A conference was held with the lieutenant, and it was decided that the whole party should follow the trail.
"We can come back to the cave for the goods later," said Lieutenant Peterson. "We certainly must rescue young Morris and make an example of those who have carried him off."
It was no light task to follow the Indian trail through the woods. With all the cuteness of which they were capable, the followers of Pontiac had taken to a shallow stream for over quarter of a mile, and before the trail could be discovered again night came on. They tried to keep up the hunt with torches, but it was of no avail.
"Beaten," muttered Barringford, and his eyes grew moist. "Poor Dave! What will become of him?"
With the coming of morning the lieutenant decided to return to the waterfall. An examination was made, and it was found to be an easy task to make the water flow in another direction, thus leaving the main entrance to the cave a dry one. Without delay the things inside were removed, and loaded on horses. In this manner everything was sooner or later removed to Fort Pitt.
"I shall report to the authorities without delay," said Captain Ecuyer. "More than likely you will be well rewarded for this discovery." But no reward was ever received.
"Never mind the reward," answered Barringford. "I want to find Dave
Morris."
"At present I cannot send out another detachment, Barringford. But I will do so in a few days."
"Then I'll take time by the forelock and let his father know what has happened."
"I believe I should do so, were I in your place."