James Morris advised that the Indian be sent away immediately, but they waited until they went into camp. The Indian said his cabin was not many miles away and they might rather go there for the night.
“You can go to your cabin, we are too tired to do so,” said Washington.
“Yes, we will remain here,” said Gist. “Be sure and come back by sunrise,” he added.
“Spotted Tail will be back,” answered the Indian, and hurried away. Both Gist and James Morris watched him out of sight.
“Now to get out of this neighborhood with all speed,” said the old pioneer, when the Indian had vanished. They ran back to the camping spot, and told Washington the rascal was gone. Then wood was heaped on the camp-fire to make it burn a long while, and they made off. Nearly a mile away they built another camp-fire and left this blazing also.
All night they traveled and it was well that they did so, for had they remained at the first camp the treacherous Indians would undoubtedly have fallen upon them and murdered them. But as it was, the red men failed to catch them and by the next day they felt safe once more.
When Washington’s party arrived at the Alleghany River, James Morris left them and struck out directly for his trading-post. Before he left Washington shook hands warmly with him.
“You have been of much help to me, sir,” said the young commander. “I shall not forget you, and if you ever come near Mount Vernon do not forget to call upon me.”
“Thank you, Major Washington,” returned Mr. Morris. “And if you ever come in the vicinity of my trading-post make it your stopping place and I will treat you as well as I can.”
It was a bitter cold day when James Morris started out alone to find his way to the Kinotah. He did not wish to pass the trading-post kept by Jean Bevoir, and so passed to the west of that spot. He carried a small stock of provisions, and his rifle and his horse were in a fairly good condition.