“For God’s sake,” I said, unwilling to believe my ears, “you’re never going to separate us!”

“Military necessity,” Lanaudiere reminded me, “obliges us to do things we’d prefer not to do. You can depend upon it, your brother will be as well nursed as in his own home.”

I took a deep breath and held it, knowing I would only harm all of us by speaking frankly to this gentle-appearing soldier.

“If we have to go to Montreal,” I said, “I’d like a few minutes with Nathaniel. When would we have to go?”

“By a stroke of good fortune,” Lanaudiere said, “we’re able to send you in great comfort, and quickly, too. It just happens that seven of my men feel they must start home to do their autumn hunting; and they’ve consented to carry you as far as Montreal. You’ll find it an interesting experience, traveling in a North canoe.”

“North canoe! Autumn hunting! Seven of your men! Do you mean you’re sending us to Montreal with the seven Indians who captured us?”

Lanaudiere’s face was indulgent. “I envy you the trip! They’re like friendly children—gay and generous.”

“You’ll send an English officer with us, I suppose,” I said.

Lanaudiere sighed. “I’m afraid we can’t spare any of our officers at the moment. Besides, it would be entirely unnecessary! Entirely!”

“Look here!” I protested. “You can’t turn us loose with those—with those—–”

Our tall, white-haired host was patient with me. “My dear Captain, you mustn’t take this attitude! We’ve done what we could to make things easy for you, and in return you seem to imply there has been something shameful about our efforts.”

“You know mighty well,” I said, “that there’s nothing those red devils won’t do if they take a notion.”

“Devils?” Lanaudiere asked courteously. “Devils? They’re a part of our army, just as other Indians are a part of your army. Your Congress authorized the employment of some thousand Indians, not three months ago. Surely your Congress would never solicit the help of ‘devils.’ No, no, Captain Merrill! You’d never speak so harshly if you knew them.”

I knew that further protest was a waste of breath.

“I’m asking no favors,” I said, nevertheless, “but I think we’re entitled to be treated as other prisoners of war are treated. What’s become of the men that were captured when the Washington galley struck her colors? She must have had a hundred aboard, at least. They haven’t been brought back here, so they must have been taken to Crown Point. I demand that you let us join them.”

Lanaudiere’s voice was regretful. “I’m sorry. I know nothing about the prisoners made by the fleet. I’m obliged to follow the course that seems wisest to me—the course that seems safest for you.”