It was this belief which caused Melville to seek the Lower Crossing, when there was much risk involved in the attempt.
"If father and a lot of his friends have scared off Tall Bear and his Sioux, they can't be far off——"
"Climb down thar, pard, mighty quick!"
It was a startling summons that thus broke in upon the reverie of Melville, but he quickly recovered from the shock, knowing by the voice that it was that of a friend.
He had reached the Lower Crossing, when a horseman that was awaiting him suddenly loomed in sight through the gloom, and hailed him with the rough command to dismount.
"I don't see why I should get off my horse when he isn't stolen," replied the youth with a laugh.
"Wal, to be sure, if it isn't young Clarendon! Hello, Archie, here's your younker (boy), sure as you live."
It was the famous scout Nat Trumbull who spoke these cheery words, and, before the youth knew it, it looked as if a dozen horsemen had sprung from the ground and surrounded him.
"We're looking for Injins," added Nat; "thar was plenty of 'em a while ago, but they've become powerful scarce all of a sudden."
"I've seen more than I wished," replied Melville, "but I guess, you've frightened them off——"