Mr. Morris and Dave rejoined the others, and there told of what had been heard. Peaceful Jones, who was in reality a most pugnacious trapper, wanted to attack the enemy on the spot.
“We kin mow ’em all down afore they know what’s struck ’em,” said he. “Come on in an’ have a shindy!”
“I will not risk it—it is asking too much of you,” answered James Morris. “Were it necessary it would be different. Let them escape for the time being. Another time we may be better able to cope with them.”
From a safe distance they saw the Frenchmen and the Indians move along the trail they had chosen. Soon the coming of night hid them from view. Dave drew a sigh of relief.
“I wish we could get rid of Jean Bevoir,” he said. “He has caused us so much trouble.”
“There is one comfort,” said his father, with a faint smile. “‘Forewarned is forearmed.’ I know what he intends to do, and I can accordingly lay my plans to thwart him.”
“Do you think the French government will allow such actions?”
“Scarcely, Dave—yet, as matters stand to-day, he may be able to explain matters to their satisfaction. Remember, at the present time all Frenchmen are very bitter against the English.”
“I wish we could capture that Benoit Vascal. I am certain he can tell us a good deal more about the twins, if he will only open his mouth.”
“Vascal and Bevoir seem to be tarred with the same stick. Both are rascals and will do anything to get hold of money. I am afraid we shall have a great deal of trouble before we have seen the last of them,” concluded James Morris, and his forecast was correct, as later events amply proved.