The night had grown lighter. A silvery glimmer, resting on the tops of the trees above the river, showed that the moon was mounting. Against the sky the nearer branches waved gently, ebony laced on silver. Stray moonbeams spotted the lower branches.
Jack stared at the mirror-like water for some time before he answered. At last, quite simply, he told the story. “You see, it’s a point of honor,” he finished. “Our branch is bound to help her branch, when need arises, just as Indian clan-brothers must help each other—a Wolf a Wolf, and a Panther a Panther. The Telfairs were a great house in France in their day, and this girl has great lands there. It is my duty to see that she comes to her own.”
“But—but you do not seek her. You turn away and leave her.”
“Don’t I know it?” Jack’s tones were desperate. “When I think—But I can’t help it. There are five thousand white women and children along this frontier whose lives might pay the forfeit if Fort Wayne should fall. And without the ammunition in this wagon—Oh! I’ve been over the problem again and again and there’s only one answer. I’ve got to get this wagon to Fort Wayne first and look for the girl afterwards. As soon as I have done that I will go back to hunt for her. Meanwhile I’ve sent word to Colonel Johnson and I’ve commissioned Tom Rogers to help him.”
Feeling, strong and intense, spoke in the boy’s tones. Alagwa could not mistake it. A sudden intense desire for his friendship possessed her. She wanted—oh! how she wanted to be cared for by one of her blood. “And—and what of me?” she faltered.
“You?” The sudden turn in the talk took Jack by surprise. “You? Why? I reckon we’ll learn something about your friends at Fort Wayne and——”
“No! No! I have no friends.” The girl’s tones were full of tears.
Jack put out his hand quickly. “Yes, you have, you poor little devil,” he declared. “You’ve got one friend, anyhow. I’ll see that you’re provided for, whatever comes!”
Alagwa shook off his hand. “I will not stay alone in the white man’s camp,” she protested. “They are all liars and robbers and murderers. I hate them, hate them, hate them.”
“Poor little chap!” Jack reached out his arms and drew the girl toward him. For a moment she hung back, then her head dropped upon his breast and she began to sob softly.