Tubash-Shah, erect against the wall, appeared utterly indifferent. But his every thought was intent on escape. The sudden appearance of George Clinton had very much surprised Joshua Dickson. All his rage was revived, and he was prepared to treat him with severity and hatred. The idea of treason still rankled in his mind. Two men had now seized upon the squatter, and, despite the cries of his wife, were trying to carry him out. At that moment Louis and François Berger entered. "My cousins!" cried Lagrenay, "They would murder me!" "Save my old man!" said the wife, pitifully. "My friends and brothers," said Louis Berger, raising his hand, "this man is my relative. Give him to me. Justice shall be done." The squatter was released, and hid himself behind his two Canadian cousins, trembling, nearly dead. "Sirs," said Louis to the Americans, "you are the new squatters established in the Moose Deer Valley?" "We are," replied Joshua, rather doggedly. "Then I have business with you. In the first place, by what right have you squatted in that place?" "Really, except that you have force on your side, I should not answer so singular a question. Because I found it." "I beg to inform you that it is private property. You are by no means the first occupier." "And who may he be?" asked Joshua, furiously. "Myself. It was given me by the chiefs of the Huron tribe. A deed, perfectly legal, exists." "Can a man find no free land on earth?" he cried, "On the face of the earth? You claim it, then?" At this moment, when all were busy, Tubash saw his opportunity, and ran. Two or three pursued, but the rest remained. "Then," said Joshua, presently, "there is some truth in the story of the gold treasure in the valley?" "Yes, and I have recently ceded all my rights to Tom Mitchell, chief of the outlaws." "Then all I have to do is to go?" urged Joshua. "I think the matter might be arranged," observed Louis. "Here is a young man who loves your child. George Clinton, is it not so?" "It is useless my persuading Joshua Dickson." "By heavens!" cried Samuel, "But you shall. Here is a noble, young, rich, brave--" "But," cried Joshua, "what has that to do with it?" "Sole owner of the Valley of the Deer," continued Louis Berger, drily; "he bought it this morning." "But--" still hesitated Joshua. "To arms!" cried Tom Mitchell, rushing in, "To arms! Pardieu! You have fallen into the trap." "What is the matter?" cried the brothers. "While you are wasting your time here, your plantation is attacked by Indians," he responded, "who are burning and destroying all. Soon there will be only ruins and ashes." This terrible revelation fell like a thunderbolt upon all present in that room. Tom Mitchell--his dress torn, his face covered by powder and blood, holding a smoking gun--summoned them. George Clinton, without waiting a minute, darted away, followed by Charbonneau and his dogs.