More serious, however, were the facts Martin and Hersey now had to consider, and a council of war, as it were, was now held with Levi, Old Cy, and the deputy as advisers. What the half-breed would now do, and in what way they could now capture him were, of course, discussed, and as usual in such cases, it was of no avail, because they were dealing with absolutely unknown quantities. The facts were these: Bolduc, a cunning criminal, fearless of all law, had set his heart upon the possession of this girl. Her story, unquestionably true, that he had paid a large sum for this right and title, must inevitably make him feel that he would have what was his at any cost. His first attempt at securing her had been thwarted. He had been shot at by minions of the law,--an act sure to make him more vengeful,--his canoe had been taken, and what with the loss of the girl, money, and canoe also, one of his stamp would surely be driven to extreme revenge. He was now at large in this wilderness, knew where the girl and his enemies were, and as Hersey said, "He had the drop on them." "I believe in standing by our guns," that officer continued, after all these conclusions had been admitted. "We are here to rid the woods of this scoundrel. We have five good rifles and know how to use them. The law is on our side, for he refused to surrender, and returned our shots; and if I catch sight of him, I shall shoot to cripple, anyway." Old Cy's advice, however, was more pacific. "My notion is this feller's a cowardly cuss," he said, "a sort o' human hyena. He'll never show himself in the open, but come prowlin' 'round nights, stealin' anything he can. He may take a pop at some on us from a-top o' the ridge; but I callate he'll never venture within gunshot daytimes. His sort is allus more skeered o' us'n we need be o' him." In spite of Old Cy's conclusions, however, the camp remained in a state of siege that day and many days following. Angie and Chip seldom strayed far from the cabin. Ray assumed the water-bringing, night and morning. Old Cy and Levi patrolled the premises, while Martin, Hersey, and his deputy hunted a little for game and a good deal for moccasined footprints or a sight or a sign of this half-breed.