Captain Wadsworth, who had been leaning against the hind wheel of one of the waggons, with his arms folded, abruptly straightened up and stared at the youth, as if uncertain whether he had heard him aright; then he repeated—
"You would like to try it, did you say?"
"Yes, sir; and I believe I can get through."
The officer looked off toward the ridge and shook his head.
"Don't think of such a thing; we must stay here and fight it out, and trust to Providence to open the way, if any is to be opened."
But Brinton was in earnest, and his eagerness was increased by the discouraging manner of the captain.
"I understand your feelings, and I am not blind to what is in the path of the one who attempts to do what I have proposed; but, captain, bear two things in mind: there isn't a fleeter horse in the whole West than my Jack. When I gave him rein he pulled away from those Indians as though their animals were walking. So all I have to secure is a fair start."
"Exactly," replied the leader with a grim smile, "and therein you sum up the whole business. All that you need to succeed is to succeed. But what is the other point you wish me to hold in mind?"
"The fair start can be secured."
"How?"