“It shall be as my brother Henry wills,” answered the chief. “But Henry cannot travel while he is wet and cold. Here, let him take White Buffalo’s blanket,” and the chief passed it over.
“Thank you, the blanket and walking will keep me warm. Let us get your men together without delay and start for the post. For all I know the attack may have already begun!”
They left the vicinity of the Ohio and plunged straight into the forest. While hurrying along White Buffalo explained that he had been out scouting, to note how matters were going. In their march westward they had encountered several wandering Indians who had told them of some of the doings of Jean Bevoir and Moon Eye.
“I cannot believe that my friend and brother, James Morris, is dead,” said the old chief, sadly. “It is hard upon my young friend Dave.”
“That it is,” answered Henry. “I am afraid Dave won’t care for the post any more, even if it is saved.”
As soon as they came to the Indians’ stopping-place White Buffalo delivered a brief address to his braves. They were perfectly willing to do whatever he wanted of them; and in a few minutes the whole party set off for the trading post.
CHAPTER XXX
FOR LIFE OR DEATH
“The gate is giving way!” cried one of the frontiersmen, when the battering ram had struck it once more with tremendous force.
“This way, everybody!” called out Joseph Morris. “We must fight for it now!”
Half a dozen were already stationed at convenient loopholes and were pouring in a constant fire on the Frenchmen. Several went down, but the others kept at the work. Jean Bevoir had furnished them with all they wished of strong liquor, and many were reckless to the last degree.