Jouncer and he were quickly saddled and bridled, and then Phil ran back to the house. He soon returned, bringing the packages of luncheon, and carrying Old Bruden, with a shot-pouch and powder-flask.
“I brought the gun,” he said, “for if uncle sent for it I suppose he ought to have it, though I know he won’t need it. But he likes to have his orders obeyed.”
“That ought to be done,” said Chap, as they rode away, “especially in war-times like these. It might have been better to let the boy take the gun, and then scoot after him.”
“Very likely,” said Phil; “but there’s no use talking about that now.”
“No,” added Chap, “the milk has soaked into the ground out of sight.”
“Susan did not like being left alone,” said Phil, “but I told her we’d stop at the Poole place and ask Phœnix if he couldn’t go over as soon as he got through with his day’s work. Joel is away, and we may not be back till dark, you know.”
“That’s so,” said Chap, straightening himself up; “we are not coming back without Mr. Berkeley, dead or alive.”
Phœnix was not at home, having been sent to town early in the morning with the spring-wagon. The boys rode on to Boontown, and soon found him busily attending to various commissions.
Phœnix was much surprised at the appearance of his friends, especially when he saw them both mounted and Phil carrying a gun. When he heard what was on hand, he readily agreed to go to Hyson Hall as soon as he got his work done.
“I wish I wasn’t so tremendously busy,” he said, “for I’d like nothing better than to go along with you; but all I can do is to be over at your place when you get back and hear the news.”