We came to a halt within the shadow of all that remained to mark the site of Joseph Seddons’s house, and Stephen Morley said hurriedly: “Let me go on to learn what I may of the situation, and, if possible, have speech with Colonel Dennison. I am not counting myself a better man than any other in the party; but, if being discovered, can explain my reason for being here, on the ground that I have come to learn when I am to report for duty in the army.” “Go on, Stephen, and do not spend overly much time, for we may be needed on the other side of the river,” Master Bartlett said, thus showing that he, too, had grown anxious concerning the safety of those whom we left behind. While he was absent we kept well within the shadow of the ruins, not daring to talk even in whispers, and listening intently for any sounds from the opposite shore which might betoken that our secret there had been discovered. Stephen Morley had rare good fortune in his attempt to have speech with those of our friends who yet remained inside the fort, as we learned ten minutes later when he returned, and with him was none other than Colonel Dennison himself. The officer greeted each of us in turn as if we were old friends, and it could be readily understood that he felt great relief of mind at knowing there were yet alive in the valley those who were eager to drive out the brutes who had brought us so much of misery and grief. “I have told him nothing concerning ourselves,” Stephen Morley said, and straightway Master Bartlett gave the colonel a brief account of our doings since the battle, saying in conclusion: “Here are six of us ready for whatsoever comes to our hands, and on the other side are three more who will soon be able, please God, to do duty. We count on holding together to defend the valley so far as we may, and ask you if there is any chance we can do anything toward repairing the ruin that has been wrought?” “Indeed you can,” Colonel Dennison replied, eagerly, “and it gives me new hope to know there are so many near at hand. What about the stockade at Wilkesbarre?” “It yet stands as when Colonel Zebulon marched out with his men; no attempt has been made to destroy it, which seems to me exceeding strange.” “That is because the Tories who follow John Butler count on taking possession of all the country roundabout, and in order to hold it will have need of the fortified places. Because of the knowledge which the enemy has that your party is on the other side of the river, and owing to your attack upon the canoes to-night, the stockade here is defended as if an immediate battle was expected. Only by the most fortunate of chances did I happen to see Stephen Morley, and was able to get outside without arousing suspicion. Let me tell you of the situation here, for, in order to be of service in the valley, you must know of it.” “First tell me, sir, if John Butler is holding to the terms upon which you surrendered?” Master Bartlett interrupted.