for. Here's a letter from Davidson. I didn't expect to find you so
easily. Any word of the missing girl?"

"Not much, Captain. We have a slight clue, though. What's the news at
Portland Point?"

"Stirring times there, Dane. The town is building up fast, and more
people have arrived." He then lowered his voice. "These are some of
the late-comers. They are going up river to settle."

"At this time of the year?" Dane asked in surprise.

"Yes, and mighty hard luck, isn't it? We are bound for St. Anne's, but
I question whether we can make it with this cold weather upon us. I
must get back before the river freezes. Some are following in open
boats, just think of that! I don't know what will become of them."

Dane's eyes turned to the Loyalists who were watching him and Pete with
considerable curiosity. They formed a most pathetic group of people
shivering there upon deck. They seemed weary almost to the point of
exhaustion, and yet in their eyes and bearing could be observed a
spirit that nothing could daunt.

"Did Davidson get the prisoners down all right?" Dane asked as he was
about to let go of the rail.

"Yes, they're waiting trial now. But that letter will tell you all
about it."

In another minute the canoe was adrift, and the Loyalists were waving