"No," answered Gist.
"After this fellow, then."
The Indian had run to the shelter of a large white oak, behind which he was loading as fast as possible. The others were quickly upon him, Gist with his gun at his shoulder.
"Do not shoot," said Washington. "We had best not kill the man, but we must take care of him."
The savage was permitted to finish his loading, even to putting in a ball, but his companions took good heed to give him no further opportunity to play the traitor. At a little run which they soon reached they bade the Indian to make a fire, on pretence that they would sleep there. They had no such intention, however.
"As you will not have him killed," said Gist, "we must get him away, and then we must travel all night."
Gist turned to the Indian. "I suppose you were lost, and fired your gun," he said, with a transparent affectation of innocence.
"I know the way to my cabin," replied the Indian "It is not far away."
"Well, then, do you go home. We are tired, but will follow your track in the morning. Here is a cake of bread for you, and you must give us meat in the morning."
The savage was glad enough to get away. Gist followed and listened, that he might not steal back on them. Then they went half a mile farther, where they made a fire, set their compass, and, after a short period of rest, took to the route again and travelled all night.