The call did not sound half so far away as in any one of the former instances, and it came from a throat which essayed it for the first time in the hearing of Boone and Kenton.
"Now we know there's three of 'em," remarked the latter.
"They're wondering why me and the rest of 'em aren't pushing faster through the woods. But off with you, Simon; we're losing time."
Without another word these two great pioneers separated, the elder moving silently among the trees to the eastward, that is, up the Ohio and toward Rattlesnake Gulch, now a place of the first importance to all concerned. He did not look around to note what was done by the other.
But Kenton had taken only a few steps when he stopped and looked back.
Jethro Juggens was standing by the fallen tree with his gun on his shoulder and glancing inquiringly from the disappearing figure of Boone to that of Kenton, only a few yards away.
"What's the matter?" asked the latter. "What are you waiting for?"
"Which ob yo' folks wants me, Mr. Kenton?"
"I don't think either one of us will die of a broken heart if we lose you; but come along with me."
"Sure Mr. Boone won't feel bad if I don't go wid him?"