“if it is true that the Senecas hold any white captives, their liberation is at hand. But that business concerns the army. And I promise you that if your mother be truly there among those unhappy prisoners she shall be brought back safely from the Vale Yndaia. I will tell Major Parr of this; he shall inform the General. Have no fear or doubt, dear maid. If she is there, and human power can save her, then is she saved already, by God’s grace.”

She said in a quiet voice:

“I must go with you. And that is why — or partly why — I asked you here tonight. Find me some way to go to Catharines-town. For I must go!”

“Why not inquire of me the road to hell?” I asked impatiently. She said between her teeth: