2 The Path

CHAPTER 2 The Path Alice laughed at her own fright, and said to Duncan, "For a minute, I thought he might be a ghost! I'll have to be braver, like a true Munro, if we're to run into Montcalm." "Magua knows his way around Lake George. If we are to get back to Fort William Henry safely, he's the one to guide us. There will be no chance of us running into Montcalm," Duncan said. "Do you know Magua well?" Alice asked, "I

mean, do you trust him?" "I do know him," Duncan said. "And I do trust him. He is said to be a great Indian scout. He ended up at our camp somewhat by accident, although I don't know the whole story. I believe your father had something to do with it. In the end, it is enough that he is our friend." "I think I would not be so scared of him if I could hear him speak. Will you talk to him, Duncan?" Alice asked. "Ah, Magua rarely speaks. But he does know the way. There is no need to be afraid. Look, he's stopped." Indeed, Magua had stopped in front of them. He pointed to a thicket that stood beside the military road and said, "This is the way." The path was dense with trees and bushes. "What do you think, Cora?" Alice asked. "Would we not be just as safe going the way the soldiers did this morning? Should we not stick to the road?"

But Cora answered, "If the French have reached the road at all, we would be in danger. It might be best to go the way Magua suggests, so that our travels stay secret. The last thing we want is for the daughters of an English general to fall into French hands!" She kicked her heels and pulled her horse's reins to move forward through the thicket and follow the guide. Alice went next, and then Duncan. The trail was difficult, and it was hard to talk. Suddenly they heard a horse approaching! The small party stopped. They saw a very tall man riding a very small colt. It was the same fellow who had tried to talk to Duncan and Magua at the fort! "You are no messenger," Duncan shouted. "I trust you to bring no ill will." "I heard you were going to Fort William Henry," the man said. "I, too, am on my way there and thought we could go together. You

could use my good company." "You have not asked if we need your good company," Duncan replied. "I thought about it a great deal," the man said. "And, well, you do." "The way to the lake is the other direction," Duncan said coldly. "Yes, I do know that way to the fort. But I heard the soldiers ride out this morning, and I do not want to run into the French. I know you have the same goal. And you look like you know a secret way, so here I am." Duncan did not know whether to laugh at this fellow or to give in to his growing anger. "Who are you? What is your name?" "I am a master of the art of singing," the man said proudly. "My name is David Gamut." "I do not think we are in need of a song," Duncan said, "We should be quiet for—" "Oh, Duncan," Alice interrupted, "do not frown. Let him come with us."

Duncan looked at Alice for some time, and then finally gave in, for he could never say no to someone so dear to his heart. As the group continued along the path, Cora and Duncan started talking about how long it might take to reach the fort, while Alice politely asked David about his work. Instantly, the music instructor started to sing at the top of his voice. "It would be best if we are quiet as we make our way through the forest," Duncan said. "Pardon me, Alice, for I know you are enjoying the song, but it's not safe." "But it's so pretty!" Alice replied. "The safety of you and Cora is all I care about. If you don't mind, sir, the singing must cease."