“I should say they had,” was the bitter response.
“Did they wipe them all out?”
“They did not spare one.”
“Your family was fortunate.”
“Yes, but they have carried off my little boy,” replied the father in a broken voice.
“Is it possible?” was the sympathetic response; “there may be a chance of recovering him. Those fellows played us a sharp trick. They left a plain trail, straight to the river, and without sticking to it, we made for another and better crossing, only to learn, after reaching the other side, that they had entered the river, waded up stream a little way, and then turned back again. Their natural viciousness would not allow them to leave without striking this blow, even though it was so dangerous to themselves. They have picked up two allies.”
“But have only one left; the other was a victim to my Winchester, fired by my wife.”
“Good! that’s business; but here’s the trail leading directly toward the river, and they can’t be far ahead. Do you want to go with us?”
“I wouldn’t turn back for the world, till I learn what has become of my boy.”