“I don’t agree with you,” said Dave. “Liquor may heat you up for awhile, but it will make you colder afterwards.”
They were glad enough to break camp and walk just for the sake of getting warm. But they were all more or less sleepy, and in the middle of the day each dozed off after dinner. That night they found a well-sheltered spot, and got a rest that did them a world of good. The weather was still cold, but not as freezing as it had been.
It was not until two days later that they reached the first of the settlements, and after that they slept each night in either a log cabin or some other shelter. The folks they met were glad to do what they could for them, although this was but little, as the Indian war had left them all comparatively poor.
“I’ve got to start just where I began twelve years ago,” said one old settler. “The Injuns didn’t leave me a thing but this old cow-shed. We’ve got to build a new cabin, and buy some stock, and do a mountain o’ work to get the place into shape again.” And his position was that of hundreds of others. Many had left the frontier entirely, not caring to make a living where there was so much danger.
Another slight snowstorm was encountered, but the party kept on steadily, and soon came within sight of Will’s Creek. Then, one clear afternoon, both Dave and Henry set up a loud shout:
“Rodney!”
“Hello!” was the answer, and Rodney, who was out hunting, turned to them in great amazement. “Dave and Henry! How in the world did you get here?”
“Walked,” answered Henry. “How are all the folks at home?”
“Everybody is doing very well. But this is certainly a surprise. Come along to the house. The folks will be wild to see you, mother especially,” and Rodney gave Henry a meaning glance.
They soon reached the log cabin, and all at the place rushed out to give them a warm greeting. Mrs. Morris kissed her son several times and then kissed Dave, and little Nell also came in for her share of caresses.