so many concealed enemies in the country, and such a large number of
open enemies on the borders, their position was far from secure. They
thought that the Acadians were beginning to show their real feelings,
especially so whenever a rumour reached them that a French fleet was in
the Bay of Fundy. Anyway, they at last became so much worked up that
they ordered the Acadians to give up the arms they had in their
possession, and to take the oath of allegiance to King George.
Refusing to take the oath, the Acadians were expelled. You now know
both sides of the pathetic affair. The story of the expelled people is
generally believed, partly, no doubt, for sentimental reasons. The
English may have acted hastily and unwisely, but they contend that
there was nothing else to do under the circumstances."

"So some of those expelled people came here, and are now trying to make
trouble for us; is that it?" the Colonel asked.

"Some of them are. Others are living very quietly, and behaving
themselves in a proper manner. But there are several very bitter and
unscrupulous agitators, chief of whom are the half breeds, Flazeet and
Rauchad, who will stop at almost nothing. They are full of hatred and
long for revenge. They have not only drawn with them a number of
lawless Acadians, and English-speaking traitors, but they are now
inducing too many Indians to unite with them. I have suspected them
for some time, and watch has been kept upon their movements. They have
been plotting all summer, and now they are about to act. But thanks to
our couriers, Dane Norwood, and Pete, the Indian, I know of their
plans. We are, therefore, here to ask you to assist us. Others, we
believe, will come to our aid, so we should be able to put the rebels
to rout without much difficulty."