"It is almost a year since we came and we have done nothing for ourselves. Even if we can make tar, we are not advanced because this land is not farming land. We beg to be allowed to go to that country which the Indians gave us, where we can have permanent homes. Is there no pine there?"
The Governor made no answer.
"And we would have pay for our service as soldiers. We are very poor, as you can see, and soldiering was not in our bargain."
The Governor smiled as his agent had smiled.
"You will serve yourself and your friends best by counseling obedience," said he. "You cannot go away."
When the Governor had gone, his agent walked down the street of the settlement. In his path stood young Conrad, who forgot once more his father's admonitions.
"The Germans have guns, sir," said Conrad.
Cast returned at once to his house. In a moment his servant was riding rapidly along the river-bank to intercept the Governor at the next settlement, twenty miles away.
"I am charged with a message to Your Honor," he cried breathlessly at sight of the Governor. "The German people are armed. Our lives are not safe."