"We didn't see the red varmints until we were almost on top of them," said the second hunter, a tall, slim individual who rejoiced in the name of "Peaceful" Jones, as he was such a fighter. Peaceful Jones came from the South, and it was said upon good authority that he had once fought seven Indians single-handed, and come out of the battle with only three wounds, none of them serious. He was very meek usually, but when aroused was a regular tiger for rage. On more than one occasion Peaceful Jones had served as a guide to Sir William Johnson, the Indian Superintendant.
"But how happened it that you were on the move at this hour of the night?" questioned James Morris.
"We got wind that something was wrong about sundown, and we have been trying to get in to tell you ever since," answered Bill Lemington. "We made two attempts before, but thought the redskins too many for us. I didn't think it best to risk an open fight, although Peaceful was willing enough."
"There were only nine Injuns that we see," explained Peaceful Jones. "I could have had a beautiful shot at two on 'em. But Bill wanted to come in quiet-like if we could, so we done it. Any trouble here yit?"
"A little," and James Morris related how the Indian had been found in the bundle. Both hunters laughed loudly and congratulated Henry on what he had done. They were so accustomed to fighting that the thought of an attack in the near future did not bother them.
From Jones and Lemington it was learned that the other hunters were several miles away, but that six expected to return to the post by noon of the next day, along with several of the friendly Indians.
"I know this Indian," said Lemington, on entering the living room of the main building. "He is Black Ear, and he used to hang around the trading-post run by Jean Bevoir."
"Then he must be one of Jean Bevoir's old tools!" cried Henry. "I'll hate him worse than ever for that," he continued, thinking of the many things the rascally French trader had done to cause the Morrises trouble, and of how the unfriendly Indians had aided him in this work.
The slight wounds Jones and Lemington had received were attended to, and then the whole party went on guard. Several Indians had shown themselves, and Jadwin said he had wounded one of the number, although how seriously he could not tell.
"The fellow staggered pretty well after I nailed him," said the frontiersman. "But he got behind the trees and I couldn't see if he fell or not."