Some ingenious scoundrel has been here, but he is doubtless away by this time. We will[Pg 45] visit the pickets. It shall never be said that his majesty’s officers were frightened by a juggler. Order up the horses.”

[Pg 45]

“But you are not fit to ride out, General,” objected Philips.

“I am always fit to do my duty, sir,” answered Burgoyne, coldly. “Come, gentlemen, we have wasted too much time already.”

The courage of the commander was evidently far from being shaken by his appalling visitation. He had not said a word of its nature yet, and his staff were still puzzled, but Sir John’s decided manner overbore all opposition, and they silently followed him to the horses, which were already in waiting. Then, as calmly as if nothing had occurred, the General proceeded on his trip to the outposts.

Burgoyne’s manner was absent and thoughtful as he rode along, mechanically taking the direction of the outposts. Two dragoons rode in advance of the party to answer the challenges, and they soon arrived at the picket reserve, toward the American army.

The officer in command was called up, and taken aside by the General, who questioned him closely.

“Has any disturbance occurred in your front to-night, sir?”

“Not yet, General, but—”

“But what, sir? Speak out.”

“We are led to expect one, General. Last night, it seems, that one of the Indian scouts was murdered in sight of our advanced posts. My predecessor warned me. A man on a black horse galloped by, and flames of fire seemed to come from his mouth, they say. The moon was up, and this Indian fired at the horseman, and then turned and ran in. The horseman followed him, changing into the likeness of—I only tell it as I was told, General—of the devil himself. Within fifty feet of this reserve he overtook the Indian, and pierced him with a javelin. Then came a red flash of fire, and the apparition threw the dead Indian over his saddle, and fled like the wind, laughing in tremendous tones.”

“Did the sentries fire at him?”

“Yes, sir. They sent a regular volley after him, but he only laughed louder and disappeared into the woods.”

Sir John Burgoyne remained, silently musing over this[Pg 46] story, but he 

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