sneer at a campaign after we return," answered Noah.

At this moment, Major Bridges, riding a large flea-bitten gray horse, came to the wagon in which Washington lay sick. The major cut an odd figure on the big horse, with his florid face scorched by the sun.

"The general has despatched me," he said, with a military salute to Washington, “to inquire after your health."

"Inform the general that I am better and hope to be able to resume my post of duty on the mor

row.

"I hope you will, for, egad! I never saw such a country. Can you tell me if that is a castle on yon frowning cliff?"

Washington gazed in the direction indicated by the hand of the major and saw on the edge of a distant cliff a huge bowlder.

"No; we have no castles or fortifications here, save those made by nature."

"Egad! it seems as if the Titans had battled with mountains for weapons from the way they are strewn about," remarked the stout major. "Zounds! I wish I had all the French and heathen out on level ground. I would show them somewhat of military discipline.'

"They are not so foolish as to meet you on open

"The

ground, major," Washington answered. chances are they will attack us in some mountain pass, where your military training will be of little avail, and your regulars only an encumbrance."

An encumbrance!" roared the exasperated major. "Oh, zounds! egad! do you call a British regular an encumbrance? Wait, sir, wait until you see me lead the way to victory," and the angry major, wheeling his horse about, galloped

away.

"Conceited ass!" cried Stevens as the aid galloped away.

แ

But little worse than the general."

He puts no reliance on the provincial troops," said Stevens.

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They are just the men he will most need in such a fight. Has Croghan finally appeased the Indians who were slighted because they were not consulted in war matters?"

"They are all gone, save Scarooyadi and eight of· his warriors," Stevens answered.

"There again the general blundered. "

"His course has been one succession of blunders, colonel; but it does not become minor officers to criticise the acts of superiors. I am pleased to find you improving and to know you will be in the saddle to-morrow."

"Are you going now?"

"I must."

"One word more before you go away. Has Captain Jack the Black Rifle been seen?"

"Not yet.

Meadows."

He will meet us at the Little

"Croghan has recommended that the general accept his service."

"Will he do it?"

"I fear not."

Such an experienced ranger and Indian fighter as this Black Rifle will be indispensable to the army, it would seem."

"Like too many stubborn Britons, he can see no virtue in any one not an Englishman by birth."

Captain Stevens took his leave of the sick officer and, mounting his horse, rejoined his company of militia. The army slowly wound its way over the hills. The cracking of whips, creaking of wagons, snorting of horses and steady tramp, tramp of men over the uneven ground, mingled with shouts and curses of teamsters, grumbling of regulars and the songs and jest of Virginians made up a grand medley of sound. The far-off mountain peaks, enveloped in blue mist, gave a picturesqueness to the scene, which the tired soldiers could not appreciate.

Next day, George Washington was well enough to return to his post and he remained with General

Braddock until the defeat of the latter. In due time, the Little Meadows were reached, where a halt was called to allow the men and horses to rest after their tedious and difficult march.

Next day after their arrival at the Little Meadows, a tall man, clothed wholly in buckskin with a coon-skin cap on his head, accompanied by a band of rangers and hunters appeared in camp. He carried a large rifle on his shoulder painted black, which had given him the sobriquet of "Black Rifle." This man was one of the most remarkable men in the early history of Pennsylvania. Like Daniel Boone, he was a hunter and Indian fighter. His band of leather-clad heroes had

"BLACK RIFLE."

long protected the frontier settlements of Pennsylvania. They were the great dread of the Indians.

Washington and Noah Stevens went to greet Captain Jack and ask him what he wished.

"I want to see General Braddock," the famous scout answered.

Both Washington and Stevens feared the consequences of the interview. Washington had so often appealed to Braddock to do what was right and failed that he determined to intercede no further.

He will go to his ruin," the colonel thought, "and I cannot prevent him."

Braddock received Captain Jack in his tent in his usual stiff and stately manner. The Black Rifle spoke of himself and his followers as men used to hardships and accustomed to deal with Indians, who preferred stealth and stratagem to open warfare. He requested that his company should be employed as a reconnoitring party, to beat up the Indians in their lurking-places and ambuscades. Braddock, who had a sovereign contempt for the chivalry of the woods and despised their boasted strategy, replied to the hero of the Pennsylvania settlements:

"There will be time enough, sir, for making these arrangements. I have experienced troops on whom I can completely rely for all purposes.

Captain Jack, the famous Black Rifle, indignant at so haughty a reception, withdrew and informed his leather-clad followers of his rebuff. They forthwith shouldered their rifles and glided away

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