trappers, forest-runners, and the like — were continually moving about the parade, going and coming on petty, sordid business of their own; and there were women there, too — pallid refugees from distant farms, and now domiciled within the stockade; gaunt wives of neighbouring settlers, bringing baskets of eggs or pails of milk to sell; and here and there some painted camp-wanton lingering by the gateway on mischief bent, or gossiping with some sister trull, their bold eyes ever roving.

Presently our mincing ensign came to us again, saying that the Sagamore and I were to report ourselves to the Major.

“Jimmy Parr is in good humour,” he whispered. “Leave him in that temper, for mercy’s sake, Loskiel; he’s been scarcely amiable since you left to catch this six-foot savage for him.”