This was the end of the excitement for the time being. The report that there was a general uprising was premature, and in a few days the vicinity of Will's Creek became as quiet as before. The Indians lost no time in disappearing, so that not a single red man could be found in that locally.
"They know enough to keep their distance," said Rodney. "If they show themselves now they'll be shot down like so many dogs."
"Oh, if only this conflict would come to an end!" sighed Mrs. Morris. "Shall we never have peace and quiet again? It is simply dreadful to live in this unsettled fashion all the time." And she hugged Nell to her breast as she thought of what might happen to her little daughter in case the homestead was attacked.
Dave had told his uncle of what he had done for White Buffalo and Joseph Morris warmly approved of his action.
"It would have been an outrage to shoot White Buffalo," declared Joseph Morris. "He is one of the best Indians that ever lived. He is welcome to the horse as far as I am concerned."
"He'll return that horse some day," answered Dave, confidently.
Day after day went by and the Morrises looked anxiously for more news from the trading-post. But not a word came in, and at last Dave felt greatly worried.
"I must get out there as soon as spring comes," said he, to his uncle. "I want to know what father and Henry are doing."
"I am equally anxious," answered Joseph Morris. "But we can do nothing until the weather gets settled."
The snow was fast disappearing and soon it was gone altogether. Now was the time for sugar making, and the Morrises and two of their neighbors prepared to go out into the forest where there were some maple trees and start a camp.