At first there was a reserve upon both sides, as was natural, but as the eating progressed all warmed up and then the talk flowed freely. Washington told of the work he was doing for Mr. Burger and what he had done for some men Mr. Morris knew, and the latter related how Dave’s father had gone west and established a trading-post on the Kinotah, and how he and Dave were now on their way to purchase some goods needed by the trader. From this the conversation branched off to the difficulty with the French and the Indians, and Joseph Morris asked Washington if he knew how matters stood in political circles with regard to these difficulties.
“Matters are not very promising,” answered the surveyor. “I heard some guests at Greenway Court talking strongly of another war. But I sincerely trust it does not come.”
“Will the Indians side with us if war does come?”
“My brother thinks they will and so does Mr. Fairfax, and so do some of the hunters and traders who have been among them. But the Indian is an uncertain creature, often moved more by impulse than reason, and there is no telling how he will stand when it comes to striking a blow.”
The meal over, Washington saw that Dave was curious to learn something of the method of surveying, and so brought forth his outfit and explained the uses of the various instruments. The youth was deeply interested and listened closely to all that was said.
“I wouldn’t mind being a surveyor myself,” he remarked. “That is, if I could make a living at it.”
“You could do that readily enough if you could command the work,” answered Washington. “But it is no child’s play, especially in the mountains. In a week or two I expect to have some work to do which will be exceedingly hazardous.”
“And what will it be?”
“Do you see yonder mountain, over near the split?”
“I do.”