"I think so too; but they would give us a sorrowful surprise, especially now that, through our labours and our care, we are on the point of receiving the price of our fatigues, and beginning to see the end of our troubles." "That is true, it would be vexatious, for the losses an attack from these bandits would entail on us are incalculable." "Unluckily, we can only keep on our guard, and it will be impossible for us to foil the plans which these Red demons are doubtless ruminating against us. Have you placed the sentinels as I recommended, Sergeant?" "Yes, Captain, and I ordered them to display the utmost watchfulness; I do not believe that the Pawnees can surprise us, however clever they may be." "We cannot take our oath of anything, Sergeant," the Captain answered, as he shook his head with a doubtful air. At this moment, and as if accident wished to confirm his views, the bell hung outside, and which was used to tell the colonists someone desired to come in, was rung violently. "What does that mean?" the Captain exclaimed, as he looked at a clock on the wall in front of him; "it is nearly eight o'clock, who can come so late? Have not all our men returned?" "All, Captain, there is no one outside the palisades." James Watt rose, seized his rifle, and making the Sergeant a sign to follow him, prepared to go out. "Where are you going, my love?" a gentle, anxious voice asked him. The Captain turned; his wife had re-entered the keeping room unnoticed by him. "Did you not hear the bell?" he asked her; "someone wishes to come in." "Yes, I heard it, dear," she replied; "but do you intend to open the gate at this hour?" "I am the head of this colony, madam," the Captain answered, coldly but firmly; "and at such an hour as this it is my duty to open the gate, for there may be danger in doing it, and I must give to all an example of courage and accomplishment of duty." At this moment the bell pealed a second time. "Let us go," the Captain added, turning to the Sergeant. His wife made no reply. She fell into a chair, pale and trembling with anxiety. In the meanwhile the Captain had gone out, followed by Bothrel and four hunters, all armed with rifles. The night was dark. There was not a star in the heavens, which were black as ink. Two paces ahead it was impossible to distinguish objects, and a cold breeze whistled fitfully. Bothrel had taken down a lanthorn to guide him through the room. "How is it," the Captain said, "that the sentry at the drawbridge has not challenged?" "Perhaps he is afraid of giving an alarm, knowing, as he did, that we should hear the bell from the tower." "Hum!" the Captain muttered between his teeth. They walked onward. Presently they heard a sound of voices, to which they listened. It was the sentry speaking.