ll no deny the serjeant's
merits, in his particular sphere, though I cannot exaggerate qualities, however
excellent, into those of men who may be in some trifling degree his superiors.
Serjeant Dunham has taken counsel of his heart, instead of his head, in
resolving to issue such orders; but, if the post fall, the blame will lie on him
that ordered it to be occupied, and not on him whose duty it was to defend it.
Whatever may be the determination of the latter, should the French and their
allies land, a good commander never neglects the precautions necessary to effect
a retreat, and I would advise Master Cap, who is the admiral of our navy, to
have a boat in readiness to evacuate the island, if need comes to need. The
largest boat that we have left, carries a very ample sail, and by hauling it
round, here, and mooring it under those bushes, there will be a convenient place
for a hurried embarkation, and then you'll perceive, Pretty Mabel, that it is
scarce fifty yards before we shall be in a channel between two other islands,
and hid from the sight of those who may happen to be on this.«
    »All that you say, is very true, Mr. Muir; but may not the French come from
that quarter themselves? If it is so good for a retreat, it is equally good for
an advance.«
    »They'll no have the sense to do so discreet a thing,« returned Muir,
looking furtively and a little uneasily, around him, »they'll no have sufficient
discretion. Your French are a head-over-heels nation, and usually come forward
in a random way; so, we may look for them, if they come at all, on the other
side of the island -«
    The discourse now became exceedingly desultory, touching principally,
however, on the probabilities of an invasion, and the best means of meeting it.
    To most of this, Mabel paid but little attention, though she felt some
surprise that Lt. Muir, an officer whose character for courage stood well,
should openly recommend an abandonment of what appeared to her to be doubly a
duty, her father's character being connected with the defence of the island. Her
mind, however, was so much occupied with her guest, that siezing the first
favorable moment she left the table, and was soon in her own hut again.
Carefully fastening the door, and seeing that the simple curtain was drawn
before the single little window, Mabel