"But even if we have fodder enough for them during the winter, what are we to do with them?" "Sell them again to the fort for the supply of the troops," replied Henry, "and thereby gain good profit. The Commandant says that it will be cheaper to government in the end than being compelled to feed them." "That it will, I have no doubt, now that they have nothing to give them; they trusted to our prairie for hay, and if they had not had such a quantity in store, they could not have fed them last winter." "My father will consent, I know; indeed, he would be very foolish not to do so, for most of them will be killed when the winter sets in, and will only cost us the grazing." "We are fortunate in finding such friends as we have done," replied Alfred. "All this assistance would not have been given to perhaps any other settlers." "No, certainly not; but you see, Alfred, we are indebted to your influence with Captain Lumley for all these advantages, at least my father and mother say so, and I agree with them. Captain Lumley's influence with the Governor has created all this interest about us." "I think we must allow that the peculiar position of the family has done much towards it. It is not often that they meet with settlers of refined habits and cultivated minds, and there naturally must be a feeling towards a family of such a description in all generous minds." "Very true, Alfred," replied Henry; "but there is our mother waiting for us to go in to dinner." "Yes; and the Strawberry by her side. What a nice little creature she is!" "Yes; and how quickly she is becoming useful. She has almost given up her Indian customs, and is settling down quietly into English habits. Martin appears very fond of her." "And so he ought to be," replied Henry; "a wife with a smile always upon her lips is a treasure. Come, let us go in." Another fortnight passed, when an incident occurred which created some uneasiness. Mr Campbell was busy with Martin and Alfred clearing out the store-room and arranging the stores. Many of the cases and packages had been opened to be examined and aired, and they were busily employed, when, turning round, Mr Campbell, to his great surprise, beheld an Indian by his side, who was earnestly contemplating the various packages of blankets, etcetera, and cases of powder, shot, and other articles, which were opened around him. "Why, who is this?" exclaimed Mr Campbell, starting.