"What a baby I am," he said. "I didn't expect to go under this way.
There must be something wrong with me."

"Don't say that," Jean remonstrated. "No other man could have done
what you did. It was wonderful."

"I was afraid the slashers might overtake us," Dane replied. "Have you
told the men about them?"

"Oh, no, I forgot all about them."

As briefly as possible she explained how the rebels were on their way,
and planning to attack the mast-cutters that very night. Dane also
related his experience at the little cabin on the shore of the
Washademoak, and how he had overtaken and outstripped the slashers. He
told, too, how Jean had started in the dead of night to give the
warning, but becoming bewildered by the storm had wandered from the
trail, and he had by chance found her and brought her into camp.

The mast-cutters were now thoroughly aroused. Word was at once sent to
the various cabins, and all were ordered to prepare to march against
the enemy. Muskets were brought forth and examined with the greatest
care, and swords were unearthed from most unlikely places.
Powder-horns were filled, and a supply of bullets doled out to each
man. Snow-shoes were attended to, and complete arrangements made for
an early departure.

In less than an hour's time fifty men were lined up, the final
instructions issued, and the order to march given. They laughed as