"He was dead tuckered out," was Barringford's comment. "I doubt if he could have reached the cabin."
"He would have forced himself to do it, even if he had fallen dead on the doorstep," answered Dave. "I can tell you, Sam, White Buffalo is a friend, if ever we had one."
"I believe it, lad. But hurry along. We have no time to spare. We must not only get ready to leave but spread the news as well."
Fifteen minutes of rapid walking brought them back to the homestead. One look at their faces told Joseph Morris that something was wrong. In as few words as possible, they told their story.
"Oh, Joseph, if this be true, let us leave at once!" cried Mrs. Morris. "Do not remain! Remember Nell and the twins!"
The appeal came straight from the woman's heart, and her husband could no longer resist. He gave orders to pack such belongings as could be carried on the backs of the two horses, and told Rodney to turn loose the cattle and start them on the trail to Fort Cumberland. This done, he hobbled around himself, to help put up the few bundles that could be carried. There were a few dishes, with one or two highly prized pieces of silver, some clothing and rugs, several feather pillows, the spinning wheel, some pots, kettles, and pans, and a few other things. Dave also made a package of the books, for he thought as much of those precious volumes as he did of anything in the cabin. Then he satisfied Nell and the twins by packing the dolls and the few toys they possessed.
In less than an hour they were ready to depart. As Mrs. Morris looked back at the cabin the tears ran down her cheeks, and seeing this, little Nell also began to cry. A few things which they prized, but could not take along, were hidden in various places outside the cabin, and then the door and the windows were closed and locked.
"I trust it proves a false alarm," said Joseph Morris. "But we cannot afford to count upon it."
No one else felt like speaking just then, and with a last look at the cabin, where so many happy days had been spent, they turned down along the brook and then took to the trail leading to Fort Cumberland. Rodney was in advance, driving the cattle before him, and Sam Barringford brought up the rear, keeping a careful watch that they might not be surprised from that direction.
Night was now upon them and soon the twins fell asleep. As lame as he was, Joseph Morris carried one while Dave carried the other. Nell was also sleepy, but insisted upon walking by her mother's side for a distance of two miles. Then she could go no further, and was glad enough to perch herself on Barringford's shoulder for the rest of the distance.