tlers to make a living in these conditions. During these times, feelings of American pride are running rampant. These feelings also set the tone for the theme and course of the novel.
             Magdelana Borst, the oldest of five daughters, married Gilbert Martin and together they started off from her home at Fox's Mill to settle farther west in their home at Deerfield. The time was July 1776, and the spirit of the revolution was reaching into the Mohawk Valley, where settlers who sided with the rebels had already formed a company of militia commanded by Mark Demooth. Soon after he came to his new home, Gil had to report for muster day. Some Indians had been seen close to where they were. Also, the militia had decided to investigate the home of John Wolff, suspected of being a king's man. Finding evidence that a spy had been hidden on the Wolff farm, they arrested John Wolff, convicted him of aiding the British, and sent him to the Newgate Prison at Simsbury Mines.
             A few months after their arrival at Deerfield, Gil decided to have a log-rolling to clear his land for farming. The Weavers, the Realss, and Clem Coppernol all came to assist with the workload. When they were about half finished, Blue Back, a friendly Oneida Indian, came to warn them that a raiding party of Seneca Indians and whites was in the valley. The settlers immediately scattered for home to collect the few movable belongings that they might save, and then drove to Fort Schuyler. Lana, who was pregnant, lost her baby as a result of the wild ride to the Fort. The enemy destroyed the Deerfield settlement. All the houses and fields were burned; Gil's cow was killed and Mrs. Wolff, who had refused to take refuge with the people who had
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