The shadowy coolness of the woods was invigorating, and they walked on, heedless of the distance. "When we find a deep place," said Forsyth, "we'll dive into it from the bluff." "No we won't," returned Ronald, conclusively. "I knew a fool once who broke his neck in just that way. No loss to the world particularly, but unpleasant. They'd miss us mightily at the Fort." When Robert saw that they were approaching the neighbourhood of the cabin, he said that he was tired. "So 'm I," answered the other. "Let's sit down and get cooled off before we go in." Major was far ahead, ranging back and forth eagerly in pursuit of some small animal that had escaped him. "Something has happened," continued Ronald; "guess!" "Couldn't guess--what is it?" "That's right," laughed the Ensign, slapping his knee; "nobody could guess. We've actually got our new uniforms!" "You don't say so! Where are they?" "At Fort Wayne." "Oh, you haven't got them, then?" "No, but we've almost got 'em. Some of the boys are going this week sometime, as soon as the Captain can make up his mind to send 'em. I wish I could go, too, but they'll need nearly all the horses--fifty-eight new uniforms, you know. I've thought seriously of borrowing Miss Manning's horse and taking the trip--I need a change." "She wouldn't let you have it." "I hadn't intended to ask her," explained Ronald. "Lord, but she'd be mad! I'd give a pretty penny to see her when she found out I'd done it! I'd really rather see her good and mad than to take the trip, but I can't do both. If I have one pleasure, you'll have the other." "I'd rather not, thank you--I'd much prefer to be out of the way of the storm. I hope you won't do it." "Well, I'm not going to," said the Ensign; "at least, I don't think I am. I'm more or less subject to impulses, however." A shrill feminine scream brought both men to their feet. "What was that?" cried Forsyth. Major came toward them from the north, on a dead run, with his tail between his legs and panting for breath. "What's the matter, old boy?" shouted Ronald. The dog took shelter behind his master, trembling violently. "He isn't hurt," said the Ensign, after looking him over carefully, "he's just scared. Do you think we'd better go up and see what's wrong?" "No," answered Forsyth; "everything is quiet now. Major probably got into trouble with a squaw. It was a woman's scream." "Maybe so," assented Ronald, sitting down again. "Anyhow, it was none of the women at the Fort, and I'm in favour of letting the Indians fight their own battles." The dog, still frightened, insisted on lying uncomfortably close to his master. "Move over a bit, Major," he suggested; "you're too warm to sit by." "He's all right," laughed Forsyth, as the dog refused to move; "let him alone." "Do you know," said Ronald, after a silence, "that scream sounded like Mad Margaret's voice. Don't you think so?" "Perhaps, now that you speak of it; but I haven't seen her for a long time."