“Yas, all the way from Maine,” was the quick reply.
“And you are going to the same fort we are bound for?”
“That ’ere’s what I calkilate on dewin’, ef I’m lucky ’nough tew obtain deck-passage on one o’ these sloops. What d’ye think, governor? All the berths taken? You see I might be o’ some use, as I’d be willin’ tew take my turn at the paddles.”
“Well, my friend, you can be of no assistance to us in that way, but you are at liberty to become one of us, if you wish. Get in.”
“That’s the talk.”
The Yankee stepped into the boat, and took a seat in the bow. There being no cause for further delay, the word was now given to start, and the loaded boats were at once put in motion. Moving slowly out, into the current of the river, the little vessels glided away on their downward course.
“I s’pose you’ll do your share if it comes to fighting?” said one of the men, addressing the Yankee.
“My sheer?” was the astonished reply. “Now, see here, stranger, you ain’t afeard, be you? But, never mind. Ef it comes tew fightin’, and you’d rayther keep out o’ sight till it’s over, I guess I can take your part in the tussle.”
There was a low, guarded laugh at the interrogator’s expense.