"Then," resumed Mrs. Headley, "what more simple than to produce, among the other parcels, a single cask of powder and another of rum; and if asked why there is not more, to offer in excuse that you had not known your supply was so low. No doubt, Pee-to-tum and those who, with himself, are discontented, will express disappointment, even indignation; but that is a very secondary consideration, when we consider the importance of withholding the gift. One cask of powder and one of rum divided among four hundred warriors will not amount to much after all." "All very well, Ellen; but what is to prevent them, if they fancy themselves duped, from forcing the store and discovering the deceit that has been practised? Then, indeed, will they have some just ground for their fury." "I have provided against that," she replied. "I mean that Winnebeg shall call a council of his young men this night at twelve, so as to keep them away from the fort that they may not know what is going on; then, when all is still, the whole of the men can be employed in removing the casks of powder and liquor, rolling them some into the sallyport, and emptying their contents into the well, which you know is built there as a reservoir in the event of a siege; the remainder, conveyed through the northern gate, the heads knocked in, and the contents thrown into the river. If they should search, they will find nothing." "Good!" said Winnebeg, who perfectly understood the proposition, and had listened to every word. "Indeed, indeed, Mrs. Headley," remarked the trader, "who will not admit that there is more resource on an emergency in a woman's mind than in all our boasted wisdom put together? A better plan could not have been devised. You will adopt it, Captain Headley?" "Most certainly," he said, fervently grasping the hand of his wife. "When did my Ellen ever fail to better my judgment by her sound advice?" "And yet, but for our little misunderstanding, Captain Headley--a misunderstanding not personal, but simply of opinion--we should never have had the advantage of her most wise umpiry. This is certainly an illustration that good sometimes comes of evil." "And now, gentlemen," said Mrs. Headley, playfully, "that I have conferred upon you the benefit of that wisdom you seem so properly to appreciate, I will again leave you to yourselves." "God bless him!" said Winnebeg, as he took the hand that was again proffered to him in the most friendly manner. "My ammunition and liquors must be destroyed in the same manner," said the trader, who now rose to take his leave. "Only three or four of my voyageurs are at home just now. You will allow some of your own men to assist them, Captain Headley." "The moment the public stores are destroyed, they shall all do so," replied the captain; "the work cannot be too speedily done. Think you, Winnebeg, you can keep your young men in the encampment to-night?"