "and found the men." "One great reason why the Indians so much dread the Black Rifle is, he pursues the same course in respect to them that they do towards the whites; and they can never be sure that he is not lurking round their wigwams. A whole British army wouldn't make the impression upon them that he has. One thing's very certain: if the Province is going to wait for the king and council to send an army over here, the chiefs of the Six Nations won't be able to hold their young men; but they will join the French, and drive us to the coast. The garrison is now in excellent condition: the harvest is secured; there is ammunition and provision; and I think we might spare some men, and leave enough to defend the fort." "We'll defend the fort," cried Sam Sumerford, unable to contain himself: "the Screeching Catamounts'll defend the fort; we've done it one time." "Well crowed, my young cock of the walk," said Rangely, patting him on the head: "you'll be wanted." "I," continued Honeywood, "am ready to volunteer on condition that the force is made up of men that are used to the woods, and that they are commanded by Col. Armstrong and such other officers as he selects: if I get there, and find it otherwise, I shall shoulder my rifle and come home again." "I'll go," said Harry Sumerford. "I'll go," said Ned Armstrong. "And I," said Nat Cuthbert. "We'll all go," said Andrew McClure; "we'll follow Harry: where he goes we'll go,--that is, if the old folks think best." "I'll go," said Hugh Crawford, "if it's thought best." By this time the news had spread. Israel Blanchard, Wood, and Holt came in, and, after hearing what had been said and done, approved heartily of the proceedings. "Ain't you and McClure goin', Brad?" asked Rangely. "We ain't often behind, Ned, when bullets are flying; and sha'n't be now, I reckon." Holdness, perceiving by the looks of Harry Sumerford that he had something he would like to say, remarked,-- "Harry, I see you've somewhat on your mind: what is it?" "I think, Mr. Holdness, there are people here whose judgment is worth a great deal more than mine." "The more minds, the better: I want to hear it," said Blanchard.