From this person Dave learned that the French soldier’s name was Hildegard. The traders were sullen and refused to talk.
“Will they be brought to this fort?” asked Dave.
“Why are you so interested?”
Upon this Dave told a part of his story.
“Ah, yes, I remember now, Morris. No, I am sorry to say we have sent out orders that they be taken down to Fort Stanwix. Some soldiers were bound for that post, and we decided that the prisoners should accompany them. You see, if we keep them here, and they escape, it is too easy a matter for them to get to Canada.”
“I would like to make sure that one is not Jean Bevoir,” went on Dave.
“Well, you can take a run up there if you want to and see. They will not start for Fort Stanwix until day after to-morrow.”
“Then I will go by all means. Can I take Sam Barringford with me? He is a member of our company, and an old friend of mine.”
“Very well, you can take him. I will give you four days’ leave of absence. Do you know the road?”
“I know something of it. But Barringford is an old hunter and trapper, so we won’t have much trouble keeping to the trail,” answered Dave.