than, at
other times, when they've carried the day. A man is wrong to set his heart on
success of any sort, and worst of all, on success in war. I know little of the
settlements or of the notions that men hold in them, but, up hereaway, even the
Indians rate a warrior's character according to his luck. The principal thing
with a soldier is never to be whipt; not do I think mankind stops long to
consider how the day was won, or lost. For my part, Mabel, I make it a rule when
facing the inimy, to give him as good as I can send, and to try to be moderate
as I can, when we get the better; as for feeling moderate, after a defeat,
little need be said on that score, as a flogging is one of the most humbling
things in natur'. The parsons preach about humility in the garrisons; but if
humility would make christians, the King's troops ought to be saints, for
they've done little, as yet, this war, but take lessons from the French,
beginning at Fort du Quesne, and ending at Ty!«
    »My father could not have suspected that the position of the island was
known to the enemy!« resumed Mabel, whose thoughts were running on the probable
effect of the recent events on the Serjeant.
    »That is true; nor do I well see how the Frenchers found it out. The spot is
well chosen, and it is not an easy matter even for one who has travelled the
road to and from it, to find it again. There has been treachery I fear; yes, yes
there must have been treachery!«
    »Oh! Pathfinder, can this be!«
    »Nothing is easier, Mabel, for treachery comes as nat'ral to some men as
eating. Now, when I find a man all fair words, I look close to his deeds; for
when the heart is right and raally intends to do good, it is generally satisfied
to let the conduct speak, instead of the tongue.«
    »Jasper Western is not one of these,« said Mabel impetuously. »No youth can
be more sincere in his manner, or less apt to make the tongue act for the
heart!«
    »Jasper Western! - Tongue and heart are both right with that lad, depend on
it, Mabel, and the notion taken up by Lundie, and the Quarter Master, and the
Sarjeant, and your uncle too, is as wrong as