Daniel Hinchman, with every cause for sorrow,--and my heart truly ached for the lad at that moment,--had evidently come to understand what folly it would have been for us to have made any attempt at following those who had captured his sister, and I fancied he was struggling to repress his grief that he might seem the more ready to aid us in case it should become necessary. Giles March was no longer clamoring to be led out of the stockade; he knew as well as did I what the continued absence of Elias portended, and even in that time of mental distress I secretly rejoiced because the lad, who had given such free rein to his tongue, was come to the length of his rope for the time being. As a matter of course, I was in much the same condition of mind as Giles, finding it impossible to answer the question which must be settled without delay. Should we make any attempt at learning of our comrade’s whereabouts, or wait longer in the poor hope that he might yet come? The temptation to give these comrades of mine, who had been so mutinously inclined but a short time before, an opportunity of settling the matter themselves was too strong to be resisted, and, leaping down from the stockade, I asked: “What shall be done now, lads? You know as much of the situation as do I. Elias promised to be back by sunrise if he was alive. His only purpose in going out was to learn whatsoever he might concerning the situation at Wintermoot’s Fort, and it seems to me most probable he has fallen into the clutches of those who made a prisoner of Daniel Hinchman’s sister. Shall we wait here in ignorance, or weaken the defence of this stockade by sending out scouts?” For a full moment no one made any reply, and then it was Giles March who, much to my surprise, said meekly: “It is for you to say, Jonathan Ogden. We have come to see wherein we made fools of ourselves last night. It is you who are the captain, and I dare pledge myself that none of us will again question whatsoever you may say.” Although the answer pleased me, I was disappointed, having hoped it might be possible some of them would make such a suggestion or proposition as would give me an idea, and I could do no less than admit my perplexity. “In the first place, it is absolutely necessary that at least four sentinels be placed on the walls, for we know with good reason that the enemy are close around. After that has been done, it may be we can hit upon the right plan of action; but just now I consider myself unable to say what it should be.” “Who shall go on duty?” Giles asked, and I replied: “Name them yourself; while Elias is away, you shall act in his place.” Giles lost no time in stationing four lads on the wall, with instructions to keep careful watch upon the surrounding forest, ever bearing in mind that it was likely a force of Indians might be creeping upon us, and then he returned near the main gate, where we stood awaiting him.