“But what are you going to do, Alfred?” said Mrs Campbell, who was in a state of great agitation.
“Ride to the fort for assistance, bring Captain Sinclair, and go in pursuit as fast as we can, mother. Martin will get all ready by my return; Malachi is following up the trail with the Strawberry. But there is no time to be lost; I shall soon be back.”
Alfred then sprang upon his horse, which Martin had brought to the door, and galloped away to the fort.
As it may be supposed, Mr and Mrs Campbell and Emma were in great distress; this did not, however, prevent them from listening to Martin, and supplying him with all that he requested, which was salt-pork and other food for their journey, powder and shot for their rifles, etcetera. Having specified all that was wanted, Martin then went off to summon young Graves and Meredith; they were soon found, and when they heard the intelligence, were ready in a minute for departure. Their rifles and an extra pair of mocassins each was all that they required for the journey, and in a few minutes they accompanied Martin to the house. After they had been occupied for a little time in dividing the various articles into different packages, that each might carry his proportion, Mr Campbell said—
“Martin, supposing that you and Malachi are correct in your supposition, where do you think that they will take my poor niece?”
“Right away to their own wigwams, sir,” replied Martin.
“Have you any idea how far that may be?” said Mrs Campbell.
“Yes, ma’am, I have heard that the Angry Snake’s quarters are about twelve days’ journey from this.”
“Twelve days’ journey! how far is a journey?”
“As far as a stout man can walk in a day, ma’am.”