“Wait nothin’.” Wolf spat loudly into the road. “General Hull rushed us here with supplies for Fort Wayne and we’re going through. If any darned Injun gets in our way he won’t stay in it long. My pluck is to shoot first and question after.”
The deputy’s brow grew stern. “You’ll be very careful who you shoot and when,” he ordered, sternly. “A single Indian murdered by a white man might set the border in flames and turn thousands of friendly Indians against us. I’ll let you go through, but I warn you that if you shoot any Indians without due cause Colonel Johnson will see that you hang for it. We’ve got the safety of hundreds of white people to consider and we’re not going to have them endangered by any recklessness of yours. You understand?”
Wolf shrugged his shoulders. “I reckon so,” he muttered.
“All right, see that you heed.” Rich turned away from the men and greeted Jack. “And where are you bound, sir?” he asked smilingly.
“I’m looking for Colonel Johnson,” returned Jack. “I’m looking for a young lady who was to have been left in his care. Have you heard anything about her.”
“A young lady?” The deputy stared; then he laughed. “No! I’m not young enough,” he remarked, cryptically.
“Then, with your permission I’ll just tag along after our crusty friends in the wagon.”
The deputy hesitated. “I have no power to stop you,” he said. “But you’d better wait here for Colonel Johnson.”
“I can’t. The matter is urgent. Come, Cato! So long, boys!” Jack nodded to the group around him, shook his bridle and cantered off after the wagon, which had just vanished among the trees.