The boy scrambled to his feet and stammered, “I——I was just going home. I came from Kaskaskia this morning in this boat. I was hunting beeswax for Father Gibault. He needs more beeswax for the church candles. When I saw all your men I hid here. I hoped you would go away so I could go home.”
Kenton sneered. “A likely story. You’ve been spying for de Rochblave no doubt.”
“Oh, no, sir. I only know the commandant by sight, sir. I tell you true, I was hunting beeswax. And I found a bee tree, too.”
“Well, you’ll go back as our prisoner. Sit down in the boat.” Simon Kenton turned to Jim. “Sit beside him, Jim, and keep your eye on him. Don’t let him get away.”
“Yes, sir,” Jim replied, making room for the boy.
The boat was now filled and the men began rowing across the river toward Kaskaskia. Jim could feel the boy trembling beside him. He whispered, “Don’t be afraid. Colonel Clark will see that no harm comes to you. What’s your name? I’m Jim Hudson.”
“Willie——Willie Watson,” the boy replied.
As soon as all soldiers were ferried across the river and assembled in their respective companies, Colonel Clark stepped out in front of them. It was too dark to see this erect, commanding man, but there was no mistaking the stern authority in his voice.
“Men,” he said, “our first objective is to take this town. By seizing Kaskaskia, we’ll be protecting our countrymen in the western country. You all know the British have been inciting the Indians to war against our settlers. By controlling this French settlement, we’ll cut off all supplies from New Orleans and the west to Hamilton at Detroit, so tonight it’s win or lose everything. Now, I’ll make three divisions of these companies. Captain Bowman.”
“Yes, sir,” and Captain Bowman stepped forward.