Barringford and Rodney were very downhearted over the disappearance of Dave, and hoped hour by hour that he would reappear.
At last, on the tenth of August, the troops came in sight of Fort Pitt and were glad to see that the stronghold had not fallen, although greatly harassed by the red men for many weeks. Provisions and ammunition were running low, and Captain Ecuyer hailed the coming of Colonel Bouquet with satisfaction. It was learned that the Indians had left the vicinity of the fort to march against Bouquet's troops only two days previous to the battle of Bushy Run.
The meeting between James Morris, Henry, Rodney, and Barringford was a warm one, but the news that Dave was missing saddened the trader greatly, while the information that Nell had been abducted, along with the twins, brought tears to Henry's eyes.
"Rodney, we must find Nell—and find Dave and the twins too," he said, huskily.
"I am willing enough, Henry," answered his brother. "But where are we going to look for them?"
"Dave must be somewhere in the vicinity of that battleground."
"True enough, but that locality is a perfect wilderness."
Rodney and Barrington were astonished to learn that Benoit Vascal was at the fort. The Frenchman had almost recovered from his illness, but he pleaded that he was very weak, doing this for fear Captain Ecuyer would otherwise make him do soldier's duty.
"I'm goin' to talk to thet Frencher," said Barringford, and lost no time in confronting the man.
"Vat you vant of me?" asked Vascal, suspiciously.