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He made a few spasmodic efforts after that, but the gentleness of the girl, together with the fact that she knew and loved Dane, swept everything else away. His great concern now was about the rebels. They could march against the mast-cutters if they wished, but he did not want them to see Jean.

"I am Colonel Sterling's daughter," she explained to the staring mast-cutters, "and Dane Norwood saved my life. Help him, quick." At these words several men hurried forward, lifted Dane from the floor, and laid him gently in one of the bunks arranged along the walls. They then bathed his face with water, and in a short time they had the satisfaction of seeing him open his eyes and look around.

"So you are on your way to get food and clothing from the mast-cutters?" "Yes, but we won't have to go to them now, as I am sure you will help out those poor people. You have plenty of supplies." "And they will stay here, young woman." "What! you won't send any to those people in distress?" "Why should I? They are Loyalists, and that is enough." Jean started and stared at the man in amazement.

"Dat's good rum, chief," she heard one say. "Where you get it, eh?" "Where it all comes from, of course," Norman sternly replied. "You must not drink too much of it." "Oh, it'll take more'n dat to knock me out." "Don't be too sure of that. The mast-cutters are no babies, and you'll need to be in good condition when you meet them." "I don't care for no damn mast-cutters.

She had no idea as to the time of night, although she hoped that it might be late for then she could look forward more hopefully to the dawn. That the trail would lead her to the mast-cutters she had not the slightest doubt, so this gave her considerable comfort. She had been travelling about an hour when the snow began to fall.

"White man cut'm bimeby." "Oh, I know," Jean exclaimed as she recalled what Dane had told her. "These are for masts for the King's navy, are they not?" "A-ha-ha." "Are there mast-cutters near here?" "Off dere," and Sam motioned westward. "Will we see them?" "No see'm now. Bimeby, mebbe." "Where are they?"

But now that the mast-cutters are to take supplies there is no need to worry any more. I am anxious about your father. We should go to him as soon as possible." "Do you think that he wants to see me, Jean?" "I am sure he does. I told you what he said about you, and I really believe he is longing for you." "He must have changed, then, since the last time I saw him." "He certainly has.

They had been abroad since morning, and Jean was now very tired. Her strength was not so great as she had imagined, and she recalled with amusement her proud boast the day before. Sam had been right, and she was glad that he did not try to reach the mast-cutters in "one sleep." She could not possibly do it, although it would have been easy for the Indians.

Jean had learned that these Indians measured short distances according to sight, and that they said "one sight," "two sights," "three sights," instead of miles. She now knew that the A-jem-sek, whatever that river might be, was not far away, and that it must be a branch of the St. John. And between the two, farther on, were the King's mast-cutters. Her hopes rose high.

What was said further Jean could not distinguish, for several men just then lifted up their voices in a rough song, showing that the rum was already taking effect. But what she had heard caused her great uneasiness. She understood now the object of these men. They were to march against the mast-cutters, sweep down upon them in the dead of night, and murder them all.