To this spot all of the party retired, and here found shelter from the rain and wind, and here they remained until morning.
By that time the storm had passed away and the sun came out as brightly as ever. Joe and his father managed to find a little dry wood and with this a fire was kindled, all being careful to keep the smoke from ascending in a solid cloud. By the fire the remainder of the bear meat was cooked, and all partook of their share and washed down the meal with a drink from a nearby spring.
How to turn next was the all-important question, and nobody had a very definite answer.
“O’ course we can push on westward fer Fort Boone,” said Pep Frost. “But I aint allowin’ as how ye want to do thet.”
“Thee art right, friend Frost,” answered Mrs. Parsons. “I would first learn what has become of my daughter Clara, and I doubt not but what Friend Winship would like to learn what has become of his good wife, Mistress Winship, and his daughter Cora.”
“That is true,” answered Ezra Winship. “If they are dead I want to know it, and if they have been carried off I feel that I must do all I can to rescue them.”
“Yes, yes, we must learn the truth,” cried Harmony, while Joe nodded his head to show that he agreed.
A discussion followed that lasted fully an hour, and then it was decided that Mr. Winship and Pep Frost should go off on a scout, leaving Joe and Harry to watch over Mrs. Parsons and Harmony.
“We may not be back in two or three days,” said Ezra Winship. “For we will not only try to learn what has become of all the other members of the company that was with us before the attack, but also try to find some of the things that belong to us.”
“Never mind the things, father,” said Joe. “Just find mother and Cora and I’ll be content.”