"This is truly unfortunate, Mr. Morris," he said. "But it is directly in line with what I have been fearing for some time."
"You have feared an uprising?"
The captain bowed. "Yes, and such an uprising is feared at every fort on the frontier. Pontiac and his agents have been everywhere among the red men, inciting them to fall upon us and drive us out. I am expecting news from other forts daily, but so far no word of importance has arrived."
"I see you are strengthening your position."
"Yes, it was necessary that something be done. If the Indians come here in large numbers——" The captain did not finish, but made a movement that meant a good deal.
"Then it will be useless for me to ask you for aid," said James Morris, bluntly.
"You mean aid to get back your post?"
"Yes."
"I cannot send my men on such an expedition for the present. I have been ordered to hold this position and strengthen it as much as possible. The most I can do is to ask you to remain here for the present, if you care to do so. Then, if I have the chance, I will be only too glad later on to aid you."
"Well, I can't go on, just at present, and as I can't turn back, I'll have to remain here," said James Morris.