“It’s bad enough,” answered Dave, soberly. “But it might be worse. The surgeon says he will get well, but it may take some months.”
“And you are wounded, too.”
“Oh, that’s little more than a scratch, Uncle Joe. But tell me, have you heard from father?”
“Not a word since you brought that notice in.”
“That is strange.”
“It is strange and I am more fearful than ever, now that the French are in possession at Great Meadows and elsewhere.”
It did not take Joseph Morris long to obtain a wagon and in this he removed his son to his home. Dave went along, having obtained permission to absent himself. What would be the next movement of the English troops nobody knew.
At home, Henry and Dave were both tenderly cared for by Mrs. Morris. As Dave had said, his wound was slight and he quickly recovered. But Henry lingered on a bed of sickness for several months.
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE FALL OF THE TRADING-POST
At the farm the days passed slowly. The rumor of more battles was in the air, but for many months little or nothing was done upon either side. Washington went to report to Governor Dinwiddie, and an effort was made to increase the number of the militia, and at the same time get the other colonies to co-operate with the Virginians. But in those days both telegraph and railroads were unknown, letters had to be carried by horseback, and everything moved slowly. Besides this, Washington did not wish to go forward again until he could strike a blow he would be sure would be victorious.