“It was a dangerous attempt to penetrate into yonder settlement,” said Kendrick.
“Yes, but my disguise, you see, is perfect. This black wig covers my own hair, and the walnut stain upon my face changes the color of my complexion. But we must return to Chillicothe. The settlers know of Ke-ne-ha-ha’s intended attack and are prepared for it. The chief must know it. The design to surprise the station has failed.”
“Will he then give up the attack?”
“No; Ke-ne-ha-ha will play the lion if he can not act the part of the fox. The Shawnees and their allies have force enough to drive all the whites from the banks of the Ohio. They will try to do it and I think they will succeed.”
“I say, Girty,” said Kendrick, suddenly, “why do you give the girl to the Indians? Why not keep her for yourself? She is young and pretty; a prize for any man.”
“I have thought of that,” replied the other; “perhaps the knowledge that his daughter was mine would give more pain to Treveling than anything else.”
“I should think it likely.”
“I will think about the matter; but now let us to Chillicothe as fast as our legs will carry us. Soon we will return with brand and steel. Dying men and blazing roof-trees shall mark our path.”
Then the two plunged into the thicket, and soon their forms were lost in the mazes of the wood.
For a few minutes the little glade was deserted by all living things, and then again life stood within the forest opening.