The coming of the English traders into the valley of the Ohio was viewed with suspicion by the French, and it was not long before these traders were served with notices to quit. A notice reaching Mr. Morris, he turned it over to his son, who was to take it to the Virginia authorities and learn whether or not it must be respected. On his way eastward David falls in with the Virginia Rangers, who are under the command of Washington, and learns that there is practically a state of war between the English and French in America. Several trading-posts have been attacked and this being so the youth becomes anxious to return to his father, and throws in his fortunes with Washington as a young soldier. Then follows the march to Great Meadows, the defence of Fort Necessity, and the news that Mr. Morris’ post has been captured by the French and the trader taken prisoner.

Chafing to learn what has become of his parent, David remains at the home of his uncle until the next Spring, when General Braddock arrives with his troops from England. Another campaign against the French is now opened and once again the youth becomes a soldier boy, to witness Braddock’s bitter defeat and Washington’s masterly effort to save the remnant of the army from annihilation.

In the preparation of the historical portions of this work numerous authorities have been consulted, including the Writings of Washington, biographies by a great number of more or less well-known authors, and several colonial histories and books of record. For this reason the author trusts that it is free from any error sufficient to hurt its usefulness. As a story the writer hopes it will find equal favor with the many which have preceded it from his pen.

Edward Stratemeyer.

Newark, N. J.,
May 20, 1901.

CONTENTS

CHAPTERPAGE
I. The Homestead in the Clearing[ 1]
II. White Buffalo Brings News[ 10]
III. In the Forest[ 21]
IV. Deer Shooting by Moonlight[ 31]
V. An Unexpected Meeting[ 41]
VI. George Washington the Surveyor[ 54]
VII. The Camp in the Mountain Gap[ 64]
VIII. On to Annapolis[ 74]
IX. A Storm in the Mountains[ 83]
X. An Unsuccessful Mission[ 93]
XI. Dave Becomes Washington’s Assistant[ 102]
XII. Surveying Along the Shenandoah[ 111]
XIII. A Bear Hunt[ 119]
XIV. Home Coming in the Snow[ 129]
XV. The Situation Between the English, French, and Indians[ 138]
XVI. Dave’s Departure for the West[ 146]
XVII. Carried Down the River[ 154]
XVIII. Dave Visits an Indian Village[ 163]
XIX. The Trading-Post on the Kinotah[ 172]
XX. An Alarming Discovery[ 181]
XXI. The Defence of the Trading-Post[ 191]
XXII. Washington’s Mission to French Creek[ 201]
XXIII. An Indian’s Treachery[ 210]
XXIV. Washington at Will’s Creek[ 219]
XXV. Soldiers of the Wilderness[ 229]
XXVI. The Retreat to Fort Necessity[ 239]
XXVII. Battle at Great Meadows[ 249]
XXVIII. The Fall of the Trading-Post[ 259]
XXIX. Braddock’s Defeat and Fall[ 268]
XXX. Fighting in the Forest[ 278]
XXXI. Father and Son[ 286]
XXXII. Back to the Homestead—Conclusion[ 295]

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Col. Washington was in the thickest of the fight ([278])[ Frontispiece]
PAGE
Like a flash Turtle Foot was yanked backward[ 42]
“Looking for a chance to ship, lad?”[ 86]
An instant later the bear discovered them[ 127]
“The white men are welcome to Nancoke”[ 169]
“Stop, do not murder him!”[ 215]
“Got it pretty bad,” said the surgeon[ 252]
“Father!” was all Dave could say[ 293]

CHAPTER I
THE HOMESTEAD IN THE CLEARING