Dave and Barringford had a good hour to wait before they could see the English commander, for General Murray had just received additional news concerning the expected attack by the French.
“Who are you and what do you wish?” demanded the general, tersely, as they came in.
Dave speedily introduced himself and Barringford, and handed the commander the letter he had brought from Fort Oswego, which Murray glanced over hastily.
“You are a cousin to Henry Morris, eh?” he said slowly.
“Yes, sir. May I ask have you—is he—he—still in prison?”
“Why shouldn’t he be in prison?” questioned the general keenly.
“I thought perhaps that you—you had punished him. They told me, sir, that you had issued an order——” Dave tried to go on, but could not. “Oh, sir,” he burst out, “he is not guilty! I am sure he is no thief!”
“Were you afraid I had put that order of mine into execution against him?” questioned General Murray, and now his tone was kindlier.
“I was, sir! That is why I came here—to save him if I can! He is such a good fellow—he wouldn’t steal from anybody.”
“That’s the truth, general,” put in Barringford. “I’ve known him from a babby, an’ he’s as honest as they grow ’em. Thar must be some mistake somewhar. Can’t Henry explain himself?”