“Well, Thomas, I conclude you will want to go with the men.”
“And do you know, the shortest route to the settlement in question?”
Tom answered affirmatively.
“Include a horse for the boy’s use, captain, and see that he is well provided for. He may be of use in piloting the way. At any rate he is a noble-spirited fellow, and deserves consideration at our hands. How many men will you need, captain?”
“I’d as lief have forty as more, if I can have my pick.”
“Make such arrangements as will please you; and I hope to have a good report when you come back. The rascally red-skins should be taught a severe lesson for this outrage, or they may commit more.”
Tom and his friend rose to withdraw with the under-officer, when the general said,–
“But you have not told me how far you came this morning.”
“We rode all night,” returned Tom; “I took supper at this man’s cabin, and he brought me here in his wagon to save time.”