“I certainly did not expect you at this season,” said Joseph Morris. “Perhaps you have brought some sort of a message?” and he looked inquiringly at his son and his nephew.
“It’s about father,” said Dave. He tried to go on, but his voice choked up and he motioned for Henry to speak.
Henry told the tale of the disaster at the trading post, just as it had been related by Peaceful Jones. Mr. Morris and the others listened with keen interest. Mrs. Morris burst into tears and Nell did likewise.
“Dave, I am so sorry for you!” cried his aunt, as she hugged the youth to her breast.
“And so am I!” burst out Nell. “Oh, that wicked, wicked Jean Bevoir!”
“I do not wonder that you wished to bring the news home,” said Joseph Morris. “It is a fearful state of affairs. The fight must have been a losing one from the start. Peaceful Jones can be thankful that he escaped.”
“I wanted to go to the trading post—to get somebody from the fort to go,” said Dave, brokenly. “But no one in command would take the responsibility.”
“It is because of the rumors that are afloat,” answered his uncle. “Some say Pontiac is going to do his best to capture Fort Pitt and every place west of Fort Detroit.”
The whole evening was spent in discussing the situation, Dave and Henry going over matters just as they had at the fort. It was a sober home-coming, and none of the older folks thought of going to bed until late. Lawson and Devine were told to make themselves at home.
“Sam Barringford has gone to Fort Cumberland on business,” said Joseph Morris, in reply to an inquiry from Henry. “He will be back to-morrow or the day after.”