Faith was quite sure that this was a question which could be safely answered, so both the little girls spoke their names, and instantly the man responded by saying:
“Then you,” and he nodded to Faith, “are Miller Carew’s daughter. I know your father well. Tell him Seth Warner has been in Salisbury and is now starting back to Bennington. But how come you this distance from home?”
Both Faith and Esther knew that Seth Warner was a friend of the settlers, and before he had finished speaking Faith was quite ready to tell him their errand and to give the note for Colonel Allen into his hands.
He listened in evident amazement to the story of their morning’s journey, for he well knew the dangers of the wilderness trail.
“I will go with you to within sight of your homes,” insisted their new friend, “and I shall not forget to tell Colonel Allen of your courage.”
“Will he come soon and take the fort?” asked Faith.
“More quickly for your help than without it, little maid. But go not so far from home again,” Mr. Warner answered, with a kindly smile.
It was sunset, and Mr. Carew was starting to bring Faith home from her visit to Esther, when he saw his little daughter coming down the path. She walked so slowly that her father hastened to meet her.
“I’m so tired, father,” she said. “Couldn’t you carry me home?”
“Of course I can,” and he lifted her in his arms and, anxious and worried by her pale face and evident fatigue, hurried toward the house.