They had gone but a short distance when they discovered three forms approaching by Winkler’s cabin. They halted and waited for them on receiving a signal to that effect.
They were Cato, Eben Jacobs, and Walter Ridgely, the latter walking unsteadily. His head was bound up in Eben’s scarlet handkerchief and his face was livid and white. His eyes were bruised and purple and his nose was defaced. He was too angry and chagrined to control his anger, but allowed it free scope. The result was that he was in a dangerous state of mind.
They gathered round him, plying him with questions, which he answered moodily.
He had been walking, he said, through the spur of forest when he felt a rustle behind him, and turning had seen a man with uplifted bludgeon directly behind him. He tried to avoid the impending blow but too late; the cudgel descended squarely upon his head, and he knew no more until morning, an hour or so since, when he was stumbled upon by Eben, on his way to Cato’s cabin.
When asked if he recognized his would-be assassin he replied in the negative. But he was sure that it was not Danforth. He was a much larger man, being almost a giant.
Murmurs of indignation and menaces rose from the settlers, old and young. They had long suspected the depths of the grim forest were the haunts of evil men, and they were now sure of the fact. They were rapidly believing that quiet Danforth too was not what he should be, but was connected in some way with Katie’s disappearance, all being aware of last night’s events.
Walter was frantic when told of her sudden and strange absence, and sick with fear and doubt, raved to be gone in hot search. In this he was seconded by Jeffries, who was scarcely less alarmed and distracted. Accordingly, hasty arrangements were made; officers and scouts were chosen; Cato, the Creeper, stood ready to fix upon any trail, trace or mark; and the hearts of the whole band beat as one.
Every man was armed to the teeth, and what was better, was buoyed by the sense of being in the right—a weapon far more potent than the steadiest rifle, the deadliest pistol, or keenest knife ever made.
Place two men of equal strength and agility upon an open field to combat, one being in the right and the other in the wrong. It will surprise you to see how soon the former will defeat his antagonist. This is solid truth.
Sol Jacobs was chosen chief, as being an old Kentucky Indian-fighter. The next in command was Jeffries. The scouts and flankers were the keenest, sharpest young men in the settlement, under the supervision of Cato, the Creeper.