“Well, they are not going away just yet,” said Rodney, to quiet his sister.
During the winter a great many trappers and frontiersmen remained close to the forts and settlements, so it was comparatively easy for Joseph Morris and Dave to organize the expedition that was to start for the trading post on the Ohio. The company was organized upon military lines, with Joseph Morris as captain, and Dave and Henry as first and second lieutenants. It was composed of eighteen men, all well versed in shooting and in scouting. As an old army sharpshooter, Sam Barringford was placed in charge of the advance guard. The company took along a pack-train of twelve horses, each animal carrying only such articles as were deemed necessary for the trip. The men were told why the expedition had been formed, and each promised to stand by Mr. Morris to the end.
While the preparations were being made, the holidays came and went, but only Nell and the twins received any gifts, the minds of the older folks being filled with other matters.
“I couldn’t celebrate Christmas if I tried,” said Dave to Henry. “In fact, I couldn’t celebrate anything. All I want to do is to find out the truth about father.”
“And bring Jean Bevoir, Benoit Vascal, and those rascally Indians to justice,” added Henry, who always looked at the practical side of affairs.
It had been arranged that Asa Dobson and his wife should remain at the Morris homestead for the time being, and also an old colored man known as Pompey Sugg. Pompey was a fine shot, and said he would keep a constant guard against Indians.
“Dar ain’t no Injuns gwine ter git de best ob dis chicken,” said the colored man. “If da come nosin’ around hyer Pomp will gib ’em a dose ob buckshot, ki hi!” And he laughed as if shooting Indians was the best joke in the world. He was known to be a faithful fellow, and Joseph Morris placed great reliance on him.
The expedition was gotten together at Fort Cumberland, but the actual start was from the Morris homestead. Here, many men and women gathered to see the party off, and numerous were the handshakes and well-wishes. Dave received a warm embrace from his aunt.
“Keep up your courage,” she whispered into his ear. “Remember, Dave, I shall always be a mother to you, and your Uncle Joseph will be a father.”
“Yes, I know, Aunt Lucy, and you are very kind,” he answered. He would have said more, but the words stuck in his throat.