“Is Henry here?” were his first words.
“No,” answered several.
At this announcement the face of the frontiersman fell. He glanced back toward the forest.
“It’s too bad, but we can’t do nuthing now. Bar the gate ag’in, afore they git in on ye!”
His directions were followed, and soon after this the party under Jean Bevoir and Moon Eye swept into view. They were in a great rage, and doubly so when they saw how they had been tricked out of the possession of the trading post.
The old frontiersman swept through the opening.—Page [258].
“Surrendair!” cried Jean Bevoir, as he came closer. “Zat ees my property, an’ I call upon you to surrendair!”
“Keep your distance, or we will fire upon you!” answered Joseph Morris, and to check the advance he had one of his men fire over the enemy’s head. At this the advancing party lost no time in secreting itself behind the neighboring trees.
“Keep a strict watch and sound the alarm at the first outbreak,” said the planter, and then walked to where Dave was assisting Sam Barringford from his steed.