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Page 47
"With the Indians, captain," replied Nixon; "the Indians
that attacked Mr. Heywood's farm."
"Captain Headley," interrupted the lieutenant, with
unusual deference of manner, for he was anxious that no
further reference should be made to the subject in presence
of the invalids and women, who, attracted by the news of
the arrival of the boat, had gathered around, partly from
curiosity, partly for the purpose of getting their expected
supply of fish, "do you not think it better to examine
Corporal Nixon first, and then the others in turn?"
"Very true, Mr. Elmsley, I will examine them separately
in the orderly-room to see how far their statements
agree; yet one question you can answer here, corporal.
You say that it is the body of Le Noir, killed by the
Indians. Where is Mr. Heywood, then?"
The generous Elmsley felt faint, absolutely sick at heart
on hearing this question; the very object be had in view
in proposing this private examination was thereby threatened
with discomfiture.
"Mr. Heywood has been carried off by the Indians," calmly
replied the corporal, yet perceptibly paling as he spoke.
"Indeed! this is unfortunate. Let the men go to their
barracks, and there remain until I send for them," ordered
the commandant. "You, corporal, will come to me at the
orderly-room, in half an hour from this. That will be
sufficient time for you to clean yourself, and take your
breakfast. None of your party, I presume, have had their
breakfast yet?"
"No, your honor," answered Green, who seemed to fancy
that his wound gave him the privilege of a little license
in the presence of his chief, "not unless an old turkey,
the grandfather of fifty broods, and as tough as shoe-
leather, can be called a breakfast."
Captain Headley looked at the speaker sternly, but took
no other notice of what he, evidently, deemed a very
great liberty, than to demand how he presumed to disobey
the order of the surgeon. Then desiring him to proceed
forthwith to the hospital and have his leg dressed, he
himself withdrew after postponing the parade to one
o'clock.
"And are you sure, Nixon, that Mr. Heywood has been
carried off by the Indians," asked Lieutenant Elmsley,
the revulsion of whose feelings on hearing the corporal's
answer to the question put by Captain Headley had been
in striking contrast with what he had experienced only
a moment before; "are you quite sure of this?"
The interrogatory was put, immediately after the commanding
officer had retired, doubtingly, in a low tone, and apart
from the rest of the men.
"I saw them carry him off myself, sir," again deliberately
said the corporal. "The whole of the party saw it too."
"Enough, enough," pursued the lieutenant, in a friendly
tone. "I believe you, Nixon. But another question. Were
you joined last night by any one of the regiment? recollect
yourself."
The corporal declaring that nothing in the shape of an
American uniform had come under his notice, since he
departed from the Fort the preceding evening, the officer
next turned his attention to the boat.
"What are you fumbling about there, Collins?" he asked,
rather sharply--"Why do you not go and join your mess?"
This was said as the rest of the party were now in the
act of moving off with their muskets and fishing apparatus.
"Poor fellow!" interposed the corporal, "he is not himself
to-day; but I am sure, Mr. Elmsley, you will not be hard
upon him, when I tell you that, but for him, there wouldn't
be a man of us here of the whole party."
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