When Peck awoke he felt stronger, and readily partook of the meal brought to him, washing down the meat with some water from the brook.
"What do you calculate to do now, captain?" he asked.
"From the top of yonder hill I can see the fort in the distance," answered the young officer. "But how to get to it is a question. It would be a hard enough journey as it is, without having to be on guard against Indians and desperadoes."
"Better leave me here, and go it alone."
"No, I shan't desert you, Peck. We'll see the thing through together."
"But the Indians might come down on us."
"We've got to run that risk. The question is, can you walk at all?"
For reply Peck got up on his feet. At first he swayed around a little, but presently steadied himself.
"I'm good for a little distance, captain, but I don't reckon to go into any walking match just yet."
"Then we'll go ahead. As soon as you feel played out, don't hesitate to say so."